The Scott County Record

30 Pages • Four Sections

Volume 22 • Number 21

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Published in Scott City, Ks.

$1 single copy

Council okays $2.6M in airport projects More than $2.6 million in improvements to the Scott City Airport are on the drawing board over the next five years and have received preliminary approval from the Scott City Council.

They were presented a series of one-year projects by Darin Neufeld, an engineer with EBH and Associates, Great

Bend. The Federal Aviation Administration will provide 90 percent of the funding for most of these projects approved at the federal level.

At the top of the list are plans to construct T-hangars to address the lack of storage facilities for aircraft which are based permanently at the airport. This would also assist in

providing room for aircraft during overnight stops.

A six-bay hangar would cost an estimated $385,070. Because the city has “banked” $300,000 in FAA money over the last two years in anticipation of hangar construction, the city’s cost, based on the engineer’s estimate, would be $85,000 At the time bids are being

sent out, EBH will also seek alternative bids for five- and seven-bay T-hangars, which would give the council additional options, depending on the overall cost of the project.

Neufeld plans to put the project out for bids in March or April in order for construction to take place this fall.

“We hope to get at least a

six-bay hangar, but we’re also going to bid the five- and seven-bay hangars to see where the costs fall,” says Neufeld.

He says there are other costs related to hangar construction, such as construction of a taxiway that will connect hangars with the runway. The city’s estimated cost of the taxiway is (See AIRPORT on page two)

Property tax collections top $9.2M

lending a helping hand

Scott County owners of real estate and personal property have paid $9,231,962 in property tax payments to the county treasurer’s office as of Dec. 24.

That represents 61.47% of the $15.01 million in taxes owed to the county.

The second half of tax payments will be due May 15.

Extension to offer ‘Tools for Caregivers’

Six-year-old Darby Hawkins, Scott City, gets some assistance from her 11-year-old sister, Clare, as she tries out the new inline skates that she got for Christmas. The two sisters were enjoying 60 degree weather on Christmas Day at Maddux Park.

(Record Photo)

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 six-week series is led by trained facilitators using a standardized curriculum designed to empower family caregivers of older adults to take better care of themselves.

“This is an education program to help family and friends caring for older adults with long-term health conditions 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 (See TOOLS on page two)

Downtown fire is top news story of ‘14 An early afternoon fire that destroyed a landmark structure in downtown Scott City was the top news story of 2014.

The fire that occurred on September 8 destroyed one business that was located in the 107-year-old building and has left connecting buildings to the north and south vacant as the owners wrangle with insurance adjusters in order to determine whether they will relocate, rebuild or repair their former business sites.

The fire is believed to have been electrical in nature and originated in the rear portion of the building that was occupied

by Braun’s Butcher Block.

The oldest business building in downtown Scott City, dating back to 1907, was destroyed and the site has since been

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

Couple returns to their roots to open chiropractic clinic in SC Page 9

cleared, except for the building front which remains standing.

Fire departments from Scott and Lane counties responded to the fire which destroyed a two-story structure owned by Terry Berning and Louise Berning.

Smoke and fire were discovered by business owner Craig Braun shortly after 1:30 p.m. in the back of the building.

Heavy smoke soon blocked traffic on US83 Highway with vehicles being detoured around the fire. For several hours firefighters could be seen pouring water into the building as smoke billowed out of the front and back windows.

By about 3:30-4:00 p.m., as fire was shooting through the roof and was visible (See FIRE on page 23)

A firefighter peers over the edge of the Bruce’s Carpet building at a stream of water from a nearby pumper.

(Record Photo)

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 15-22 Farm section • Pages 24-25 Classified ads • Pages 28-29 First Baby • Page 30

2 state title appearances are top sports stories of the year Page 15

The Scott County Record • Page 2 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Establish medical fund for Cramers at WSB

Sometimes the largest expense for a family dealing with a major medical issue are the non-medical costs such as travel and lodging.

That situation is ringing true for Darrell and Marilee Cramer, who live near Lake Scott.

Marilee is currently undergoing treatment for cancer at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center located at the University of Texas.

Just prior to making the trip to M.D. Anderson about three weeks ago, Cramer had spent nearly four weeks at the Hays Medical Center. That stay was compounded by pneumonia.

“This is Mom’s fourth time to battle cancer. They say it’s of unknown origin,” says her son, Paul, of Scott City.

During a recent hospital stay, Marilee had 25 lymph nodes removed from under her arm, of

Airport $40,000, which “is essentially the cost of one bay” in a hangar, says Neufeld.

“We want to give the council multiple options once the bids come in and we can see what our costs will be,” notes Neufeld.

The city could bank an additional $150,000, but that money won’t arrive until October 1, which won’t be in time to aid the city should the council decide to move ahead with hangar construction in 2015.

“We’d really like to get this done,” Neufeld says. “The only thing that would put a damper on it is if we can’t get the price to work. It depends on what the city feels they can provide out of their budget.”

which 15 were cancerous.

“She keeps showing signs of ovarian cancer, but they can’t figure out the source,” says Paul.

Darrell and Marilee are currently midway into what is expected to be a six-week stay at M.D. Anderson for additional treatment.

“This was Mom’s first Christmas away from the family,” Paul says. “We brought

the family together for a Thanksgiving meal at the (Scott County) hospital while Mom was staying there. We were able to serve a homemade meal in the hospital’s cafeteria.”

Darrell and Marilee have lived in the Scott City area since the early 1970s. Darrell was a long-time employee of Wheatland Electric and Marilee was involved in music and teaching.

“The transportation, lodging and food are very expensive when you have to be away from home so much,” Paul says.

“Dad and Mom are too proud to ask for help, so we’re setting up a fund for them.”

Individuals interested in making a donation can write checks to Marilee Cramer and leave them at Western State Bank, Scott City.

(continued from page one)

That proved to be a roadblock when the council had Neufeld prepare specifications for a community hangar earlier this year, only to have the low bid come in at $429,000.

Even with the help of a $150,000 “advance” from the FAA - bringing the total assistance to $300,000 - the council didn’t feel it could find about $129,000 in this year’s budget to cover the remainder of their expense.

Council members instead decided to change direction and go with T-hangars in hopes of reducing the cost.

While most airport projects are funded on a 90/10 basis - the FAA picking up 90 percent of

Moran in SC on Friday

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will be meeting with constituents in Scott City on Fri., Jan. 2.

He will be at the Scott County Hospital meeting room from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

Must renew dog licenses

Scott City residents who are dog owners are reminded that licenses must be renewed at the start of each year.

The fee, which is paid at City Hall, is $1 for neutered/spayed dogs and $3 for all others.

Owners must also provide proof of a current rabies vaccination.

Owners of dogs which are considered “potentially dangerous” must pay a $100 registration fee.

the cost and the city the remaining amount - there are exceptions. These include revenue generating projects such as fuel farms and hangars.

The FAA provides $150,000 in annual entitlement money, up to a maximum of $600,000, which the city can earmark for projects. The city carried money over from two years, totaling $300,000, which it plans to spend on hangar construction.

Other projects, such as runway improvements, apron construction, etc., are paid for with discretionary funds and the city must compete against airport projects throughout the region for FAA assistance. Ninety percent of

the cost of these projects are paid for by the FAA. If the city has banked money which can be applied to a discretionary project that will make the proposal more attractive to the FAA since it reduces their obligation.

Ideally, says Neufeld, it’s best to stagger major projects so a city can have time to bank additional funds. That is one reason for not scheduling projects in 2016 and 2018.

Future Projects Other projects on the drawing board include taxiway and runway improvements in 2017, 2019 and 2020. Of these, 90 percent of the cost will be paid by the FAA. 2017: Construct

Tools better care for themselves while caring for others.

“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 decisions and locate helpful resources,” says Crouch.

335x260 ft. apron expansion to provide access to the planned hangar addition. Total cost: $380,625.

City’s share: $38,063.

2019: Parallel taxiway (design). Total cost: $87,210. City’s share: $9,690.

Aircraft must currently backtaxi over 4,000 feet when landing on runway 17 or taking off from runway 35. A parallel taxiway would eliminate the potential problem or aircraft incursion on runway 17/35 during inclement weather.

2020: Parallel taxiway (construction). Total cost: $1,584,900. City’s share: $158,490.

2020: Paint airfield.

Total cost: $152,690.

City’s share: $15,269.

(continued from page one)

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.

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.

To register or for more information contact the county Extension office (872-2930) or e-mail Crouch at ccrouch@ksu. edu.

What’s for Lunch in Scott City?

Sun. - Sat., Jan. 4-10

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. • Spaghetti dinner with side salad.

Thurs. • Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Fri. • Taco dinner with rice and beans.

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, January 1, 2015

Many reasons for beans to be part of your diet I often go to a national website for inspiration for my weekly column. The topics to choose from can be fairly overwhelming.

For example, did you know that January is host to National Hot Tea Month, National Fiber Focus Month, National Family Fit Lifestyle Month and National Soup Month? Me neither!

That isn’t all. January 4 is National Spaghetti Day, January 5 is Whipped Cream Day, January 6 is

Bean Day, January 9 is Apricot Day, January 20 is Cheese Lover’s Day and, my favorite, January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day! Yep, that many choices should keep me inspired to write a column or two.

Even though January is full of fun topics, I think I will just focus on Bean Day because it is the most nutritious topic for me to preach about. I am more of a spaghetti fan and I love the real deal when it comes to whipped cream, but there are many healthful benefits to eating beans.

What we know about beans is that they are loaded with fiber, many different vitamins and minerals.

Eating beans may re-

90th birthday Light favorites . . . reception for Simple Lemon Bars Prep time: 15 minutes Bake time: 45 minutes Hull is Jan. 3 Carmenlee Hull will celebrate her 90th birthday with a come-and-go reception hosted by her family on Sat., Jan. 3.

T h e reception will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Boy S c o u t Building, Carmenlee Hull 608 Myrtle, Scott City.

Carmenlee was born Jan. 21, 1925, in Guymon, Okla., the daughter of Robert Allen and Leona Estella (Fenton) Parker.

On Jan. 27, 1946, she married Kenneth Wayne Hull.

Carmenlee has five children: Betty Farr and husband, Loyd, Nickerson, Lawrence Hull, Aurora, Colo., Robert and Charlene Hull, Scott City, Bradley and Susan Hull, Scott City, and Dee Ali and husband, Syed, Riverside, Calif.

She also has 11 grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren.

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Ingredients Crust 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup confectioners sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 cups all-purpose flour Filling 1-3/4 cups granulated sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 4 eggs 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar Directions Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with nonstick foil.

Crust: In a large bowl, blend butter, confectioners sugar and salt until well combined and smooth. Stir in flour until blended. Scrape into the prepared baking pan and press evenly into the bottom.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside.

Filling: In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, flour, eggs and lemon juice until completely smooth. Pour over crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until no imprint remains in the filling when lightly touched in the center. Remove from oven to a wire rack and cool completely. Dust lightly with confectioners sugar. Cut into 24 bars and serve.

duce blood cholesterol, a leading cause of heart disease. Because they digest slowly, adding beans to your diet helps keep you feeling full if you’re working on shedding excess pounds.

Importance of Fiber There are two kinds of fiber. The first is “insoluble” fiber (aka, roughage), which can’t be used by the human body. Instead it moves on through, carrying out waste products

and toxins.

The more insoluble fiber we have, the less likely we are to retain foods inside our body.

“Soluble” fiber becomes gooey and helps to process fats, lowers cholesterol and slows the release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. But most importantly, fiber is what makes you feel full!

Obviously, if we feel full we will eat less and be more satisfied, our appetite will be more easily

controlled and we will either lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Beans are loaded with nutrients that our bodies crave: B Vitamins: necessary for healthy brain and nerve cells, for normal functioning of the skin, nerves and digestive system.

Calcium: for strong bones and teeth and to help keep the body more alkaline, rather than acidic.

(See BEANS on page 7)

The Scott County Record

Editorial/Opinion

Page 4 - Thursday, January 1, 2015

editorially speaking

No. 1 goal:

Scott County growth hinges on housing solution

The start of a new year is an opportunity to determine - and perhaps reset - our goals and priorities as a community. We’re sure there are a number of ideas for making Scott City an even better place to live than it already is, but we’ll focus on just one . . . housing.

The need for more housing - especially rental housing - in Scott City isn’t new. Neither is our inability to arrive at a solution.

There are some who continue to believe the problem will take care of itself as the two new housing developments take shape. We appreciate the commitment made by developers at both sites and we wish them success. However, the construction and sale of new homes in these sites will take time.

And even if the theory of trickle-up housing acquisition actually does work in real life as some imagine, it is an equally slow and unreliable process.

The bottom line is that not everyone wants to be a homeowner. People who move here need time to know if this is a job they want to stay with, and if this is a community they want to live in, among other variables. The ability to rent provides time for a person to find the house they want - not the house they feel forced into buying even if one is available.

This isn’t just a Scott City problem.

Ken McCarty, who owns the dairy operation north of Scott City, in addition to facilities at Rexford and Bird City, has invested $1.2 million in housing for his employees since moving from Pennsylvania in 2000.

“For us to grow, we need to house our employees. That’s frustrating for us. We’re dairymen, not renters,” McCarty told the Topeka Capital-Journal a year ago.

At that same time, National Beef Packers in Liberal was prepared to hire another 150 employees, but housing was unavailable.

Dodge City had an estimated 45 school teachers leave because they couldn’t find an appropriate place to live.

Quinter lost a home-grown company (Westwind Wood Specialties) because the owner couldn’t find enough housing for his workforce. Quinter lost 40 jobs and $5.2 million in annual gross domestic revenue.

We have heard stories of employers in Scott City who couldn’t hire additional help because housing wasn’t available. We know of young people who have returned to Scott City and been forced to live with their parents because they couldn’t find housing that was either affordable or in livable condition.

According to a recent Wichita State University rural housing study, 91 percent of economic development directors who responded said rural housing issues hindered the local labor market.

No help is coming from the state. The state awarded a paltry $2.3 million in low-income housing grants in 2012. Even before the state was broke, that was hardly enough money to address the problem.

Tax credits at the state level - even if possible during the current fiscal crisis - present a moral dilemma. How do you provide big-monied real estate developers tax breaks while cutting social programs for the poor?

Perhaps that isn’t as big a moral issue for some as it is for others, but neither should that question be casually dismissed.

If a solution is going to happen it has to occur at the local level. And it has to be more than, “Let’s build a few $200,000 to $300,000 homes and everything else will fall into place.”

As a community, we need a plan that encourages the construction and development of housing for low- to middle-income households. We need for local officials to sit down with contractors and find out what it would take to make such a project(s) happen. We need to see what is possible in the way of triplexes, duplexes or singlefamily units.

And it has to be affordable.

Apparently the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan isn’t enough. Maybe there are ways to bring together groups of investors who would be interested in supporting such a project if they can see an adequate return on their investment.

Perhaps the efforts would have to include the city and county. While some may argue that this isn’t the role of local government, we offer that the role of government is to encourage growth and the well-being of the county and city.

More and better housing means more opportunity in our community, a larger workforce, a broader tax base and more retail growth.

Maybe, after we’ve researched every possibility, we won’t find a practical solution. But we have to try something.

One thing is obvious. What we’ve done up to this point isn’t working.

Our resolutions for the new year We’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions.

Any bad habits we’ve adopted at this point in our life (too much red licorice, too little sleep) aren’t going to change with the turn of the calendar. And until we eliminate our bad habits, we don’t have the time to consider starting any good habits, which is just another way of saying life will continue as normal.

However, there is one resolution we are willing to consider. If there is any way possible, we’d like to gain a better understanding of what drives human nature. We might have more luck turning back time or forcing water to run uphill than in sorting out why people act and think as they do.

Nonetheless, here’s our resolution list for 2015. * * * If doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is truly the definition of insanity, then I resolve to find out why so many insane people keep pushing the theory of Reaganomics (or trickle-down

economics) and get so many other people to believe it will really work . . . this time.

Kansas has become the latest test tube for trickle-down economics as promoted by Gov. Sam Brownback and the consequences are on the verge of being devastating with a potential budget deficit of about $650 million being projected by June 30, 2016.

Ditto with our government’s trade embargo with Cuba. For 50 years our policies haven’t forced a change in Cuba. Will 51 years make a difference, or 60?

We resolve to learn why budget-conscious Republicans are obsessed with making sure a welfare mother gets a job so she doesn’t drain our treasury, but it’s okay for defense contractors to have cost overruns and production delays on weapons pro-

grams that cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars.

The Pentagon plans to spend about $400 billion for the F-35, for example, which is already years behind schedule. An independent analysis of the aircraft determined that it “can’t turn, can’t climb, can’t run.” And we’re worried about the welfare mother trying to survive on an extra $100 a month.

And what about the billions of dollars being held in off-shore accounts, or which corporations are keeping in companies outside the U.S. in order to avoid taxes? Why aren’t Republicans equally interested in collecting this money which is legitimately owed to the U.S.?

We can guarantee there isn’t a single welfare mother with an offshore account in the Cayman Islands.

We resolve to find out why judges who declare that Kansas isn’t fulfilling its Constitutional obligation to provide adequate funding to educate its children are labeled as “activist” and “politically motivated” but these same

people have no problem with a Supreme Court that determines corporations are people.

Is the definition of an “activist” judge only one who conservatives disagree with?

We resolve to find out how Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach was able to manufacture a voting fraud crisis where none existed and transform this into a means of getting elected and reelected.

Rather than a voter ID law, we resolve to push for a voter IQ law. Voters who have no grasp of who is making our laws, how those laws are made and the role of each branch of government are a far greater danger to our democracy than imaginary people who are voting illegally.

We resolve to find out why President Obama can get blamed for high fuel prices, but doesn’t get credit for low prices at the pump; why Republicans can claim he’s weak on terrorism, but he doesn’t (See YEAR on page six)

End Cuba embargo for good What did President Barack Obama mean when he declared that Washington will normalize relations with Cuba?

Will they become the same as U.S. relations with any other country?

Will all Americans be free to travel there? To do business with Cuba?

Or will the strict restrictions in place for more than half a century merely get tweaked? After all, our economic embargo will remain in place unless Congress acts.

I knew very little about Cuba when I went there on a reporting trip in 2010.

I’d wanted to go ever since I found out that most Americans are banned from going there by our own government. We’re the land of the free, right?

So why can’t we go to Cuba?

My contrarian desire to visit grew when I learned

Where to Write

another view by Jill Richardson

that Cuba had unintentionally become a haven of organic agriculture.

Here’s how that happened.

After the Soviet bloc collapsed, the U.S. government tightened its embargo on the island nation. By the early 1990s, Cuba found itself without enough trading partners.

That meant it lacked food, fuel, fertilizers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs.

Cuba faced a choice: starve or go organic. It went organic.

The country made incredible strides in cutting pesticides and fertilizers out of its agriculture. Because Cubans are remarkably well-educated, they used modern science

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

to develop their organic system. And it worked.

So that’s what I went there to see. I visited urban farms, learned about using beneficial insects to eliminate pests, and tasted the most delicious tropical fruits I’ve ever eaten.

I wasn’t on a political trip, but you can’t avoid politics in Cuba. In a nutshell, here’s what I learned. Most Cubans are incredibly poor. But they have a ready explanation for the economic hardships they experience.

The failure of communism? Nope. They blame the U.S. embargo.

From their point of view, maybe the Castros would have managed to muddle along just fine if it weren’t for the American embargo. So until Washington drops its economic blockade, the Cuban government will

Sen. Pat Roberts 109 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

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

always have a ready-made excuse for why its people are so poor.

If you want Cuba to change its ways, why not take that excuse away from the Castro brothers?

Let them take full responsibility for Cuba’s wellbeing, for better or worse.

When I returned, U.S. customs personnel gave me the run-around despite my having traveled legally as a journalist. I became irate at the hypocrisy.

After I spent a summer in Beijing back in college, no one gave me a hard time - because the U.S. has no embargo or travel ban on China.

Why is it OK for us to go to (and do business with) communist China but not communist Cuba?

The double standard pokes a hole in every single justification given for keeping the embargo in place.

(See EMBARGO on page six)

Sen. Jerry Moran 141 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-6521 www.house.gov/moranks01/

A $57 billion Dealing failure by Can presidential our military in hopefuls find Afghanistan a way to argue with success?

Apparently it wasn’t Napoleon

The Scott County Record • Page 5 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

with the facts

by David Wood

who said an army travels on its stomach. But surely the necessity of providing appropriate gear, food, water and other basics to troops was clear after his troops, freezing and dropping from starvation, staggered in retreat after the disastrous 1812 invasion of Russia.

Of the 680,000 men Bonaparte took with him, fewer than 100,000 returned.

Perhaps nothing that dramatic is about to happen in Afghanistan. But the warning signs of impending trouble are clear: the $57 billion U.S. investment in Afghanistan’s security forces is at risk because the Afghans cannot supply, or resupply their troops, can’t prevent their weapons and vehicles from breaking down and can’t fix them when they do.

And it’s not clear that the 10,000 American troops President Obama has authorized to stay on the ground in Afghanistan can fix this against the deadline of steadily encroaching Taliban forces.

