NEWSLETTER

On Sunday, March 11, most Americans will set their clocks forward an hour, as daylight saving time (sometimes erroneously called daylight savings time) begins and most of the United States can bask in an extra hour of daylight. These spring and fall clock changes continue a long tradition started by Benjamin Franklin to conserve energy. 

How Did It Start?

Benjamin Franklin takes the honor (or the blame, depending on your view of the time changes) for coming up with the idea to reset clocks in the summer months as a way to conserve energy, according to David Prerau, author of "Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time". By moving clocks forward, people could take advantage of the extra evening daylight rather than wasting energy on lighting. At the time, Franklin was ambassador to Paris and so wrote a witty letter to the Journal of Paris in 1784, rejoicing over his "discovery" that the sun provides light as soon as it rises.

Even so, DST didn't officially begin until more than a century later. Germany established DST in May 1916 as a way to conserve fuel during World War I. The rest of Europe came onboard shortly thereafter. And in 1918, the United States adopted daylight saving time.

Though President Woodrow Wilson wanted to keep daylight saving time after WWI ended, the country was mostly rural at the time and farmers objected, partly because it would mean they lost an hour of morning light.

And so, daylight saving time was abolished until the next war brought it back into vogue. At the start of WWII, on Feb. 9, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt re-established daylight-saving time year-round, calling it "War Time”. After the war, a free-for-all system in which U.S. states and towns were given the choice of whether or not to observe DST led to chaos. And in 1966, to tame such "Wild West" mayhem, Congress enacted the Uniform Time Act. That federal law meant that any state observing DST — and they didn't have to jump on the DST bandwagon — had to follow a uniform protocol throughout the state in which daylight-saving time would begin on the first Sunday of April and end on the last Sunday of October.

Then, in 2007, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 went into effect, expanding the length of daylight saving time to the present timing.

St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world, especially by Irish communities and organizations. Many people wear an item of green clothing on the day. Parties featuring Irish food and drinks that are dyed in green food color are part of this celebration. It is a time when children can indulge in sweets and adults can enjoy a “pint” of beer at a local pub. Many restaurants and pubs offer Irish food or drink, which include: Irish brown bread.

Corned beef and cabbage.

Beef and Guinness pie.

Irish cream chocolate mousse cake.

Irish coffee.

Irish potato champ, also known as poundies, cally or pandy.

Irish stew.

Irish potato soup.

Some people plan a pilgrimage to St Patrick’s Purgatory, which is commonly associated with penance and spiritual healing since the early 13th century. It is on Station Island in

Lough Derg in County Donegal where St Patrick had a vision promising that all who came to the sanctuary in penitence and faith would receive a pardon for their sins.

Background

St Patrick is one of the patron saints of Ireland. He is said to have died on March 17 in or around the year 493. He grew up in Roman Britain, but was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave when he was a young adult. After some years he returned to his family and entered the church, like his father and grandfather before him. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary and worked in the north and west of the country.

According to popular legend, St Patrick rid Ireland of snakes. However, it is thought that there have been no snakes in Ireland since the last ice age. The "snakes" that St Patrick banished from Ireland, may refer to the druids or pagan worshipers of snake or serpent gods. He is said to be buried under Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, Ireland. Ireland’s other patron saints are St Brigid and St Columba.

Luke Wadding, a Franciscan scholar born in 1588 in Waterford, on the south coast of Ireland, was influential in ensuring that the anniversary of St Patrick's death became a feast day in the Catholic Church. Many Catholic churches traditionally move St Patrick's Day to another date if March 17 falls during Holy Week.

Many immigrants from Ireland fled to other parts of the world, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many Irish customs, including the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, became quite popular in these countries. However, much of the interest in the St Patrick’s Day events is largely commercially driven in the 21st century.

