MARCH NEWSLETTER

Ash Wednesday – March 6, 2019

What is Ash Wednesday?

Many people ask, "What is Ash Wednesday?" This primarily Catholic holiday is the first day of Lent and always falls forty-six days before Easter.

What is the meaning of Ash Wednesday?

Roman Catholic churches of the Latin Rite use this service to prepare church members to better appreciate the death and resurrection of Christ through self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, and self-denial. Ashes from the burned palms of the preceding year's Palm Sunday are blessed. With these ashes, the priest marks a cross on the foreheads of worshipers, saying, "Remember, man, that dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return" (Genesis 3:19 KJV). Besides showing sorrow for their sins, those who honor Ash Wednesday add an additional meaning; the need to prepare for a holy death.

Origin of Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday has a non-Christian origin and was accepted into the beliefs of the Catholic Church at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The council also settled upon the 40-day fast period as the standard length to celebrate Lent. During this time period Constantine’s goal was to combine pagans and Christians into a peaceable unit within the Roman kingdom. Even after the Council of Nicaea the beginning start date of Lent was still questioned. In 601 Pope Gregory moved the beginning of Lent from the fourth Sunday of the year to Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter. This changed allowed for 40 days of fasting with six Sundays counted as feast days, for a total of 46 days for Lent. Pope Gregory also instituted the tradition of marking parishioner’s forehead’s with ashes in the shape of a cross.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME – March 10, 2019

Just as sunflowers turn their heads to catch every sunbeam, so too have we discovered a simple way to get more from our sun. Daylight Saving Time gives us the opportunity to enjoy sunny summer evenings by moving our clocks an hour forward in the spring.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY – MARCH 17, 2019

Every year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green.

First day of Spring is March 20, 2019!

10 Fun Facts About Spring

1. The earliest known use of the term “spring cleaning” was in 1857.2. We’ve used the word “spring” for the season since the 16th century.3. The first day of spring is called the vernal equinox.4. The first spring flowers are usually daffodils, dandelions, lilies, tulips, iris and lilacs.5. Spring fever isn’t just a saying – experts say the body’s makeup changes due to different

diets, hormone production and temperature.6. There’s more daylight during spring because the earth’s axis tilts toward the sun at this

time of the year.7. “Tornado Alley” is at its most active state during the spring.8. Hurricane season begins in late spring.9. On the first day of spring, the sunrise and sunset are about 12 hours apart everywhere

on earth.10. If you stand at the equator on the first day of spring, you’ll see the sun pass directly

over-head. This happens only twice a year – the first day of spring and the first day of autumn.

 LOCAL NEWS Are you in need of grocery delivery service? Call 620-228-5570 for more

information on this new service.

THE ANNUAL DOG CLINIC IS CHANGING. EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2019 YOU WILL BE GIVEN A COUPON, GOOD UNTIL MARCH 30, 2019, TO TAKE YOUR DOG(S) TO THE RED BARN VETERINARY CLINIC LOCATED AT 1520-1300ST IOLA.

THE COST OF SHOTS WILL REMAIN THE SAME AS BEFORE.

Annual or Rabies - $25.00

Annual & Rabies - $28.00

Kennel Cough with shot - $10.00

Kennel Cough alone - $25.00

PLEASE CALL 620-365-3964 TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT BEFORE MARCH 30, 2019. (Note: Tags will be issued after current rabies vaccination)

Free Women’s Self Defense Class – March 30th from 1:00-3:00 at City Hall

If you need assistance after-hours please call the Iola Dispatch

Center at (620) 365-1437, they will notify the proper personnel.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL LAHARPE CITIZENS CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH!!!! MAY YOUR DAY BE AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE TO US!

Dates to remember:

March 10th: Daylight Savings Time begins. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour and change your batteries in your smoke alarms.

March 13th: Council Meeting at City Hall at 7:00 pm

March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day

March 18th: PRIDE Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

March 26th: Past due Utility shut off date.