From what I’ve seen in Afghanistan, the men (and women) of the Afghan National Army and National Police are credible and often heroic fighters, especially given the circumstances of fighting for a distant government that pays only intermittent attention to their wellbeing.

Much of the failure lies instead with the Pentagon and its coalition partners in Afghanistan, who poured billions into buying fancy stuff for the Afghans “without building the entire end-to-end logistics system down to operational and tactical levels.” That’s the sorry admission contained in the Defense Department’s most recent report on the state of the 13-year war in Afghanistan.

One result: Over the past 24 months the United States delivered tons of costly new equipment to the Afghan army’s combat engineers. These are the folks who sniff out and disarm the roadside bombs, set by the Taliban, that disproportionately kill a growing number of Afghan civilians.

The Pentagon hired contractors to do the maintenance on the equipment. But the contracts ran out before the end of fiscal 2014, last October, and so did the contractors.

Now, 80 percent of the new equipment is non-operational, according to a new report by the Defense Department’s Inspector General, because no one’s been around to maintain it.

For much of the past decade, the Pentagon insisted that the Afghan army’s logistics be run from the top down. That is, Afghan officials and U.S. advisors in Kabul would tell units in the field what they needed and when they’d get it.

Understandably this led to gigantic misallocation of equipment and supplies, with favored commanders being over-supplied and others shorted, without regard to the tempo of fighting.

The Pentagon IG report doesn’t mention corruption, but I suspect it played a role here, too.

But even if everyone was honest, there was no way field units could request supplies (ammunition, for instance) except by paper, which piled up unsorted in dusty offices in Kabul. This was because the computer system purchased for the Afghan defense ministry didn’t work.

Out in the field, trucks and armored vehicles and weapons broke down or wore out and (See FAILURE on page six)

by Eugene Robinson

Uh-oh. Now that the economy is doing well, what are Republicans - especially those running for president - going to complain about? And what are Democrats willing to celebrate?

Last week’s announcement that the economy grew at a rate of 5 percent in the third quarter of this year - following 4.6 percent second-quarter growth - was the clearest and least debatable indication to date that sustained recovery is no longer a promise, it’s a fact.

Remember how Mitt Romney painted President Obama as an economic naïf, presented himself as the consummate job creator and promised to reduce unemployment to six percent by the end of his first term?

Obama beat him by two full years: The jobless rate stands at 5.8 percent, which isn’t quite full employment but represents a stunning turnaround.

Since the day Obama first took office, the U.S. economy has created more than five million jobs; if you measure from the low point of the “Great Recession,” as the administration prefers, the number approaches 10 million.

It is true that the percentage of Americans participating in the workforce has declined, but that has to do with long-term demographic and social trends beyond any president’s control.

Middle-class incomes have been flat, despite a recent uptick in wages. But gasoline prices have plummeted to an average of $2.29 a gallon nationwide, according to AAA. This translates into more disposable income for consumers;

as far as the economy is concerned, it’s as if everyone got a raise.

The stock market, meanwhile, is at an all-time high, with the Dow soaring above 18,000. This is terrific for Wall Street and the 1 percenters, but it also fattens the pension funds and retirement accounts of the middle class.

All this happy economic news presents political problems - mostly for Republicans, but to some extent Democrats as well.

For Rand Paul, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio and other potential GOP presidential contenders, the first question is whether to deny the obvious, accept it grudgingly or somehow embrace it.

For years, a central tenet of the Republican argument has been that on economic issues, Obama is either incompetent or a socialist. It should have been clear from the beginning that he is neither, given that he rescued an economy on the brink of tipping into depression - and in a way that was friendly to Wall Street’s interests. But the GOP rarely lets the facts get in the way of a good story, so

attacks on Obama’s economic stewardship have persisted.

The numbers we’re seeing now, however, make these charges of incompetence and/or socialism untenable. Even the Affordable Care Act - which Republicans still claim to want to repeal - turned out not to be the job killer that critics imagined.

All it has done, aside from making it possible for millions of uninsured Americans to get coverage, is help hold down the costs of medical care, which are rising at the slowest rate in decades.

GOP candidates face a dilemma. To win in the primaries, where the influence of the far-right activist base is magnified, it may be necessary to continue the giveno-quarter attacks on Obama’s record, regardless of what the facts might say.

But in the general election, against a capable Democratic candidate - someone like Hillary Clinton, if she decides to run - pretending that up is down won’t cut it.

Likewise, the Republican leaders in the House and now the Senate will confront a stark choice. Do they collaborate (See FACTS on page seven)

Congress does backflip for Wall Street

by Jim Hightower

Congress, which had been so tied up in a partisan knot by right-wing extremists that it became unable to move, suddenly sprang loose at the end of the year. Before heading home for the holidays, it put on a phenomenal show of acrobatic lawmaking.

In one big, bipartisan spending bill, our legislative gymnasts pulled off a breathtaking, flat-footed backflip for Wall Street.

They then set a dizzying new height record for the amount of money deep-pocketed donors (See BACKFLIP on page six)

GOP’s magical mystery tour to begin Cooking the books to disguise failure of trickle-down tax cuts According to reports, one of the first acts of the Republican Congress will be to fire Doug Elmendorf, current director of the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, because he won’t use “dynamic scoring” for his economic projections.

Dynamic scoring is the magical-mystery math Republicans have been pushing since they came up with supply-side “trickle-down” economics.

It’s based on the belief that cutting taxes unleashes economic growth and thereby produces additional government revenue. Supposedly the added revenue more than makes up for what’s lost when Congress hands out the tax cuts.

Dynamic scoring would make it easier to enact tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, because the tax cuts wouldn’t look as if they increased the budget deficit.

Incoming House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) calls it “reality-based scoring,” but it’s actu-

behind the headlines by Robert Reich

ally magical scoring - which is why Elmendorf, as well as all previous CBO directors have rejected it.

Few economic theories have been as thoroughly tested in the real world as supply-side economics, and so notoriously failed.

Ronald Reagan cut the top income tax rate from 70 percent to 28 percent and ended up nearly doubling the national debt. His first budget director, David Stockman, later confessed he dealt with embarrassing questions about future deficits with “magic asterisks” in the budgets submitted to Congress.

The Congressional Budget Office didn’t buy them.

George W. Bush inherited a budget surplus from Bill Clinton but then slashed taxes, mostly on the rich. The CBO found that the Bush tax cuts reduced revenues by $3 trillion.

Yet Republicans don’t want to admit supply-side economics is hokum. As a result, they’ve never had much love

for the truth-tellers at the Congressional Budget Office.

In 2011, when briefly leading the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Newt Gingrich called the CBO “a reactionary socialist institution which does not believe in economic growth, does not believe in innovation and does not believe in data that has not been internally generated.”

The CBO has continued to be a truthtelling thorn in the Republican’s side.

The budget plan Paul Ryan came up with in 2012 - likely to be a harbinger of what’s to come from the Republican Congress - slashed Medicaid, cut taxes on the rich and on corporations, and replaced Medicare with a less well-funded voucher plan.

Ryan claimed these measures would reduce the deficit. The Congressional Budget Office disagreed.

Ryan persevered. His 2013 and 2014 budget proposals were similarly filled with magic asterisks. The CBO still wasn’t impressed.

Yet it’s one thing to cling to magicalmystery thinking when you have only one house of Congress. It’s another when you’re running the whole shebang.

(See MYSTERY on page six)

The Scott County Record • Page 6 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Kansas leaders must deal with reality in 2015

by Travis Heying

Forced on the defensive in a close re-election campaign because of his expensive tax cuts, lackluster job growth and warnings of a looming financial crisis, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback still insisted the state was headed in the right direction.

“The sun is shining on Kansas,” he said. “And don’t let anybody tell you any different.”

Six days after the election, someone did. With authority.

A group of state gov-

ernment officials and university economists released the latest consensus revenue estimate, an updated projection of how much the state can expect to receive in tax receipts and other income to meet its budgeted expenses.

The news was even worse than Brownback’s critics had suggested during the campaign. Bottom line: Kansas finances are in such bad shape the state will collect $1 billion less in revenues this budget year and the next than its projected expenditures.

That sets the stage for perhaps the state’s most

President can only come from two families

by Andy Borowitz

WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Borowitz Report) - The United States of America, a nation with a population of approximately 300 million people, totally accepts that the next President of the United States can only be selected from two families.

In interviews conducted across the country, Americans acknowledged that, while the United States boasts many exceptional people in the fields of technology, business, public policy, and government, none will be offered to voters as candidates because they do not come from one of the two families deemed eligible.

“No doubt about it, there are a lot of great people out there who could be President,” said Stoddard Vinton, of Toledo. “But I guess our system of choosing people from just two families has worked out pretty well.”

Leslie McEdwards, of San Jose agreed, that, while “it would be cool” to choose a President from more than two families, “on the plus side, we voters don’t have to learn a bunch of new names.”

“This country is facing unprecedented problems, and it’s going to take some fresh ideas to solve them,” said Doug Chessing, of Grand Rapids. “I’ve got my fingers crossed that someone from one of those two families can do it.”

The fact that the current President, Barack Obama, belonged to neither of the families “always felt kind of weird to me,” said Halynn Cross, of Knoxville. “He tried really hard and all, but, after eight years, it’ll be nice to get back to someone from the two families.”

In one of the strongest endorsements of America’s two-family system, Rick Keelins of Albany said that he is “sick and tired” of people complaining about it. “At least we have two families to choose from,” he said. “A lot of countries, like North Korea, just have one.”

Andy Borowitz is a comedian and author

Backflip

(continued from page five)

can give to the two major political parties.

It was the best scratch-my-back performance you never saw. You and I didn’t see it, because it happened in secret - with no public hearings, debate or even a vote.

Tucked into the year-end spending bill known as a “cromnibus” was a provision allowing Wall Street’s most reckless speculators to have their losses on risky derivative deals insured by us taxpayers. Such losses were a central cause of the 2008 financial crash and subsequent unholy bank bailout.

That crash led to the passage of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law to spare taxpayers from future Wall Street bailouts.

But with one, compact, 85-line section inserted deep inside the 1,600-page, trillion-dollar spending bill, Congress did a dazzling flip-flop, putting taxpayers back on the hook for the banksters’ high-risk speculation.

In this same spending bill, Congress also freed rich donors - such as the Wall Street bankers it just did a huge favor for - from the $100,000 limit on the donations that individuals can give to national party committees. In a gravity-defying stunt, lawmakers flung the limit on these donations to a record-setting 15 times higher.

So now, bankers who are grateful to either party for letting them make a killing on taxpayer-backed deals can give a combined total of over $1.5 million to each.

It’s always an amazing sight when Wall Street and Congress get together - especially when they do it behind closed doors.

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

Support Your Hometown Merchants!

significant legislative session in years.

Conservative Republicans - in many cases, the same politicians who voted for aggressive tax cuts in 2012 and 2013 - remain in power in Topeka. They, along with a diminishing number of Democrats and moderate Republicans, will have to decide what they want the future of Kansas to be.

In the best-case scenario, they will show the wisdom and grace to acknowledge that a state cannot deprive itself of financial oxygen and still expect to thrive. They will

roll back some of the tax cuts.

In a worst-case scenario, they will continue to listen to the same hucksters who helped lead Kansas to this abyss, and who irrationally insist that grabbing reserve funds from school districts and universities, raiding the highway fund and tampering with the pension system will restore the state to fiscal health.

These people are in willful denial.

The latest reliable financial projections show that if they don’t increase revenues by retracting

Year get credit for eliminating the most wanted terrorist in our history; and why he is blamed for high unemployment, but doesn’t get credit when unemployment drops to its lowest level in more than six years.

We resolve to find out why anyone still listens to Michele Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Ted Cruz, Dick Cheney or Tim Huelskamp, just to name a few.

Really! How often does a person have to be wrong about health care, immi-

gration, torture, Benghazi . . . and the list goes on . . . before they have lost all credibility?

We resolve to find out why it seems that every time a “stand your ground” law is put to the test it involves a white man shooting a black man . . . most generally a teen.

What are the odds?

We resolve to congratulate the next hunter who defends his Constitutional right to gun ownership by killing a deer with an AK47.

(See REALITY on page 7)

We resolve to find out when it’s okay to trust science. According to conservatives, you can trust any scientist who declares hormones are safe in meat, GMOs are fine in crop production and when oil spills into the environment it’s okay - nature can deal with it. But scientists who say climate change is real have no idea what they’re talking about.

I don’t expect to find answers in my resolution quest.

As long as people

choose to believe their own facts, or create their own where none exist, who put ideology ahead of rational thinking and honest debate, and who are influenced by big money rather than by what’s morally right, we will continue traveling the road of the incomprehensible and illogical.

That road was a terrible place to be in 2014. It’s not where we want to be in 2015.

Rod Haxton can be reached at editor@screcord.com

(continued from page five)

The Afghan National Army central depot in Kabul was supposed to be the dazzling centerpiece of the army’s new, western-style logistics system.

Instead, the Pentagon IG found the U.S.-built facility “was not functioning effectively due to inadequate funds, limited space, missing equipment and lack of properly trained mechanics.”

Some 200,000 weapons were missing from the central depot, accord-

Mystery Now that Elmendorf is on the way out, presumably to be replaced by someone willing to tell Ryan and other Republicans what they’d like to hear, the way has been cleared for all the magic they can muster.

In this as in other domains of public policy, Republicans have not shown a particular affinity for facts.

Climate change?

It’s not happening, they say. And even if it is happening, humans aren’t responsible. (Almost all scientists studying the issue find it’s occurring

Leaders can’t devise creative ways to encourage job training, help mentally ill individuals, boost universities into the top tier or recruit new industries when all of the money and energy is bottled up in a desperate survival mentality.

Other states are taking advantage of a rising economy and more sensible tax policies to seek excellence in their schools and higher education networks and make their communities more attractive for citizens and businesses.

(continued from page four)

Failure there were no spare parts, or mechanics, to fix them.

Neither was there a process for turning in broken gear, so commanders would simply order new ones and leave the old broken stuff rusting out back.

When the IG’s gumshoes went to check out the problem they found units with 150 to 200 percent more vehicles than they were authorized because so many were broken.

some of the tax cuts, lawmakers will have to cut $648 million to achieve a balanced budget for 2016 - about 10 percent of the state’s general budget.

That’s a number that will cost teachers and other state workers their jobs, leave the state’s infrastructure to deteriorate, and rob the dreams of college students with unaffordable tuition.

The problem isn’t just that so much must be cut.

Kansas’ self-inflicted starvation diet has deprived it of the ability to invest in its citizens and the state’s future.

(continued from page four)

I’m so grateful to Obama for taking a step toward bringing an end to this nonsense.

I hope Congress now goes whole hog and restores the U.S.Cuba relationship to sanity by ending the embargo once and for all.

Jill Richardson is the author of “Recipe for America: Why Our Food System Is Broken and What We Can Do to Fix It”

Planning to train and install advisors and fix the logistics system problem never took place, according to the IG report.

Looking at post-2014 Afghanistan, the IG wrote, this failure “increased the risk that U.S. funds will not be budgeted or spent effectively or responsibly

by Afghan General Staff or Ministry of Defense officials.”

Napoleon would get it.

David Wood is the senior military correspondent for The Huffington Post

(continued from page five)

and humans are the major cause.)

Widening inequality? Not occurring, they say. Even though the data show otherwise, they claim the measurements are wrong.

Voting fraud?

Happening all over the country, they say, which is why voter IDs and other limits on voting are necessary. Even though there’s no evidence to back up their claim (the best evidence shows no more than 31 credible incidents of fraud out of a billion ballots cast), they continue to assert it.

Evolution?

Embargo

ing to an investigation by the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction.

Going forward, as they say here in Washington, things are likely to get worse for the Afghan troops battling the Taliban.

The “transition” in Afghanistan from a U.S.run war to an Afghan-run war has been the subject of intense debate for several years. But somehow, no one considered logistics.

Just a theory, they say.

Even though all reputable scientists support it, many Republicans at the state level say it shouldn’t be taught without also presenting the view found in the Bible.

Weapons of mass destruction in Iraq?

America’s use of torture? The George W. Bush administration and its allies in Congress weren’t overly interested in the facts.

The pattern seems to be: if you don’t like the facts, make them up.

Or have your benefactors finance “think tanks” filled with hired guns who

will tell the public what you and your patrons want them to say.

If all else fails, fire your own experts who tell the truth, and replace them with people who will pronounce falsehoods.

There’s one big problem with this strategy, though. Legislation based on lies often causes the public to be harmed.

Not even “truthiness,” as Stephen Colbert once called it, is an adequate substitute for the whole truth.

Robert Reich is a former secretary of labor, is currently a professor at the University of California at Berkeley

The Scott County Record • Page 7 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Reality

(continued from page six)

Beans

(continued from page three)

Potassium: helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Folate: a B vitamin that our bodies don’t produce yet dry beans are our single best source of this important vitamin which helps protect against heart disease and cancer.

Travis Heying is a columnist for the Wichita Eagle Beans can be cooked from the dry variety or purchased canned. If you (continued from page five) eat the canned variety, drain canned beans in a with Obama on issues such as tax reform, infrastruc- colander and rinse with ture and the minimum wage in an attempt to further water to remove as much salt as you can. It’s best to boost the recovery?

Or do they grumble on the sidelines, giving the impression that they are rooting against the country’s success?

Democrats, too, have choices to make. The fall in gas prices is partly due to a huge increase in U.S. production of fossil fuels. “Drill, baby, drill” may have been a GOP slogan, but it became reality under the Obama administration.

Is the party prepared to celebrate “fracking”? Will Democratic candidates trumpet the prospect of energy independence?

Likewise, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) charges that the administration’s coziness with Wall Street helps ensure that the deck remains stacked against the middle class.

Warren says she isn’t running for president but wants to influence the debate. She has. Clinton’s speeches have begun sounding more populist, despite her long-standing Wall Street ties.

You know the old saying about how there’s no arguing with success? Our politicians are about to prove it wrong.

The tax cuts that Brownback promised would bring growth and prosperity to Kansas are instead causing it to lag far behind. The eyes of the nation remain on Kansas, which has become a case study of how not to carry out economic policy.

Reversing some of the tax cuts would be painful and embarrassing for the governor and legislators. But allowing the state to fail in the national spotlight would be much, much worse.

Facts

buy canned beans with no salt added.

Or, you can make your own salt-free beans from scratch. There are many recipes for the different beans. I will share how to make a good ol’ pot of ham and beans.

First, you want to rinse the dried beans well with cold water and pick out anything that doesn’t belong. Some will look dark or float to the top.

I first rinse them in the colander to remove dirt (yes there is dirt in the bags). Next, I put them in

a big bowl and then the floaters come to the top to discard. I then rinse them again.

I put them back into the bowl and cover them with 2-3 inches of cold water. I let them set overnight to soak.

The next morning, I put them in the crock pot with a ham bone, cover with 2 inches of water and cook on low all day.

If you don’t have all night to soak them and all day to cook them, you can speed up the process by doing all the cleaning that

I mentioned, but instead of soaking them all night, you can place them in a large pot, cover with 2-3 inches of water and bring the water to a boil. Then turn the stove off and let them “soak” for a couple of hours.

You can then begin to cook them on low for another 4-6 hours.

You must soak your beans to make them easier to cook. Watch the water and make sure it doesn’t cook down; add more if you need to. Season with pepper and a pinch of salt.

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

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The Scott County Record • Page 8 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

State wrestles with huge budget shortfall

Budget cuts alone won’t solve problem; fund transfers delay solution In recent weeks it has become apparent that the upcoming legislative session will deal with some very significant budget shortfalls.

Each November the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Group releases its estimate of revenues for the current fiscal year (ending on June 30, 2015) and the next fiscal year.

The report this year was not good. Revenues have continued to disappoint, and the projections for the future are dismal.

The group estimates that anemic revenues will result in a $278.7 million budget shortfall for the remainder of this fiscal year, followed by a shortfall of $435.7 million by the end of the 2016 fiscal year which begins July 1 and ends on June 30, 2016.

The immediate problem is to somehow address the budget shortfall for the current year since we are already halfway through the fiscal year. Gov. Brownback’s proposal to fill the hole contains only $73.5 million in direct cuts and primarily solves the shortterm problem with $206.5 million in one-time funds transfers.

Solving this year’s problem with one-time transfers only magnifies the size of the budget shortfall for the following year. If Gov. Brownback’s proposal is approved by the legislature then the projected shortfall for FY 2016 becomes $648.3 million.

State general fund expenditures for the year are projected to be $6.35 billion. The shortfall represents 10.2% of the entire budget!

Keep in mind that half of the budget is comprised of expenditures for K-12 public education, a constitutional responsibility of the state. If that portion of the budget is held harmless, is it reasonable to think that all other state budgets can be cut by 20.4% to make up the deficit?

Remember that plenty of budget cutting has already occurred in recent years in response to reduced state revenues during the great recession.

It is helpful to examine a pie chart of state general fund (SGF) expenditures by function, keeping in mind that SGF contains

Legislative Update Rep. Don Hineman 118th District

expenditures from nondedicated revenue sources. Most revenue flowing from the federal government to state government is excluded, as is most highway spending, which is financed with dedicated vehicle registration and motor fuels taxes.

Obviously education is a priority of the state, as it should be.

