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Older Kansans Day In Topeka Set For February 14

By
Derek Nester
-

On Tuesday, February 14, 2017, North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (based in Manhattan) will be hosting their annual “Older Kansan’s Day at the State Capitol”.  This is an invitation to you, your friends, and anyone else interested in Senior Issues, to meet at the State Capitol on that day, and express your opinion on issues important to you, and to Kansas Seniors all across the state.

The day will begin when you meet with NC-FHAAA members in the State Capitol sometime between 8:00 and 9:00 AM.  Appointments with our State Legislators (Representative Susan Concannon and Senator Elaine Bowers) will be scheduled in the morning, usually in groups of 3-5 people.  They will also provide each person with “talking points” on the positions of the Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities (K4Ad), as well as vital statistics on the value of senior programs in the State of Kansas.  These are merely starting points that you can use when meeting the State Legislators, but you are not restricted to these points.  Any issue that concerns you is certainly open for discussion, and you are welcome to state your position on any of those concerns.  We especially want to focus on issues important to seniors that day, but you are not restricted to just those issues.

Each appointment with the State Legislator will be for approximately 15-20 minutes, at which time another group will be scheduled to meet with that legislator.  Since the Kansas House of Representatives convenes daily at 11:00 AM, the appointments with House members will only last until about 10:45.  Appointments with members of the Kansas Senate can continue, as the Senate does not convene until after lunch (around 1:30 PM).

At lunch, attendees will meet on the second floor of the State Capitol, where a box lunch will be served to all those participating in the event, as well as our State Legislator guests.  Price for the box lunch will be $10.00.

Other activities available to the participants include going to either House or Senate committee hearings (especially if the hearing concerns legislation important to Kansas Seniors), attending either the House or Senate Session in the visitor’s gallery, or even taking a tour of the Capitol itself.  You may want to testify at a committee hearing if that topic is in your expertise, and you have made arrangements with the committee chairman to do so.

The goal for Older Kansan’s Day is to let our State Legislators know what topics are important to Kansas Seniors, their Caregivers, and those who support those issues.  It is also important to let the Legislators know that we are watching what they do, and that WE VOTE.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate, and there is a large contingent of Kansas Seniors and their supporters at the event.  Call Jay Rowh, NC-FHAAA Board Chairman, at 785-738-2310 for more information and/or to reserve your spot for the event.  The Solomon Valley Transportation (SVT) bus will be taking passengers from our area to the State Capitol but you are also encouraged to take your own car or ride with your friends in their car.    Mark February 14th on your calendar, and make your voice heard on the important Senior Issues in Kansas.

Downs City Council Holds Special Meeting

By
Derek Nester
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A special meeting of the City of Downs mayor and council was held January 23, 2017, 5:00 p.m., at city hall.  Mayor Jennifer Brush presided. Council members present: John Bisnette, Devin Renken, Tonya Kuhn, John Cary, Teri Cordill.  Also present: Vickie Oviatt, Terry Gradig, Brandon Behymer, Joshua Hofflinger.

Mayor Brush called the special meeting to order for the purpose of discussing a request from the fire department to apply for a grant; health insurance; and executive session to conduct employee reviews.

Assistant Fire Chief, John Cary, discussed the needs of the fire department.  They would like to trade out the 1974 Chevy brush truck.  They are looking at several options, focusing on something used.  The department is requesting council’s permission to apply for a Dane Hansen grant.  John B. moved, seconded by Tonya, to allow the fire department to apply to the Dane G. Hansen grant fund for a brush truck to replace the 1974 Chevy truck.  Carried.  John C. and Devin abstained.

At 5:05 p.m., John C. moved to recess into executive session for one and one-half hours with the council and employees to discuss personnel matters pertaining to non-elected personnel.  Devin seconded.  Carried.

(remaining minutes by Jennifer Brush)

At 6:35 p.m., council resumed regular session.

Tonya made a motion to approve BC/BS as presented.  Teri seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Devin moved to adjourn at 6:36 p.m.  John Bisnette seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.  Meeting adjourned.