If you can’t pay your account in full at this time then you must submit your reasoning to the City Clerk BEFORE March 26th

CITY COUNCIL NEWSCITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS

a) Angela Barker addressed the Council about the Fire department terminating her dad, Rick Noyes, from the assistant fire chief position 2 days after having open heart surgery. Angela asked if the Fire Chief was allowed to do that or does it need to be done in front of the Council. Mayor Crowell explained that our Fire Chief is appointed and he makes the decision on who he has for an assistant Chief. Angela suggested the Council step in and pay attention to the City fire department; you have 2 firefighters that live out of town and trucks that aren’t fueled when a fire is called. Mayor Crowell stated she would look into this.

b) Damaris Kunkler, with Thrive, shared that the IOBY campaign is coming along really well. She stated we were about $1900.00 short from having the $10,000.00 and she had 3 more other potential donators that she was waiting to hear back from. Linda Womelsdorf, the new Health & Wellness Coordinator introduced herself and stated she was excited to be in La Harpe and ready to listen to the citizens need.

c) Dave Fontaine thanked the Council for the use of the facility but expressed concerns about the floors not being cleaned after someone has used the building for a get together. The Mayor suggest we handle things a little different to insure they are cleaning up after use. Linda Womelsdorf suggested signage hanging in the kitchen on what is expected. Sharlyn Thompson suggested we get more of a deposit when being rented. The Council decided to look at a new rental agreement at the March meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

a) Gerry Bieker and Neil Daney with KMEA were pleased to share with the Council, the City of La Harpe were officially members of KMEA. Neil stated the EMP3 agreement should be ready to share with you at the March Council meeting if that is what everyone agrees to. Mayor Crowell suggested KMEA get the documents ready for the March Council meeting and share them with our City Attorney before then.

b) Eric Hethcoat with BG Consultants shared an update on the electrical project, stating the project has been substantial completed since December 13th. We have a small list of items that need to be fixed; two of those items being electrical, a few ruts and some poles that have been replaced but the old poles have not been removed. Eric requested the Council give Black & McDonald a little extra time for the weather to dry up so they can finish these items and Mayor Crowell had no problem granting that request. Eric explained the City has a warranty on the work until December, we have had a couple of warranty issues and I am working with Black & McDonald on these issues. Mayor Crowell stated the claims are coming to City Hall and I have instructed Michelle to send them to Eric so that he can pass them along to Black & McDonald.

c) County Fire Department – Tabled until a later date.d) 2019 GAAP Waiver – Cynthia Carr made the motion to approve the 2019 GAAP

Waiver. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.e) Kansas PRIDE Resolution – David Lee made the motion to accept and pass

ordinance 2019-2 for the Kansas PRIDE Program. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

f) Spare Room at City Hall – Mayor Crowell stated we have some interest on the spare room we have at City Hall, Sharlyn Thompson has been approached by Weightwatchers needing a place to meet once a month. Sharlyn Thompson stated they would be willing to pay $35.00 a month for the use of the room. Michelle altis mentioned the Allen County Wrestling Club had 10 dates they were needing to use

that room for practices and asked the Council for approval and the fee that should be collected. Cynthia Carr made the motion to rent the room for the 10 days requested for $50.00 with a $75.00 deposit. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Fred Works suggest the group sign a waiver to protect the City from injuries, he will get something sent to Michelle for them to sign.

g) IOBY Donation- David Lee made a suggestion to donate another $1,000.00 to the program to help us reach the $10,000.00 goal. Mayor Crowell reminded him the City already donated.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a) Water Districts – Michelle provided a list of users outside the City limits. Water Representative, Chuck Richey, stated the State is trying to stop these small districts because of the costs of maintenance and testing. Fred Works stated this is not an ideal situation and we need to look at it. Shirley Diehl was concerned she wasn’t going to have water and stated she would pay extra if it was needed to keep her water. Mayor Crowell said it’s not going to happen overnight, it’s a discussion that we need to have and we will arrange a special meeting to meet with those customers outside City limits. Fred suggested the City get together for a workshop on this before moving forward. A special meeting has been scheduled for February 25, 2019 at 4:30.

b) COLA 2019 – The Council discussed merit’s instead of a COLA. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to have a special meeting on February 20, 2019 at 6:00pm. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

c) Bids on Park Building – The Mayor opened the only bid submitted; Mike Maloney gave a bid of $225.00 for the equipment shed in the Park. David Lee made the motion to accept the bid and give Mike 30 days to remove it. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

d) Bids on City Truck – No bids were submitted. Mayor Crowell asked Michelle to weigh it and cancel insurance on it.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

a) Fred Works, City Attorney – Nothing to report.b) Chuck Richey, Water District Representative- Nothing to report. c) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Absent from meeting but shared the minutes from

the monthly fire department meeting; The LaHarpe Volunteer Fire Department met for the monthly meeting on Sunday, January 27, 2019. Present: Marc Waggoner Sr., Dennis Sidebottom, Nick Trester, Josh Sparks, Jeremy Kinzer, Michael Waggoner, Meghan Waggoner, Marc Waggoner Jr., Craig Trester, William Gay and Ronald Splechter. Absent were Tori Danford and Ronald Richardson. Had fire meeting, retired Rick Noyes, assistant fire chief, and appointed Dennis Sidebottom as new assistant fire chief. Took trucks out for a run and returned to barn to end meeting. Next meeting will be February 24, 2019.