But think about this: the entire budgets for public safety and general government could be eliminated and we still would not have eliminated the potential $648.3 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2016. The budgets for all elected statewide offices and cabinet-level departments could be eliminated, all legislative functions be defunded, highway patrol and KBI abolished, and all state prisoners let out on the streets, and we still would not have totally eliminated the hole in the budget.

Protecting Services Cuts of this magnitude cannot be made responsibly without drastically affecting the services that state government provides. As just a few examples, access to the state’s court system could be affected, prisoners could be released well before their scheduled parole date, Medicaid recipients and providers could experience cuts to reimbursement rates and services, and scheduled highway maintenance projects could be postponed.

That is unacceptable to me and many of my legislative colleagues.

As a life-long Republican and a fiscal conservative I recognize that government must operate as efficiently as possible and that continues to be a focus for me.

But I was also elected to ensure that state government continues to provide the services its citizens depend upon and that government delivers those services in a manner that is as user-friendly as possible.

I have concluded that it will be impossible to fill the looming budget deficits with nothing but

Solving this year’s problem with one-time transfers only magnifies the size of the budget shortfall for the following year. If Gov. Brownback’s proposal is approved by the legislature then the projected shortfall for FY 2016 becomes $648.3 million.

Kansas State General Fund FY 2016

budget cuts. Some form of additional revenue will be required.

How We Got Here The situation we find ourselves in is fairly unique since most states are currently experiencing expanding revenues.

So why is Kansas different? Any budget shortfall has multiple causes.

Increased caseloads for social services and K-12 education have added to the state’s burden, and a change in federal tax law is also blamed for part of the problem.

But, by far, the majority of the problem is due to the income tax cut enacted during the 2012 legislative session. It was sold to a majority of legislators on the promise that leaving more money in the pockets of the taxpayers would grow the economy and actually lead to greater state revenue receipts.

The first part of that promise is valid. There can be no doubt that granting a tax break can have a stimulating effect on the economy. But the second part of the promise is highly controversial.

President George H. W. Bush once called the theory “voodoo economics”.

It becomes even more problematic in Kansas when we are hoping to replace income tax revenues, which are incomeelastic, with sales tax revenues which are incomeinelastic. That means that if a taxpayer were to suddenly have twice the income that he had the year before he is very unlikely to go out and purchase twice as much sales-taxable stuff.

Attempting to replace income tax revenues with sales tax revenues just will not happen, even when we fully account for the dynamic effect of the tax cut. Evidence continues to build that the “shot of adrenaline to the heart” of the Kansas economy that Gov. Brownback touted has not and will not hap-

pen.

Fund Transfers I did not vote for the Gov. Brownback’s tax cut in 2012. plan for solving the budget shortfall this year ‘Too far, too fast’ involves several one-time Although I recognize funds transfers and I have that tax cuts can stimulate major problems with two the economy I also under- of them. stand that we can overdo He proposes transferit in the short run and cre- ring $95.7 million from ate serious problems for the Kansas Department of the state budget. During Transportation (KDOT). debate on the 2012 tax This is not a new idea bill I argued that the plan with nearly $2 billion went “too far too fast” transferred from KDOT and I continue to believe to the general fund since that is so.

1992.

Recently others have However I recently come to agree with me. learned that two renoAn editorial board which vation projects on I70 endorsed Gov. Brownback in Western Kansas (in only two months ago has Thomas and Trego counnow joined the chorus. ties) have been pushed So what do we do now? back from 2015 to 2019.

There are no easy solu- Total cost of those projtions. Those of us who ects was to have been $90 voted no in 2012 would million. vote to reverse part of the I have been cautioned tax cuts, but those who not to try to “connect the voted yes will resist that dots” between the funds solution. transfer and the delay of Other options are avail- these projects, but it is difable but all carry nega- ficult to avoid the conclutives of some sort. sion that current budgetary Do we raise sin taxes on shortfalls are beginning to liquor or cigarettes? How impact KDOT projects in about another increase in a very real way. sales tax, which would And as I have warned send even more Johnson in the past, when budgets and Wyandotte county get cut it is rural Kansas folks across the state line that feels the effects the to do their shopping? Or most. maybe we increase the The governor also promotor fuels tax. poses transferring $15 We will also look million out of the Kansas closely at exemptions to Endowment for Youth and the present sales tax. If the Children’s Initiative we were to put a tax on Fund. These funds are services instead of just designed to provide early goods we could actually childhood education and reduce the sales tax rate intervention services in and perhaps even remove an effort to get Kansas the sales tax on food. But infants and young chilI am guessing most of you dren off to a good start. would resist a tax on legal, Research shows that accounting, engineering investments in early childor medical services. hood pay big dividends to There are no ideal the state and to society in alternatives, but I am con- reduced costs for educavinced some sort of “rev- tion and avoided costs for enue enhancement” must social services and corbe part of the solution. rections.

I fear that the raid on these funds will lead to a reduced state commitment to early childhood, resulting in increased expenses to the state in the future.

But perhaps the most troubling part of the governor’s proposal is his plan to reduce the state’s contribution rate to KPERS, the state’s retirement system. He suggests we underfund KPERS by $40.7 million.

When I first came into the legislature in 2009 I was astounded to learn the extent to which KPERS was underfunded and what a shaky financial footing it was resting on.

I was pleased when, in 2012, we passed a bill to step up contribution rates for both employers and employees in an effort to return KPERS to financial security.

At that time the unfunded actuarial liability of KPERS had grown to over $10 billion. Today, thanks in part to the bill passed in 2012, the unfunded liability has shrunk to $7.3 billion.

We must not back away from that commitment to public employees throughout Kansas.

Though Gov. Brownback is proposing the underfunding as a one-year deceleration of employer funding, I have seen how the legislature operates. If we ever renege on our commitment to a higher level of funding, doing so a second and then a third time will be even easier.

Other legislators and even State Treasurer Ron Estes have voiced their displeasure with the cut to KPERS contributions.

Rep. Don Hineman’s 118th District includes Scott, Lane and Wichita counties

. . . the entire budgets for public safety and general government could be eliminated and we still would not have eliminated the potential $648.3 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2016. The budgets for all elected statewide offices and cabinet-level departments could be eliminated, all legislative functions be defunded, highway patrol and KBI abolished, and all state prisoners let out on the streets, and we still would not have totally eliminated the hole in the budget.

The Scott County Record

Business

Page 9 - Thursday, January 1, 2015

Couple returns to Western Kansas roots Western Kansas Chiropractic grand opening in SC Jan. 10 Bronson Baber and Andrea Scheuerman always knew they’d return to Western Kansas. What they didn’t know is that it would happen this quickly.

The couple, who are engaged to be married in March, are the owners of Western Kansas Chiropractic which will be opening on January 12, at 920 South Main, in Scott City. An open house is planned at their office on Sat., Jan. 10, from 1:005:00 p.m.

Baber, a native of Tribune, and Scheuerman, a Scott City native, each earned bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology from Kansas State University and continued their education at Logan Chiropractic College, Chesterfield, Mo. Baber earned his doctorate of chiropractic in 2013 and prior to relocating in Scott City had been working as a chiropractic physician at Kansas City Chiropractic. Scheuerman completed her doctorate degree in December.

“We knew we wanted to come back this way eventually, but we weren’t planning on it happening this soon,” says Baber.

The couple began reconsidering their timetable after getting a call

from Dr. M.E. Niedens who had maintained a long-time practice in Scott City but had retired in early 2014.

“I had just graduated and he asked if I had any plans,” says Baber. “Our original plans were to stay in the Kansas City area, but this was a pretty easy decision to make. We were able to buy the building and all of his equipment.”

Long-Time Interest Scheuerman’s interest in health care came about as a result of dealing with different injuries while competing in high school sports.

“Whenever something happened I’d go to a chiropractor and that started my interest,” she says.

“I always knew I’d like to get into some type of medical field.

“After experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care, I knew that was something I wanted to be able to do for others.”

Baber says his mother was an EMT and always involved in some type of health care, which encouraged him to pursue a health-related career.

“Toward the end of my college career I did some research and narrowed it down to being a chiropractor,” he says.

Opening Western Kansas Chiropractic in Scott City are Bronson Baber and Andrea Scheuerman.

(Record Photo)

The couple describe themselves as “classic chiropractors who do mostly manual adjustments.”

But their knowledge and treatment extend further.

They have an Activator which is capable of providing “lighter force methods” and they do soft tissue work with muscles.

“My specialty is working with athletes,” says Baber, who has a master’s degree in sports science and has worked with the Biofreeze Sports and Rehabilitation Center at St. Louis which is associated with Logan Chiropractic College.

Baber is also in the process of becoming cer-

tified in acupuncture and expects to complete that coursework within the next six months.

“I’ve been surprised at the number of people who have been asking about it,” Baber says. “They’ve had it done before and liked the result so they are interested in having ac-

cess to it on a more regular basis.”

“When I was doing my clinic work I worked a lot with women during their pregnancy and with children,” notes Scheuerman.

She also offers nutritional counseling for mothers during pregnancy and post-pregnancy, in addition to children.

Kansas’ finest

Honor Thomas for building awareness of battle site, Western Kansas history Jerry Thomas is more than an artist and a historian. He has combined the two in helping others to gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and the history that defines Kansas.

That talent, and Thomas’ contributions in broadening the knowledge of Native American history in Western Kansas, were recognized when he was named to the latest class of “Kansas’ Finest,” sponsored by the state through “Kansas!” magazine.

The award was presented during the Governor’s Awards Banquet held in conjunction with the state tourism convention in Manhattan.

“This was a complete surprise,” noted Thomas.

“The things I do are because I love this state and its history.”

The award presented to the Scott City native stated it was “In appreciation of your passion, perseverance and sense of purpose in promoting the state’s attributes and maintaining an abiding love for Kansas.”

This was the fourth class of “Kansas’ Finest” to be recognized. The

state honors four individuals each year.

Thomas’ appreciation for the natural beauty of the state has been evident in twice being named “Kansas Wildlife Artist of the Year.”

However, that artistic talent, combined with his growing knowledge of the early West and Native American history, have not only opened a new avenue in his career, but have played a significant part in building a strong relationship with the Northern Cheyenne.

In addition, Thomas has done extensive research and captured on canvas the West as seen through the eyes of the U.S. Cavalry, including the famous George Armstrong Custer when he was stationed at Ft. Riley.

The historic Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork, in northern Scott County, which was part of the Northern Cheyenne exodus from Oklahoma to their native land in southern Montana, has led to the building of strong ties between Thomas and the Cheyenne. A huge achievement was the Battle Canyon Symposium

held in September of 2013 which recognized the 135th anniversary of the battle between the Northern Cheyenne and the U.S. Cavalry.

More than 120 Northern Cheyenne were in Scott City for the two-day symposium.

The opening of the Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection in 2010 not only showcases his artwork, but it also includes the most extensive - and growing - collection of historic artifacts related to the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork.

“The award is in recognition of the international exposure I’ve helped to bring to the battle and the relationships that have been developed with the Northern Cheyenne and Crow tribes,” says Thomas.

He was also involved in designing the Fort Wallace Museum, in addition to his own gallery, and in making the Western Vistas Historic Byway become a reality.

Thomas is a recipient of the Little big Horn Associates Artist of the Year Award and his artwork has been featured on a Custer

Jerry Thomas is a 2014 honoree as “Kansas’ Finest” as recognized by the Kansas Department of Tourism.

(Record Photo)

Association of Great Britain journal cover.

As part of his growing ties with the Northern Cheyenne, limited edition prints of his painting, “Mystic Warriors,” are being sold to establish college scholarships for

Cheyenne students. His work is also supporting scholarships for students on Montana’s Crow reservation.

“I dearly love it out here and I’m so proud of the history that’s a part of Western Kansas,” says

Thomas. “And I’m especially proud of Scott City and what this community has meant to me.

“To receive an award like this shows that we’re on the right path and it furthers my drive to do even more,” he adds.

For the Record Yours, mine, ours: planning stepfamily finances The Scott County Record

Jason Alderman

The Pew Research Center reports that 4-in10 American adults have at least one steprelative, defined as a stepparent, a step-or-half sibling or a stepchild, in their family.

While the Pew study says that many stepfamilies operate harmoniously, it also notes that adults “feel a stronger sense of obligation to their biological family members than they do to their step kin.”

That is one reason why

The Scott County Record Page 10 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

blended family finances can get so messy.

Couples planning to blend families often have to make financial arrangements that respect previous relationships with ex-spouses and their families. Issues range from childcare and eldercare to potentially complex matters involving businesses, investment assets and real estate.

That’s why involving trained experts in stepfamily financial planning is a must.

Scott Co. LEC Report Scott City Police Department Dec. 11: A report was taken of criminal damage to property in the 200 block of East 7th St. Dec. 19: Tasha Torres, 27, was arrested on a warrant for probation violation and transported to the LEC. Dec. 23: Korbyn Burhoop, 18, was arrested for possession of an opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant and possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the LEC. Dec. 27: Shelby Salinas, 37, was arrested on two Scott County warrants. He was also arrested for possession of opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of a hallucinogenic drug; possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia; and no drug tax stamp.

He was transported to the LEC. Scott County Sheriff’s Department Dec. 15: A burglary and criminal damage to property was reported at 1107 Antelope St. Dec. 19: A vehicle was reported stolen from HRC Feed Yard.

Dec. 23: Denise Strecker reported striking a deer on K95 Highway.

Kansas ABC offers on-line portal for liquor licenses The state division of Alcoholic Beverage Control has launched a new online portal for liquor licensees.

The website portal - https://www.ksabconline.org - will be accessible to anyone with internet access.

Licensees will be able to monitor their license accounts and the status of their applications.

The user-friendly system will guide applicants through licensing process and simplify renewals.

From the portal, customers will be able to renew licenses and permits, pay license and registration fees or fines with a credit card or electronic check and summit new license and permit applications.

Previously, all applications and renewals had to be done by paper and ABC could not accept credit cards.

“This will speed up our process for all customers,” said ABC Licensing Manager Debbi Beavers.

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record, Thurs., Jan. 1, 2015; last published Thurs., Jan. 15, 2015)3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HOWARD L. SPITZER, deceased Case No. 2014-PR-18 NOTICE OF HEARING THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: You are hereby notified that a Petition has been filed in this Court by Dorothy L. Spitzer, duly appointed, qualified and acting executor of the Estate of Howard L. Spitzer, deceased, praying that her acts be approved; that the Will be construed and the Estate be assigned to the persons entitled thereto; that fees and expenses be allowed; that the costs

be determined and ordered paid; that the administration of the Estate be closed; that the Executor be discharged and that she be released from further liability.

You are required to file your written defenses thereto on or before the 26th day of January, 2015, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., of said day, in said Court, in the City of Scott City, in Scott County, Kansas, at which time and place said cause will be heard. Should you fail therein, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the Petition.

Dorothy L. Spitzer WALLACE, BRANTLEY & SHIRLEY 325 Main - P. O. Box 605 Scott City, Kansas 67871 (620) 872-2161 Attorneys for Petitioner

Here’s a basic checklist of issues and solutions potential spouses and partners should consider: 1) Start with all cards on the table.

Today’s first-time marriages or partnerships alone can introduce some staggering financial variables - business and inheritance issues, college debt, consumer debt or even past bankruptcies.

Couples planning stepfamilies face even more complications.

But all couples need to start with a critical first step - sharing personal information with a potential impact on finances.

Start with the following: •Current credit reports and credit scores.

Extensive loans or bad credit for one or both partners can endanger future purchasing plans for auto, home or tuition.

It’s also important to share information about personal or cosigned loans to family and friends.

•Assets and liabilities.

Scott County Commission Agenda Tuesday, January 6 County Courthouse 3:00 p.m.

County business Approve minutes, accounts payable, payroll and KAC membership dues Appoint treasurer for the Scott County Library board

3:15 p.m.

County Attorney Rebecca Faurot update on full-time attorney position

4:00 p.m.

Larry Turpin update on emergency management

4:30 p.m.

Public Works Director Richard Cramer

Agenda may change before the meeting. Contact County Clerk Alice Brokofsky for an updated agenda (872-2420) or visit www.scott.kansasgov.com

Scott City Council Agenda Mon., January 5 • 7:30 p.m.

City Hall • 221 W. 5th •Call to Order •Approve minutes of Dec. 15 regular meeting •Merit pay increases and cost of living adjustment (COLA) •Open agenda: audience is invited to voice ideas or concerns. A time limit may be requested Parks Department 1) Advertise for pool manager, assistant pool manager and lifeguards 2) Set monthly and hourly salaries 3) Year-end pool data Police Department 1) Misc. business Parks Department 1) Misc. business Public Works Department 1) Misc. business Clerk’s Department 1) Misc. business •Mayor’s comments

Support Your Hometown Merchants!

Potential spouses or partners should know each other’s financial assets and liabilities and any issues connected with them. As mentioned above, debt and credit issues may be a problem, but if one spouse has extensive assets, it’s important to clarify whether those assets will be shared legally or promised to others.

•Legal issues.

If divorce, child custody, foreclosure, bankruptcy or any other civil or criminal legal proceed-

ings are pending against either partner or members of their families, full disclosure is essential.

•Business and estate issues.

If potential spouses or partners have significant estate or business assets assigned to children, former spouses or family members, those commitments need to be factored into the finances of the planned marriage or partnership.

(See FINANCES on page 11)

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, 2015, 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

The Scott County Record • Page 11 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Lawmakers floating plenty of tax proposals

Republican legislators in Kansas are tossing around plenty of proposals for raising new revenues to help close the state’s budget shortfalls, and they’re not confining themselves to rethinking personal income tax cuts that represent GOP Gov. Sam Brownback’s legacy.

But many lawmakers floating the ideas also aren’t expressing much enthusiasm for them.

Several Republican leaders said the GOPdominated legislature must make significant spending cuts to shrink shortfalls totaling more than $710 million in the

current budget and the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Key senators also said they want to avoid measures - such as reversing cuts in income tax rates or raising the state’s sales tax rate - that clearly can be labeled as tax increases.

“We’re going to look at just about every possibility,” said Senate tax committee Chairman Les Donovan (R-Wichita).

“Trying to pass something that will be perceived as a tax increase is going to be extremely difficult.”

The tax proposals floated by senators include delaying future promised

Finances 2) Bring in professional expertise. Beyond disclosure, it’s good to have qualified professionals who have specific expertise with blended families and their many unique issues.

Both partners should start by bringing any existing advisors into the discussion. But if none exist and friends and family members don’t have solid suggestions, the following organizations might provide local experts with specific skills in helping stepfamilies plan: Financial planners.

The Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education

cuts in personal income tax rates and accelerating the elimination of income tax deductions already set to be phased out as rates drop. The targeted deductions include a popular one for interest paid on home mortgages.

Several GOP senators also said legislators are likely to discuss eliminating exemptions to the state’s 6.15 percent sales tax and increasing gasoline, liquor and tobacco taxes.

“I don’t know what sticks, if anything,” said Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce (R-Nickerson). “Right

(continued from page 10)

and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards are two nationwide organizations that can identify advisors in your area.

Tax advisors. Your state CPA society can suggest qualified personal, business and estate tax advisors in your area.

Estate planners and attorneys. Organizations like the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel might be able to help.

3) Address problems before move-in. Most experts tell you it’s best to start any new marriage or

partnership with a clean slate - or a slate that’s as clean as you can make it.

That’s doubly true with stepfamilies.

As many income, asset, debt, child custody, estate and business issues as possible should be identified and solutions put in place before the family is legally joined.

4) Make a fresh estate plan. Financial experts say it’s time to review all money issues whenever you face a major life event, and remarriage or re-partnership certainly qualifies.

Even if the individuals have their own separate estate matters in order,

Audit raises questions about rural phone service A recent audit of Kansas’ rural telephone service found it is generally well run and efficient, but suggests that lawmakers should consider the types of services taxpayers are now subsidizing.

The audit was conducted of the Kansas Universal Service Fund, which was established in the 1990s.

This includes broadband data and other unregulated services which aren’t part of what the state considers universal service.

Sen. Marci Francisco (D-Lawrence) notes that broadband service today can include services similar to cable TV delivered through a phone line.

now, I don’t like the idea of raising taxes, period.”

Balancing the budget is the most pressing task facing legislators after they convene their annual, 90-day session on Jan. 12. Brownback will be inaugurated that day for a second, four-year term after successfully pushing for aggressive personal income tax cuts during his first term to stimulate the state’s economy.

The state cut its top rate by 26 percent, and future reductions are promised, with a long-term goal to eliminate the tax altogether.

The state already has

The Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) was established at a time when widespread access to the Internet was in its infancy.

The goal was to ensure that the whole state would have access to basic phone services for making local calls and 911 emergency service.

It was also meant to help phone companies invest in the infrastructure needed to deliver broadband data service, which at the time was still being defined.

Revenue was initially about $96 million a year, but that dropped to about $46 million in 2013, mainly because the state’s largest phone company Southwestern Bell (now known as AT&T) was

allowed to phase out its support. AT&T’s participation in the fund ended in January.

The audit found that some companies are not necessarily using the funds to build infrastructure, contrary to the program’s intentions.

“The KUSF and capital expenditure data we analyzed demonstrates that at least seven carriers spent substantially less on capital improvements than they received in KUSF payments over the past five years,” the report said.

