What’s Inside ... Stranded travelers find shelter in town

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Hospital clinic numbers on the rise

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Diabetes awareness local story

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THE

SYR ACUSEJOURNAL Syracuse, KS

Volume 130, Issue No. 47

What’s Happening Sunday, Nov. 29th New Life Fellowship will hold services at their NEW Location at 417 N. Hamilton @10:30 a.m. No Bingo in Dec. 2015 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year See You January, 6, 2016 Coolidge Alumni Association Tuesday, Dec. 1st Hospital Community Meeting HS Auditorium @ 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2nd Annual Chistmas Parade & tree Lighting Ceremony @ 5:30 float line up at bowling alley @ 6 p.m. Parade begins Saturday, Dec. 12th Kid’s Shopping Day/ Christmas Expo @ 9a.m. to Noon

WEATHER Partly Cloudy

High: 63º; Low: 25º Forecast, Page 9

Word Wise Penurious [puh-noo r-ee-uh s, -nyoo r-], adj. 1. extremely stingy; parsimonious; miserly. Origin: Penurious stems from the Latin term pēnūria, which in turn is akin to the Greek peîna, “hunger,” and penía, “poverty.”

The Voice of Hamilton County Since 1885

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Syracuse Family Selected For Taping of Family Feud

by Krista Norton

Staff Reporter

What began as a joke within the Guerrero family has now transformed to a trip to Atlanta, Ga., for a taping of the longtime-running game show, Family Feud, hosted by Steve Harvey. Several children, grandchildren and in-laws of deceased Syracuse, Kan., residents, Manuel and Katherine Guerrero, made a trip to Denver on Saturday, Oct. 24, for an opportunity to audition for the show. Children of the Guerreros include oldest Jeanette (dec e a s e d ) , R h o n d a , To n y, Lisa (deceased), Roxanne, Claudia and John. According to Rhonda’s daughter Nicole Navarro, when the family gets together, it is a long-standing joke they should be on Family Feud. So when Navarro saw a link on a friend’s Facebook page, she messaged her and asked for some details. Navarro’s friend encouraged her to look into it saying the family would be great because she thinks they are so funny. As a joke to the family, she sent an email describing the family; while not having a video to send in, she did not expect to hear back, but hear back she did. The response explained they did not choose an audition time, but added there

Members of the Guerrero family will be participating on the TV show “The Family Feud” some time next year. They attended an audition in Denver, Colo. and was selected as one of the five families for the national game show. Family members are, left to right, John Guerrero, Roxane Guerrero, Tamera Kane, Trisha Guerrero, Lance Rapier, and Steve Navarro. Photo courtesy of the Guerrero family.

were audition spots left open in Denver and they would love to meet Navarro’s family because they sounded loud and funny. Navarro’s initial reaction was, “What? This was supposed to be a joke.” Navarro texted the family to ask for volunteers for the audition. The task of selecting five with

an alternate began and Navarro b o w e d o u t i m m e d i a t e l y. “I’m not charismatic enough for TV, I think you guys would be better at it,” Navarro said. Also not participating was John’s wife Paula, and sister Claudia who is too far away. The group consists of John, Roxanne and Steve Navarro,

Lance Rapier from Syracuse and Tamera Kane and Trisha Guerrero who live in Denver. Kane was chosen because she was the most “over the top.” Upon arriving at the Denver Convention Center, they were directed to a conference room with approximately 150 to 200 other families for a to-

tal of about 400-500 people on that Saturday. When it was their turn, they were instructed to be super energetic, loud, and not to worry about getting the answers correct, they just wanted energy. They did a mock episode,

See Game Show page 3.

Hamilton County Drug Holds Grand Opening

This Week in History from History.com Nov. 26, 1789 The first national Thanksgiving Day. Nov. 27, 1895 The Nobel Prize was established. Nov. 28, 1942 Almost 500 people died in a nightclub fire in Boston. Nov. 29, 1986 Actor Cary Grant died. Nov. 30, 1804 Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase was tried for political bias. Dec. 1, 1887 Sherlock Holmes appeared for the first time in print. Dec. 2, 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned emperor of France.

Owners Chris and Kellee Dixon, second and third from the left, celebrate the official grand opening of Hamilton County Drug, Thursday, Nov. 19. On hand were members of the Syracuse and Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton County Commissioners, bankers, Syracuse City Council members and several business owners in town. Photo by Carol Roberts.

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The Syracuse Journal

November 25, 2015

Announcements and family living Senior Subjects

Kip D. Oliver 1951 - 2015

by Jennifer Brucker

Obituaries

Martin W. “Doc” Stover 1932 - 2015

Martin W. “Doc’” Stover, departed this life after a short illness on Nov. Kip D. Oliver, age 64, of Derby, Kan., a retired Spirit Aerosystems employee, passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. 10, 2015, he was 83. He was bornAug. 26, 1932. Memorials made me made Kip was born July 28, 1951. He is preceded in death by his father, to Michael R. Owens in C/O the First National Bank in Syracuse, Kan. Hamilton County VIP’S 805 N. Sumner Syracuse, KS Phone: Raymond Oliver; mother and stepfather, Neta and Robert Grimes; and 384-7871. Everyone is invited to join any of our activities. a brother Gary Oliver. Survivors include his wife, Karen; daughter, Heather Oliver Roy; sisters, Linda Stover and Janet Carter; granddaughDinner Night Out: Tuesday, December 1st @ 5pm ter, Taylor Shae Roy; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob & Shirley Western Trail Café in Coolidge, KS Fluke; brother-in-law, Richard Reder; one niece and five nephews. Visitation was held Monday, Nov. 9 at Smith Mortuary, Afternoon Cards: Wed. December 2nd & 16th @ 12:30pm 501 SE Louis Blvd., in Mulvane, Kan.. A celebration of Life service was held Tuesday, Nov. 10, Mulvane United Blood Pressure Clinic Thurs. Dec. 3rd @ 11:45am Methodist Church and interment followed at Mulvane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials have been established with Mulvane Evening Cards Thurs. Dec. 3rd 6pm United Methodist Church, 107 S. Central, Mulvane, KS 67110 and Bread of Life, Walk to Emmaus, P.O. Box 47307, Wichita, Board Meeting Tues. Dec. 8th @ 12:30pm KS 67201-7307. View tributes at smithfamilymortuaries.com.

The Syracuse Journal’s email address: [email protected]

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Thurs. Dec. 10th 11am-12pm Matinee*Northrup Theatre Thurs. Dec. 10th, 1pm

Annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Craft Club Mon. Dec. 14th 9am* Sizzix Fancy Cutter Christmas Tags & More $5.00 Fee Evening Cards: Tuesday, December 15th @ 6pm Bridge: Thursdays after Lunch

Dec. 2, 2015 at 6 p.m. on Main St. All floats need to line up at the Bowling alley at 5:30 p.m. This year we will award a traveling trophy to the BEST ENTRY

BINGO Wed. Dec.15th @ 10am Birthday Celebrations: Wed. December 16th @ 12 Christmas Dinner: Thurs. December 17th @12pm Breakfast Brunch December 23rd @ 11AM Exercise Class: M-W-F @ 11:00 am 2nd Annual Back Country Ugly Sweater Day Wed. Dec. 23rd Closed for the Holiday’s on Dec. 24th & 25th Breakfast Brunch Thurs. Dec 31st @ 11am Closed*New Year’s Day January 1st 2016

Churches, Individuals Open Doors To Stranded Travelers by Marcus Ashlock

Editor

Bill Roberts, a school bus driver for USD 494, was stranded in Coolidge for the night unable to make it back to Syracuse after his bus route was finished. He stated all the children on his route made it home. Other travelers trickled into Syracuse throughout the evening as the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office fielded emergency calls of vehicles sliding off the roadway into the ditches on both sides of the highway. According to Sheriff Richard Garza, his office found a dozen vehicles stranded and off the roadway throughout the evening. He stated there were no injuries during the early snowstorm. Several churches opened their doors to stranded

Last Tuesday, Nov.17, Mother Nature’s winter weather arrived early in Hamilton County bringing between three and five inches of snow and sleet in Syracuse, Kan. The heaviest snowfall was seen near Coolidge, Kan., which received approximately 12 inches of snow with two and three-foot drifts. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) closed Highway 50 from Syracuse to the Colorado state line, stopping all travel for the evening. This unexpected turn of weather left several people stranded in Syracuse, as well as several vehicles stuck in the ditches on either side of Hwy 50 near Coolidge. See

Winter page 10.

From the Stacks… with Amy Brucker

Food for Fines Pay off your fines at the Hamilton County Library by donating non-perishable food items. All donations will benefit the Hamilton County Food Pantry. The library will run Food for Fines through Friday, December 4. One item will pay off $1.00 of fines. LLG 1st Annual Wreath Raffle The Library Leadership Group (LLG) is currently selling tickets for their 1st Annual Wreath Raffle. Proceeds from the raffle pay for high school programs and teen room updates at the library. Tickets are $1 for 1 or $5 for 6 and can be purchased at the library or from a LLG member. The drawing will be at the basketball games on Saturday, December 12, but you do not have to be present to win. The wreath was designed and donated by a Friend of the Library. A bonus drawing for a whimsical tree topper will also be drawn on the 12th, graciously created and donated by The Garden Shed. Both of these beautiful pieces are currently being displayed at the library. Tickets will be available at all these locations. The LLG members thank you in advance for your support. Closed for Thanksgiving Please remember the library will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Santa Claus is Coming to Town Mark your calendars…Santa Claus will be at the library on Wednesday, December 2 from 2:005:30 pm. Check back here next week for more details.