 

 

 

Oklahoma Man Injured In K-14 Rollover

By
Derek Nester
-

A one vehicle accident occurred about 7:40 p.m. on Friday. A Freightliner semi driven by 53 year old Robert Musselwhite Jr. of Fort Gibson, Okla. was southbound on Highway 14 south of Beloit near T road in Mitchell County when his truck and trailer left the roadway for unknown reasons and overturned.

Traffic was stopped while officers and emergency responders worked the scene to remove Mr. Musselwhite from his vehicle. He was transported to Mitchel County Hospital with unknown injuries.

Marysville City Council Meeting Notes – January 23, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

The Marysville City Council met Monday. An ordinance updating the flood plain, reflecting upgrades for the South Industrial Park will be forwarded from the Corps of Engineers to the Planning Commission. A public hearing will be scheduled, and the commission recommendation will be presented to the City Council for approval.

A motion passed to purchase a new dump truck, for $37,000, and to transfer the current dump bed and snow blade at an additional cost of $3,600. Council approved hosting an open meetings and open records training seminar for members, affected city staff, and advisory committee chairs in April. Invitations to county and school boards will be extended, with additional participants covering their own registration. A motion to approve $41,000 for rock for chip and seal projects was approved.

Council moved to proceed with eviction notice for the tenant renting the apartment on the second floor of the Koester Block. Notices have been sent, and rent is four months in arrears. Once vacant, the property will be made available for lease.

Reappointments were approved for Wayne Kruse, Ricki Beickman, and Kenny Sells for three year terms on the Convention and Tourism Advisory Committee, and for David Richardson on the Koester Block Advisory Committee.

Propane Truck Overturns; Bursts Into Flames Near Odell

By
Derek Nester
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A propane truck overturned, and burst into flames Monday afternoon five miles north of Odell, near southwest 61st and PWF Roads.

Minor injuries and burns were reported by the driver of the Farmers Coop truck, Douglas Pieper, 54, of Beatrice, who was taken by private vehicle to the Beatrice Hospital.

Odell and Wymore fire departments responded to the accident, reported at 12:50 p.m. Monday.

USD 380 To Hold Public Meetings For Possible School Bond Proposals

By
Derek Nester
-

USD 380 patrons are reminded of a series of public meetings this week to consider input on several possible bond issue proposals that would fund school improvements, including options involving district facilities in Vermillion, Frankfort, and Centralia.

Four options ranging from $4.3 to $8.7 million are being considered for a spring election in May. The school board will make a final decision as to how to proceed at a special meeting February 1st.

Public meetings are Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the south gym at Frankfort, Wednesday evening at 6:30 at the Centralia gym, and Thursday evening at 7 at the Vermillion gym.

More information can be found online at USD 380 School Bond Information.

CMH Hospital Announces First Baby Of 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

CMH has a 2017 New Year’s Baby! Daniel Lee Snyder Jr., son of Daniel and Britnee Snyder, was born Monday, Jan. 16th at 6:25 PM. He weighed 7 lbs., 11.5 oz. and measured 20.5 inches long.

Dr. Ben Bruna, Community Physicians Clinic, made the delivery.

Daniel has two brothers; 2 yr. old Dylan, who was born on Jan. 16, 2015, and 1 yr. old Dalton, who was born Jan. 4, 2016.

All three of the Snyder boys were born at CMH and delivered by Dr. Bruna. Daniel works at Landoll Corporation and Britnee is a stay-at-home mom. They live in Hanover.

Nemaha County Commission Meeting Minutes – January 23, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

These minutes are unofficial until approved by the Board of Commissioners at their next meeting.

January 23, 2017 Unofficial

The Board of Nemaha County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, January 23, 2017 in the Commissioner’s Room of the Nemaha County Courthouse. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tim Burdiek leading the flag salute. Present also were Commissioners Dennis Henry and Gary Scoby, Road and Bridge/Solid Waste Supervisor Dennis Ronnebaum and Office Manager Kathy Haverkamp, and County Clerk Mary Kay Schultejans recording the minutes.