The audit showed some success with the program, noting that Kansas ranks second in the nation for availability of broadband service in rural areas.

stepfamily issues restart the planning clock on everything.

5) Plan - or re-plan - your retirement. You may have planned a great retirement with a former spouse or on your own, but what if your future spouse hasn’t? Whatever steps you’ve both taken toward retirement, you need to review your strategies so you can retire comfortably together.

Bottom line: Money issues complicate all relationships. But stepfamilies have unique, detailed planning needs that should be discussed and settled before marriage or move-in.

exempted the owners of 191,000 businesses from income taxes, and the cuts championed by Brownback are worth an estimated $1.3 billion during the current and next budget years.

A few GOP senators initially said lawmakers could require some of the wealthiest business owners now exempt from income taxes to start paying them again. Critics see the break for business owners as an egregious giveaway to high-income Kansans, but Brownback and his allies contend it’s crucial to creating jobs.

“I would be very reluc-

tant to touch that particular portion of the tax cuts,” Bruce said.

Republican leaders expect to rely on GOP votes to pass a budgetbalancing plan, given the party’s majorities of 32-8 in the Senate and 97-28 in the House. Democrats so far are letting Republicans stew, having argued that the income tax cuts pursued by Brownback would create exactly the kind of budget problems the state is experiencing.

“It’s their mess,” said House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs (D-Kansas City). “We’re waiting for them to fix it.”

Pastime at Park Lane We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Ben Hammons who passed away on Dec. 22.

Ben had lived at Park Lane for nine years.

The Prairie View Church of the Brethren led Sunday afternoon services.

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

Residents played Wii bowling on Monday evening.

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

Residents enjoyed chocolate ice-cream cones on Tuesday afternoon.

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

Residents watched a Christmas movie, “Angels Sing” on Wednesday af-

KC X-Factor visits Park Lane

Kansas City Chiefs Superfan the X-Factor visited with Park Lane residents last Tuesday afternoon.

Everyone enjoyed talking about football with Ty Rowton and having their photos taken with him. ternoon. Christmas cookies were served.

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

Harriet Jones was visited by Alisa Moore and Rev. Don Martin from St. Luke’s Church.

Margaret Koehn was visited by Sharon Roemer, Steven and Phebe Unruh, Ike and Deloris Unruh, and Gerald Koehn.

Jake Leatherman was visited by John, Jeanette and Anthony Crump; Rod and Mary Ann Leatherman, Faye Summerville, Steven and Phebe Unruh, and Otto Harp.

Deaths June Arlene McFann June Arlene McFann, 84, died Dec. 12, 2014, at the Hays Good Samaritan Society.

S h e was born March 8, 1930, in Great Bend, the daughter June McFann of Calvin and Elsie (Sayler) Rogers.

She spent most of her life in Albert and Great Bend, moving to Hays to be near family in 2010.

She worked at her dad’s gas station in Pawnee Rock and drove a school bus and did custodial work for the Otis-Bison school district.

She attended St. Rose Dominican Nursing School, Great Bend, was a member of the United Methodist Church, Albert, and volunteered with the fire department.

She also did volunteer work with her church, the food bank and with the Barton County Historical Society.

Survivors include: four sons, Dean McFann, and wife, Marilyn, Scott City, Clay McFann and wife, Heather, Rozel, Glen McFann, Rozel, and Hoyt McFann, Great Bend; three daughters, Marsha Bouker, and husband, Ed, Hays, Susan Brown, Greeley, Colo., and Julie Lange and husband, Bill, Baraboo, Wisc.; 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, two nephews and one niece.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Dale Rogers.

Funeral service was held Dec. 16 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Hays. Cremation followed the service and inurnment was in the Great Bend Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Barton County Historical Society in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine St., Hays, Ks. 67601.

Condolences may be left for the family at www. haysmemorial.com.

Andrew E. Depperschmidt Andrew E. Depperschmidt, 51, died Dec. 20, 2014, in Greeley County.

He was born on Jan. 10, 1963, in Dodge City, the son of Edwin and Lucille Mae (Moore) Depperschmidt.

A lifetime resident of southwest Kansas, he was a roofer.

Survivors include: one son, Justin Lerman, Greeley Colo.; two brothers, Johnnie Gatlin, West Fork, Ark., and Phil Gatlin, Garden City; two sisters, Nancy Lee Roads, Fountain, Colo., and Edrena Depperschmidt, Topeka; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Steven Depperschmidt; and one sister, Candy Gatlin.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, 11:00 a.m., at Price and Sons Funeral Home, Garden City.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.

There will be no calling times at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the Andy Depperschmidt Memorial Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St., Garden City, Ks. 67846.

Arlene Beaton was visited by Linda and Sonny Savolt, John and Colleen Beaton, William Beaton, and Aaron Beaton.

Lucille Dirks was visited by Alisa Moore and Willetta Payne.

Bonnie Pickett was visited by Jon Tuttle, Gloria Wright, Larry and Philene Pickett, Chris Pickett, Joel Wright, Betsy Wright, Eli Wright and Ethan Wright.

Vivian Kreiser was visited by Larry and Sharon Lock.

Lorena Turley was visited by Emily and Bo Hess, Gawni Griffey, Conner Griffey, Eli Bozarth, Rex Turley and Neta Wheeler.

The Scott County Record • Page 12 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Yvonne Spangler was visited by Alisa Moore, Yvette Mills, Jordan VanCampen, Jillian VanCampen, Jerica VanCampen, Amy Kendrick, Les and MaryAnn Spangler, and Danny and Mona Spangler.

Harold White was visited by Joy Barton and Junior and Sharon Strecker.

Albert Dean was visited by Justin, Matthew and Michael Dean, and Lynn and Jeannie Dean.

Herb Graves was visited by Tina Turley.

Ann Tedford was visited by Mary Plum and Alisa Moore.

Geraldine Graves was visited by Albert Dean and Alonna Mantzke.

Phyllis Trembley was visited by Alisa Moore; Brenda Strong, Chicago,, Ill.; Barkley Walker and Noel Ary, both of Dodge City; Virginia Strong, Dighton; Allen Trexler, Hill City; Greg and Andie Strong and Kat the dog.

by Jason Storm

Boots Haxton attended a family Christmas on Saturday hosted by her son and daughter-in-law, Rod and Kathy Haxton. Also attending were David and Sherri Haxton, McPherson; Troy and Jade Gilpin, Henderson, Colo.; Joni Pottberg, Jaci Pottberg and Dustin Brake, Salina; Miles Veeder, Dodge City; Tony Jasnoch, Kearney, Nebr., and Melissa Jasnoch.

Dottie Fouquet was visited by Jon and Anne Crane, Mark and Terri Fouquet, Lil Francisco and Fritzie Rauch.

Darlene Richman was visited by Stasia Rojas, Natalia Rojas, Sirena Olivas, Tina Turley, Matt Richman and Kim Jardet.

Delores Brooks was visited by Beth Tuck, Charles Brooks, Dave and Cheryl Perry; Shandon, Tina, Sage and Raegen Walak; Tina Turley and Fritzie Rauch.

Dona Dee Carpenter was visited by Gloria O’Bleness, Larry LaPlant, Bill John, Eric Tanner, Liz O’Bleness, Matt and Adrian Noll, and Bill Huseman.

Mike Leach was visited

by Linda Dunagan.

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

Edna Uppendahl was visited by Kim Smith, April Williams, Tina Turley, Jon Pohlmann, Vernon Pohlmann and Linda Dunagan.

Thelma Branine was visited by Kendall and Sherri Smith, Hunter Smith, Cassidy and Chandler Hornbostel, Alesha Milford, Kristi and Terry Keefer, Raelynn and Cooper Keefer, Cody and Stephanie Harms, Hadley Harms, Karli Cooper, Chad Koci, Bob and Nikki Cooper, Barbara Cooper, Austen Herzog and Danyel Ellis.

Social Security COLA to start the new year

In 2015, nearly 64 million Americans who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase to their monthly benefit payments of 1.7 percent.

The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2015 is $1,328 (up from $1,306 in 2014). The average monthly Social Security benefit for a disabled worker in 2015 is $1,165 (up from $1,146 in 2014).

For people who receive SSI, the maximum federal payment amount increased to $733 (up from $721 in 2014).

Other Social Security changes in 2015 include: •the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax

will increase to $118,500 (up from $117,000 in 2014); •a worker will earn one credit toward Social Security coverage after paying taxes on $1,220 in earnings in 2015 (up from $1,200 in 2014).

Eligibility for retirement benefits still requires 40 credits (usually about 10 years of work).

Information about Medicare changes for 2015 is available at www. medicare.gov.

To learn more about other changes in 2015, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/news/press/factsheets/colafacts2015. html.

Recent arrivals at the

Scott County Library

110 W. 8th Street, Scott City http://scottcounty.mykansaslibrary.org

The Dead Will Tell - by Linda Castillo Everyone in Painters Mill knows the abandoned Hochstetler farm is haunted. But only a handful of the residents remember the terrible secrets lost in the muted whispers of time, and now death is stalking them, seemingly from the grave. Fiction

Skin Game - by Jim Butcher - Harry Dresden,

Flesh and Blood - by Patricia Cornwell Discovering a row of pennies outside of her home just before receiving word that a neighbor has been murdered by a highly skilled sniper, Kay Scarpetta begins a nightmarish pursuit involving seemingly unrelated victims and a shipwreck off the coast of Florida. Fiction

Sidney Sheldon’s Chasing Tomorrow - Sequel

Chicago’s only professional wizard, is about to have a very bad day. As Winter Knight to the Queens of Air and Darkness, Harry never knows what the scheming Mab might ask him to do.

Fiction

to If Tomorrow Comes by Tilly Bagshawe - The world has believed Tracy Whitney was dead, until a series of murders leads a French detective to her doorstep. Who is targeting Tracy? Fiction Cider Brook - by Carla Neggers - Being

The Homecoming - by Robyn Carr - When Seth Sileski, whose professional football career ended before it could start, returns to Thunder Point, he struggles to convince his childhood neighbor and best friend McKinley to forgive him for breaking her heart. Fiction

rescued by a good-looking, bad boy firefighter isn’t how Samantha Bennett expected to start her stay in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts. Now, she has everyone’s attention. Fiction In Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy, Karen Abbott

Things I’ve Learned From Dying - by David Dow - Told through the disparate lenses of his legal battles defending inmates on death row and the intimate confrontations with death each family faces at home, David Dow offers an account of how illness and loss can ravage a family.

tells the spellbinding true story of four women who risked everything – their homes, their families, and their very lives during the Civil War. Non-Fiction Black Horizon - James Grippando - Three summers after the Deepwater Horizon

Revival - by Stephen King - In a small New England town, a small boy named Jamie Morton meets a striking man, the new minister, Charle Jacobs. Jamie and Reverend Jacobs share a bond based on secret obsessions.

Their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil’s devising. Fiction

catastrophe, oil is again spewing into the ocean, from a drilling explosion in Cuban waters just fifty miles away from the Florida Keys. Attorney Jack Swyteck and his new wife are called back on assignments which may be both lethally connected. Fiction

Hugh Binns, agent 815 W. 5th St., Scott City • Office: 872-2900 Toll Free: 888-872-4070 • Fax: 872-2902 • Cell:874-0041

The Scott County Record • Page 13 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Bird feeding is beneficial, enjoyable If you haven’t already done so, now would be a good time to start a new and enjoyable hobby, and that is winter bird feeding.

A meal provided by a bird feeder will be greatly appreciated by our feathered friends, especially during severe winter weather.

Bird feeders are almost as varied as the feathered creatures to which they cater. Large capacity feeders that meter out seed as it’s needed are the most convenient. They also insure a continuous food supply which is an absolute requirement if you’re feeding during the winter.

If you can’t afford to feed marauding squirrels, a loosely hung baffle will usually keep them off the feeder. Suet (animal fat) can be presented in a bag or stuffed into holes drilled in a log.

Feeders with bars are handy if you feel called upon to protect chickadees and gold finches from the strong armed tactics of larger birds.

You can also make inexpensive bird feeders

Sr. Citizen Lunch Menu Week of January 5-9 Monday: Baked cod, au gratin potatoes, gingered carrots, whole wheat bread, ambrosia.

Tuesday: Chicken pot pie, broccoli, biscuit, peaches.

Wednesday: Beef and beans, California blend vegetables, whole wheat bread, apple crisp.

Thursday: Pork roast, sweet potatoes, green beans, whole wheat roll, strawberries and pears.

Friday: Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, capri vegetables, whole wheat role, pineapple. meals are $3.25 • call 872-3501

from coconut shells, milk cartons, pie plates, salad bowls and other plastic containers.

For best results, position the feeder in a sheltered and sunny location at a level where birds will normally feed, yet which does not necessarily expose them to predators.

Trees and shrubs enhance a feeding area, and will provide a place to perch and find cover.

For maximum enjoyment, set the feeder where it can be viewed from inside your home.

As far as food supplies go, the best and probably the cheapest are sun-

flower seeds. Try to find the small black oilseed type that is grown locally.

Most common backyard birds relish these packets of protein.

As an added bonus, starlings almost never take them, and house sparrows aren’t crazy about them either.

Native sparrows and finches really like millet which is another inexpensive grain.

Suet rounds out a feeding operation by providing stick to the rib’s food for numerous insect eating species. You can render (melt down) the fat or provide it raw.

Get beef suet for a few cents a pound from your local meat counter.

If you want to get exotic, you can dish out raisins, apples, bananas and other fruit chunks.

It’s also surprising how much garbage and leftovers you can feed. Birds will take bread and cookie crumbs and table scraps.

Bird feeding is not necessary for birds. They’ve been surviving the winter months for thousands of years without man’s help.

Still there’s no real harm in providing them healthy, untainted food.

Besides it makes an excellent and addictive hobby.

Western Kansas Chiropractic open house • Sat., Jan 10 • 1:00-5:00

Attend the Church of Your Choice

Resolve to Read . . . Every Day Okay so it’s that time of year again. Time to make our list of resolutions and self-improvement goals for 2015.

If you’re like me, maybe you’ve been putting it off a bit and now you’re scrambling. If I might, I’d like to suggest that, along with resolutions regarding general health, wealth and relationships, you also make a resolution regarding your spiritual life. One of the easiest things you can do is make a commitment to reading your Bible. Not only is it easy, but the rewards are fantastic.

“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.” Psalms 1:2-3 “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 So make this commitment with me. Pledge to read one chapter of your Bible every day this year. You don’t have to start with Genesis but you can, if you want. I would read one book at a time and not just open randomly every day. Read with purpose and expectation. Read one book from the Old Testament then one from the New but read one book at a time, one chapter a day.

If you want to be more ambitious, that’s fine but make that the minimum. Just be intentional. If you’re feeling really “froggy” go online and find a One Year Bible Reading Plan. However you decide to approach it, is between you and God. I simply know this; nothing bad will come of reading your Bible every day. In fact I believe only good can come of it.

In Christ Alone, Pastor Scott Wagner First Christian 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, January 1, 2015

Great memories from SCHS Christmas Prom

by Ximena Ayala

Every year there is talk weeks before of what to wear, who is going with who, and how much fun Christmas Prom is going to be.

This year was no exception! When Saturday came around, beautiful dresses and crisp dress pants were seen at the party. Pictures were taken at everyone’s house so there could be mementos

Record year for library’s mitten tree

It was a record-setting year for the Scott County Library’s mitten tree project which was coordinated by Rachel Fisher.

During December, mittens, hats, gloves and scarves were hung on a Christmas tree until it was full. Then baskets were filled under the tree.

There were 213 items collected.

All the items were taken to the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, the Scott County Health Department, and Hope’s Closet so they could be distributed to youth in the community.

Fisher was assisted with the project by Millie Dearden, children’s programmer at the library.

This was part of Fisher’s 4-H citizenship and leadership projects. She is a member of the Manning Jayhawkers 4-H Club and a 4-H Ambassador.

USD 466 Menu Week of January 5-9 Breakfast Monday: No school.

Tuesday: Pancakes, sausage patties, tropical fruit, fruit juice.

Wednesday: Whole wheat bagel, jelly, strawberries, fruit juice.

Thursday: Breakfast pita, salsa, diced pears, fruit juice.

Friday: Whole grain cinnamon roll, mandarin oranges, fruit juice.

Lunch Monday: No school.

Tuesday: Hamburger, *chicken patties, tator tots, lettuce leaf, tomato, pork-n-beans, peaches.

Wednesday: Enchiladas, *tuna wrap, whole grain chips and salsa, mixed vegetables, pears.

Thursday: chicken fried steak, *meat loaf, potatoes and gravy, green beans, breakaway bread, strawberry shortcake.

Friday: Macaroni and cheese, *popcorn chicken, fish sticks, green peas, dinner roll, tropical fruit. *second choice at SCMS and SCHS

of what would soon be a fantastic night of friends and fun.

Some students even went to go eat somewhere before the dance to show off their formal attire.

The dance started at 8:00 p.m. and lasted until midnight; four hours of pure fun and excitement.

Everyone started arriving about 8:20-8:30.

The first thing that caught everyone’s eye were the

creative decorations. This year’s theme was “Superheroes.” In every corner, there were superhero cutouts, placed so everyone could take pictures with him or her.

In addition, the lights that were used to adorn the gym were breathtaking. They gave a sense of beauty to the surrounding areas.

Speaking of pictures, the activity that was the

most entertaining for everyone was the photo booth. There were hats and accessories that we students could use to make our pictures as funny as possible. The photo booth was never empty during the dance.

When it came to dancing, everyone was on the dance floor. You could hear laughs and see smiles from everyone. When the slow songs came on, all

the couples went onstage and started dancing. Everyone was having the time of his or her life.

Another one of the greatest attractions about Christmas prom was the food. There were Oreo balls, punch, cheese and cracker, fruit and many other delicious delicacies.

Christmas Prom was a magical night. Many good high school memories were made, and everyone

had fun. From the photo booth to the food, everything was perfect.

If not, there was too much laughter and happiness to even worry about something that was not up to the standards. This prom was a prom that we all will look back on 10 years from now and it will bring a smile to anyone’s face!

Ximena Ayala is a junior at Scott Community High School

Popular programs will return to SHPTV Two popular local programs return for new seasons on Smoky Hills Public Television in 2015.

Doctors on Call, back for its 10th season, will premiere on Tues., January 6, 7:00 p.m., and Real Ag begins its new season on Thurs., January 8, at 7:30 p.m.

“Doctors on Call” features medical profession-

als from throughout the state who travel to the SHPTV studio in Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience.

Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast. The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic cho-

sen for that program.

Some of this season’s topics include women’s health, pain management, thyroid disorders, diabetes, cancer, men’s health, orthopedics, heart disease and digestive disorders.

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to doctors@ shptv.org or message

through Twitter with the hashtag #DOCCall.

Questions submitted through either email or Twitter must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788.

appeals to everyone from the farmer to the consumer.

Each week a new topic is investigated and explained with the assistance of host Kyle Bauer, general manager of KFRM radio.

This season Real Ag Real Ag will look at entomology, Exploring the agricul- pecan farming, canola, ture industry, Real Ag is plant pathology and other a local production that topics.

3-judge panel rules on school funding Kansas public schools remain illegally underfunded, a three-judge panel said Tuesday, potentially moving the state closer to a budget and constitutional crisis over taxes and state spending.

Spending for Kansas public schools “is inadequate from any rational perspective of the evidence,” the judges concluded.

But the Shawnee County District Court panel stopped short of saying exactly what would meet the standard of adequate funding.

Instead, the judges suggested a reasonable floor would require the state to spend at least $802 more a year per public school student - with additional funds allocated for at-risk students and other specific student populations.

That could mean an additional $548 million a year, applying even more

pressure on state lawmakers already scrambling to fill a $700 million budget hole created largely by deep income tax cuts enacted at the urging of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

The judges said the Legislature would have to figure out how to cover the shortfall.

“Avoidance is not an option,” the judges said, blaming the problem on a “self-imposed fiscal dilemma.”

Republicans generally took a wait-and-see approach to the ruling, but hinted at a major battle with the courts, if judges tried to order the increase directly.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said the state is examining its options. He said part of the decision appears to conflict with a state Supreme Court ruling on school finance from ear-

lier this year.

Brownback said in a statement that he was still examining the opinion, adding in broad terms that he wants new education policies.

He renewed his call for revamping the school formula, something he tried without success in 2012. He also wants new unspecified education policies to put more money into the classroom.

Republican Senate President Susan Wagle of Wichita struck a harsher tone, saying that “the lower court has assumed a very political and antagonistic posture in this ruling.”

Sen. Steven Fitzgerald (R-Leavenworth) was even more critical.

“It’s terrible,” he said.

“The people who voted for their representatives aren’t going to be too happy with the unelected judges saying their money

Customer Appreciation

Fish Fry Scott County 4-H Bldg.

Seed and chemical reps. will be present to answer any quesions.

has to go more into the schools.”

Republican state Rep. Melissa Rooker of Fairway, on the other hand, said the court’s ruling underscores the state’s

fiscal swamp after years of income tax cuts.

“This legislature needs to face the economic reality that confronts us,” Rooker said. “We need to get real.”