The First National Bank will be serving free hotdogs. There will aslo be cookies, hot chocolate and hot cider.

Hospital’s Family Practice Clinic Numbers Are On The Rise

by Marcus Ashlock Kan., did not renew their proEditor vider contract at the end of 2012, leaving HCH in a tough At the regularly scheduled position for the beginning of Board of Trustees meeting of 2013. They had to scramble with the Hamilton County Hospital temporary providers to replace on Thursday, Nov. 19, the board healthcare professionals who was presented good news from had been in Syracuse for years. the hospital staff. The number Patient visits to the clinic of patients seen at the Family dropped and HCH has been Practice Clinic is rising with working ever since to bring the most recent month ending stability to the clinic and inin October reporting 505 visits. crease the public’s confidence The total number of patients in its healthcare availability. seen through October this year More patients mean more work is 4,670. The 10-month numbers for the staff and more revfrom 2012, 2013 and 2014 were enue in the local economy, 3,570; 3,649; and 4,605 respec- which, in turn, boosts motively. Currently, the clinic num- rale and confidence with the bers are on track to be the highest employees and community. in patient visits in recent past. “The clinic is where patients “Small, rural hospitals across build trust and relationships America are struggling to sur- with our medical providers vive on their own,” hospital and our staff,” Rawlings said. Chief Operating Officer Rob “When we hear good news like Rawlings said. “Although we this, it definitely boosts emhave more challenges to over- ployee morale and makes us feel come, the increased number like the community has confiof patients shows that we re- dence in our ability to provide ally are on the right path to- the medical services they need.” ward turning things around.” If individuals would like The hospital has struggled to know more about the serover the past few years to main- vices of the HCH Family tain high numbers in the Family Practice Clinic or to make Practice Clinic. Greeley County an appointment, please call Health Services from Tribune, the clinic at 620-384-7350.

You are invited to the

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Hosted by

Ramble-N-Restaurant This 26th Anniversary Dinner is free of charge and includes turkey, ham and all the trimmings The meal will be served from

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Have you made your Christmas List? There are only 30 more shopping days until Christmas

Fellers Funeral Home & Monuments, LLC

“Striving for excellence, committed to caring” Donald L. Fellers • 401 N. Summer • PO Box 1253 Syracuse, KS 67878-1253 • 620-384-5100

Pure Certified Angus Beef!

“Are You In Need of an Auction?” Associates of Swenson Real Estate & Auction Services, Inc.

The Canny Team 303 S. Main Johnson, KS 67855 (620) 492-3169 www.thecannyteam.com

Estates-Agriculture-Equip.-Antiques-Collectibles-Coins-Residential

Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel 206 S. Fifth St. Lamar, CO 81052 (719) 336-9011 or 119 S. Main St. Holly, CO 81047 (719) 537-6229

BIG C’s Tire & Service Center

Tires - Mufflers - Brakes - Oil Change - Batteries 708 W. Avenue A • Syracuse, KS 67878 • 620-384-6361 24 Hr On-Call Service - 492-5104

Monuments & Prearrangements

e

at th

Northrup Theatre The Peanuts Movie Nov. 26th - Nov. 29th at 7 p.m. Rated PG

OPEN Thanksgiving Day!

I Chronicles 16:8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

WORD OF GOD

The Syracuse Journal

Wheatland Electric Cooperative Warns Public Of Electric Scams

SCOTT CITY, KAN. (Nov. 17, 2015) – Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc. would like the public to be aware of a scam that is targeting its members. Scammers call or email Wheatland’s members, telling them that their electric bill is past due and unless they pay right away, their electricity will be disconnected. They often ask the member for a credit card number or instruct the member to immediately purchase a prepaid card, such as MoneyPak, and send the number to the caller. These types of calls or emails are often difficult to detect prior to answering the call or opening the email because the scammers can make Wheatland’s name appear in the caller ID or in the email address R e c e n t l y, a W h e a t l a n d member in the Great Bend area was contacted by phone by a scammer claiming to be from Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Wheatland’s wholesale provider. The member was asked the amount of her electric bill and was told that she needed to pay one third of the bill immediately to avoid being disconnected. The member was then instructed to go to a local convenience store and wire money to an account number. Wheatland is issuing the following reminders to help keep its members from being a victim of a scam: • Wheatland never contacts a member by phone to demand immediate payment or threaten disconnection of service. In addition, Wheatland

Game Show

with an actor stepping in for the show’s host, Steve Harvey, where they answered questions, huddled and tried to steal. Following the first audition, they were told to go to the second line, meaning they got a second audition. Again, they were told to do the same thing, be extremely energetic. Navarro recalls the producers wanted everything exaggerated. John Guerrero recalls buzzing in even though he did not think he had the correct answer. “I just wanted to beat her,” Guerrero said. “So, I rang in

never dictates how a member’s bill is paid. Method of payment is up to the customer. • Disconnection procedures usually take place over several weeks and after two contacts with the member. When a meter is disconnected, it is done during business hours, and Wheatland employees always identify themselves. • Sunflower is a wholesale electric provider and does not have end-use members and, therefore, will never contact a member regarding an electric bill.

Nov. & Dec. Family Practice Clinic Provider Schedule Dr. Zerr - Nov. 30; Dec. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31 Kai Englert, PA - Nov. 25, 27; Dec. 2, 3, 4, 8, 14, 15, 28, 29, 30, 31 Lisa Barnes, ARNP - Nov. 25, 30; Dec. 1, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 Mary Shy, FNP - Nov. 18, 19, 20; Dec. 1, 2, 13, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 Office hours are from 8 a.m. to Noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m. NOTE: The clinic will be open the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27th & Open half day 8 a.m. to Noon Christmas Eve and New Years Eve

Kansas Encourages Safe Driving For Thanksgiving Travel

• Never give out personal Thanksgiving Day is one of information, credit card number, the busiest travel days of the or MoneyPak number during un- year. With increased traffic, solicited phone calls or emails. the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Turnpike Authority • Those who get a sus- and the Kansas Department of picious email or phone call Transportation focus on mulshould contact their local tiple safety measures for travWheatland office at 1-800- elers. These organizations en762-0436 or 620-872-5885. courage drivers to take the following tips into consideration: “While it’s difficult to anticipate all of the tactics that these • Check your vehicle’s scammers will use, our goal is condition: tire tread and to make the public aware that pressure, fluid levels and these scams are occurring,” mechanical equipment. said Bruce Mueller, Wheatland General Manager. “If they know • Have an emergency kit, Wheatland’s standard proceincluding bottled water, dures, then anything that deviblankets, non-perishates from the standards should able food, chargers and a raise a red flag. If it feels amiss, flashlight with batteries. it probably is, and we encourage our members to contact us.” • Allow plenty of time to For more information visit arrive at your destination. Wheatland’s website at www. weci.net or Facebook page. • Check road conditions before you travel by calling 511 or visiting kandrive.org, particularly in the instance of inclement weather. and then realized, I do not have an answer. I came up with one, and it was on the board; we swept the board.” They followed the man to The Guerreros had observed several families before them meet with the casting director leaving quietly, but when the and got to meet the eight or Guerrero family was finished, nine other families who made one of the producers slid John the cut that Saturday. All the a piece of paper and was families in the room were very told to go to the next room energetic, giving each other and meet a gentleman up high fives. They families were front and hand him this piece instructed the producers would of paper. John was thinking view the audition videos and they had not done very well. let them know which five fam“Were we really that bad?” ily members will compete, takGuerrero thought. “But the ing one family as an alternate. L e a v i n g D e n v e r, t h e man said, ‘Oh this is good.’”

Church Directory Wesleyan Church Barton and Post Road Pastor Paul Runyon 384-5828

9:30 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM

4:00 PM 6:00 PM

New Life Fellowship

309 N. Main St. 384-7416 Pastor Tom Reynolds

Sunday 10:30 AM Worship Thursday 7:00 PM Bible Study

Sunday 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:15 AM Worship & Children’s Church

Christ’s New Covenant Church

9:00 AM 10:15 AM

First Presbyterian Church 601 N. Johnson Pastor Ardeen Webster 384-7878

Sunday School Morning Worship

9:00 AM 9:30 AM

Kendall United Methodist Church Pastor Todd Anthony 373-2400

8:30 AM 9:30 AM

Spanish Service Evening Service

First Christian Church

124 N. Durffee 384-7453 Pastor Bill Roberts

East Highway 50 Pastor Joe Gould Associate Pastor Bob Wedel 384-5383

Worship Service Fellowship Time Sunday School

Morning Worship Sunday School

Sunday School Morning Worship

Saint Raphael Catholic Church

613 N. Sumner Father Rene Labrador 384-7357

10:30 AM Sunday Service 8:00 AM Wed. (week day) Holy Day and Vigil--------call

Southern Baptist Church

612 N. Main 384-7405 Pastor Dane Hernandez

9:30 AM 10:30 AM 6:00 PM

6:00 PM

Sunday School Morning Worship Sun. Eve Worship

Wednesday

Betel Casa De Dios

407 W. Grant Pastors Daniel & Maria Flores 353-5879 10:00 A.M Sunday Morning 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Evening

First United Methodist Church 409 N. Main 384-7892 Pastor Gina Tyler

8:00 A.M Contemporary Service 9:15 A.M. Sunday School 10:45 A.M. Traditional Service

Sponsored by the Syracuse Food Center Hwy. 50 • Syracuse • 384-7384

Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM / Sunday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Money orders, postage stamps, lottery, video rentals, catering, cakes, party trays, WIC approved vendor

•

Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Have a designated driver for the ride home.

