APRIL NEWSLETTER
When April arrives our hearts are usually full of thoughts of renewal and fresh beginnings. These are the days when the sun is shining… it may bring us April showers but the warm showers are refreshing and invigorating because we know the sunshine will return soon. April is named for the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. The name for the month of April originally came for Aprilis which means to open. The name Aprilis is very appropriate because in so many places the trees and flowers begin to bloom and go on to flower during the month of April.
April 1 st - April Fools' Day is celebrated every year on April 1 by playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes. The jokes and their victims are called April fools. People playing April Fool jokes expose their prank by shouting April Fool. April 9 th - Palm Sunday (also Passion Sunday) is in the Christian tradition a holiday commemorating Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem before his suffering and death on the cross. In many Christian churches it is associated with the blessing and procession of palms or twigs (sometimes decorated with flowers) from local trees. This tradition corresponds to the palm branches the crowd scattered in front of Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week which also includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Of course, the date of the Palm Sunday depends on the date of Easter Sunday and hence it varies each year.
April 11 th - April's Full Moon marks the arrival of the Pink Moon. Named by the American Indians for the little pink flowers that appear in the meadows at this time of the year.
April 14 th - Good Friday is commemorated because the date marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Accounts of the Gospel state that it was the day that the son of God was betrayed by Judas, before he was sentenced to death. The date falls during Holy Week on the Friday before Easter Sunday, and sometimes coincides with the Jewish celebration of Passover. Experts believe the event has been coined “Good Friday” because the word “good” means pious or holy.
April 16 th - Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, is Christianity’s most important holiday. It has been called a moveable feast because it doesn’t fall on a set date every year, as most holidays do. Instead, Christian churches in the West celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox on March 21. Therefore, Easter is observed anywhere between March 22 and April 25 every year. Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar to calculate when Easter will occur and typically celebrate the holiday a week or two after the Western churches, which follow the Gregorian calendar.
April 22 nd - Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and celebrated in more than 193 countries each year. KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW Annual Dog Clinic is Saturday, April 1st at City Hall from 11:00-1:00. Animals must be on a leash or in a carrier. If you haven’t purchased your City dog tags you need to by May 1st, after that date you will be charged a $1.00 per month late fee. The City of La Harpe city crew will be doing a clean-up week in May. If you want items hauled off you must sign up at City Hall. Deadline to sign up is May 19th. For more information contact City Hall (620) 496-2241. The City of La Harpe will have 3 Council seats opening this fall. If you are interested in representing your City and would like to run for Council, the deadline to file is June 1, 2017. For more information contact City Hall. The City would also like to welcome Scott Stewart!! Scott is the City’s Code Enforcement and Animal Control officer. The City is happy to have Scott on board with us!! Dates to remember:
April 12th: Council Meeting at City Hall at 7:00 pm
April 15th: 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)
April 17th: PRIDE Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall
April 22nd: Earth Day
April 25th: Past due Utility shut off date. If you can’t pay your account in full at this time then you must attend the April Council meeting or submit your reasoning in writing to the City Clerk BEFORE the April Council meeting.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL LAHARPE CITIZENS CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH!!!! MAY YOUR DAY BE AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE TO US!
If you need assistance after-hours please call the Iola Dispatch Center at (620) 365-1437, they will notify the proper personnel.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING IN THE CITY LIBRARY PLEASE VISIT CITY HALL FOR MORE INFORMATION. SPECIAL MESSAGE: Mayor Crowell received a message from Westar thanking the citizens of La Harpe for their patience; they were very impressed how some citizens were taking them drinks and food. Mayor Crowell also thanked Westar for being quick with their call out ethics; she stated “they were on it”! Also thanked the La Harpe rural fire department for their assistance. Mayor Crowell stated, “As a community, we all came together. Thank you”. CITY COUNCIL NEWS
CITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS a) Carrie Goodman- requested a variance to her Ag permit. David Lee approved the variance for 5 to 6 horses. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0. b) Richard Luken with PRIDE- stated they were waiting to hear word on the grant for the rubber mulch. PRIDE is planning an Easter Egg Hunt for April 15th at 2:00 p.m. at the City Park, he stated if needed we may have to use City Hall. Mayor Crowell stated that would be fine. After that PRIDE will be focusing on the volleyball pit, would like to know if the City could help haul the rock in; Mayor Crowell stated that should be fine. Harry Lee, member of PRIDE, stated they will be having a dedication event once we are completed and would like the Mayor to attend and speak on the City’s behalf. c) Ron Knavel- Was approached about using the ball field this summer for co-ed tournaments and perhaps ACARF could supply concessions. Mayor Crowell thought it would be a wonderful idea to see the ball field used.