Thursday, January 8 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sports The Scott County Record

www.scottcountyrecord.com

Kid matmen Takedown Club has a huge day in annual Scott City Open • Page 22

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Page 15

looking back . . .

Scott City’s state runner-up finishes in football, basketball are top stories of 2014 When they aren’t winning state championships, Scott Community High School finds itself knocking on the door for titles.

Twice the SCHS boys advanced to championship games and twice they fell just short during the past year, finishing as the runner-up in Class 3A football and in Class 4A-Division II basketball.

It was a very impressive run for the Beavers in both sports.

The football team finished with a 13-1 record, earning another Great West Activities Association championship in addition to four wins in postseason play.

Perhaps two of their most impressive wins came in the post-season when they destroyed previously unbeaten Norton, 55-20, and followed with an impressive 26-6 win over Wichita College in subfreezing weather.

Scott City’s biggest scare of the season came in the semifinals against Halstead. Trailing throughout most of the second half, the Beavers were able to force Halstead into three turnovers on their final four possessions.

A fumble recovery by SCHS led to a touchdown that tied the game, 14-14, with only 1:07 remaining. When the PAT kick failed it forced overtime.

Halstead’s first possession ended with an interception on fourth down. On Scott City’s first play from scrimmage, quarterback Trey O’Neil found senior slotback Chantz Yager open just inside the end zone.

Yager was able to keep both feet in bounds by inches and the touchdown sent SCHS to their second state title game in three years by a 20-14 score.

Fall to Rossville When senior tight end Sloan Baker turned a crossing route into a 14-7 lead with only 8:45 remaining against Rossville, the Scott City sideline could sense that another state title was within reach.

However, Rossville answered with two touchdown drives - the game-winner coming with only :28 remaining - to hand the Beavers a 21-14 loss in Hutchinson.

“I really felt we needed to make just one defensive stop and the game would be ours,” said defensive tackle Chantz Yager after his team had taken a 14-7 lead.

That stop didn’t happen as Rossville (14-0) spoiled Scott City’s perfect season.

Until the fourth quarter, Scott City had been effective in containing Rossville quarterback Tucker Horak and the Dawgs offense, allowing just one touchdown on their first seven possessions.

Head coach Glenn O’Neil says the Dawgs were finally able to find more success getting to the outside with their option game.

“They were able to hook our defensive ends by getting to the outside shoulder,” says O’Neil.

Because the defensive end has responsibility for the quar-

SCHS senior tight end Sloan Baker pumps his fist in the air as he scores the go-ahead touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Class 3A state title game against Rossville.

(Record Photo)

SC boys earn 4th consecutive trip to state title game After graduating four starters from a team that finished off the last of three consecutive Class 3A state championships, the Beavers were supposed to be rebuilding in 2013-14.

They rebuilt their way back into the Class 4A-Division II state championship game.

The Beavers went through an emotionally draining 24 hour period at Hartman Arena near Wichita, starting with a thrilling 77-75 overtime win against Concordia in the semi-finals.

Following the win, Trey O’Neil had no idea how many points he’d just scored.

It was 31.

He had no idea how many three-pointers he’d made until informed that he was a blistering 8-of-15.

“That’s a lot,” he commented, unfazed by the accomplishment. “I’ve never shot that many in a game before.”

The Beavers also played some outstanding defense. They relied on two key stops - one at the end of regulation and the other in overtime - to advance to their fourth straight state championship game.

“It may not seem that you can talk about defense after giving up 75 points, but the boys played good defense at some Junior Brett Meyer drives the baseline to the basket in the state semi-finals against Conkey times,” says assistant coach cordia.

(Record Photo) Brian Gentry.

Concordia had an opportuterback on the option, Horak 211 yard rushing performance. that tied the game and gave nity to win with a three-pointer was able to get to the edge for “They also wore us down in them an extra energy boost. It off the rim at the buzzer. some huge gains on the final the fourth quarter,” says O’Neil. also deflates you when you give (See TITLE on page 20) two possessions on his way to a “It began with the scoring drive up the lead on an 85 yard drive.”

KDWP Report

Walk-in hunting enrollment ends soon

Kansas landowners interested in earning extra income can enroll eligible acres in the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Spring Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program.

Deadline to enroll for the 2015 season is Jan. 15.

Last year, more than 214,000 acres were enrolled, providing significant hunting opportunities for spring turkey hunters.

As a state that is 97 percent privatelyowned land, hunting access can be a challenge for hunters.

The WIHA program was created in 1995 as a way to significantly increase public hunting access, while keeping land in private ownership and providing additional income to landowners.

The fall WIHA program now has more than one million acres enrolled, however most fall WIHA contracts end January 31.

The Spring Turkey WIHA program seeks land with suitable turkey hunting opportunities for the spring season. Leases run from April 1-May 31.

Once enrolled, the property is posted with signs indicating access dates, and a map of the tract will be included in a free atlas published by KDWPT. Game wardens periodically patrol WIHA properties.

In addition, state law provides protection to private individuals who lease their land to the state for recreational purposes from liability for damages or injuries resulting from ordinary negligence. All WIHA is walk-in only and open only to hunting during the dates listed on the contract.

For more information on the Spring WIHA program, call the KDWPT Pratt Operations Office at (620) 672-5911.

Fourth place finish is best in history for girl’s x-country Throughout the season, Macy Davis had often felt like an overlooked member of the Scott Community High School crosscountry team.

The senior never was in contention for an individual title on a team filled with so much young talent. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t a significant part of this team’s success leading into the Class 3A state cross-country championship.

“She’s worked her tail off for the last four years and she doesn’t look for a lot of accolades. But she’s been a team leader all year and helped the younger girls to figure out this sport,” said head coach Kevin Reese.

Competing on the difficult Rim Rock course near Lawrence, Davis ran the race of her life with a career best of 18:17 to finish 59th overall and fourth among the SCHS runners.

She helped lead the Lady Beavers to a fourth place finish - their highest ever at a state meet.

“I knew this was my last race and we had a chance this year to do something extraordinary. If we didn’t kick it in it wouldn’t happen and I made sure to kick it in as much as I could,” she says.

Davis admitted she was surprised at her first mile split and her ability to maintain that pace over most of the 2.5 mile course.

“I thought, wow, let’s keep this going. Let’s make something of this,” said Davis after hearing her time at the mile mark.

However, she wasn’t completely surprised at her overall time.

“I think I always knew I had this kind of race in me,” she says, “but I had to mentally be there and I was today.”

Davis wasn’t alone.

Stevens is All-State Under cooler conditions that allowed runners to be aggressive from the start, SCHS freshmen Makaela Stevens (7th, 16:12.5) and Trella Davis (21st, 16:52.3) turned in a pair of outstanding races in their first time to compete on the course.

Stevens quickly worked her way into the top 10, staying with a small pack of runners that trailed the two race leaders as they passed the half-mile mark.

Stevens ran a confident race, never falling outside the top 10 and running a solid seventh as they crossed King’s Bridge with less than a half mile remaining.

“Coach (Reese) told us not to be afraid to set a faster pace because our bodies are capable of handling more than we think they can,” said Stevens.

Stevens earned AllState honors with her top 20 finish, but T. Davis missed out on a medal by finishing one second behind the No. 20 runner, despite running a career best.

“I thought I could maybe get into the top 20. That was one of my goals,” said a somewhat disappointed Davis after her narrow miss.

Her race strategy was pretty simple.

“I was just going to try my hardest. At the mile mark I felt real good and when I got to the two mile mark I still felt real good and I was thinking I could have a really good finish,” she said. “The hill work during the season helps a lot.”

Stevens and T. Davis were among just three freshmen to finish within the top 21.

“Having two freshmen finish that high speaks well for the future of Scott City cross-country,” said Reese. “For the freshmen to shake off all the hype of going to state and competing on this course is a big accomplishment.

They managed their emotions and stayed focused on the task at hand.”

Also among the top five runners who contributed to Scott City’s team score were junior Jade Wren (44th, 17:54) and freshman Olivia Prieto (63rd, 18:28). They were joined by sophomore Kylee Trout (75th, 19:10).

Reese was very satisfied with the times, but wasn’t surprised either considering the cool temperature.

“I told the girls to expect a fast pace because this is a state meet, but not to be intimidated because the conditions would allow for the faster pace.

I felt we’d trained and prepared well for this course,” Reese said.

With everyone returning next season except for M. Davis, the Lady Bea-

The Scott County Record • Page 16 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Scott City freshman Makaela Stevens earned All-State honors with a seventh place finish in the Class 3A division at Rim Rock Ranch near Lawrence.

(Record Photo)

vers and their coach are very optimistic.

“We have a really young team and I’m so excited about what we could do over the next few years,” added Stevens.

“It’s been a lot of fun.”

X-country boys are 5th at state

Rim Rock Farm has provided some great memories for the SCHS boy’s cross-country team.

It was the site of their second place finish in the Class 3A state meet in 2012.

On return trips there during the regular season, the Beavers have consistently turned in strong performances against some of the Midwest’s top runners.

The Beavers once again showed that Rim Rock is a favorite stop by turning in some of their best times of the season which earned them a fifth place finish during the state meet.

Halstead (61) easily ran away with the team title with the next four teams in a tight race for the remaining team hardware.

Pleasant Ridge (101) held on for second place, finishing just ahead of Chaparral (103), Wichita Collegiate (112) and Scott City (115).

“Across the board we ran (personal records) or close to our PRs, which is very good on a course this difficult,” says head coach Kevin Reese.

“We’re not a particularly fast team on a flat course, but I felt our strength would come through on a tough course like this one. That’s one reason why we do so well up here,” noted Reese.

As they have throughout most of the season, juniors Irvin Lozano (24th, 18:08) and Dylan Hutchins (27th, 18:13) set the pace. Both narrowly missed out on All-State honors with 18 minutes flat the breaking point for the top 20.

Lozano ran an aggressive race, moving into the top 20 during the first mile.

“There’s a lot adrenaline when they run you through the chute to start the race and it may have gotten the best of me. I

was running near the front like I always try to do, but I slipped a little farther back as the race went on,” says Lozano, who ran one second faster than his previous best on the course two years ago.

Hutchins, who ran the second fastest time of his career on any course, was more cautious at the start.

“I knew the first mile was the easiest, but I couldn’t take it too fast or you’ll die over the last two miles,” says Hutchins, who ran 42 seconds faster than he did at state two years ago.

Sophomore Seth Cardenas (47th, 18:46) once again was in the number-three spot on the SCHS squad, followed by senior Miguel Chavez (52nd, 18:52), sophomore Chance Jones (59th, 19:04) and Edi Balderrama (60th, 19:06).

Freshman Conner LeBeau (80th, 19:46), who was battling stomach issues and was questionable until race time, still ran his best times of the season by 13 seconds. Likewise, Jones also improved on his best time of the season by 26 seconds.

The Scott County Record • Page 17 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Wycoff earns her place among track elite at Scott City Suggest to Kelly Wycoff that she’s an elite athlete and she’ll glance away and say nothing.

She’s too modest to think of herself in that way.

She prefers to think of herself as an athlete who hates to lose . . . at anything.

As she walked off the track for the final time at the conclusion of the Kansas Track and Field Championships, Wycoff’s numbers are impressive: •14 state medals.

•3 individual gold medals.

•4 individual silver medals.

•School records in the 100m, 200m and 400m.

Not bad for the thin, somewhat scrawny girl who entered Scott Community High School with high hopes, but the realization that she was far from being an elite athlete.

“I did pretty good in junior high and I had some success my freshman year, but I wasn’t anywhere close to being among the fastest girls in (Class) 3A,” Wycoff says of her first season with the Lady Beavers.

She did qualify for state in the 200m and 400m, finishing seventh and sixth, respectively. It was hardly the kind of start that attracted attention - or

raised concern - among other sprinters around the state.

But that was about to change.

What they didn’t know about Wycoff was her determination to succeed - a competitive drive that won’t accept anything short of winning.

“I’m definitely a very competitive person. It doesn’t matter what it is. It doesn’t have to be sports,” she says.

Hitting the Weights That desire to succeed became evident in the weight room during the summer following Wycoff’s freshman year.

“I can say without a doubt that weightlifting made all the difference,” says Wycoff, who didn’t take strength training during her freshman year.

Head coach Jim Turner emphasized that in order to run faster she had to get stronger and the SCHS speedster followed his advice. She hit the weights hard during the summer and enrolled in the strength and conditioning class her sophomore year.

SCHS senior Kelly Wycoff competes in the finals of the Class 4A 100m at the track and field championships in Wichita.

(Record Photo)

Class 4A state meet last spring.

Despite winning four more state medals she was denied the chance to add to her gold medal count.

In one of the premier races of the weekend, Wycoff was outdueled in the 400m and had to settle for a silver medal.

She closed out her career with another silver in the 200m, to go along with a fifth place finRecord-Setting Weekend ish earlier in the day in the Wycoff knew she was facing 100m. a huge challenge entering the Even though gold med-

als eluded Wycoff in her final high school track meet, she did break her own school record in the 400m and provided the huge crowd in WSU’s Cessna Stadium with two of the top races over the two days of state track competition.

In the 400m finals, Wycoff was in a duel against Baldwin’s Morgan Lober. Lober claimed the gold medal in 56.82 while Wycoff’s 56.98 was good for a silver and a new school record.

Those were the two fastest

times of the day in all classifications.

The 200m, which has typically been Wycoff’s strongest race also figured to be a tough battle with Andre’a Newton (Coffeyville-Field Kindley).

The race lived up to expectations with Newton hanging on for the gold in a time of 25.16 - just 22/100 of a second ahead of Wycoff.

She also anchored the 4x400m relay to a third place finish.

Kropp takes another long journey for 3rd at state There is probably no more grueling path to a state medal than working your way through the back side of the bracket after a first round loss.

Warren Kropp knows. He’s done it twice.

The Scott Community High School senior earned a bronze medal the hard way - winning five consecutive matches after a first round loss in the Class 4A state tournament at Salina.

“It’s not the way I planned it,” says the 170-pounder. “I’d always dreamed of being in the state finals, but it didn’t work out that way.”

Kropp (29-5) was among the handful of 170-pounders who had a chance of advancing to the finals, but those plans were dealt an early blow when a fluke move by Alex Son (Chanute) put Kropp to his back for a surprising pin in the opening round.

“I nearly had a takedown four times, but they were out of bounds. Then he hit me with a fluke move,” says Kropp.

When your dreams have been shattered that quickly in a state tournament one has to regroup quickly.

“I know that Warren had big hopes coming into the week-

end and feel he was capable of winning a state championship,” says head coach Jon Lippelmann. “We wanted another shot at (eventual state champion Austin) Cook, but that didn’t happen. When that opportunity is gone you have to refocus and that’s what Warren was able to do.”

It’s not as though Kropp hadn’t been through this before.

He lost his opening round match a year earlier at the 3-2-1A state tournament and came back to finish fifth.

‘Let it fuel you’ “Sure it sucks to lose in the first round. I expected more,” says Kropp. “But you have to put (the loss) out of your head.

Either forget about it or let it fuel you.”

Kropp quickly regrouped on Friday with a 14-1 major decision over Evan Elston (Mulvane), a regional champion who was upset in the opening round.

That set the stage for a four match sweep on Saturday in which Kropp didn’t win any of them by more than three points.

“Warren’s not the kind of wrestler who’s going to get you all excited with flamboyant

Scott City 170-pounder Warren Kropp takes Evan Elston (Mulvane) to his back for a twopoint near-fall during consolation action at the Class 4A state tournament in Salina.

(Record Photo)

shots or high-flying throws. It was just solid wrestling,” noted Lippelmann.

The senior slipped by Josh Miller (DeSoto), 3-2, with a third period escape and then used three takedowns to get by Wright Bosley (Augusta), 8-6.

In the consolation semi-finals, Kropp was able to roll Chance Ogden (Royal Valley) to his

back for a three-point near-fall in the second period which proved to be the difference in a 6-3 win. That advanced Kropp into the consolation finals where he broke a 2-2 tie after two periods with an escape with 1:23 remaining in the match for a 3-2 win over Blake Hampton (Spring Hill).

Kropp’s bronze medal was

won on his feet where he collected eight takedowns without being taken down.

“Warren does what you need to do to be successful at this level or the next level,” says Lippelmann. “He rides really tough, he’s good with takedowns, we stay in position, we don’t give up takedowns and we don’t get hit for stalling.”

The Scott County Record • Page 18 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

K-State is a slight favorite in Alamo Bowl Predicting football bowl games is a risky business.

They are almost like the first game of the season; coaches don’t know what they’re going to get from their teams. by RegardMac less, Kansas Stevenson State fans can rest assured that the Wildcats will be well-prepared for their Alamo Bowl game against UCLA. Whether or not they play as coached is another matter.

This is head coach Bill Snyder’s 23rd team at Kansas State and 16th bowl appearance. Snyder’s bowl record is 7-8.

At the end of last week, K-State was a slight (11/2 point) favorite. Kansas State will benefit in their recruiting from the national television exposure.

Their only common opponent is Texas: K-State beat the Longhorns 23-0 and UCLA won 20-17.

Overall offensive team statistics are remarkably similar. Kansas State had 3,398 total yards passing and 1,714 yards rushing, averaging 426 yards per game. UCLA passed for 3,222 yards and rushed for 2,715, averaging 468 yards per game.

K-State is more dependent than UCLA on the passing game. Senior quarterback Jake Waters and senior receivers Tyler Lockett and Curry Sexton have fashioned a formidable passing attack.

Waters and Lockett have a chance to enhance their NFL potential on the national telecast.

Lockett should be a high pick in the 2015 draft because of his versatility; he’s not only a great pass receiver, but an exceptional punt and kickoff returner, which are invaluable skills in the NFL. Waters has the necessary poise and arm to be a rookie NFL backup and he might go far after that.

UCLA junior QB Brett Hundley had a stellar regular season, completing 259 of 368 passes with just five interceptions. Hundley is expected to leave for the NFL and go in the first round of the 2015 draft.

(See K-STATE on page 21)

Break from sports came at a good time for SCHS athletes The Christmas break came at a great time for the Scott Community High School boys.

First of all, there’s the issue of fatigue - mental and physical.

Most of the boys in football (and wrestling for that matter) haven’t had a break officially since August 19 - a week earlier than that if you consider captain’s practices.

“This is a nice time to recharge the battery a little and realize that sports isn’t a drag,” says head coach Glenn O’Neil.

“After they’ve been away from it for a week they should have that hunger to get back in the gym and compete again.”

This also gives the Beavers a chance to build their chemistry and timing with the return of senior Brett Meyer who has been sidelined with a turf toe injury that hampered him during the final two games of the football season.

“This was probably the best time for him to come back. We’ll have seven practices with him before we have a game,” O’Neil says. “Hopefully, he’s able to play hard for short spurts until he can work himself back into shape again.”

There’s no doubt that Meyer will make an impact at both ends of the floor.

Offensively, it’s difficult to matchup with Meyer in terms of height and quickness, which opens up a lot of backdoor cut scoring opportunities. Defensively, he’s another long body on the court.

Whether Meyer’s presence will also help senior center Sloan Baker break out of his scoring funk remains to be seen.

Baker is averaging 8.2 points per game on 38 percent shooting from the field.

“We’re not certain what impact Brett’s return will have on Sloan’s shooting and if it will open up the paint a little more,”

says O’Neil. “It’s up to Sloan to get himself out of this slump. Once Sloan has a breakout game with his shooting then everything will be fine. It’s a matter of confidence, which is true of all sports.”

Poor Rebounding A bigger concern for O’Neil is the lack of rebounding, especially under the offensive glass. The team is averaging just 7.3 offensive rebounds per game.

They had only two against Hugoton.

The Beavers can expect to see the rebounding bubble a lot over the break.

This is a device that covers the basket, which means every shot results in a rebound.

“You score points by rebounding,” explains O’Neil. “We have to become a better offensive rebounding team.”

Likewise, the break is also an opportunity for players to spend extra time with the automatic shooting gun.

“We have to get Dylan (Hutchins) to provide us more offense. He’s struggling a little bit with his confidence,” says the head coach. “The break came at a good time for him.”

He’s hopeful that Hutchins will use this as an opportunity to shoot a thousand three-pointers before the Beavers return to action after the holiday break.

“That sounds like a lot, but with the gun it really isn’t,” O’Neil notes. “You can shoot a hundred threes in 15 or 20 minutes. Put in a little time after six practices and you have 600 shots. Trey (O’Neil) will shoot 150 or 200 threes by himself after a practice.”

Coach O’Neil is hoping that extra time will result in more aggressive play.

“We have guys passing up shots.

They’re coming off a screen, they’re wide open for the pull up shot which we work on a lot with the guards and they aren’t shooting the ball,” he says.

“They’re making about three too many passes for what I want to do.

“I want to play faster and I want the guys to loosen up and shoot the ball when they’re open. Until I tell them not to shoot it I want them to shoot it quicker.”

Despite the team’s 4-0 start, O’Neil realizes he’s been shuffling a lot of inexperienced varsity players in and out of the lineup. What this team needs is time and experience. They’ll continue to get both when Scott City returns to action next week.

“We’re a young group that is still in the process of trying to become a good team,” O’Neil says.