•

Buckle up. Every trip. Every time.

Travelers who experience a roadside emergency, can dial *47 for the Kansas Highway Patrol or *582 while on the Kansas Turnpike and someone will be sent to assist. Travelers using the Kansas Turnpike are also reminded that they can save on tolls by using a K-TAG or a PIKEPASS. Law enforcement agencies across the state will be putting additional officers on the road during the holiday travel period. A grant from KDOT underwrites the Thanksgiving STEP (Special Traffic Enforcement Program) campaign from Monday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Nov. 29. KHP personnel and local law enforcement will work overtime enforcements focused on combatting impaired driving and enforcing seat belt and child passenger safety laws.

Guerrero family was thankful for the experience to be chosen for the audition and the icing on the cake came when they received a postcard stating they are invited to Atlanta, which is paid for by the show, for the taping. They have begun making plans on how to prepare by purchasing the game and getting a list of questions to practice. Should they win the “big bucks” the family plans to take a family vacation in the future.

November 25, 2015

Page 3 •

National Diabetes Awareness Month: Undertstanding And Recognizing the Disease

by Carol Roberts is very important to work with Staff Reporter a doctor to keep blood sugars under control. Exercise is a very With diabetes becoming a important part of keeping blood bigger problem in the United sugars within a reasonable States, November has been range. Walking is a very good designated as National Diabetes way to get in some exercise. Awareness month. There are two Eating a healthy diet is also types of diabetes, named type I very important. Fruits, vegand type 2; the public should be etables and whole grains are all aware of just what to watch for good choices. Again, work with and how to prevent the disease. a health care provider to have According to the website, a healthy diet. Taking mediwww.diabetes.org, in 2012 cine and checking blood sugar there were over 29 million levels are also very important. Americans diagnosed with the Brett Doze, graduate of disease, which represented over Syracuse High School and son 9 percent of the population. of Dustin and Karen Doze, This amounted to $245 billion was diagnosed with type 1 dollars in medical costs and diabetes when he was only 22 reduced productivity. Diabetes months old. He had a greatwas also the seventh lead- grandfather who also had type ing cause of death in 2010. 1 and two uncles who have With two types of diabetes, type 2. Genetics has played there are also two types of a big part in his diagnosis. reasons for the increased blood Doze said the hardest part sugar levels. In type I diabetes of controlling his diabetes is the body no longer makes insu- the unpredictability behind it. lin. This is believed to be caused “I can always look for trends by the immune system attack- in blood glucose levels, but I’ll ing the cells that make insulin. never really be able to tell when Why this happens is not known. my sugar level will rise or drop Some reasons are environmen- to at a certain time,” Doze said. tal or genetic risk factors, or it Doze stresses that eating a can occur after a specific virus. lot of sugar does not cause diaType 2 diabetics will have betes as many people believe. some insulin produced, but not Doze recently related a story enough to keep blood sugars about a girl in a store who he under control. This is the most overheard make a comment that common type of diabetes. For she did not want to eat some the most part, the cause of type ice cream because she did not 2 diabetes is unknown, but life- want to get diabetes. Education style and genetics play a large is the key to understanding role. Obesity, while not a major and recognizing the disease. cause of diabetes, is a contrib“Most of the time, no matuting factor and has its own ter which type, diabetes is set of health problems. Some genetic and is passed down ethnic groups such as American through genes from previous Indians, African Americans, family members,” Doze said. Hispanics, Latinos, Asian Each person responds to Americans and Pacific Islanders diet, medication and stress have a higher rate of type 2 in different ways, which also diabetes than other groups. affects blood sugar levels. There is also gestational “Another thing I wish people diabetes that can occur in some could know is that all diawomen around the 24th week of betics respond to the disease pregnancy. It does not mean the differently and have differexpecting mother was a diabetic ent treatments,” Doze said. before the pregnancy or that she For more information please will have it after the baby is born. visit a health care provider or visit It does mean she has to watch the website, www.diabetes.org. her diet and check her blood sugars during her pregnancy. Reporter’s Note: Type 1 and Some symptoms of diabetes type 2 diabetes have been very to watch for include increased prevalent in my family. My thirst, increased hunger, un- mother was diagnosed in 1970 explained weight loss, blurry when she was about 35 years vision and sores that do not heal. If diagnosed with diabetes it See Diabetes on page 8.

Pastor’s Ponderings by Pastor Gina Tyler First United Methodist Church

This week is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Not only are families getting together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, but many are also beginning their Christmas shopping. Some will even be celebrating their “first” Christmas with extended family. When we think back to Christ’s birth, we remember that this was also a busy travel time. There were many traveling for the census that was taking place at that time. In fact, there were so many traveling that when it came time for Joseph and Mary to stop, there was no place to stay. Have you ever had that happen? Have you ever been traveling and realized that everywhere you looked, the signs said, “No Vacancy?” I have. It’s not a good feeling. Once while I was in another city on business, many of the surrounding neighborhoods lost electricity in an ice storm. People were coming to the hotels to stay warm. There were no rooms available so they slept wherever they could find space. It was inconvenient and uncomfortable for them. But that is nothing compared to the inconvenience and discomfort that Mary and Joseph must have

felt in the stable. Of course, they didn’t have hotels like we have now. Typically, inns were simply homes where people extended hospitality to travelers. And remember, Mary was at the end of her pregnancy… which is uncomfortable in the best of circumstances. On top of all that, they had been traveling all day. Does traveling wear you out? It does me. After a full day in the car (even more so in a plane), although I’ve been sitting all day, I’m simply exhausted. But they had not been traveling in the comfort of a modern plane, train, or automobile. Joseph had walked. And Mary, at nine months pregnant, had likely ridden all day on a donkey. So, after traveling uncomfortably all day they had to settle for sleeping with the animals in a stable, which was probably nothing more than a cave. It would’ve been smelly and it would’ve been dirty. Then the labor started. Mary was young, probably only 12-14. Her mother was not there to hold her hand and coach her through giving birth to her first baby. Only Joseph was there to help. They were betrothed

but not yet married. On top of pain and filth, the situation would have been awkward. Poor Mary. It is hard for us to even imagine the fear, embarrassment, pain, and stench that she had to bear on this most important of days in the history of mankind. What an amazingly humble servant she was to God. As you celebrate Thanksgiving this week and we move into the season of Advent, allow yourself to enter the story. Feel and smell and see what Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi experienced over 2,000 years ago in a small town called Bethlehem. And be thankful.

Pastor’s Ponderings Sponsored in part by

• Page 4

The Syracuse Journal

November 25, 2015

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The Syracuse Jr. High Lady Bulldogs are undefeated at 4-0 in this fall season. The team has been home three times and on the road once playing Wichita Co. twice, Elkhart, and Sublette. With most scores winning by a few points to wide margins of 39 and 43 points, the Jr. Lady Bulldogs narrowly eked out a win last week against Sublette with a steal and basket to win by one point with two seconds left. The following stats are from all four games: On Thursday, Nov. 12, Syracuse traveled to Wichita Co. posting a final score of 434. A. Bustillos-12 points, K. Riley-8 points, R. Pena-4 points, J. Orozco-4 points, M. Stum-4 points, and C. Kullot-3 points. On Monday, Nov. 16, Elkhart visited Syracuse and ended with a final score of 26- 20. A. Bustillos-8 points and 7 rebounds, K. Riley-6 points and 9 rebounds, M. Stum-4

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The Syracuse Jr. High Lady Bulldogs rolled over the Wichita Co. Monday night, Nov. 23 winning 50-7. The girls, left to right, are: Wendy Gonzalez, Eliza Asebedo, Cara Warton, Andie Coleman, and Seydi Rodriguez. Photo by Krista Norton.

points, J. Orozco-4 points, R. Pena-4 points and 3 rebounds. On Thursday, Nov. 19, Sublette visited Syracuse and the game ended in a clutch shot with two seconds left posting a final score of 28-27. G. Alejo-8 points, J. Orozco-6 points, K. Riley-4 points, C. Kullot-4 points, M. Stum-2 points, A. Bustillos-2 points.

In the most recent game Monday, Nov. 23, Wichita Co. traveled to Syracuse with the Jr. Lady Bulldogs defeating their opponent by the widest margin yet 50-7. A. Bustillos-16 points and 8 rebounds, K. Riley-12 points and 7 rebounds, J. Mitchell-10 points and 3 rebounds, M. Stum-6 points and 2 rebounds, G. Alejo-4

Fellers Funeral Home & Monuments, LLC 401 N. Sumner, Syracuse 620-384-5100

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The Garden Shed Flower Shop

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Hamilton County Drug

302 E. Ave A, W. Hwy 50, Syracuse

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119 N. Main, Syracuse

The Little Learners Pre-School class held their annual Thanksgiving program during the morning contemporary service at the Syracuse United Methodist Church last Sunday, Nov. 22. Photo by Carol Roberts.