Most people consider the first day of spring to be the Spring Equinox, which will start this year at 5:29 a.m. March 20th. This is because, astronomically speaking, the sun is directly overhead of the Equator as the Earth`s tilt begins to point

the northern hemisphere towards the sun. As the earth rotates around the Sun, the Sun will be situated directly overhead at mid-day at different times of the year. The Vernal (Spring) Equinox is the day the Sun is again highest in the sky at noon over the equator as the apex progresses north. The day the Sun is straight up at noon over the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn are the summer and winter solstices, respectively. Many refer to Astronomical Spring on March 20, as the first "official" day of spring. Most meteorologists, will argue that spring begins a few weeks before, on March 1st. That`s because meteorologists observe seasons over different time periods. Meteorological spring began March 1, summer begins June 1, fall begins on September 1 and winter begins on December 1. There are a couple of very important reasons why this is the case. The most important is for climate record-keeping. Climatologists require set time periods to calculate averages and do seasonal comparisons over the years. Astronomical dates will fall on different days depending on the year, and keeping seasonal climate records based on those dates would be confusing and inaccurate. A second reason is that weather-wise, it makes more sense around the globe. In spring, mild surges of air from the south are becoming a regular occurrence and severe weather threats begin to kick in by March 1. The heat of summer has been experienced in most areas across the country by June 1 and the heat of summer is waning by September 1.

Palm Sunday, March 25th. Many Christians in the United States remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. This day is also on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday is observed among many Christian churches as part of Holy Week in the United States. The term Pascua Florida, which in Spain originally referred to Palm Sunday, was later applied to the festive season of Easter Week. The state of Florida received its name when Ponce de Leon first sighted the land and named it in 1513 most likely because the date was around Easter.

Palm leaves symbolize victory and joy among many Christians in the United States. Some churches use silk plant leaves or substitute palm leaves with olive branches on Palm Sunday because palm leaves can be difficult to find in some areas in the United States.

 LOCAL NEWSIf you would like to be notified of natural disasters in your community you can sign up at www.cityofiola.com and you will receive a phone call anytime the power or water will be off for long periods of time. This service is free and is very useful when you are in need of what is happening in your City. Also please remember in emergency situations the City of La Harpe will have postings on the radio, KIKS Iola 101.5, the Iola Register and the local news station on La Harpe Cable.

Test Tornado DrillTuesday, March 6th, 2018 at 10 am. Inclement weather will postpone.

Annual Animal Clinic will be April 7, 2018 from 8:30-10:30 at City Hall. Red Barn Veterinary will be on sight, annual or rabies shot $25.00, annual & rabies shots $28.00, If you are needing the kennel cough shot it will also be available; with other services the cost will be $9.25, kennel cough only $24.25. ACARF will hand out vouchers to have your animal microchipped for only $15.00!

Please make sure dogs are on leash or in a carrier.

D ates to remember :

March 11th: Daylight savings time. Set your clocks forward 1 hour, don’t forget to change your batteries in your smoke alarms.

March 13th: Thrive Allen County is hosting a free dinner and conversation night from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at City Hall.

March 14th: Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day

March 19th: PRIDE Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

March 27th: 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 27th.

March 31st: PRIDE will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at the La Harpe City Park at 2:00 p.m. (note: If weather is rainy it will be moved to La Harpe City Hall located at 902 S. Washington)

If you need a hay/animal permit, it must be purchased by April 1st.

CITY COUNCIL NEWSCITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS

a) Jason Schmidt- Nelson Quarries Rep, stated he was here because of the truck route issue and the weight restriction, turning off of Hwy 54 is unsafe for all involved because of several issues; the culvert at Monroe and Hwy 54 is to narrow, my normal truck can’t make that turn if another vehicle is sitting at the stop sign. For our

trucks to make that turn they have to swing out in the median, taking up two lanes and stopping traffic in the process, if we’re not careful someone could get killed. David Lee mentioned that for years Nelson’s have went down 6th street and has been damaged in doing so. Last year a driver went down with a disk and tore up the road pretty good and when Nelson’s were approached in helping with the costs of repair they wouldn’t help fix it. We have a park on 6th street with kids playing and these trucks are driving too fast, the trucks are to heavy and Nelsons won’t help with the expense. Jason asked the difference between 6th street and Monroe street, either street will get torn up. Sharlyn Thompson said 6th street has the park where daycare providers bring children to play and some play in the ditch. With the size and speed of these truck it’s going to get a child killed. David Lee suggested he contact KDOT and get an analysis on the intersection. Danny Ware Jr suggested a pilot car to lead them down 6th street, that will slow them down. Chuck Apt stated we could make any exception we want. He suggested Jason get a hold of KDOT and see about expanding the turn. Chuck stated we can look at being able to accommodate them and put up limits and times you can access 6th street. Mayor Crowell suggested Jason get with KDOT first and we will go from there.