Future continues to look bright for KC Falling short of the playoffs has left a lot of Chiefs - and Chiefs fans - feeling pretty disappointed.

But anyone who looks at that as a measure of whether or not this was a good season for Kansas City is missing the bigger picture. Before hanging up your Chiefs jersey, consider the following: •KC swept both games against a Philip Rivers quarterbacked Chargers team for the first time ever.

•Rivers was limited to 291 yards passing. That meant the KC defense didn’t allow a single 300 yard passing game this season.

Not bad considering the secondary was thought to be our biggest weakness heading into

Inside the Huddle

with the X-Factor

the season.

•Rookie kicker Carlos Santos set a Chiefs rookie scoring record with 113 points, topping the old record of 108 points by former great Jan Stenerud, which came during a 14-game season in 1967.

Of course, that record carries with it a double-edged sword. The 25-of-30 field goals means KC wasn’t getting it done in the red zone.

•Justin Houston’s 22 sacks broke the old franchise record

of 20 set by Derrick Thomas in 1990. It was just one-half sack behind Michael Strahan’s NFL record.

•The Chiefs are 20-12 over the past two seasons. No matter how you slice it, that’s a winning percentage most teams in the NFL would love to have.

This coaching staff was very underrated in the way they were able to help this team overcome some key injuries and remain in the playoff picture until the final week of the season despite not having a wide receiver catch a single TD pass.

What next for KC? Even before the locker room had been cleared out, there

were major personnel issues facing General Manager John Dorsey.

Most likely at the top of that list is whether the Chiefs can finally come to a contract agreement with Houston who is a free agent. They could slap a franchise tag on Houston, which would allow some additional time to work out a long-term agreement, but such a move by a franchise usually results in a strained relationship with the player involved.

Houston is a young player coming into his prime. Given the way Dorsey was able to negotiate contracts with Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles, I look for him to reward Houston with a contract that will (See FUTURE on page 21)

Baker, Shockers make history with 35-game streak Among the many Wichita State University fans and the growing tide of followers, the 2013-14 season will go down as one of the greatest in college basketball.

For the skeptics, maybe it will take a little longer to acknowledge that . . . if at all.

But that didn’t diminish the heavyweight battle that took place in St. Louis when the Shockers ended their season with a 78-76 heartbreaking loss to Kentucky. It was a game that deserved better than to be played in the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky coach John Calipari said it had the feel of an Elite 8 game with a Final Four appearance at stake.

Scott City’s Ron Baker agreed.

“After our game, Evan (Wessel) and I were watching Tennessee and Mercer and when you see that game being played in the same round as ours, it hurts a little,” said the starting guard for WSU. “It makes you realize a game of this caliber should have been played later in the tournament.”

Playing at such a high level was nothing new for the Shockers who entered Sunday’s game with a 35-0 record - the first team in NCAA history to accomplish such a feat. It was Kentucky who played their best game of the season - and had to - in order to get the win.

Baker showed no sign of nerves in this classic

showdown when he hit his first three-point attempt which was also WSU’s first basket of the night.

“When I made the first shot I was in attack mode.

When your first shot goes in you’re ready for the next open look,” says Baker, who finished with 20 points (4-of-6 3 pt. FG) and five rebounds. “I felt pretty relaxed.”

WSU’s biggest lead of the game was nine points, 32-23, with 4:36 left in the first half and the Shockers were still up by six, 37-31, at the half. At that point in the game, Baker liked his team’s position.

“We were up six and playing pretty good basketball. They had made a ton of jump shots, including threes, and we knew that wasn’t their game. We couldn’t see them continuing to play like that for another half, especially against a team that’s as good defensively as we are,” Baker said.

Whenever the Shockers needed big shots down the stretch it was Baker and senior forward Cleanthony Early who responded.

Baker and Early hit backto-back three-pointers which opened a 66-62 lead for the Shockers with 5:45 remaining in the game. Baker’s final points came on a three-pointer that caromed off the glass after his elbow was hit on the release. That cut the deficit to 75-74 with just 29.3 seconds remaining.

Trailing 78-76 following a Kentucky free throw, the Shockers called

The Scott County Record • Page 19 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

a timeout to set up a final play in their half of the court with just three seconds on the clock. There were three options called in the huddle, says Baker.

The first was a quick pass to Early near the rim.

The second was a pass to Baker who was scraping off a double screen for a possible shot in the corner. The third was for MVC Player of the Year Fred VanVleet to come off a screen and shoot a threepointer near the top of the key.

As it turned out VanVleet was the only option and his three-point gamewinner missed the mark.

“We executed it pretty well and got a pretty good look at the basket,” says Baker. “I told Fred afterwards there wasn’t anyone on the team who had a problem with him taking that shot. It’s a pretty tough shot when you have a 6-6 point guard on you and a seven-footer coming at you.”

A Wild Ride Even when you’re playing in a game of this magnitude it’s difficult to comprehend everything that’s going on around you - on and off the court.

“I didn’t realize how crazy it was (in the arena) until after the fact, until we had a chance to see things on TV and to hear people talking about it,” Baker says.

Baker was able to enjoy the game and the excitement as it was unfolding into such a dramatic finish.

Baker drives against defensive pressure from Kentucky guard Aaron Harrison.

“When you’re playing against a team like Kentucky that has received so much hype because of their NBA talent and a bunch of guys like us are able to play with them, it puts a smile on your face,” he acknowledges.

“It gives you confidence as a player to know that you can play with the best college basketball players

in the country.”

Debate Not Settled Of course, this was more than just another basketball game. This match-up was the focal point of considerable debate during the week over whether “one-and-dones” are hurting the game and whether the Shockers were deserving of their

35-0 record.

Baker feels the Shockers may have quieted many of the naysayers who felt they were overrated.

“I feel we earned some respect by playing a close game against the pre-season number one (team), though I’d much rather earn that respect by beating them,” added Baker.

Birney shatters state powerlifting squat record Cole Birney didn’t have any doubt in his mind that he could break the state record in the squat during the Class 3A State Powerlifting Championships.

The only question was whether a state record would be good enough for a gold medal.

Having already squatted 555 pounds in competition earlier in the spring, Birney was confident he could match that effort again and shatter the state record of 505 pounds. His other concern was answered before the squat competition began.

Birney and teammate Matthew Tuttle were visiting with two other heavyweights from Conway Springs and Cheney who were saying they expected to win the squat and break the record with lifts of 530 pounds.

“Matt and I didn’t say anything. We just walked away,” says Birney, a senior at Scott Community High School.

However, the conversation did alter his strategy.

Before the competition begins, each competitor turns in their starting lift.

Afterwards, when they’ve completed a lift, they declare at the official’s table what their next lift will be - either the same as before (if they failed on the previous attempt) or higher. Every competitor has three lifts, with the possibility of a fourth if they are going for a state record.

Scott Community High School senior Cole Birney lets out a yell as he completes his 560-pound lift in the squat for a new state record at the Class 3A State Powerlifting Championships.

(Record Photo)

Birney was very conservative with his opening lift of 475 pounds and then decided to play mind games with the Conway Springs and Cheney lifters when he declared his second attempt would be 535 pounds.

“My original plans were to do what I’d done at WaKeeney and lift 475, 525 and finish with 560.

But when I knew those two guys weren’t going any higher than 530 I decided I’d go with 535 and get the gold medal and the (state) record,” he explained.

As it turned out, neither of those two challengers were a serious threat to Birney. Logan

Creek (Conway Springs) took second place at 520 pounds and Bradley Paine (Cheney) topped out at 480.

Birney said he felt very comfortable when he stepped under the squat rack for his attempt at 535 pounds and he had little trouble claiming the state record. After that it was just a question of how high he wanted to push the record on his final two lifts.

The senior had already lifted 555 in competition.

And he’d lifted 560 with some help from James Jurgens during strength training class earlier in the week.

“On Monday, I told James to put on my max

(555 pounds). He was joking around and put on an extra five, so I figured why not,” Birney says.

He was successful with that lift, so didn’t hesitate to announced that his third lift in the state meet would also be 560 pounds.

Again, Birney had another outstanding effort with a successful lift.

“As much as you can consider 560 pounds easy, it was a pretty easy lift,” Birney says.

With his bonus lift Birney attempted 575 pounds, but by then fatigue had become a factor - along with the added attention as many lifters and spectators in the Marion High School gym became

aware of Birney’s accomplishment.

“You wouldn’t think that four lifts is a lot, but when you’re lifting that kind of weight it will wear you down,” noted Birney.

“By the time I was getting ready for my last lift a lot of people were gathering around and I felt a little rushed. It was pretty intense but it was pretty exciting, too.”

Birney wasn’t able to complete his final lift, but his 560 pound effort was more than enough to secure him a second place overall finish in the power division (243-pound weight class). Earlier in the competition he had lifted 305 pounds in the

bench press and he finished the day with 265 pounds in the hang clean for a total of 1,130 pounds - 25 pounds behind Creek who was the gold medalist.

Another 25 pounds in the hang clean would have earned Birney a state title since he weighed less than Creek, but he acknowledges the hang clean has always been his weakest event.

“That’s kind of the way it’s been with our team.

We will dominate a lot of people in the squat, but we get our butts kicked in the hang clean,” he says.

“With me and Tut, it’s because we don’t have good form. We use too much of our back.”

The Scott County Record • Page 20 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Kirkpatrick into KSHSAA track Hall of Fame Winning seemingly came easy for Jennifer (Gruver) Kirkpatrick.

From the time she first began practicing on the former track at Manning School until she stepped off the Wichita State University track following her final state championship race, rarely did the Scott Community High School standout not have a gold medal hanging around her neck.

In the Class 4A Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship she earned 16 medals in four appearances - the maximum that a high school athlete can achieve - including 12 golds and four silvers.

That puts her among the elite athletes ever to come out of Kansas high schools and will earn Kirkpatrick a place in the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame.

She was inducted with two other members in the Class of 2014 during a ceremony held at the state track meet in May. “When I was first told that I was going into the Hall of Fame I thought they’d made a mistake,” says Kirkpatrick, now living in Junction City.

In fact, she says the only time the Hall of Fame ever crossed her mind came during a state track meet when former great Shawnee Call, a 1983 graduate of Ells-

worth who still holds the state track records in the 100m high hurdles and the 300m low hurdles, was being recognized as a Hall of Fame inductee.

“She owned the state records in the events I was competing in and I remember thinking how neat it was that she was being inducted. But once I graduated it never crossed my mind,” Kirkpatrick says.

Hurdles Were Perfect Fit It wasn’t until Kirkpatrick’s seventh grade year that she was old enough to compete in the hurdles at AAU track meets.

She was a natural.

While Kirkpatrick had planned to compete in the high hurdles once she entered high school, former head coach Dwight Stoppel also put her in the 300m low hurdles.

“I was petrified. I couldn’t see hurdling that far,” she says.

In her first competition, Kirkpatrick set a new school record.

Kirkpatrick considered the triple jump her strongest event, which is no surprise after being a former national AAU champion and three-time Class 4A state champion.

It was through no fault of her own that she didn’t claim a fourth state title.

The KSHSAA didn’t add the triple jump as a state event for girls until Kirkpatrick’s sophomore year.

Jennifer (Gruver) Kirkpatrick kneels at the spot where she used to practice the long and triple jump while growing up at Manning. The former school where she would also practice basketball with her sister and brother is in the background.

(Record Photo)

She added four more state titles in the 100m high hurdles and the long jump.

Three of Kirkpatrick’s silver medals in the state track meet came in the 300m hurdles - each time finishing behind BasehorLinwood’s Dawn Steele who still holds the state meet record in the 200m.

“Luckily she was a year older than me so I finally had my chance to win,” says Kirkpatrick.

her first three seasons of high school track, Kirkpatrick wasn’t just looking for gold medals during her senior year. Her focus was on state records with the triple jump at the top of that list.

Since her sophomore year was the first time for the triple jump at state, Kirkpatrick’s winning leap was, of course, a state record. She had a career best and state meet record of 38-6 the following year.

“I wanted to be the first Tough Senior Year girl in Kansas to jump After enjoying phe- more than 40 feet,” she nomenal success during recalls.

Kirkpatrick was determined to enter her senior season in the greatest shape of her life and her off-season training program nearly took a toll from which she couldn’t recover. Her workout regimen included strength training, plyometrics and lots of running.

“I ended up with an injury from overtraining. It was my own fault,” she says.

Yes, Kirkpatrick came away with an impressive four gold medals, but her winning distances in the triple jump (36-2 1/2) and

in the long jump (17-8 1/4) were well below her goals.

“I felt pretty lucky that those distances were good enough to win,” she says.

“It was such a relief to get the last race out of the way and win the last gold medal.”

Along with her individual success, the Lady Beavers finished third as a team in 1992, second in 1989 and 1991, and claimed a state title in 1990. In the state title year, Kirkpatrick scored 38 of the team’s 42 points with the other two coming from Jennifer Lemonds.

Lady Hornets 3rd in Class 1A-DII state hoops The Dighton High School sisters of Leslie and Jordan Speer had proven throughout the 2013-14 season they were an almost unstoppable scoring tandem - even with Leslie slowed by an ACL injury that required surgery at the conclusion of basketball season.

But that injury wasn’t enough to keep the Speer girls from combining for 25 points and dealing the Bucklin Aces a 45-33 losing hand in the consolation finals of the Class 1A-Division II state tournament in Hays.

It was a bounce-back win for the Lady Hornets (19-6) following a difficult three point loss (40-37) in the previous day’s semi-final against

Title Beavers Lead in OT Junior guard Brett Meyer started the extra period with a three-point play and junior guard Chantz Yager followed by making one of two free throws to open up a 75-71 advantage. Concordia tied the game again with 1:27 and it was Scott City’s turn to play for the gamewinner. SCHS ran the clock down to less than 25 seconds when Meyer saw an open lane to the basket. The path was quickly closed off by a defender, but Meyer picked up the foul with :19 to play.

Meyer hit both free throws for a 77-75 lead

Baileyville B&B in what many felt was the real state championship game.

“It was very difficult to be ready emotionally for this game,” said L. Speer following Saturday’s win.

“We were definitely down after last night, but when we woke up this morning we knew we had to get ready for another game and we wanted to end the season with a win.”

Dighton owned a 15-9 second quarter lead in the consolation finals, including eight points from L. Speer and two more from her sister. But then the scoring started getting tougher with the Speer sisters held scoreless for the next eight minutes as Bucklin climbed back into the game.

“They were definitely playing us tighter inside and denying passes to Jordan and me. We weren’t getting it inside as much as we probably should have,” says L. Speer.

“They were double-teaming us in the post and that meant we had to work the ball around more on the outside in order to create opportunities to get the ball inside.”

Bucklin opened up a 27-24 lead with just over four minutes left in the game when the Lady Hornets’ defense went into shutdown mode. At Raising the third place trophy at the state tournament are DHS seniors the same time they were (from left) Diamond Brown, Leslie Speer, Shambrey Budd and Liz Heath. able to once again find (Record Photo) their inside offensive attack, Dighton was able to while on a 14-0 scoring bined for 11 points during contributed a three-point hold the Lady Aces score- run. that stretch while sopho- basket to open the fourth less for nearly 11 minutes Leslie and Jordan com- more guard Kiara Budd quarter.

(continued from page 15)

and Concordia called a timeout after getting the ball across the mid-court line with :13 to play.

Coming out of the timeout, Concordia got the ball into the hands of G. Holmes on the perimeter where he was closely guarded by O’Neil.

He held onto the ball without squaring up to the basket and didn’t even turn around to attempt a shot until after the final second had ticked off the clock.

from behind nearly the entire championship game against Eudora, losing 7158.

When Scott City erased nearly all of an 18 point deficit in the third quarter of Saturday’s state championship game, the Beavers and their large following in Hartman Arena had the feeling that the SCHS boys had found enough magic to claim a fourth consecutive basketball title.

And when they cut the deficit to a single point, Fall in Title Game 52-51, on junior guard Perhaps they were Meyer’s three-point basemotionally drained, but ket with 6:22 remaining, the Beavers had to battle the comeback against Eu-

dora was nearly complete.

But that was as close as SCHS would get the rest of the night.

Meyer would add one more basket that cut the lead to 55-53 and then the Beavers seemed to run out of gas as Eudora put together a 16-3 scoring run.

“Being in a fourth straight championship game is pretty cool, but we aren’t satisfied,” said junior center Sloan Baker following the loss. “We didn’t come here to take second.”

It didn’t look like the Beavers (21-4) would have to when they jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead.

This game may have been decided late in the first quarter when junior guard Brett Meyer went to the bench with 2:20 remaining after picking up his second foul. That occurred just seven seconds after junior guard Trey O’Neil had given SCHS an 11-8 lead.

With Meyer out of the game it eliminated a major scoring threat and Eudora was able to put together a 12-3 scoring run for a 2014 lead early in the second period. Senior forward Brayden Strine followed with a three-point play that made it a 20-17 game.

The most critical moment of the game for the

Beavers may have come just over a minute later, with 5:13 left in the half.

The Cardinals had a twoon-two fastbreak opportunity when Meyer was able to step in front of a Eudora player who had just received a pass near the free throw line while driving to the basket.

The Eudora player took three quick steps after receiving the pass for what should have been called a travel. Instead, Meyer was whistled for his third foul and spent the rest of the half on the bench.

Eudora used the opportunity to stretch a five point lead into a 36-23 halftime cushion.

The Scott County Record • Page 21 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Takedown Kids Wrestling Scott City Open December 27, 2014 6-Years and Under 37: Noah Wheeler pinned Simon Watkins (Hoxie) 0:36; pinned Jaxon Wright (Colby) 0:34; pinned by Marcello Castellanos (Wesley) 0:24.

Second place 43: Kasey Rohrbough pinned by Braxton Richter (Great Bend) 1:14; maj. dec.

Jesus Baeza (Hugoton) 16-8; tech. fall by Brody Black (SW Grappler) 15-0; pinned by Jaden Resendiz (SW Grappler) 0:11. Fourth place 43B: Kirbey Rohrbough pinned Brayton Woods (Phillipsburg) 0:52; maj. dec. by Haegen Hartman (SW Grappler) 13-5; pinned Remey Perez (Lakin) 0:38; pinned Alexis Chavez (Hugoton) 0:20. Second place 43C: Aiden Ford dec. by Jackson Combs (SW Grappler) 10-3; dec by Brody Schmitt (Colby) 10-9; pinned Jagger Spangler-Carlson (Scott City) 0:30. Third place 43C: Jagger SpanglerCarlson pinned by Brody Schmitt (Colby) 0:52; maj. dec. by Jackson Combs (SW Grappler) 9-0; pinned by Aiden Ford (Scott City) 0:30.

Fourth place 46B: Hunter Wells maj. dec. by Alex Robles (Lakin) 13-5; pinned Tony Jaeger (Colby) 1:58; dec. by Ethan Wallace (Greater Gold) 8-6; pinned Gage Epp (Hoxie) 1:58. Third place 46C: Konner Rohrbough dec. by Juan Ortiz (SW Grappler) 9-8; dec. by Levi Haines (Colby) 21-17; dec. by Brody Christmann (SW Grappler) 6-2; dec. by Tayson Guerra (Leoti) 6-1. Fifth place 49: Trenton Frank pinned Sylas Dressler (Dodge City) 0:30; dec. by Jaxsen Salinas (Ulysses) 6-3; dec. Kaleigh Fuller (Lakin) 8-2; dec. by Drew Metzger (Greater Gold) 9-7. Fourth place 49B: Rylan Wilkinson pinned by Kayson Farr (Lakin) 0:14; pinned Ryker Schmidtberger (Colby) 0:51; pinned by Sean Wederski (Colby) 1:13.

49C: Easton Eisenhour pinned Carter Sisseck (Hugoton) 0:14; pinned by Blake Latham (Gray Co.) 1:15; tech. fall Chance Eaton (Hutchinson) 18-0; dec. Lincoln Howard (Wildcat X-Treme) 13-11.

Third place 52: Matthew Wheeler pinned Isaiah Garza (Ulysses) 0:30; pinned McCager Wright (Colby) 1:33; tech. fall Dane Renick (Dodge City) 19-2. First place 52B: Kamdyn Moore tech. fall Cooper Meese (Leoti) 21-5; pinned by Evan Monterroza (Gray Co.) 1:46; pinned Landry Fitzgerald (Sublette) 1:42; pinned Kaine Unger (Scott City) 1:59. Second place 52B: Kaine Unger pinned

by Evan Monterroza (Gray Co.); dec. by Cooper Meese (Leoti) 9-2; maj. dec. by Landry Fitzgerald (Sublette) 11-0; pinned by Kamdyn Moore (Scott City) 1:59. Fifth place 55: Brodey Rohrbough pinned by Jacob Gonzales (Ulysses) 0:24; pinned Logan Urban (Great Bend) 2:31; pinned by Ty Schmeidler (Hays) 0:45.

55B: Blaze Gossman pinned Issac Pale (Ulysses); overtime by Noah FloresSharp (Gray Co.) 12-10 OT; pinned Owen Ostberg (SW

Grappler) 0:55; pinned Keller Turner (Scott City) 0:15. Second place 55B: Keller Turner pinned

by Noah Flores-Sharp (Gray Co.); pinned Issac Pale (Ulysses) 0:12; pinned by Owen Ostberg (SW Grappler) 0:07; pinned by Blaze Gossman (Scott City) 0:15.