Westeman Steel Ed Westeman (620) 384-4314

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Syracuse Commission Co. 109 S. Main, Syracuse 620-384-5259

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Wood-N-Post Lumber 705 W. Hwy 50, Syracuse 620-384-5761

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Alan’s Repair LLC

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The Syracuse Journal

By Marcia Ashmore

20 Years Ago Clara Hasik, Syracuse’s oldest resident, celebrated her 99th birthday on November 19. For her 100th birthday she is requested a ride in an airplane. Am be r S uzanne Tay lo r and William “Bogie” Foley, exchanged wedding vows September 2, at the First United Methodist Church. Playing on the Jr Hi Basketball Girls’ team are Sylvia Colmenero, Adriane Westeman, Katherine Acosta, Dawn Hammond, Ashley Butler, Jessica Akers, Julia King, Kim Squire, Nicole Reyes, Sally Miguel, Rachelle Ewy, and Sabrina Cheatum. The 7th grade team won a preseason tournament at Lakin. The Jr Hi Basketball Boys’ team members are Travis Florquist, Josh Gale, Thomas Eddy, Jed Simon, Tyler Schell, Josh Gazaway, Dallas Ivey, Scott Daly, Luke Spiker, Jerod Dowell, Ben Englert, Brian Bloyd, Justin Reed and Mike Sauer. The 8th grade team won their preseason tournament at Lakin. 30 Years Ago John Swisher has been named one of the 1985 Kansas Farm Bureau leaders of the Year. M i c h e l l e Ly n n , b o r n November 18 to Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Hammond, is the 1,000th baby born at the Hamilton County Hospital. Harlan Plunkett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Plunkett of Coolidge, was the first baby born at the Hamilton County Hospital twenty-one years ago. M r. a n d M r s . D o u g Westeman announced the engagement of their daughter, Debbie, to Jim Lampe, son of Mrs. Nita Sellards. A January 11 w e d d i n g i s p l a n n e d . Linda Marie and Brett Alan Marshall were married November 2 at the First Christian Church in Lawrence. Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Westeman are the parents of a son, heath Mathias, born November 22. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sibley are the parents of a son, Darrin

November 25, 2015

Page 5 •

Hamilton County History

R a y, b o r n N o v e m b e r 2 4 . Myrtle White, county program technician of the Syracuse Farmer Home Administration county office, and Marva Simon, county office clerk in the same office, have both received certificates of merit and cash awards for their excellent performance during the period from October 1 , 1 9 8 4 to J u ly 1 , 1 9 8 5 .

40 Years Ago Welcome moisture, in the form of rain--1.47 inches, and a blizzard which closed roads and nearly paralyzed the entire area, came to Hamilton County last week. It was the largest single moisture total since the first three days of August. A total of 2-5 inches of snow was reported in the County, with Lamar getting 14 inches of the white stuff in some places. We n d e l l B r o w n o f Colorado Springs was presented a 50-year pin for Masonic Lodge membership. Pins for 25 years of membership in the Masonic Lodge were presented to Glen Hartshorn, Carroll Wa i n w r i g h t , R a l p h E y e r, Abe Buck, Oscar Rector, John Barstow, Gene Carroll a n d W. E . M o n t g o m e r y. Several Syracuse High School band members have been selected to play in the Kansas Music Educators Association Honor Band. Selected for the honor band were Sue Steitz, clarinet, and Keith White, bass clarinet, seniors; Melissa Brown, bassoon, and Joe Fields, clarinet, juniors; and Lora Youngers, clarinet, sophomore. M r. a n d M r s . R i c h a r d Stinchcomb will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary with an open house at the Syracuse Country Club. Sheri Kay Rinehart and Edward E. Jones exchanged wedding vows on October 30 at the rural home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Rinehart of Kendall. Mr.

and Mrs. Emit Jones are the parents of the bridegroom. Mr. and Mrs. Dave Lewis are the parents of a daughter, Codi Lynette, born November 2 1 a t S t . C a t h e r i n e ’s Hospital in Garden City.

50 Years Ago Paul Negley is the chairman of the ASC County Committee. H. J. Braddock was elected vice chairman and Harold Guldner was named regular member. Alternates are James Barrett and Bertle Barstow. Gordon Boy was re-elected chairman of the Hamilton County Extension Council. Elected to serve with him were Mrs. Clyde L. Ward, s e c r e t a r y, a n d B e r n a r d Wagner, treasurer. Members of the Executive Board were Mrs. George Lewis, H. J. Braddock, Millard Finlay, George Fox, Eldon McDaneld and Vic Mustoe II. The County’s milo harvest is moving, but the light test weights and low yields are most disappointing. In the Kendall area, some fields averaged 40 bushels to the acre. Cross Chevrolet was expecting a transport load of Chevrolet Chevelles on November 30. It will include three 96 Super Sports, convertibles, station wagons, and 4-doors, some with air conditioning. Lee Walz, Syracuse High S c h o o l c e n t e r, h a s b e e n named to the first team of the High Plains League all-league football team. A dry land half section northwest of Johnson sold at auction for $236 an acre. 60 Years Ago “Who’s Who” Awards, highest general award available to 4-H club members, were awarded to Arlan Huser, Bob Wagner and Beverly Potter. The 4-H Club Community Leaders in Hamilton County-Joe Englert, Emory Potter, Forrest Smith, Bernard Wa g n e r , M r s . F r a n c i s Rector, Mrs. George Huser,

Rotary Club Donates Dictionaries To SES Third Graders

Rotary Club member Steve Schell distributes dictionaries to third graders at the Syracuse Elementary School. Photo by Angie Moser.

by Marcus Ashlock for the students to use during Editor each of those years too. After finishing sixth grade the S y r a c u s e E l e m e n t a r y students will be allowed to School third graders received take their dictionaries home. dictionaries as a gift from “The dictionaries are used the Syracuse Rotary Club on a daily basis from the members on Nov. 12, 2015, moment they receive them to support their education. in class,” third grade teacher “This is one of our proj- Mike Wilson said. “My stuects for the Syracuse Rotary dents immediately started Club and we enjoy provid- using them, they couldn’t bei n g t h e s e d i c t i o n a r i e s t o lieve these books were going the elementary students to to be theirs to keep. They were help foster a love of learn- astounded by the generosity ing at an early age,” said of the local Rotary Club.” past president, Justin Simon. The Syracuse Rotary Club The teachers keep the dic- has several community sertionaries in the classroom vice projects each year in for the students to use dur- addition to the dictionaries ing the year and when they for third graders. The Club advance to fourth, fifth and also provides copies of “I sixth grade those teachers Like Me” by Nancy Carlson will keep them in their rooms to the kindergarten classes

every year. Fundraisers are held throughout the year to help pay for the books. Other projects include an annual golf tournament and individuals and businesses can pay $30 to the Syracuse Rotary Club so a flag will be placed in front of a home or business on five holidays throughout the year. The local Syracuse Rotary club meets every Thursday at noon at the Ramble-N Restaurant on the west end of Syracuse. The Syracuse club was selected as the District 5690 Club of the Ye a r f o r 2 0 1 3 . A n y o n e wishing to learn more about Rotary International or to become a member please contact Club President Rob G a l e a t ( 6 2 0 ) 3 8 4 - 5 11 0 .

M r s . G e o r g e To p e , a n d Mrs. Harold Laubach— were also recognized. The water tank at the north end of Main Street now sets perpendicularly on its foundation. It took the Alfred Schaffer, water superintendent, and his helpers, a little more than a day to right it from its 2-1/2 foot lean to the east. The D & M Drilling Company is setting up a rig to drill for oil on the Barbara Grilliot land, 17 miles north and 2 east of Syracuse. All the children of Mrs. John Wesley Seal were in Syracuse for their Mother’s funeral. It was the first time in 25 years all of them had been together. The brothers and sisters included William, Emma, Ruby, Ivallon, Frances, Floyd, Raymond, Wesley, Lawrence, Orson, Edwin, Herschel, Loren and Oren. Grady Grissom shot a banded goose near the Two Buttes Reservoir, a bird which he believed was destined for him. The number on the band was 498, which was Mr. Grissom’s telephone number. Joyce Baker was chosen homecoming queen of Syracuse High School. The City of Syracuse is preparing a bid for the old state highway department shops located on Highway 50 on the east side of the city.

70 Years Ago The sale of ground belonging to the Estate of John Haas, the S/2 of 9-26-40, set a new high for land values in Hamilton County. Walter D. Schmidt bought the half s e c t i o n f o r $ 11 , 2 0 0 . 0 0 . Miss Anna McCoy was the director of the annual primary operetta presented by the pupils of the first, second and third grades of the Syracuse schools. It was a story of Jack Frost, played by Richard Thompson. Mother Nature was Mary Ellen White and Father Time was Duane Kurz. Raymond Roy, who lives eight miles east of Syracuse,

reports his turkeys are good snake pointers. “All I had to do was wield the weapon,” he says. “The turkeys acted as spotters and would surround the snake and notify me by the din they raised.” His kill of 97 rattlers is the largest reported by anyone this year. Tu r k e y s a r e i n a b u n dance this Thanksgiving. Boys with 22 rifles are being blamed for damage to stock tanks and hog troughs. A carburetor on a gasoline engine belonging to Herndon’s store was also damaged recently.