NEW BUSINESS a) Water Tower – tabled until next month to compare costs. b) City owned land East of 510 W 6th- David Lee was concerned about future if we wanted to open the street back up. The Council decided to table this item so that they could discuss it with Chuck. c) Healthcare Foundation- Harry Lee and Ben Alexander were present to present this grant opportunity. Harry Lee stated the purpose for the grant is to provide equipment, utilities, a facility and provide health care to do assessments. The grant would also pay for a program coordinator, a key card entry system and for a security system. David Lee asked about the success rates from the other communities; Ben stated we do not have any numbers yet. Ben stated the equipment would belong to LaHarpe/ La Harpe PRIDE and the second year a program coordinator won’t be involved and the City could cover expenses by collecting a monthly fee to use the equipment, this would have to be done in the second year or apply for the grant again. Harry Lee stated he talked with Nathan Fawson and he would be very interested in helping those that have addictive behaviors. Ben stated he was surprised by the number of citizens that stated they had addictive behaviors. Danny Ware Jr asked how long it would take to get the grant; Ben stated it could take up to 4 months. David Lee expressed concerns because the City is considering moving back to Main Street. Mayor Crowell stated that citizens could still use the equipment if we install a key card system. David Lee made the motion to apply for the Healthcare Foundation Grant. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a) Grant agreement contract- Danny Ware Jr made the motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 5-0. b) Non-interest bearing checking account- Mayor Crowell stated that we are required to open a separate account for the electric upgrade. She suggested we open the account at Community National Bank so that way it is separate from the other money. David Lee made the motion to open an account with CNB and require the Mayor and City Clerk’s signature for withdrawal. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 5-0. c) Old City Hall- Mayor Crowell was concerned about the number of calls and complaints about an article that was printed in the newspaper. There are a lot of Citizens that want City Hall to stay because of the library, the museum, the space for dinners or funerals. She suggested we send out a survey to our Citizens and let them decide; after all it is their money. David Lee agreed but also wanted to make sure that the public knows how much of their money is being used in utilities on this facility. City clerk, Michelle Altis, will work on a survey. d) Generator for City Hall- David Lee expressed concerns about our generator stating we have a way to send power to a power strip but don’t have a way to fire up a few lights. The Council suggested Michelle call around and get prices. Ron Knavel asked the mayor if we should by another generator for our lift stations. Mayor Crowell stated we maybe should look into getting another one.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS a) Chuck Apt, City Attorney – Absent from meeting.
b) Chuck Richey, Water District Representative- Had nothing to report on water. Chuck stated that the City was wasting money having our water tower serviced every year. Council instructed Michelle to ask around what other City’s do and costs.
c) Animal/Code Officer Dustin Huff – Presented the council 3 properties that needed condemning procedures started; they were 1413 S Broadway, 1404 S Washington and 1102 S Washington. David Lee asked him for his recommendation; Dustin stated he has not seen anyone at these residents and the structures are starting to deteriorate. David Lee made the motion to proceed with the condemnations. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5- 0. Dustin also stated he needed an antenna for his radio and an ear piece. David Lee said it was under $100.00 so get what you need.
d) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Absent from meeting. Minutes from 2/26/17 was shared; Present: Marc Waggoner Sr., Craig Trester, Mark Scott, Ryan Scott, Dennis Sidebottom, Jeremy Kinzer, Nick Trester, Jonathan Gay, Marc Waggoner Jr. and Rick Noyes. Had fire meeting handed out first aid CPR cards went and flushed whistle at 3rd & McKinley. Took 351 unit out and returned to barn and ended meeting. Next meeting will be March 26, 2017. e) Michelle Altis, City Clerk- Asked the Council what they wanted to do with the old digger truck. David Lee suggested asking Reed and company if they would be able to fix it and the cost. Humanity House sent us a flyer, needing to know if the Council wants to donate to them. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to donate $25.00. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 3-2 with David Lee and Sharlyn Thompson opposing. Michelle shared 2 claims that were presented to the City, the Mayor directed her to submit them to our insurance company. Michelle stated we received $834.78 from the auction and would like to know what account to put the money in. Mayor Crowell recommended we donate it to PRIDE. David Lee made the motion to donate the proceeds to PRIDE. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 4-1, Danny Ware Jr abstained. Michelle asked the council about the claims from Ray Maloney & Ed Cole, claims were filed when Bill Stanford was trimming trees and a branch fell on the powerline. Mayor Crowell said to send those to his insurance company.
Mayor: City Attorney: Ella Mae Crowell (496-6219) Charles Apt
City Municipal Judge: Police Chief: Patricia Miklos Micheal DuVall (911)
Fire Chief: City Clerk: Marc Waggoner Michelle Altis
Assistant City Clerk: City Treasurer: Penny Ebert Teresa Driskel
Maintenance Staff: Code/Animal Control Kelly Rouse, Paul Beasley Scott Stewart (496-2241) & Clint Boyers City Council Members:
David Lee (496-2333) Danny Ware Jr. (496-2156) Diana Mullins (496-2248) 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
Ham with Apple Raisin Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 large oven roasting bag
4 medium tart apples, peeled and chopped
2 cups apple juice
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 boneless fully cooked ham (about 6 pounds)
Directions
1. Shake flour in the oven roasting bag. Place in an ungreased 13-in. x 9- in. baking pan. Place the apples, apple juice, raisins, brown sugar and cinnamon in the bag; mix well. Place ham in bag. Close bag. Cut six 1/2-in. slits in top of bag.
2. Bake at 350° for 2 to 2-1/4 hours or until a thermometer reads 140°. Serve with sauce. Yield: 16 servings.
Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1-3/4 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 5 medium)
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
Directions
1. In a small nonstick skillet, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until blended.
2. Place half of the potatoes in a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray; layer with half of the onion and cheese sauce. Repeat layers.
3. Cover and bake at 350° for 50 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly and potatoes are tender. Yield: 6 servings.
Glazed Orange Carrots Recipe Ingredients
2 pounds fresh carrots, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Directions
1. Place 1 in. of water in a saucepan; add carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 7-9 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet; stir in orange juice concentrate and brown sugar. Add carrots and parsley; stir to coat. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until glaze is thickened. Yield: 6 servings.
Peeps Sunflower Cake Recipe
Ingredients
1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
2 cans (16 ounces each) chocolate frosting
19 to 20 yellow chick Peeps candies
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (assorted sizes)
Directions
1. Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions, using two parchment paper-lined and greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
2. If cake layers have rounded tops, trim with a long serrated knife to make level. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake.
3. For petals, arrange Peeps around edge of cake, curving slightly and being careful not to separate chicks. For sunflower seeds, arrange chocolate chips in center of cake. Yield: 12 servings.