Fourth place 8-Years-Old 43-49: Eli Lisenby maj. dec. by Roman Romero (Ulysses) 16-2; maj. dec.

Kaden Kingston (SW Grappler) 11-2. Second place 55: Waylon Ricker pinned

by Kaeden McCarty (Colby) 1:29; pinned Tanah Martin (Ulysses) 1:37; pinned by Xayvion Gonzalez (Wesley) 0:59. Fourth place 55B: Eloy Ruelas pinned

by Braysen Salinas (Ulysses) 0:59; pinned by Matthew Long (Greater Gold) 1:31.

58: Alex Rodriguez pinned Camden Bergkamp (Lakin) 0:32;pinned by Cooper Liles (Great Bend) 0:59; maj. dec. by Sebastian Heredia (Ulysses) 9-0.

58B: Kade John dec. Saben Herrera (Greater Gold) 5-3; pinned by Drake Weber (Sublette) 0:35; dec. Kaden Dressler (Dodge City) 9-7; pinned Israel Pulido (Leoti) 2:43. Second place 58C: Logan Stoppel pinned Weldon Turner (Colby) 2:25; pinned Bella Hudson (Oakley) 0:26; dec.

by Jose Calleja (Hugoton) 9-5; pinned Isaiah Gonzales (SW Grappler) 2:30. Second place 61: Brody Strine dec.

by Austin Sams (Ulysses) 4-2;dec. by Ian Giancola (Hoxie) 6-2.

64: Yulexis Robles tech. fall by Kaden Waterman (Oberlin) 18-2; pinned by Collin Saffa (Great Bend) 2:55.

70: Jacob Franco tech. fall by Thomas Willis (Hugoton) 18-2; pinned Jesse Gomez (Liberal) 2:41; pinned

by Christian Cupples (Pratt) 2:15.

73: Houston Frank pinned Hayden Bahe (Oakley) 0:25; pinned Samuel Watkins (Hoxie) 0:35; pinned Logan Franz (Goodland) 0:39. First place 76: Case Armendariz pinned Eli Hutton (Colby) 2:40; pinned Erika Terriquez (Leoti) 1:56; tech. fall by Carson Batterton (Scott City) 16-0; maj. dec. by Alexia Sanchez (Ulysses) 12-3.

Second place 76: Carson Batterton pinned Alexia Sanchez (Ulysses) 1:26; tech fall Case Armendariz (Scott City) 16-0; pinned Erika Terriquez (Leoti) 0:30; pinned Eli Hutton (Colby) 1:31. First place 110-HWT: Jackson Rumford pinned Karson Perez (Hugoton) 1:49; maj. dec.

Coy Dodd (Oakley) 11-1.

First place 9-10-Years-Old 70: Collin McDaniel pinned Ryan Heiman (Greater Gold) 1:40; maj. dec. Chris Harris (SW Grappler) 120; tech. fall Kaden Spragis (Great Bend) 16-0; dec. Daniel Vines (SW Grappler) 6-2.

First place 73: Zach Rohbough pinned Tristen Porter (Leoti) 1:30; maj. dec. Wyatt Weber (Great Bend) 10-0; dec. by Jace Woodrow (SW Grappler) 2-0. Second place 79: Conner Armendariz pinned Aiden Schwindt (Scott City) 0:55; pinned

Christopher Martin (Ulysses) 0:54; dec. Adam Mendoza (Hugoton) 5-4; dec. Tristan Ryburn (Oakley) 5-4. First place 79: Aiden Schwindt pinned by Conner Armendariz (Scott City) 0:55; pinned by Adam Mendoza (Hugoton) 0:44; dec. by Tristan Tyburn (Oakley) 8-2.

Fourth place 90-100: Leightyn Heim dec. Chayse Gruber (Great Bend) 2-0; pinned by Dylan Gantz (Pratt) 0:58. Second place 90-100: Izak Venegas pinned by Chandler Seaton (Leoti) 2:58; pinned by Chayse Gruber (Gerat Bend) 1:44.

120: Lance Miller dec. by Ronnie Weathers (Scott City) 5-0; pinned Isaac Ybarra (Liberal) 0:53; pinned Carmelo Orosco (Ulysses) 2:40.

Second place 120: Ronnie Weathers pinned Carmelo Orosco (Ulysses) 1:58; dec. Lance Miller (Scott Ctiy) 5-0; pinned Isaac Ybarra (Liberal) 0:24.

First place 150-Hwt.: Jarron Gregory pinned Damian Ortiz (Scott City) 0:44; pinned Damian Ortiz (Scott City) 0:49. First place 150-Hwt.: Damian Ortiz pinned by Jarron Gregory (Scott City) 0:44; pinned by Jarron Gregory (Scott City) 0:49. Second place 11-12-Years-Old 72: Dylan Fulton pinned

by Jacob Miller (Tribune) 1:01; pinned Justice Ward (SW Grappler) 0:27; pinned Dj Knox (Goodland) 2:05.

Third place 88: Loren Faurot pinned

by Hunter Davis (Meade Co.) 2:41; pinned Steven Sellers (SW Grappler) 4:08; pinned Wyatt Tubbs (Colby) 1:07.

Second place 92: Kale Wheeler dec. by Jonathan Ortiz (Lakin) 6-1; pinned Matthew Schritter (Colby) 0:35; dec. by Bryce Winsor (Pratt) 4-2. Fourth place 115: Jeff Nix dec. by Kayden Christiansen (Lakin) 6-0. Second place 130-140: Cale Goodman pinned Izzak Hernandez (Hugoton) 2:46; dec. by Michael Mendoza (Hugoton) 7-5.

Second place 130-140: Caleb VanDegrift pinned Jackson Harris (Lakin) 2:32; pinned by Michael Mendoza (Hugoton) 1:26; pinned Edgar Aguilar (Leoti) 4:02; pinned by Izzak Hernandez (Hugoton) 3:26.

Fourth place 165: Jarron Gregory pinned Declan Ryan (Colby) 0:38; pinned Jarrett Salem (Gray Co.) 0:30. First place 13-14-Years-Old 90-105: Justus McDaniel pinned Jordan Wagner (Scott City) 0:30; pinned Alex Herrera (Greater Gold) 0:42.

First place 90-150: Jordan Wagner pinned by Justus McDaniel (Scott City) 0:30; pinned by Alex Herrera (Greater Gold) 0:58. Third place 110-115: Kaden Wren maj. dec. Samuel Altman (Leoti) 15-3; pinned Isaak Howard (Wildcat X-Treme) 0:54; pinned Allen Yeager (Scott City) 0:20. First place 110-115: Allen Yeager pinned by Isaak Howard (Wildcat X-Treme) 2:50; pinned by Samuel Altman (Leoti) 2:17; pinned

by Kaden Wren (Scott City) 0:20. Fourth place

K-State Hundley is a run-pass threat and an established player.

Coach Jim Mora relies heavily on sophomore runningback Paul Perkins (5-11, 198). Perkins had 231 carries for 1,420 yards, which equates to a six yard average per carry.

He was the Pac-12’s leading rusher.

Slowing Perkins will be a significant focus for Snyder and his staff. And that brings us to the physical status of DT Travis Britz (6-4, 293). The silence at K-State has been deafening concerning the availability of Britz, who has missed several games with a leg injury.

Britz is a superb runstopper who would give the Wildcats a better chance to contain Perkins.

Here’s the prediction: If

Future keep him in a Chiefs uniform for a long time.

Of course, that then raises the equally important question of Tamba Hali’s future in Kansas City. He’s coming off a season in which he had just six sacks - the second lowest single-season total in his nine-year career.

Unless Hali agrees to have his contract restructured in order to create some salary cap space, there’s a good chance he won’t be wearing a Chiefs uniform next season. We drafted Dee Ford a year ago as a potential replacement for Hali and that time may be arriving soon.

After quarterbacking the Chiefs to a win over San Diego, we’ve likely seen the last of Chase Daniels. He’s a free agent and I don’t think we can keep him on the roster with his $3.5 million price tag. We’ve been grooming Aaron Murray and Tyler Bray as our backups, so

(continued from page 18)

Britz is healthy and ready to play, K-State will win 34-30. If Britz can’t play, UCLA wins it 35-27.

Poor Scheduling There’s an explanation for Kansas’ basketball team taking a 77-52 thrashing at Temple - this is an interpretation, not an excuse. The reasons this embarrassment occurred are several, but one stands out.

Whoever made the decision to schedule Temple on the road just three days after finals week and one day after a tough game with Lafayette made a major mistake. In addition, the players were set to go home for Christmas right after the game. They weren’t focused on Temple.

Everything was wrong.

That’s not to say KU would beat Temple on the road any other time they play, but they wouldn’t lose by 25 points.

The best thing to do for everyone associated with Kansas basketball is to put the Temple game in the rear view mirror and forget about it.

KU has two games at home (Kent State on Dec. 30 and UNLV on Jan. 4) before opening Big 12 play at Baylor on January 7. Coach Bill Self has a lot of coaching to do during semester break.

Kansas will be a contender for another Big 12 championship, but there are weaknesses that need attention. If the Jayhawks don’t get freshman guard Devonte Graham back from injury, they might not make it.

(continued from page 18)

one of them will have to step into that role.

We have some young talent who made a big impact this past season and who will be a big part of KC’s success next season, including tight end Travis Kelce, all-purpose everything D’Anthony Thomas, offensive guard Zack Fulton and Ford. Those players, along with those already under contract, will provide a strong nucleus.

We also have the luxury of 12 picks in the first four rounds of the upcoming draft.

Our most apparent need at this point will be the offensive line. We’ll have to see what other needs emerge depending on what happens with free agency.

On a Personal Note The 2014-15 season was a very special one for me on several levels.

First of all, it was pretty spectacular to be so

instrumental in making sure Chiefs fans regained the Guinness record for “world’s loudest sports stadium.” Beating New England was an added bonus.

On a more personal note, it’s pretty gratifying as a superfan to be able to do so much for young people in the KC area.

During the preseason, we provided an unforgettable experience at a Chiefs game for 78 youngsters with disabilities and their families. We also provided Christmas gifts at a huge party for more than 1,000 youngsters with disabilities.

As superfans, we’re trying to make an impact beyond football. I look forward to taking that effort to yet another level in 2015.

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 22 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

young matmen in control

Takedown Kids Wrestling Club members who were competing in the Scott City Open last Saturday are (clockwise, from top): •Matthew Wheeler pins an opponent on his way to a gold medal.

•Hunter Wells tries to bring an opponent to his back.

•Brodey Rohrbough works for a takedown.

•Jagger Spangler-Carlson tries to keep control of his opponent.

•Aiden Ford turns into his opponent for a reversal.

•Case Armendariz tightens up a headlock for a fall. He would claim a silver medal.

(Record Photos)

2014 in review . . .

The Scott County Record • Page 23 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Fire

(continued from page one)

from second floor windows on the east side, it was apparent that the building couldn’t be saved. Firefighters had turned their attention to keeping the fire from spreading to nearby buildings and rooftops.

By late afternoon the worst of the fire had been contained and extinguished. Firefighters remained on the scene throughout the night.

While the threat of the fire spreading to nearby buildings had diminished by early evening, Fire Chief Ken Hoover noted that they had to watch for hot spots.

“When the roof collapsed it made it more difficult to get water into some areas, so we had to keep an eye on that,” says Hoover.

Scott City and Scott County departments had their trucks in the alley on the west side of the building. Firefighters were pouring water into the second floor windows as white smoke billowed out and was carried north by the wind.

The Dighton Fire Department, joined by a couple of Healy volunteers, arrived with its 100-foot ladder truck and fought the fire from the east side. The department purchased the truck from the York (Nebr.)

Fire Department only about four weeks earlier.

“I was impressed with how well everyone did their jobs,” adds Louise Berning. “It was emotional for myself because we were losing things in the fire that had sentimental value.

But it was also quite a sight to see all those guys doing what they could to save the building and keep the fire from being so much worse than it was.”

According to the Scott County history book, A.B. Timmerman and U.G. Ruth were responsible for construction of the building in 1907. Ruth was the great-uncle of Patsi Graham, Scott City.

It was the first two-story brick business house built in Scott City, according to historical records. The second floor was originally an opera house.

USD digs its way out of $1.1M hole

In early spring, the USD 466 board of education was dealt a major blow when it learned that it was facing a $1.1 million deficit, the result of what then Supt.

Bill Wilson said were “overly optimistic” budget projections.

Thos projections were based on higher enrollment which did occur, however the corresponding increase in state funding didn’t meet expectations. That, combined with the district’s decision to pick up more of the cost of health insurance for its employees, led to a “budget we cannot support,” Wilson announced in April.

The minimum target for budget cuts was $675,000 for the USD 466 (Scott County) board of education in their quest to get their heads above water for the 2014-15 school year.

They hit $705,449. But along the way they also eliminated two teaching positions, the parttime athletic director position at Scott City Middle School and released two hourly employees.

While the staff cuts were significant, it could have been much worse had staff members not agreed to a 2% salary cut.

“If the staff hadn’t agreed to take the cuts they did it would have made our decision a lot more difficult,” noted board member Chris Price.

The staff also agreed to

changes in their health insurance plan that increase the deductible and eliminate a reimbursement benefit.

The savings from those items was pegged at $225,000.

Even though that helped significantly, it didn’t prevent some difficult decisions. It was primarily long-time staff members who took the biggest hit.

Landowners in GWMD No. 1 reject 20% water reduction

A proposal that would have led to a 20 percent reduction in irrigated water usage has been rejected by water rights holders in Groundwater Management District No. 1.

A Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) encompassing five counties in the GWMD was defeated by 15 votes - 173158. Voting was held in each county in the district in June.

The proposal carried in three counties - Wichita (51-31), Scott (58-54) and Lane (21-18).

It lost by just one vote in Greeley County (10-9) but suffered the biggest setback in Wallace County (60-19).

While he wasn’t surprised at the close vote, board chairman Greg Graff said he expected the proposal to gain narrow approval.

Danny Welsh, vice-chairman of the board and a representative of Wallace County, felt that the voting procedure may have been a big factor in the huge defeat in his county.

“There were people who wanted one vote for each water right. That was a big issue at our last meeting,” noted Welsh.

The board had determined that each eligible person was entitled to one vote, regardless of how many water rights they held in the district.

Support for the program across the district may have also been generational.

“I felt those people most receptive to the (LEMA) were young farmers who are looking at how long they can continue irrigating if we don’t start doing something now,” said Graff.

“The hardest ones to convince are those who have been pumping for 30, 40 or 50 years and want to keep pumping all they want,” Welsh said.

The board discussed the possibility of establishing a LEMA that would be smaller in scale possibly including Scott, Lane and Wichita counties where it was approved by voters.

There are tentative plans to have more county meetings where board members can hear ideas from producers and “tweak the plan or the voting process,” says Graff.

Huck takes final bow as Easter pageant director

For 43 years and 29 performances, the “Road to Redemption” Easter pageant has become woven into Scott City’s history.

When it’s performed for a 30th time in 2016 it will be without the pageant’s heart and soul for more than four decades.

Gwen Huck retired after directing every performance since the pageant’s inception in 1970.

“It seemed like the right time to step down,” said Huck prior to the 2014 performance held in April.

But not without leaving behind an event that has involved hundreds of different performers over the years, changed countless lives and become established as a tradition in the

A firefighter from the Dighton department looks on as the intensity of flames increase on the second floor and shoot through the roof of the downtown building occupied by Braun’s Butcher Block.

(Record Photo)

Easter pageant director Gwen Huck with members of the cast prior to their performance at Lake Scott.

(Record Photo)

Scott Community.

Even Huck had to smile in disbelief as she recalled those early days as 6-8 narrators crowded into the back of a van and passed a microphone back and forth while reading the script as it was re-enacted on the hillside at Lake Scott State Park.

The only way for cast and audience to hear the dialogue was with the help of bell horns on top of the van - while everyone hoped for a calm night so the sound would carry.

The pageant’s longevity has surprised Huck.

“To be honest, I wasn’t sure it would happen a second time, but people liked it and they kept saying we needed to do it again,” she says. “We couldn’t find a stopping place.”

he was able to work in a new $24 million hospital that has become a hub for medical care throughout the region.

It’s been an impressive medical career that has left a significant impact on the community that Dr. Dunn and his wife, Ruth, have called home for the past 35 years.

“I feel very good about the decision to leave at this time,” says Dr. Dunn. “The clinic is as well staffed as it’s ever been.

We have some great physicians who can take care of this community’s needs for many years to come.”

In the back of his mind, Dr. Dunn did envision the possibility of a new hospital which did come up for discussion from time to time.

It was about 2000 that serious

discussion began into the possibility of renovating the former hospital. However, in 2005 the hospital board found itself about $2 million in debt and renovation or expansion of the old SCH wasn’t tabled indefinitely.

“That was one of the biggest disappointments in my career,” admits Dr. Dunn.

The passage of a $24 million bond issue by local voters in September 2009 and the opening of the new facility in April of 2012 were major milestones in the health care for Scott County and among the most memorable moments in Dr. Dunn’s career.

“There were a lot of families where I’d delivered their children and their grandchildren,” says Dr. Dunn. “That’s pretty amazing to me.”

(See REVIEW on page 26)

Dr. Dunn retires after 35-year career in Scott City

As local health care has undergone some pretty dramatic changes over the years, the one constant has been Dr. Daniel Dunn.

While four other physicians have either retired or moved on from the Scott County Hospital and Scott City Clinic, Dr. Dunn remained a steady influence on the local medical community.

He saw the Scott County Hospital dig its way out of significant debt and emerge today as a major employer that is generating gross revenue in excess of $22 million annually.

And, perhaps most significantly, for the past two years

Dr. Dunn stands inside the main entrance of the Scott County Hospital that he and his fellow physicians moved into in April 2012.

(Record Photo)

The Scott County Record

ag briefs

Secure piece of history with brand books Historical brand applications dated back to 1939 are currently being made available by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA). Limited historic brand books are also available for sale to the public in hard copy format.

Kansas began recording brands in 1939 and since that time each application has been kept on file. As technology has advanced, applications are now available online, and previous applications have been saved electronically for documentation.

The historical paper records are now available to the public for a limited time on a first come, first serve basis.

Ranchers with an interest in searching for specific active brands or brands available for registration may do so on the KDA website. Ranchers can search for brands via character type, brand character and physical location of the brand.

Search results will provide users with information such as availability of a brand or the owner of the existing brand.

Books from 1998, 2003 and 2008 are available for purchase at a discounted price. Items are limited and expected to sell out quickly.

The 2008 edition of the brand book is also available online in PDF format, along with annual supplements For more information, contact Pat Schumaker, KDA Brands Recorder at: 785-564-6609 or visit the KDA Brands Program webpage, www.agriculture. ks.gov/brands.

Fed cattle marketings at 20 year low

Kansas feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.1 million cattle on feed on December 1. This inventory was up two percent from last year.

Placements during November totaled 320,000 head, down 12 percent from 2013. This is the lowest November placements since the series began in 1994.

Fed cattle marketings for November totaled 285,000 head, down 17 percent from last year. This is the lowest November marketings since 1994.

Other disappearance during November totaled 15,000 head, down 5,000 from last year.

County Plat Maps Updated

• • • •

Scott Lane Ness Gove

September 2014 Pick them up today at:

406 Main • Scott City 620 872-2090

Farm

Page 24 - Thursday, January 1, 2015

KSU researchers develop heat-tolerant wheat gene If temperatures are too hot in May and June, farmers could lose more than layers.

During this critical grain filling stage, extreme temperatures can lead to shriveled kernels and yield loss.

One gene may be the answer. Dr. Harold Trick, plant pathologist at Kansas State University, and Dr. Allan Fritz, KSU wheat breeder, are working on a transgenic wheat that would tolerate warmer temperatures during

Wheat Scoop Julia Debes communications director

Kansas Wheat

this plant development stage.

Their research is funded by Kansas wheat farmers.

With just a single added gene to boost thermo-tolerance, this wheat could increase yields by up to 35 percent.

Wheat has an optimum temperature range during the grain filling stage of 59 to 64.4 de-

grees. Trick explained that for every 1.8 degree rise in temperature above that level, 3-4 percent of yield could be lost.

That is a problem for Kansas, where temperatures often reach 86 to 90 degrees during this mid-May to mid-June period.

As the grain begins to fill, it accumulates starch. This starch will account for 75-85 percent of the grain’s dry weight, making it an important part of farmer’s final test weight. That starch is converted from sucrose

by the enzyme soluble starch synthase (SSS).

Trick explained that this enzyme appears to be particularly sensitive to elevated temperatures. At warm temperatures, the protein starts to denature, which causes a shriveled kernel.

Dr. Trick and his team sought out a way to increase the wheat plant’s tolerance to these higher than optimal temperatures. They started (See GENE on page 25)

Roller coaster winter temps have put Kansas wheat at risk

Weather this fall has certainly been up and down, to say the least. Even though our stretches of freezing cold temperatures have been broken up by a welcome break of moderate weather, it hasn’t been as ideal for the wheat.

Wheat in our area has gone through a bit of a roller coaster ride so far this fall and winter.