80 Years Ago The first major WPA project in Hamilton County was begun with the construction of the retaining dike northwest of Syracuse. An estimated 80 to 90 men will be used in the construction of the dike, for nearly three months. An appropriation of $17,000 has been made for the work. Common labor will receive $32.00 a month for 130 hours work. J. T. Wilkerson and R. G. Johnston are the proprietors of the new Syracuse Tree and Landscape Service. The 1933-35 wheat production control program had 527 contracts covering 126,500 acres and brought $125,000 in wheat benefit payments to Hamilton County. E. C. Bray, state highway commissioner of the sixth district, has been appointed a life membership in the United States Good Roads Association. Applications are being taken for the office of postmaster in Syracuse. The post office is in the second class rating and the salary paid the postmaster is $2400 per year. The duck hunting season was unsatisfactory due to the restrictions prohibiting decoys and the limited shooting hours. This resulted in fewer ducks killed in the County than in any season of the past. Quail season has begun but there are very few of

the birds around and most of the flocks are found in farmers’ yards where they are rigidly protected. It was Henry Ford’s intention to build a million Ford V-8s in 1935. He reached that goal in exactly ten months instead of a full year. Delbert King of Albuquerque, NM, has taken over the management of the Fred Harvey lunch room. O. C. Carlin, whom he replaced, has been transferred to Emporia. A slow drizzle which soaked into the thirsty ground with almost no run-off gave Hamilton County .85 inch of moisture. Elmer Nuss, operator at the Northrup Theatre, has resigned to move to Russell. Chester Crane of Larned will take his place at the Theatre. The primary grades at the Syracuse grade school presented an operetta, “Uncle Sam’s Surprise,” to a capacity crowd in the auditorium Friday evening. The first annual Achievement day of the Hamilton County Farm Bureau women’s units was held last weekend. Ball Brothers and Kerr Glass Manufacturing Corporation gave several prizes. Mrs. Zelma Schmidt of the Ebenfleur unit and Mrs. Rose Strobridge of Kendall won first prizes. Second place in the Ball contest was won by Mrs. Strobridge, while Mrs. Florence Kindall of Coolidge took second in the Kerr contest Thirtysix exhibits were entered.

Hamilton County History Sponsored in part by

Davis Motors, Inc. Since 1944

• Page 6

The Syracuse Journal

November 25, 2015

Opinions and editorials

Ramblings and Ruminations In Step with the Editor

Recently, I have begun to feel like a crabby old man, not unlike comedian Jeff Dunham’s cantankerous puppet Walter. Some kids in our town seem to have no sense of awareness of what is going on around them, and it seems to me some adults are disinterested in holding them accountable. In light of recent events of vandalism and cars being driven into buildings, some adults are not even held accountable for their actions. Being aware of your surroundings is a life-saving skill, whether one is in a metropolitan city or Syracuse. I have always tried to maintain an awareness of my surroundings. Once in my 20s, I was on Bourbon Street in New Orleans late one afternoon when I had the feeling someone was following me. The street was narrow compared to Canal Street, so I crisscrossed Bourbon a few times to see if I was crazy. But the guy

kept the same pattern. It was a weird feeling to know someone was following me, having picked me out of the crowd as a mark. I ducked into the first shop after realizing he was, indeed, following me. Doing so, however, might have been better had I used my perceptive skills to choose the shop. Once I made it in and the guy passed, I realized I was in an adult-themed toy shop, which was almost as bad as being followed. That awareness may not have saved my life, but it certainly helped keep me safe. I have seen some kids running out into the street without looking both ways, completely unaware of oncoming traffic. They were ambling east on B Street and walked into the middle of Sumner. I was driving down the road, and luckily for them, I saw them about 10 to 15 feet before the intersection from half a block away. None of the three looked north up

BAXTER BLACK On the Edge of Common Sense The National Insect

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection. Warm memories, overstuffed afternoons and family. Yet rising from this cornucopia of good feelings, like a rubber chicken from a shopping cart full of cut-up fryers, is that runner-up for national bird...The Turkey. Despite its cinder block-like intelligence, gurgling vocals and dangling snood, there is nothing absurd about the turkey being nominated as our national bird. After all, a group of entomologists has tried to convince Congress to name a National Insect. Their suggestion was the Monarch butterfly. I have always assumed that the turkey was passed over for the bald eagle for obvious reasons; beauty, grace, majesty, strength and inspiration. But after watching Congress consider the Monarch butterfly, I realized how it is simply a matter of which special interest group presents the most convincing case. There was considerable rancor stirred amongst the feminist groups when they pressed their case for a National Insect to represent them. They were divided between the ladybug and the queen bee. Organized religion sprang forth to submit their nominees. The Catholics liked the idea of a preying mantis on the fifty cent piece. The Methodists suggested the water skipper while the Baptists chose the lobster. The legal profession marshaled its considerable influence behind the scorpion. Civil service employees thought the humble, diligent ant would be a good choice. Roto Rooter placed the tumblebug into consideration. Suggestions for the National Insect came pouring in from special interest groups: Pork Producers-the sow bug, carpenters-termites, insomniacs-bed bug, librarians-book lice, Nike-millipede, Republicans-the Sherman tank, Adams County bowling team-bowl weevils, uncle wanted aunts, the A’s wanted the B’s, Volkswagen wanted the beetles, honky-tonkers wanted night crawlers, and the Texans thought the oil derrick would make a nice National Insect! So I can imagine if there is this much interest in a National Insect, the competition must have been double tough for the National Bird! If Ducks Unlimited, the Pelican Farm News, the Kansas Jayhawkers or Chicken of the Sea had been able to nominate candidates for the National B i r d , o u r c o i n s m i g h t h a v e l o o k e d a l o t d i ff e r e n t . However, if the Turkey Growers are still bent on installing the turkey as a symbol of something uniquely American...they’d have to go to Washington D.C. anyway... www.baxterblack.com

BAXTER BLACK is sponsored by THE SYRACUSE COMMISSION CO.

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The Syracuse

Journal thesyracusejournal.com

Sumner to check for oncoming traffic. I thought about honking my horn to let them know I was coming, but my internal voice assured me they would look before crossing the street. They did not. I slowed down and eased toward them. Then, as the realization they were in the street hit, they all three looked in my direction. I was holding my hands up and out as if to give them an “Are you kidding me?” look. They gave me back a dirty look as if I was the one in the wrong, which got my hackles up a bit. When I was in third grade my family lived in Stuttgart, Ark., the duck hunting capital of the world. We were moving during the summer of 1979 and I was enjoying the last few weeks of riding my bike up and down my city block. One afternoon, I rode my bike off the corner and out into the street, did a U-turn and came back to my sidewalk. This happened in front of a truck about 80 feet away. Only did I notice as I was getting back onto the sidewalk

by Marcus Ashlock

Editor

that my dad was driving the truck. Yes, I did the same thing as the three young men earlier in my anecdote, except they were walking and did not know me. My dad stopped at that intersection, made a right, and shadowed me as I rode down the sidewalk, all the while giving me the look. I was in for it, and yes, I did get into trouble. I do not remember if I got a whipping that day, but I do remember that he confiscated my bike for more than two weeks until we moved. I learned a valuable lesson that day. Always look both ways before crossing into the street. A study in Florida of pedestrianvehicle crashes showed that in more than 80 percent of the 7,000 accidents, the pedestrian was at fault. In a similar study in the United Kingdom, researchers reported the results showed more than 90 percent of the accidents were caused by the fault of the pedestrian.

Part-Time Elder Caregiver Needed Will Train - Call Susan Houck 384-7848

Hamilton County Hospital in Syracuse, Kansas is now accepting applications for Director of Nursing. HCH is a 25 bed, critical access hospital in Southwest Kansas. The Director of Nursing is responsible for the supervision of the coordination of all patient care services of the hospital. The director of nursing must maintain a good working relationship with the physicians as well as maintain constructive communication among nursing personnel and all other staff members. This is inclusive of assessments, plans, and implementation of the patient plan of care. Additionally the director of nursing is responsible for the overall supervision, competency, education and evaluation of licensed and non-licensed staff delivering patient care. In the absence of the Administrator, the Director of Nursing assumes administrative decisionmaking and responsibility for the Hospital. The successful candidate will be a Registered Nurse who has experience in ER, Acute Care, OR, and Management. This is a challenging career perfect for a highly motivated individual. Salary is commensurate with experience. Drug screening required. EOE For more information, please contact Rob Rawlings, HR Manager Phone 62-384-7461 Email: [email protected]

Letters to the Editor Policy: The Syracuse Journal welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject pertinent to Syracuse or Hamilton County. Letters should be to the point and must include the writer’s name, address and telephone number (addresses and phone numbers will not be published). Letters may not be used to replace advertisements, Cards of Thanks, or to list sponsors or participants of a particular event. Letters to the editor will not be accepted from any candidate that has filed for political office or from anyone supporting a filed candidate. Any letters unsigned, of a libelous nature, or containing defamatory statements will not be considered for publication. All letters must be typed (using upper and lower case letters only; letters in all caps will not be considered) or legibly written and be less than one double-spaced, typed page in length and/or sent by email to [email protected]. We will accept no more than one letter from any one person during a 30-day period. The Editor reserves the right to refuse any letter. Letters are subject to editing. Mail to The Syracuse Journal, PO Box 1137, Syracuse, KS 67878. Deadline is Monday before 5:00 pm. (USPS 531-600) Established 1885 A legal Hamilton County newspaper and the official publication of Syracuse, Coolidge, and Kendall, Kan.; and USD 494. Published weekly, no fewer than 50 weeks per year, in Syracuse, Kan. 67878. Periodical postage class paid at Syracuse, Kan. Post office (620) 384-6912. Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Syracuse Journal, P.O. Box 1137, Syracuse, KS 67878. Subscription Rates: New and renewals, all of Kansas and Holly, Colo.: $36.95; $40.00 per year elsewhere; single copy 75 cents, plus postage if mailed.