Road and Bridge/Solid Waste Report:

Road and Bridge/Solid Waste Supervisor Dennis Ronnebaum advised the board that:
• the Wichman Road, west of St. Benedict, is not holding together in places. This road is a paved road that concrete was added to recently to keep it from breaking up. Dennis let Commissioners know that he has contacted the contractor that did the concrete work, and that he will warranty his work on this project.
• he bought a load of pipe last week for $12.25 a foot.
• he ordered a fairly large quantity of plastic pipe last week for county residents who have requested it.
• he had to block off Bridge L-2 in Capioma Township again last Friday due to the bridge settling quite a bit because of the recent wet weather in the area.

Nancy Gafford with Rural Development Association of Northeast Kansas came before the board to have Commissioners review and sign off on the semi-annual report for the Microloan Program that is due to the State of Kansas at this time. Chairman Tim Burdiek signed the report as presented.

The board reviewed the minutes from the January 17, 2017 meeting. Gary Scoby moved to approve the minutes as presented. Dennis Henry seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.

Deputy Treasurer Janell Niehues came before the board to let Commissioners know that she has hired Kerri Reinecke to fill the open position in the Treasurer’s Office that will be created when Rose Wilhelm retires on January 31st. Kerri will begin work for the county on February 7th at a rate of pay of $12.80 per hour.

Chairman Tim Burdiek signed add/abate orders as presented.

Maintenance employee Troy Melvin came before the board to speak to Commissioners about a quote submitted by Eisenbarth Plumbing in the amount of $7,205 to upgrade the controls system at the Pioneer Building. Following discussion, Dennis Henry moved to approve the quote from Eisenbarth Plumbing in the amount of $7,205. Gary Scoby seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.

Dale Dorsch, Washington Township official, called in and spoke to Commissioners by phone concerning the maintenance of M Road, which lies on the border between Nemaha Township and Washington Township.

County Attorney Brad Lippert came before the board. Commissioners had no county business to discuss with Brad at this time.

With no further county business coming before the board, Chairman Tim Burdiek adjourned the meeting at 12:50 pm. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 9:00 am.

K-State Tap Dance Ensemble Performs Friday

By
Derek Nester
-

The K-State Tap Dance Ensemble will perform a free tap dance presentation at 7:00 p.m. Friday in the Marysville High School auditorium. In addition to the evening performance, the ensemble will be at Marysville Elementary School and at Waterville Elementary Friday afternoon. ?

Their performance and dance clinics are sponsored by the Marshall County Arts Cooperative.

The K-State Tap Dance Ensemble began touring in 2007.

“Our ensemble is committed to sharing tap dance with the local, regional, national and international community,” said Julie Pentz, associate director and associate professor of dance at Kansas State University and artistic and managing director of the K-State Tap Dance Ensemble. “We do this by offering live performances and lecture demonstrations. In addition to our performances, this unique ensemble is committed to the International Tap Dance Association,” she said.

“Our Tap To Togetherness Program offers sessions throughout the state and in May they traveled to Ghana, Africa to offer the program,” she said.

Pentz said the program’s objectives include enhancing self-esteem, increasing positive discipline, assessing and improving body movement coordination, identifying sensory needs and then collaborating on ways to meet children’s sensory needs through tap dance sessions, and examining and enhance family relationships.

?In the ensemble’s off time, they deliver Tap-A-Grams for all occasions. Halloween and Valentine’s Day are busy days for the K-State Tap Dance Ensemble, Pentz said.

For information about Friday’s performance people may contact Brad Ekiss, president of the arts cooperative, at 785-562-4024.

Mitchell County Commissioners – January 23, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

The Mitchell County Commissioners met on Monday morning. Communications Director Becky Snook discussed replacing a printer/fax machine. The commissioners approved the purchase of a Hewlett-Packard laser-jet printer/fax for $1,029 plus approximately $139 installation fee.