b) Harry Lee- Complimented City workers on the tree trimming. Harry expressed concern about the pole line behind Danny Ware Jr’s house, with the poles they way they are it makes it difficult to develop property. Jason Lee also expressed concerns about the poles in his yard and also was questioning the city’s utility right-of-way stating there is no evidence of a utility easement on my property. Mayor Crowell stated this is an issue that has happened over time and will resolve over time but for now we have more precedent issues that need to be done right away.

c) Richard Luken- PRIDE, reminded everyone of the upcoming PRIDE meeting on February 19th at 7:00 pm, the public is invited to attend. PRIDE member Danny Ware Jr mentioned if you attend the meeting please bring a canned food item.

NEW BUSINESS

a) Larry Kleeman, with Ransom Financial, shared bids on the bonds; first bid was from Cooper Malone McClain, Inc. with a rate of 3.5789% the second bid came from Central States Capital Markets with a rate of 3.7716%. He stated your yearly payment would be about $29,000.00 and the bonds would be wired to the City on March 1st. Ron Knavel made a motion to go with Cooper Malone McClain, Inc. Danny Ware Jr. seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

b) Mitch Walter, with Gilmore & Bell, Mitch shared 3 documents that need authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign; one being the issuance of the bonds, second the bond resolution and a resolution for tax policy and procedures which is required because the City is exempt. How this will all come together is the City is going to sale to Cooper Malone, the City will submit payment to the state and the state will pay Cooper Malone. The signature pages of the bonds will be sent to the State treasurer and then shipped to New York, on the closing Cooper Malone will wire funds to the City. Mitch explained how imperative it is to keep documentation of expenditure in one file for the life of the issuance. David Lee made the motion to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the ordinance and the resolutions as needed. Danny Ware Jr. seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

c) PRIDE walking Path- City clerk, Michelle Altis, mentioned that Damaris was needing City approval for the walking path to be at the City Park. Danny Ware stated they haven’t really mapped out the layout of the trail. Mayor Crowell stated they were opposed we just need more details. She suggested we table this item until next meeting.

d) Exercise equipment- Michelle asked if the City could haul off the old exercise equipment. Mayor Crowell suggested the crew take it to Ray’s Metal Depot.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Nothing to discuss

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

a) Chuck Apt, City Attorney – He suggested we table the weight limit ordinance for 6th street until the March meeting and he will have the revised employee manual adding compensation for training at next month’s meeting as well. Chuck requested an executive session for attorney/client for 5 minutes. David Lee made the motion to go into executive session for attorney/client for 5 minutes. Danny Ware Jr. seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

b) Chuck Richey, Water District Representative- Nothing to report.

c) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- shared minutes from fire meeting; The LaHarpe Volunteer Fire Department met for its monthly meeting on Sunday, February 4, 2018. Present: Marc Waggoner Sr., Craig Trester, Dennis Sidebottom, Jonathan Gay, Nick Trester, Marc Waggoner Jr., William Gay, Rick Noyes, Josh Sparks and Jeremy Kinzer. Absent were Mark Scott, Ryan Scott and Craig Trester. Had the fire meeting, discussed having the fit tests in the last two weeks in March. Took trucks out and returned to barn and ended meeting. Next meeting will be February 25, 2018.