I bring attention to this issue not because I have hit middle age and have begun the downward slide into life as a cantankerous old man, but because bad habits, like not crossing the street, are repeated. Statistically speaking, the more times a behavior is executed without harm or injury, the greater the likelihood of the behavior becoming a habit. The next time those three boys walk into the street could be at dusk, when it is harder for drivers to see pedestrians. The next time a driver could be texting and never see the kids at all. More importantly, these boys may one day live in a larger town or city and think nothing of walking out into traffic. Just because

no one holds our kids accountable for irresponsible behavior in smalltown Syracuse does not mean they will be left alone in a bigger city. This issue is endemic of the attitude in our little town. Some people are too quick to say “They’re just being kids; let them have fun,” or “We used to do that when we were young; they’re not hurting anyone.” Whether it is stealing, vandalism, or underage drinking, our kids are given free reign to do as they please. Walking through a stop sign and out into traffic is the tip of the proverbial iceberg. We need to start holding kids accountable for their actions in town so we can avoid potential tragedies that do not have to happen.

by Jim Miller Senior-Friendly Furniture Aids for Mobility Challenged Seniors Dear Savvy Senior, I am interested in purchasing a recliner that lifts and lowers off the ground, or some other type of senior-friendly furniture that can help my elderly father. He’s arthritic and overweight and struggles mightily with getting up from most of the cushioned furniture in the house. What can you recommend? Need a Boost Dear Need, The task of sitting down and/or getting up from soft cushioned furniture is a problem for many seniors who struggle with excessive weight, arthritis or other mobility issues. Here are some different product solutions that can help. Lift Recliners One of the most popular types of cushioned furniture on the market today for mobility challenged seniors is an electric recliner lift chair. While they look just like regular recliners, powerlift recliners come with a built-in motor that raises and lowers the entire chair, which makes sitting down and getting up much easier. With literally dozens of different types and styles of lift recliners to choose from, here are a few key points that can help you select a good fit for your dad. · Chair size: The recliner needs to fit the person sitting in it, so your dad’s height and weight will determine the size of chair he needs. · Reclining options: Aside from the lifting system, the degree in which the chair reclines is your choice too. Most lift recliners are sold as either two-position, three-position or infiniteposition lift chairs. The two-position chairs recline only to about 45 degrees, which makes them ideal for watching TV or reading. But if your dad wants to nap, he’ll probably want a three-position or infinite-position chair that reclines almost completely horizontally. · Style and features: You’ll also need to choose the type of fabric, color and back style you want the chair to be, or if you want any extra features like built-in heating or massage elements, or a wall hugging chair which is great if you’re tight on space. While there are many companies that make lift recliners – such as Med-Lift, NexIdea, Catnapper, Berkline, Franklin and La-z-boy – Pride Mobility (pridemobility.com) and Golden Technologies (goldentech. com) have been around the longest and have some of the best reputations. With prices typically ranging between $600 and $2,000, you can find lift recliners at many medical supply stores and online. You’ll also be happy to know that Medicare provides some help purchasing a lift chair. They cover the lift mechanism portion, which equates to around $300 towards your purchase. Risedale Chairs If powerlift recliners don’t appeal to your dad, another option to consider is a Risedale chair. These are open-legged, wing back chairs that are different from lift recliners because only the seat cushion lifts instead of the whole chair. Sold by Carex Health Brands (carex.com), the Risedale costs $725. Furniture Adapters If you’re looking for something less expensive, or if your dad doesn’t want different furniture, there are also a number of assistive products that can be added to his current furniture that can help too, like the Stander CouchCane or EZ Stand-N-Go (see stander.com). These products provide support handles that make sitting down and standing up a little easier, and they both work on couches and recliners. Available online at Amazon.com, the CouchCanes sell for around $110, and the EZ Stand-N-Go costs $129. Another way to make your dad’s furniture more accessible is by increasing its height with furniture risers. These typically range from 2 to 5 inches in height, are made of heavy-duty plastic or wood, and are inserted under the base of the legs or supports of his furniture. Costs typically range from a few dollars up to $50 or more and can be purchased at retail stores like Walmart and Target, or online at Amazon.com. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Savvy Senior

is sponsored by The New Life Fellowship of Syracuse Publisher:

Ashlock Media Group LLC 21 N. Main St. P.O. Box 1137 Syracuse, KS 67878 Phone: (620) 384-5640 Fax: (620) 384-5228 email: [email protected]

Owner/Editor: Marcus Ashlock Copy Editor: Caroline Godfrey Office Manager: Carol Roberts Columnist: Marcia Ashmore Reporters: Carol Roberts & Krista Norton Graphic Design: Joe Weaver

The Syracuse Journal

November 25, 2015

Page 7 •

THE JOURNAL CLASSIFIEDS Services Jay D’s Satellite Your LOCAL DirecTV & Dish Provider in all of SW Kansas, OK and TX Panhandles CALL: 800-952-9634 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.jaydsatellite.com TEXT: 620-360-0520

Lewis Dental Office 620-384-5252

405 N. Main St. Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Help Wanted

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting

Public Notices First Published in The Syracuse Journal on the 11th day of November, 2015. IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF HAMILTON COUNTY, KANSAS

505 N. Johnson Wednesday night at 7p.m. (Oct-April) or 8p.m. (May-Sept.) Please use west entrance.

In the Matter of the Estate of ) NELLIE PEARL RECTOR, ) Deceased. ) ______________________________)

Case No. 15 PR 16

NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED;

AA MEETING at Masonic Lodge every Monday Night at 7 p.m. Please use back door.

STORAGE UNITS 5x10 10x10 10x15 and 10x20. Call 384-7584

Maune Mini Storage

Stanton County Hospital Family Practice & LTCU has the following employment opportunities: Lab Technician (MLT or MT), Radiology Technician (non-certified), Food Service Worker, Housekeeper, Nurses (RN or LPN), Dietitian, and C.N.A.s For more information please contact Human Resources at 620-492-6250 ext. 124 or applications are available at the reception desk at the hospital located at 404 N Chestnut, Johnson or apply online at www.stantoncountyhospital.com EOE Syracuse Dairy, LLC is now accepting application for a Mechanic to perform maintenance and repair on diesel, gasoline and small engines. Applicant must have good knowledge of electrical and must perform duties, including but not limited to, welding and cutting. Salary will be based on qualifications and abilities. Syracuse Dairy, LLC offers (to all qualified candidates) benefits that include health insurance, life insurance and 401k plan. Please apply in person at our Syracuse Dairy office at 751 SE CR 36, Syracuse or call 620-492-2525 and ask for Diego, or send your resume to [email protected]

Syracuse Dairy LLC, is now accepting application for milking positions. Syracuse Dairy is starting at $11.00/ hour (based on prior experience) to all qualified candidates along with benefits that include health insurance. Please apply in person at our Syracuse Dairy office at 751 SE CR 36, Syracuse or call 620-492-2525.

Apartments For Rent

Home For Sale

For Rent in Garden City One BR apartments $500 deposit, $450 a month

Very clean, solid built and ready to move into. 2br, 1.5 bath, hardwood floors, gas fireplace, new appliances, central heat/air, fenced yard with stone grill. $55,000 Call 620-451-1082 for viewing.

Call 620-805-9372

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Fullmer Cattle Company is seeking a full-time office assistant. Bi-lingual and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs preferred, but not required. Training will be provided. Pay depends on experience. Resumes may be emailed to [email protected], or faxed to 620-384-7507, or dropped by the office at 3200 S HWY 27, Syracuse.

You are hereby notified that on the 22nd day of October, 2015, a Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary was filed in this court by Dixie C. Akers, heir, devisee and legatee, as Executrix of the Estate of Nellie Pearl Rector, deceased. All creditors of the above named decedent are notified to exhibit their demands against the estate within the latter of four months from the date of first publication of this notice under K.S.A. 59-2236, and amendments thereto, or if the identity of the creditor is known or reasonably ascertainable, 30 days after actual notice was given as provided by law, and if their demands are not thus exhibited, they shall be forever barred. Dixie C. Akers Petitioner

Jessica E. Akers, SC#24336 AKERS LAW FIRM, P.A. 123 N. Glen , P.O. Box 708 Ulysses, Kansas 67880 Phone (620) 356-3088 FAX (620) 356-3098 E-mail: [email protected]

Note to publisher: Please publish for three consecutive weeks, beginning November 11th, 2015. Immediately after the first publication, please forward a copy of the above and foregoing Notice to: Jessica E. Akers, P.O. Box 708, Ulysses, Kansas 67880. Immediately following the third publication, make your proof of publication to the District Court, Courthouse, with copy to this office.