Snook had a quote from Allied Technical Consultants, Inc. of Hays to perform mapping services for the county at a cost $2,500 per year. An app available for $6 per year will include mapping for Mitchell County as well as any other counties the company does map maintenance work for as well. They also have a mapping host which would create a site the public could go to.

The commissioners moved to allow Snook to enter into an agreement with ATCI for 911 mapping maintenance at an approximate cost of $2,500 per year to be paid by 911 tax funds.

Snook also wanted to update the commissioners on communication repeater issues. The cost was just over $600 to replace a faulty part in the EMS repeater. The commissioners said that bill should go to Mitchell County EMS.

Tom Claussen announced he would be meeting with a Katrina Ringler this week who is the historical preservation grant official of the Kansas Historical Society. They will be discussing upgrades and aesthetic improvements to the exterior of the courthouse.

Director of Public Works Larry Emerson said they are out trying to work some of the county roads which were very sloppy after ice and rain last week. That work began Monday morning. They will see how far they can get as conditions improve and roads dry out. He has received a few calls on the condition of some township roads. The county is also on their way to Kanapolis this week to obtain three loads of salt.

Emerson also said they put asphalt along the shoulder of the causeway road at Cawker City, and he asked the commissioners if they would like to rock it as well. Emerson said he felt there were places which needed it where there are fairly significant drop-offs. The rock would come out of Clay Center at $11 per ton. Emerson was unsure how much was needed, but his best estimate was between 15 and 20 loads.

“Up over the dike on the north side needs it the most,” Emerson said.

Emerson also said he had a minor accident in the county pickup he drives. Another driver struck his vehicle. The county’s insurance provider will pay for the repairs of about $2,200. Emerson said there is an appointment at C&R Body Shop to have the repair work done this week.

Emerson said they have enough money in their equipment fund to buy a new machine and designate one of the older machines to maintain roads in townships which have turned over their responsibilities to the county. Emerson said they would have to hire another employee to run the machine, at least on a part time basis. It was also stated that Carr Creek Township is expressing preliminary interest in having their responsibilities absorbed by the county.

The county is still waiting for final turnover of information and assets from Hayes Township whose citizens voted to turn over their funds and responsibilities to the county in the general election last year. Emerson said his last day as Director of Public Works will be March 31. He has been with the county 38 years and has been director since 1995.

Carol Torkelson of the North Central Regional Planning Commission appeared before the commissioners. She discussed an amendment to a contract for lead assessment, asbestos inspection and lead clearance between the NCRPC and Mitchell County. The change was to add a line item change for the paint inspection aspect of the contract.

Torkelson also provided a listing of procurement procedures to get them updated for the handicap accessibility project. There were eight projects accepted out of a potential 17. The projects will be completed this week, and the state will be out to inspect the projects next week. The commissioners then approved the Mitchell County procurement procedures, code of ethics and civil rights policy.

Weed Department Director Stan Deneke appeared with his yearly department paperwork which needed to be singed and submitted to the Department of Agriculture. He also said that he has finished planting wildflowers throughout the county. He has also had interest expressed by residents who are willing to donate to have more planted. There are 17 varieties being utilizing in varying locations.

Deneke said the private funds will allow them to do more planting. He had approximately a bushel of seed which he then distributed throughout the county. He will observe which plantings perform the best and where. It could take up to two years for some varieties to flower after they are established. Some are annuals, and some are perennials. Deneke will be doing a presentation on the project at the Tree City USA event in Beloit on March 22 and 23.

Deneke also said that on December 12 one of his department’s 14 foot trailers used to haul four-wheelers and other equipment was stolen. Police were notified, but no progress has been made in the investigation. Deneke said the trailer could be replaced by the insurance company after payment of a $1,000 deductible.

A Neighborhood Revitalization Grant for property tax rebate was approved for Dean Graeurholz on a 30’ x 40’ garage plus electrical installation at a cost of $36,000.

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