d) Ashley Wright, Police Chief – shared her reports; 6 citations, 2 calls for service, 2 open drug investigations, 2 thefts and 2 dogs picked up. Ashley shared a proposal for a K-9, she stated with the drug problems she has encountered a K-9 would bring revenue to the City, explaining with a K-9 on a routine traffic stop the K-9 can search air space without a warrant. If anything is found in that search, upon conviction, becomes the property of the City’s. That means if there was any cash, weapons or just the car itself they City obtains that property and the car can be held at an impound and charged per day or after a period it can be auctioned off. Michelle suggested that we could use the old sewer plant for impoundment since its already fenced. The cost of a K-9 is $20,000 to $30,000 but I was able to get approved for a $5500 grant through K-9 working dogs Law Enforcement grant program. Ashley stated she was willing to give up her own time to train the dog every week for 16 hours and provide his food at her cost. I will need to attend class with the dog, the next class is May 28th and I need the grant decision by March 12th. David Lee asked if the County or Iola Police would be able to use the K-9 and perhaps be able to reimburse us some of the cost. Ashley stated they could use the K-9, the Highway Patrol could use it as well. If any of them called for the K-9 and was able to conduct a successful drug bust the City would receive 50% of what was seized upon conviction. Ashley mentioned if we get the K-9 he will be my dog, means he will live with me and answer my commands and if employment changes happen then he would go with me, the K-9 will not belong to the City. David Lee suggested contacting the school districts to see if they would be interested in funding the K-9. Mayor Crowell requested we find out insurance information on the K-9, mainly life and medical. Ashley shared the benefit of having a K-9 can lower the crime rate by 80%.

e) Scott Stewart, Code Officer – Scott presented the Council 4 resolutions granting the City permission to move forward with condemnation. The properties presented were; 1413 S Broadway, 208 S Washington, 403 S Washington and 1404 S Washington. Scott stated three of these homes needed a lot of work to be livable. Mayor Crowell mentioned that 1413 S Broadway and 1404 S Washington have been granted 2 extensions and nothing has been done. The owner of 208 S Washington told us last year he would have the house down in the fall, Scott sent him a letter with a time frame of February 14th, nothing has been done so we need to move forward. Ron Knavel made the motion to start condemning procedures on resolutions 2018-8, 2018-7, 2018-4 and 2018-3. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

f) Michelle Altis, City clerk- Shared prices on two 2” water pumps the crew was requesting. David Lee made the motion to purchase the 2” water pump for $209.99 and asked about extended warranty not to exceed $50.00. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 4-1 with Cynthia Carr opposing. Michelle shared with the Council that the old chainsaw was stolen sometime between January 31st and February 1st. Mayor Crowell stated she has talked to the crew and they are now storing the chainsaws at City Hall. Michelle shared 3 different prices on chainsaws and requested they allow her to purchase the MS-170 Stihl for $179.99. Clint Boyers was present and also requested the 12” bar. David Lee made the motion to purchase the MS-170 for $179.99 and a 12” bar not to exceed $40.00. Danny Ware Jr. seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Michelle requested permission to have KRWA publish our CCR report online for $75.00. She stated, we have done this for the last 4 years and doing it this way saves the City money instead of mailing the report to all of our water customers. David Lee made the motion for KRWA to publish our CCR report. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Mayor: City Attorney: Ella Mae Crowell (496-6219) Charles Apt

City Municipal Judge: Police Chief: Patricia Miklos Ashley Wright (911)

Fire Chief: City Clerk: Marc Waggoner Michelle Altis

Assistant City Clerk: City Treasurer: Penny Ebert Teresa Driskel

Maintenance Staff: Code/Animal Control Paul Beasley & Clint Boyers Scott Stewart (496-2241) 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

Chicken Scampi

Ingredients

5 (4 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1-inch strips 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried oregano 3 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup white wine

Directions

1. Combine chicken with ground pepper, cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, oregano, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and wine in a shallow bowl. Marinate in the refrigerator for several hours (overnight is best).

2. Preheat broiler. Remove chicken from marinade (save marinade) and place in a shallow pan. Broil 8 inches from heat, turning once, until chicken is no longer pink inside (about 15 minutes).

3. In a small saucepan, bring marinade to a boil. Pour over chicken, toss and serve. Yummy!

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients

1 bunch thin asparagus spears, trimmed 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) 1 clove garlic, minced (optional) 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F 2. Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat the spears, then

sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange the asparagus onto a baking sheet in a single layer.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle with lemon juice just before serving.

Autumn Apple Salad II

Ingredients

4 tart green apples, cored and chopped 1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries 1 (8 ounce) container vanilla yogurt

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the apples, almonds, cranberries, cherries and yogurt until evenly coated.