d) Michelle Altis, City clerk- Requested to purchase 6 whistles from Cleaver Farm & Home at a cost of $299.80 a piece for a 15”X20’ whistle and also needed 6 15” bands at $22.49 apiece. Danny Ware Jr made a motion to purchase 6 whistles and 6 bands. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Michelle also requested the purchase of a salt spreader. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to purchase the 825-lb salt and sand spreader for $1799.00 and take the funds out of the street account. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Mayor: City Attorney: Ella Mae Crowell (496-6219) Fred Works

City Municipal Judge: Police Chief: Patricia Miklos

Fire Chief: City Clerk: Marc Waggoner Michelle Altis

Assistant City Clerk: City Treasurer: Penny Ebert Teresa Driskel

Maintenance Staff: Code/Animal Control Paul Beasley & Joshua Sparks

City Council Members: David Lee (496-2333) Danny Ware Jr. (496-2156) Cynthia Carr (496-7500) Sharlyn Thompson (496-3348)

Ron Knavel (496-2508)

Laharpe City Hall Hours: Monday-Friday

902 S. Washington 8:00-12:00 & 1:00-5:00 P.O. Box 10 Ph. (620) 496-2241 Laharpe, KS. 66751 Fax (620) 496-2240

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE; CITYOFLAHARPE.ORG

Savory Barbecue Chicken

Ingredients

o ½ cup tomato sauce o 2 tablespoons jalapeño pepper jelly o 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice o 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca o 1 teaspoon brown sugar o 1 teaspoon ground cumin o ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper o 8 to 10 chicken thighs and/or drumsticks, skinned (2 to 2½ pounds) o 4 to 5 slices whole grain bread (optional)

Directions

1 In a 3- ½- or 4-quart slow cooker combine tomato sauce, jelly, lime (or lemon) juice, tapioca, brown sugar, cumin, and red pepper. Place chicken pieces, meaty-side down, on sauce mixture.

2 Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 7 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 3- ½ hours. Serve with bread if desired.

Hot German-Style Potato Salad

Ingredients

o 6 cups peeled potatoes, cut into ¾-inch cubes o 1 cup chopped onion o 1 cup water o ⅔ cup cider vinegar o ¼ cup sugar o 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca o ½ teaspoon salt o ¼ teaspoon celery seeds o ¼ teaspoon ground pepper o 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked according to package directions and chopped

Directions

1 In a 3½- or 4-quart slow cooker (see Tip), combine potatoes and onion. Combine the water, cider vinegar, sugar, tapioca, salt, celery seeds, and pepper in a medium bowl; pour over potatoes in cooker.

2 Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 9 hours or on High for 4 to 4½ hours. Stir in bacon.

Double-Berry Ice Cream

Frozen strawberries and raspberries team up in this 1-carb-choice sweet dessert for kids and diabetics

Ingredients

o 1 (16 ounce) package frozen unsweetened whole strawberries, partially thawed, or 4 cups fresh strawberries

o 1 (12 ounce) package frozen lightly-sweetened red raspberries, partially thawed, or 3 cups fresh red raspberries

o ¾ cup sugar o 1 envelope unflavored gelatin o 4 cups whole milk o 4 eggs, beaten o ½ cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

Directions

1 Partially thaw frozen strawberries and raspberries, if using. Mash berries slightly to break up; set aside. 2 In a large saucepan, combine sugar and gelatin. Stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until

mixture just starts to boil. Remove from heat. Whisk about 1 cup of the hot mixture into beaten eggs; return all to saucepan. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 175°F and mixture coats the back of a clean metal spoon. Do not boil. Stir in strawberries, raspberries, and orange juice concentrate. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours. (Mixture will be very thick after chilling.)

3 Transfer the mixture to a 4- or 5-quart ice cream freezer; freeze according to the manufacturer's directions. If desired, ripen.

To make ahead: Prepare ice cream as directed through Step 3. Cover; chill for up to 24 hours. Or prepare as directed through Step 4; freeze for up to 1 week.