First Published in The Syracuse Journal on the 11th day of November, 2015. IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF HAMILTON COUNTY, KANSAS In the Matter of the Estate of ) SHARON K. LAMPE, ) Deceased. ) ______________________________)

Case No. 15 PR 17

NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED; You are hereby notified that on the 22nd day of October, 2015, a Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary was filed in this court by Jerome H. Lampe, heir, devisee and legatee, as Executor of the Estate of Sharon K. Lampe, deceased. All creditors of the above named decedent are notified to exhibit their demands against the estate within the latter of four months from the date of first publication of this notice under K.S.A. 59-2236, and amendments thereto, or if the identity of the creditor is known or reasonably ascertainable, 30 days after actual notice was given as provided by law, and if their demands are not thus exhibited, they shall be forever barred. Jerome H. Lampe Petitioner

Jessica E. Akers, SC#24336 AKERS LAW FIRM, P.A. 123 N. Glen , P.O. Box 708 Ulysses, Kansas 67880 Phone (620) 356-3088 FAX (620) 356-3098 E-mail: [email protected]

Note to publisher: Please publish for three consecutive weeks, beginning November 11th, 2015. Immediately after the first publication, please forward a copy of the above and foregoing Notice to: Jessica E. Akers, P.O. Box 708, Ulysses, Kansas 67880. Immediately following the third publication, make your proof of publication to the District Court, Courthouse, with copy to this office. First published in The Syracuse Journal on November 18, 2015 IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT DISTRICT COURT, HAMILTON COUNTY, KANSAS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE

) ) ) ) JOHN G. HOWELL, Deceased. ) ____________________________________) OF

CASE NO. 15 PR 18

NOTICE OF HEARING AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: You are notified that on November 6, 2015, a petition was filed in this Court by Kacy L. Howell, an heir of John G. Howell, deceased, requesting petitioner be appointed as administrator, without bond, and be granted Letters of Administration. You are required to file your written defenses to the petition on or before December 9, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in the District Court, Syracuse, Hamilton County, Kansas, at which time and place the cause will be heard. Should you fail to file your written defenses, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the petition. All creditors are notified to exhibit their demands against the Estate within the latter of four months from the date of first publication of notice under K.S.A. 59-2236 and amendments thereto, or if the identity of the creditor is known or reasonably ascertainable, 30 days after actual notice was given as provided by law, and if their demands are not thus exhibited, they shall be forever barred.

Hamilton County Hospital is accepting applications for a full-time Licensed MLT. Flexible hours are a necessity with this position. Benefits & sign on bonus of $1000.00. Drug screen required. EOE. Hamilton County participates in the R.O.Z. program, which means you may be eligible for the following: · Kansas income tax waivers for up to 5 years · Student loan repayments up to $15,000 For more information, please contact Rob Rawlings, HR Manager Phone 62-384-7461 Email: [email protected]

CASE NO. 15 PR 18 Kacy L. Howell, Petitioner

BEVER DYE, LC Epic Center 301 N. Main St., Suite 600 Wichita, KS 67202-4806 00222220-1 Telephone: (316) 263-8294 Attorneys for Petitioner

1

TO THE PUBLISHER: Please publish for OF three consecutiveCOUNTY, weeks commencing IN THE DISTRICT COURT HAMILTON KANSAS on November DEPARTMENT 18, 2015. Immediately after the firstCIVIL publication, please forward one (1) copy of the above notice to: Bever Dye, LC, 301 N. Main St., Suite 600, Wichita, KS 67202-4806. Immediately after the U.S. Nationalmake Association, successor by merger to to the TheHamilton ) thirdBank publication, your proof of publication County District Court, 219 N. Leader Mortgage Company Main St., Syracuse, Kansas 67878, with copy to this office.) Case No. 15CV8 ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Plaintiff, vs. Todd A. Stum, et al. Defendants.

Court Number: Pursuant to K.S.A. Chapter 60

NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of an Order of Sale issued to me by the Clerk of the District Court of Hamilton County, Kansas, the undersigned Sheriff of Hamilton County, Kansas, will offer for sale at public auction and sell to the highest bidder for cash in hand, at the Front Door of the Courthouse at Syracuse, Hamilton County, Kansas, on December 9, 2015, at 10:00 AM, the following real estate:

Hamilton County Hospital in Syracuse, Kansas is now accepting applications for Registered Nurses. HCH is a 25 bed, critical access hospital in Southwest Kansas. New graduates are welcome to apply. Certification in ACLS is preferred and will be required within one year of employment. This is a challenging career perfect for a highly motivated individual. We offer a competitive salary and benefit package commensurate with experience. Call us today to schedule an interview and tour our facility. Hamilton County Hospital, Box 948, Syracuse, KS 67878. Contact Rob Rawlings, COO at 620-384-7461. Drug screening required. EOE

A tract of land located in the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SE/4 SW/4) of Section Twenty-two (22), Township Twenty-one (21) South, Range Fortytwo (42), West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Hamilton County, Kansas, more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the Southwest corner of Section 22; thence South 89 degrees, 59 minutes and 47 seconds East for a distance of 1834.49 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence North 00 degrees, 1 minute and 00 seconds West for a distance of 545.00 feet; thence South 89 degrees, 59 minutes and 47 seconds East for a distance of 805.00 feet; thence South 00 degrees, 1 minute and 00 seconds East for a distance of 545.00 feet; thence North 89 degrees, 59 minutes and 47 seconds West for a distance of 805.00 feet to the Point of Beginning, excepting all oil, gas, and other minerals in and under that may be produced from said property and except that part in streets and roads. , commonly known as HC01 Box 89 now known as 8500 Northwest Circle 5, Syracuse, KS 67878 (the “Property”)

00222220-1

2

to satisfy the judgment in the above-entitled case. The sale is to be made without appraisement and subject to the redemption period as provided by law, and further subject to the approval of the Court. For more information, visit www.Southlaw.com Richard Garza, Sheriff Hamilton County, Kansas

Prepared By: SouthLaw, P.C. Mark Mellor (KS #10255) 245 N. Waco, Suite 410 Wichita, KS 67202 File 176939 (316)No. 684-7733 (316) 684-7766 (Fax) Attorneys for Plaintiff (176939)

• Page 8

The Syracuse Journal November 25, 2015

County and city government County Commissioners Meet The regularly scheduled meeting of the Hamilton County Commissioners was called to order at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17 with four commissioners present. A motion was made to adopt the Agenda and it was unanimously approved. A motion was made to approve the November 10, 2015 Commissioner Meeting Minutes as presented, the motion was unanimously approved. There were no public concerns. Next, the 5-year plan was reviewed, the contractor is dig-

ging the new landfill pit. Next, the Road Project List was reviewed. Road 31 east from Road U to Road Z was added to the list. Commissioner Braddock moved to lower the speed limit on the Golf Course Road to 25 mph and South Barton Street to 25 mph. Commissioner Lewis seconded the Motion and it was it was unanimously approved. Next, Commissioner Braddock presented a quotation from White Star Machinery for a S590 T4 Bobcat Skid-Steer Loader for an

annual lease price of $3,600.00. After discussion, Commissioner Lewis moved to enter into a lease agreement with Bobcat Company for a S590 T4 Bobcat Skid-Steer Loader for an annual lease price of $3,600.00. The motion was unanimously approved. Next, after review and discussion, Commissioner Simon moved to approve Additions & Abatements Nos. 150001 through 150003. The motion was unanimously approved. Next, after review and discus-

sion, Commissioner Simon moved to approve the Warrants in the amount of $41,042.90. The motion was unanimously approved. Next, Commissioner Braddock reported on a meeting he attended regarding ag land values. There were no executive sessions. As there was no more business to come before the meeting, A motion was made for adjournment, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