Temperatures took a sudden dive on November 11 and stayed unusually cold for quite awhile. This burned back a lot of top growth and shocked the wheat into preparing for winter.

Since then, there have been periods of mild weather and moisture, enough that a little new growth of leaves and tillers could be seen in some fields.

Where this is the case, is that wheat in condition to survive

the win- Down ter?

In on the short, the Farm Long answer is Chris Walnut Creek “probably Extension Agent so.”

Where new growth occurred in December, that doesn’t mean the wheat will have lost its winter-hardiness. The wheat may not be as cold tolerant now as it could be, however. As long as temperatures are at or below freezing at night, there won’t be much new growth.

How Wheat Survives Winter wheat is never truly dormant, but it does gradually go through cold acclimation in the fall until it is able to withstand cold temperatures - down to a point.

During the fall, winter wheat

seedlings spend the first month or so of their lives developing their first leaves - the crown and a secondary root system.

All the while, the seedlings are building and storing the energy they will need to go through the cold acclimation process and survive the winter.

Normally seedlings will need at least 2-3 true leaves and a tiller or two to have built up enough stored energy reserves to survive the winter.

The seedlings will have a better chance of winter survival if their crowns are well developed in firm soil, about a half-inch below the soil surface.

Winter-hardiness is a physiological process triggered by gradually cooling temperatures in the fall. During the process of cold acclimation, certain genes

KGS measuring groundwater levels The Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas, will measure groundwater levels in Western Kansas for five days in early January.

The KGS and the Division of Water Resources of the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDADWR) collect data annually to monitor the health of the region’s aquifers.

Ninety percent of the measured wells draw water from the High Plains aquifer, a massive network of underground water-bearing rocks that includes the extensive Ogallala aquifer and is the primary source of irrigation, municipal, and industrial water for much of Western and central Kansas.

The High Plains aquifer also includes the Great Bend Prairie aquifer in west-central Kansas and the Equus Beds aquifer north and west of the city of Wichita. The remaining 10 percent of the measured wells are drilled into the Dakota aquifer and other deeper systems or shallow alluvial aquifers along creeks and rivers.

Weather permitting, the KGS crew will measure wells in 15 counties and will be in the vicinity of Colby on Friday, Jan. 2; Goodland on Saturday, Jan. 3; Syracuse and Ulysses on Sunday, Jan. 4; Liberal on Jan. 5 and Dodge City on Jan. 6.

(See KGS on page 25)

within winter wheat begin to initiate the production of “antifreeze” type substances to protect the cell membranes.

The process of cold acclimation within a sufficiently developed wheat seedling begins when soil temperatures at crown depth fall below about 50 degrees. Photoperiod also plays a role in the process of cold hardening, with shorter days and longer nights helping initiate the process.

Winter survival depends on the crown remaining alive, and the substances that produce cold acclimation are most needed within the crown. It takes about 4-6 weeks of soil temperatures below 50 degrees at the depth of the crown for winter wheat to fully cold harden.

(See RISK on page 25)

Market Report Closing prices on December 30, 2014 Scoular, in Pence Bartlett Grain Wheat..................

$ 5.96

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

$ 5.96

White Wheat .......

$ 6.13

White Wheat .......

$ 6.09

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

$ 4.16

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

$ 4.06

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

$ 4.16

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

$ 4.06

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

$ 9.60

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

$ 5.98

White Wheat .......

$ 6.13

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

$ 4.17

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

$ 4.17

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

$ 9.60

Sunflowers..........

$ 17.40

ADM Grain Wheat..................

$ 6.06

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

$ 4.17

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

$ 4.25

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

$ 9.48

Sunflowers..........

$ 17.95

Weather Dec. 23 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 26 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Dec. 29

H 36 47 67 30 35 39 24

L 28 20 25 14 7 8 9

P

.04

.05

Snowfall: Dec. 26 1/2 inch Dec. 29 5/8 inch Moisture Totals December .54 2014 Total 20.12

The Scott County Record • Page 25 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Grain sorghum a boost SW Ks. ethanol production

Grain sorghum certainly fits the bill for Conestoga Energy Partners’ ethanol plants.

“We use sorghum because of the benefits it offers to the environment and the Ogallala aquifer,” said, Conestoga Energy Partners CEO, Tom Willis. “We think it’s the best crop to raise in this area.”

Conestoga currently has three ethanol plants that utilize grain sorghum

Gene with rice, a tropical plant grown at higher temperatures that also has grain that fills. They found a single SSS gene that provides more thermo-tolerance when added into the genome.

This genetic addition acts as a backup generator for grain fill, taking over starch conversion only when the original wheat protein has maxed out.

The result is a steady 3035 percent yield increase.

The team is finding even more durable genes in other plant species, including a gene from grapes that is even more

KGS Altogether, the KGS and KDA-DWR will measure 1,415 wells in 48 western and central Kansas counties. The KGS will measure 569 of the wells; the KDA-DWR Stockton field office will measure 224; the KDADWR Garden City field office will measure 254, and the KDA-DWR Stafford field office will measure 368.

“We appreciate the willingness of so many landowners throughout the region to allow us access to their wells,” said Brett Wedel, manager of the KGS’s water-leveldata acquisition.

Many of the wells in the network have been measured annually for decades, some since the 1960s. Most are within the boundaries of one of the state’s five Groundwater Management Districts, which are organized by

Risk (continued from page 24)

The colder the soil at the depth of the crown, the more quickly the plants will develop winter-hardiness.

Cold hardiness is not a static state, however.

After the cold hardening process begins in the fall, wheat plants can rapidly “unharden” when soil temperatures at the depth of the crown get above 50 degrees. However, the plants will re-harden as crown temperatures cool below 50 degrees again.

By the time winter begins, wheat will normally have reached its maximum level of cold hardiness. In Kansas that generally occurs midDecember to mid-January, unless there are high temperatures during that period.

as part of their production, two in Kansas and one in Texas. For ethanol production, the Kansas facilities devote approximately 40 percent of their annual grain use to sorghum and 98 percent at the Texas plant.

Willis said Conestoga’s mission is to be the primary source of a very low carbon ethanol. Through research, Conestoga discovered sorghum offers just that.

“We like to produce a boutique ethanol,” Willis said. “Sorghum is beneficial for the environment and has a lower carbon footprint than most grains.”

Not only does sorghum have a low carbon footprint and a high stress tolerance, but it also produces the same amount of ethanol per bushel as comparable feed grains while using up to onethird less water in the

plant growth process.

Willis also said the stress tolerance of grain sorghum makes it more desirable for producers in the Sorghum Belt.

“Sorghum fits well in production and in the farm ground that we draw out of in the high plains,” Willis said. “It’s a crop that is very forgiving and uses less water than other grains, but still produces a very good, quality distillers grain.”

Conestoga produces approximately 342,000 tons of dry distillers grain sorghum annually as a co-product for livestock producers, because they tend to be lower in fat and higher in protein. Willis said Conestoga has conducted research on distillers grains to determine which type is most nutrient-rich for livestock.

Conestoga currently utilizes approximately 38 million bushels of grain

sorghum annually across all three production plants.

Through collaboration with the ethanol industry to help improve genetics, the Sorghum Checkoff is paving the way for increased sorghum use in ethanol production in the future.

“We are excited about sorghum’s use as we see the breeding programs put more emphasis on starch and yield,” Willis said.

(continued from page 24)

heat stable and still demonstrates a 25-35 percent yield increase. This gene shows the best yield increase at temperatures of 85-90 degrees.

With patents filed for these traits, Trick and Fritz are now working to cross this thermo-tolerance into elite wheat varieties that have their own heat tolerance potential. The goal is to amplify the synergistic effect of doubling down on heat tolerance.

Because no genetically modified wheat is currently in the U.S. supply chain, this heat tolerant wheat will eventually need a sponsor that can

take it through the strenuous and extensive regulatory process before it can be commercialized and be planted by Kansas farmers.

“We want the technology in hand and validated so when genetically modified wheat is allowed to be grown, the product is there for companies who see its value,” said Trick.

In the meantime, Trick’s team will continue to gather as much data as possible on traits like heat tolerance as well as finding even better genes to help boost production for Kansas wheat farmers.

(continued from page 24)

area landowners.

The annual data collected by the KGS and KDA-DWR show that groundwater levels have dropped most substantially in the portions of the High Plains aquifer with the lowest precipitation and the greatest rise in water usage, especially for irrigation, over the past 60 years.

Wells are measured in December, January, and February to avoid shortterm declines caused by pumping for irrigation during the growing season.

Measurements last January showed that groundwater levels on the whole rose in south-central Kansas while levels in Western Kansas continued to decline, although less sharply than in the previous year.

“In 2014, the growing season in March to May

started off very dry with June being extremely wet and, in places, so were July and August,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager.

“It wasn’t a drought buster by any means, but the quantity and timeliness of the precipitation was probably good enough to reduce groundwater declines this year in comparison to recent years.”

Going into December, most of Western Kansas was classified as being in moderate to severe drought, and the counties running along the KansasOklahoma border are in the “extreme drought” category, Wilson said.

Historical annual measurements for each well are available at the Survey’s website. Results of measurements made in January 2015 will be added in late February.

J&R Car and Truck Center

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

www.JRCARandTRUCK.com 2115 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, 85K 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 2006 Ford F250 Ext Cab XL, 4x4, Diesel, Long Box .....White/Gray Cloth.. 144K mi.... (1464B) ..... $8,800 2008 GMC 1500 Reg Cab WT, 4x4, 5.3L ......................White/Black Cloth.... 79K mi.....(1652A) ... $13,900 2008 Chevy 2500 HD Crew LTZ, 4x4, 6.0L Gas, 5th Wheel, White/Black Lthr, 78K mi (1881B) ... $23,800 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 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) ... $45,500 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 2013 Chevy 2500HD Reg Cab LT, 4x4, Diesel, Flatbed, Graystone/Gray Cloth, 58K mi (1886A).. $31,500 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

The Scott County Record • Page 26 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

Review BLM investigates horse deaths at Scott Co. feedlot

When a large number of horses appeared at a Scott County feedlot in August it attracted more than passing interest.

When word spread that the horses were malnourished and facing serious health risks, it alarmed a number of area residents.

When 75 of those horses died due to health reasons, or were put to death, over a seven week period people became outraged.

While the incident stirred a lot of emotions, it also raised an equal number of questions: Why are they here? Why are they in this condition?

Is enough being done to care for their well-being?

How long will they be here?

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees the placement of wild horses from Western states, was equally concerned.

“We are the first to agree this isn’t an ideal situation,” says Paul McGuire, public affairs specialist with the BLM’s Oklahoma Field Office.

“Our goal is to find suitable, long-term pasture conditions for them as soon as possible.”

That’s the long-term problem.

The more immediate concern is responding to circumstances that led to the deaths of 57 horses, plus another 13 that were euthanized after a team of BLM personnel and a veterinarian from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service arrived on Aug. 12 to begin its investigation. Five more died soon afterwards.

“We’re hearing rumors that the horses are being abused and that’s not the case,” McGuire says.

“What we’re investigating here has nothing to do with abuse and neglect.

We have horses that are adapting from a pasture setting to a feedlot setting. That leads to mortality and the BLM is concerned about that.”.

The BLM team attributes most of the probJanuary: •Bill Fry announced the sale of the AthletiClub and Fitness Center which he built and had owned since 1971. Fry had also coached hundreds of young gymnasts.

• Not quite 12 hours into the new year, Kelly and Heather Palkowitsh, Scott City, had their first child and Scott County Hospital had its first newborn baby of 2014. Kashen Dean Palkowitsh was born at 11:44 a.m. on Jan. 1.

•County Clerk Pam Faurot resigned after 15 years in office.

February: •Scott City Elementary School fourth grade Paige Hoelting won the county spelling bee.

•Scott City Fire Chief Ken Hoover reached a 50year milestone with the department.

(continued from page 23)

lem to the horses having a difficult time making the transition to the feedlot setting. That transition became necessary when a contractor in the Flint Hills region near El Dorado decided not to renew his agreement to keep horses for the BLM. Without another pasture available for the horses, the BLM had to find a temporary holding site. Between June 14 and June 22, 1,493 mares were transferred to Scott County.

It’s uncommon to relocate horses from a pasture setting to a corral or feedlot setting. That transfer is further complicated when it involves such a large number, McGuire says.

“We have a lot of experience moving horses from the range and the desert environment under adverse conditions, when the forage is limited, into a corral setting,” explains McGuire. “But this is the first time we’ve moved this many horses from a long-term holding pasture into a corral setting.”

Changes made in the diet and feeding conditions at feedlot led to a significant improvement in the health of those horses. Between Aug. 29 and Sept. 8 an additional seven horses had died, bringing the total count to 90.

“The impact of the changes we’ve made has been positive,” says McGuire. “We’ve been involved with this situation going on four weeks and we’ve seen a pretty dramatic tapering off (of deaths) in that time.”

Drought, stunted growth take a toll on area’s wheat

A marathon harvest due to rainfall didn’t yield good results for area farmers as a prolonged drought continued to take its toll across Western Kansas.

While the rains were welcome, they delivered a major blow to test weights. There was still some good news to be found as the harvest wrapped up.

March: •Twelve organizations were recipients of $319,000 in sales tax grants awarded by the city.

•The first spec home was completed in the Eastridge Addition in an effort to begin filling the local housing market.

“From the Co-op’s standpoint, the harvest has been better than anticipated. But we set our estimates pretty low,” says Gary Friesen, manager of the Scott Co-op.

“We’re still going to be well below our 10-year average.”

The Co-op had projected a wheat crop averaging in the 15-25 bushel range. While that has held true, more wheat taken by the Co-op at its locations in Scott and Wichita counties has been closer to 25 bushels than 15.

“We’re seeing a lot of variability in yields.

There are some reports of eight to 10 bushels and other fields where they had 30-35 bushels,” Friesen says. “Given the lack of moisture throughout the growing season, it still seems pretty amazing that we’re seeing yields this good.

“Quite honestly, I’m not sure how we’ve managed to produce a crop this good under the conditions we’ve had.”

An added problem for farmers - at least those with a crop worth cutting - was stunted growth.

Longtime KSU Extension agronomy specialist Jim Shroyer offered his wry description of Western Kansas wheat.

“We’re seeing wheat at all levels of bad,” Jim Shroyer offered. “You have bad and you have very, very bad. Unfortunately, that’s the conditions you are dealing with when you aren’t getting any rain.”

K-State Extension wheat specialist Jim Shroyer discusses wheat varieties during a stop in Lane County.

(Record Photo)

The poor health of horses transferred to a Scott County feedlot by the Bureau of Land Management attracted a lot of attention this summer.

(Record Photo)

Former World War II veterans Bob Dole and Ralph Payne share a few thoughts during former Sen. Dole’s farewell tour stop in Scott City.

(Photo

by Larry Caldwell)

teacher in Scott City and Shallow Water.

•The Scott County Commission dismissed John Reeder as county appraiser after he pleaded guilty to drug charges in Trego County. He rejected a $76,000 offer to terminate his contract with the county and has filed a May: lawsuit against the county •Dana Pfanenstiel was which is still pending. recognized as the “Distinguished Service Provider” June: for 2014 by the Kansas •On the heels of a $1.1 Division of Early Child- million budget deficit, hood.

Supt. Bill Wilson an•Bill Paget retired after nounced his resignation.

37 years as a math instruc•Jamie Rumford was tor in USD 466. hired as the new superin•The City of Scott City tendent of the Scott Counfinally won a court battle ty school district. with Don Dornon regarding the clean-up of his July: property. In response, •After sitting vacant for Dornon filed a $10 million more than two years, the lawsuit against the city.

Scott County commission •Theresa Thompson accepted an $85,000 bid retired after 24 years as a for demolition of the for-

mer Scott County Hospital. The former clinic was not included in the demolition.

•Brenda Birney assumed duties as the Scott County emergency medical services director. Former EMS director Larry Turpin assumed duties as full-time emergency management coordinator.

•Jana Irvin was hired as the principal at Scott City Middle School.

•Shawn Powelson was named Scott County “Volunteer of the Year” and MariKate Crouch was “Youth Volunteer of the Year.”

August: •The Scott County Hospital had a record-setting $23.6 million in gross revenue for the fiscal year that ended on June 30.

•The Lake Scott Car Club celebrated the 35th

anniversary of the Lake erans’ Memorial Park was Scott Rod Run. held in conjunction with the annual Veterans Day September: program in Scott City.

•The Ministerial Alli•Scott City was host ance Thrift Store/Bread- to the annual Governor’s basket relocated on Main Ringneck Classic which Street where it is now rotates among different known as Hope’s Closet. communities in northwest Kansas.

October: •Plans were unveiled December: for a $2 million commu•The county’s offer to nity wellness center to be give the former medical located at the Sports Com- clinic to the school district plex. The project would was rejected by the board require an increase in the of education. The BOE SRC mill levy. If a peti- decided it didn’t have an tion is filed, a special elec- immediate use for the tion would be required. If building and didn’t want not, local officials hope to the added cost of maintebegin construction in the nance. spring.

•After 40 years, the •The Scott Commu- Knights of Columbus innity Foundation awarded definitely “suspended” $51,600 in grants to local bingo at the St. Joseph organizations.

Parish Hall. What could have been the final night November: for bingo drew a record •Dedication of the Vet- crowd of 120 players.

$

7

The Scott County Record • Page 27 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

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

Red

Specializing in

all coatings t Paint i or any other color

PC Painting, Inc.

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

RTRex Turley, Plumbing 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!

Paint inside and out residential, commercial, and industrial.

Free estimates and 16 plus years of experience.

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 28 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

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

HOUSEKEEPING AIDE Scott County Hospital is seeking a full-time Housekeeping Aide.

This position requires a person who is dependable, in good health, energetic and who has high standards of cleanliness.

Applicants for this position 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 offer competitive pay and great benefits.

SCH is a tobacco free facility.

Applications available through Human Resources at Scott County Hospital, 201 Albert Avenue, Scott City, KS 67871 or by visiting our website at www.scotthospital.net.

Joie Tedder

ARNP

APNP

Megan Dirks

MD

Christian Cupp

APRN

Ryan Michaels

Elizabeth Hineman MD

PA-C

Floyd Hockersmith

Caley Roberts

Matthew Lightener

PA

21t2c

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

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

Call me to schedule your Myofascial Release

Homes

Truck Driving

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.

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.

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

Legal Aid

Networktronic, Inc.

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.

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 29 • Thursday, January 1, 2015

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.

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

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

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

Agriculture

Services

Help Wanted

Rentals

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

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 will not be beat!

37tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– “JEN’S GROOMING” also offering boarding.

By Jennifer Milner, hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. call 620-214-0097. Located in Shallow Water.

09tfc

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

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 ––––––––––––––––––––– C OM M E R C I A L /R ETAIL 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 ––––––––––––––––––––– 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.

17t5c

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.

10250 N. Indian Rd... $120,000

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

1120 Russell...$230,000

May your New Year 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

SEEKING BIDS The City of Scott City is accepting bids for a mower in the Parks Department.

Specifications may be picked up at City Hall.

Sealed bids marked “Parks Department Mower Bid” will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2015.

The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

19tfc

SEEKING BIDS The City of Scott City is accepting bids for street signs and break-away-poles.

Specifications may be picked up at City Hall.

Sealed bids marked “Street Signs and Poles Bid” will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. February 16, 2015.

The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

21t2c

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA-PROFESSIONAL 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

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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.

Brick home 1,430 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car garage and sprinkler in yard.

2,000 sq. ft., with 3-bedrooms, 3-baths, 4-car garage. Very nice southwest location.

A 3-bedroom, newer heat and air, fenced yard. $55,000 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

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––––––––––––––––––––– FA R M W O R K E R , 2/15/15-12/15/15, D&L Farms, Scott City, 3 temp., jobs. Drive trucks/ tractors for planting, tilling, spraying, fertilizing.

Maintain flood/sprinkler irrigation. Harvest crops using tractor drawn machinery. Operate, repair farm equipment. Clean MVR, 3 month experience, employment reference, required. $13.59/ hr., ¾ work guarantee, tools/equipment/housing provided, trans and subsistence expense reimbursed. Apply at Kansas Works, 620-227-2149.

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SEEKING BIDS The City of Scott City is accepting bids for a new pickup for the Street Department.

Specifications may be picked up at City Hall.

Sealed bids marked “Street Department Pickup Bid” will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. January 19, 2015.

The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

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PARK LANE NURSING HOME Has openings for the following positions: Full-time CNA Part-time CNA (evening) PRN CNA Part-time Restorative Nursing Aide Full-time Housekeeping Aide

Park Lane Nursing Home

210 E. Parklane Scott City, KS 67871 Or visit us at our website: www.parklanenursinghome.org

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA-PROFESSIONAL

NEW LISTINGS

––––––––––––––––––––– 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.

Shift differential pay offered for evening and night shifts!

Please apply in person at:

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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

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“Quality Care Because We Care”

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SCOTT COUNTY HOSPITAL HAS OPENINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS

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

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PATIENT CARE Acute Care RNs Physical Therapist Respiratory Therapist Operating Room RN 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

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The Scott County Record • Page 30 • Thursday, January 1, 2015