Hospital Board Approved Minutes

Me m bers P resent: Ro n Munyan, President; Carol Roberts, Vice President; Alice Frazer, Secretary; Harriet Englert; Janet Thomeczek; Members Absent: Larry Ochs Others Present: Robert Nahmensen, Rob Rawlings, Angela Talbot, Sheila Stimatze, Shawn Bennett, Darlene Bennett, Deb Smith, Billi Nelson The monthly meeting of the Hamilton County Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:00 pm by Ron Munyan, President. The meeting was held at the Sunflower Square Dining Room. The agenda for September 17, 2015 was presented for approval. Ron Munyan made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Harriet Englert seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The minutes for August 20, 2015 were presented for approval as a whole. Ron Munyan made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Harriet Englert seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Board Concerns Carol Roberts made a motion to remove two paragraphs from the previously adopted July 1, 2015 minutes regarding Jamie Cheatum’s exit from the meeting, except that he left. The negative paragraphs towards Jamie Cheatum are not necessary in the minutes and they should be removed. Ron Munyan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Public Concerns None Reported New Business Flu Policy – Darlene Bennett Darlene reviewed the policy with the board. The flu shot is not required by the CDC. The policy will state that before December 1 of every year, employees will be required to receive a flu shot and are able to sign a waiver, if they wish. The shot will be provided free of charge to employees. Alice Frazer asked several questions in regards to the policy and specifically if Darlene had our attorney review it. Darlene stated that she had not contacted the attorney. Carol Roberts and Harriet Englert were fine with the policy and Janet Thomeczek stated she could go either way with it. Darlene went on to explain that HCH does not report the flu cases to the state. Employees that waive the flu shot must start wearing the masks at the discretion of the medical staff. Janet Thomeczek motioned to accept the flu policy with the revised section. Carol Roberts seconded the motion. The motion passed with five in favor of the flu policy and Alice Frazer opposing the flu policy. Hospital Operations Report CEO – Robert Nahmensen Robert reported that he had visited Tribune and Garden City. The visits went well. Robert is trying to build the relationship back up with the surrounding communities as well as our community. Robert met with the superintendent at Syracuse High School. They spoke about starting a student program for those

interested in the medical field. counts payable and the gross revenue. In August we had We are doing marketing in $461,000.00 in gross revenue. our local Syracuse Journal. Rob will be startC o m m u n i t y m e e t i n g – ing a bud get s oo n to g o will be talking about where o v e r w i t h t h e m a n a g e r s . we are, where we were, Rob is now responand where we are heading. sible for HR with the asAdministration is currently sistance of Angela Talbot. making the approved organizational structure changes previ- Patient Stats – Sheila ously approved by the board. Stimatze Robert and Rob are lookSheila reported that the total ing at the budgeting pro- admissions for August were cess. Staff cuts or cutting down compared to August of hours may be neces s ary. last year. Patient days are up. Robert and Rob will be Census is down 32.22% for meeting with the County skilled. Radiology procedures Commissioners next week are down. Lab procedures to discuss possible tax dol- are up. PT is down. Clinic lars needed to get through visits are up 6.39%. Average t h e e n d o f t h e y e a r . patient days in SOLLC are Robert reported that the down. Sheila also informed the East Wing of the LTC will be board that the stat format will converted into an Alzheimer’s be changed in the near future. Care ward. Robert stated that Sheila went over information it will be an 18 bed unit and the about the employee appreciastaffing ratio will be 6 residents tion picnic. The picnic will be to 1 aide. The unit will take Saturday, September 19, 2015. approximately $100,000.00 to get started and should make ap- Financial Committee proximately $400,000.00 at full Carol Roberts stated that capacity. Robert stated that af- what was reported by Robert ter talking to a few surrounding is what was discussed. Robert facilities, that the unit already and Brenda are working hard has 4-5 potential residents. at cutting costs without inRobert went over a rate sheet terfering with patient care. for LTC. Currently the LTC is getting $107.00 per day, Building & Grounds looking at making a $10.00 Ron stated that the conincrease over the next 2 years. crete work is not complete. L o r i S c h w e i t z e r i s Ron showed pictures of t h e D O N f o r S O L L C . more places that need fixed. Robert reported that we are looking at expanding our proShawn Bennett made a sugvider base. We will have two gestion to put a rail up for the doctors to cover ER. They will steps. Also Shawn stated that be Dr. Morgan and Dr. Hays. he spoke to the Mayor about Also Kai Englert, Lisa Barnes, seeing what the city can do Sondra Kraycha and Jose about asphalting the parking Renteria covering ER as well lot. Ron, Robert and Rob as seeing patients in the Clinic. stated that they also want to be present during this meeting. COO-Rob Rawlings Rob went over the ac- Personnel Committee

Diabetes

old with type 1. She spent many weeks in and out of the hospital trying to get her blood sugar levels under control. She eventually had to give herself three to four insulin shots a day just to stay at a reasonable level. In 1992 at the age of 54, she died of a massive stroke, in part, due to her diabetes. Her younger sister was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teen. After battling diabetes for many years, having a couple of heart attacks and becoming disabled, she passed away at the age of 43 due to complications. I myself have been diagnosed with type 2. I knew with my family history this would probably be a part of my life, but it still isn’t something you want to hear. I really want to urge anyone who exhibits any of the symptoms to please see your health care provider. The longer you go without treatment, the harder it is to get it under control.

None

Reported

By-Laws Committee None Reported Investigative Committee None Reported Executive Committee Alice Frazer reported that the committee met on September 9, 2015 to review and approve Robert Nahmensen’s contract. Janet Thomeczek asked Robert to explain what will happen to the East Living Room. Robert stated that on West side, where the bird cage is, he is looking at expanding out to the court yard and making that the living room. It was asked that there be a 5 minute break before executive session.

Approved October City Council Minutes The governing body of the City of Syracuse met in regular session on October 12, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Clerk’s office. Councilmembers present were: Michele Boy, Matt Gould, Steve Schell, Vance Keller, Dustin Doze, and Blake Upson, Mayor. Employees present were: Brian Bloyd, City Administrator, Linda Dinkel, City Clerk, Kaiya Maas, Assistant City Clerk, and Rob Gale, City Attorney. Also present were Sarah Schwerdfeger and Marcus Ashlock. Mayor Upson opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no public comments. Councilmember Keller made motion to approve the agenda. Councilmember Boy seconded the motion and all councilmembers voted aye. Councilmember Schell made motion to approve the minutes of September 14, 2015 after 2 corrections were made. Motion was seconded and passed

with all members voting aye. Councilmember Gould made motion to approve appropriation ord. #915 in the amount of $109,408.22, Councilmember Boy seconded the motion. All councilmembers voted aye. Councilmember Keller made motion to approve the letters of engagement with Kennedy McKee and Company for $7000 to audit the year 2015 and $1000 to prepare the budget for the year 2017. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Schell. Motion passed unanimously. Linda Dinkel reported that there was enough cash and budget in 2015 to allow for a contribution to the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center. Councilmember Keller made motion to contribute $550 in 2015 and to revisit the issue in 2016 and discuss adding a line item in the budget for 2017. Councilmember Schell seconded the motion. Councilmember Boy ab-

See Meeting next page.

Executive Session At 8:05 p.m. Harriet Englert made a motion to enter into executive session for nonelected personnel for 30 minutes with Robert Nahmensen and Rob Rawlings present. Ron Munyan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. At 8:35 p.m. regular session reconvened. At 8:35 p.m. Alice Frazer made a motion to enter back into executive session for nonelected personnel for another 30 minutes with Robert Nahmensen and Rob Rawlings present. Ron Munyan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. At 9:05 p.m. regular session reconvened. Ron Munyan made a motion to approve credentialing for Judge Jensen. Janet Thomeczek seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. At 9:07 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.

Wichita County, KS

160 Acres Expired CRP Bid by December 1, 2015

Accepting New Patients

Lane County, KS

320 Acres Dryland & Minerals Bid by December 1,2015

Comanche County, KS

10,890+/- Acre Gregg Ranch Bid by December 8, 2015

Morton County, KS

320 Acres Farmland & Prod. Minerals Bid by December 15, 2015

Stevens County, KS

139 Acres CRP Bid by December 15, 2015 Inventors & Developers of the

Mark Faulkner Owner/Broker 120 S. Main, Ulysses, KS 67880

620-356-5808

www.FaulknerRealEstate.com

Jose Luis Hinojosa, M.D.

Scott Akers, D.O.

Family Practice Well Child Exams Immunizations Well Women Exams Pain Management Sports Medicine Certified Truck Driver Physicals

Call for your appointment today! Se habla español Stanton County Family Practice 404 N Chestnut Johnson, KS 67855 620-492-1400

The Syracuse Journal November 25, 2015

Meeting

Farmers Forum

Ernie Battin

Les James

C o n s e r v a t i o n R e s e r v e USDA to contract with agriP r o g r a m ( C R P ) G e n e r a l cultural producers so that enSign-up to Begin December 1 vironmentally sensitive land is conserved. Participants estabThe U.S. Department of lish long-term, resource-conAgriculture (USDA) will ac- serving plant species to control cept new offers to partici- soil erosion, improve water pate in CRP under a general quality and develop wildlife signup to be held Dec. 1, habitat. In return, USDA’s 2015, through Feb. 26, 2016. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farmers and ranchers inter- provides participants with ested in removing sensitive rental payments and cost-share land from agricultural pro- assistance. Contract duration duction and planting grasses is between 10 and 15 years. or trees to reduce soil eroFarmers and ranchers should sion, improve water quality also consider the various CRP and restore wildlife habi- continuous sign-up initiatives tat are encouraged to enroll. that may help target specific F o r 3 0 y e a r s , t h e resource concerns. Financial C o n s e r v a t i o n R e s e r v e assistance is offered for many Program has helped farmers practices including conservaand ranchers prevent more tion buffers and pollinator than 8 billion tons of soil from habitat plantings, and initiaeroding, reduce nitrogen and tives such as the highly erodphosphorous runoff relative to ible lands, bottomland hardcropland by 95 and 85 percent wood tree and longleaf pine. respectively, and sequester 43 Farmers and ranchers may million tons of greenhouse visit their FSA county ofgases annually, equal to tak- fice for additional informaing 8 million cars off the road. tion. For more information on The voluntary Conservation CRP and other FSA programs, R e s e r v e P r o g r a m a l l o w s please visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

stained from the vote, all other councilmembers voted aye. Brian Bloyd presented the Sand Park Committee’s recommendation to purchase a 40’ x 60’ x 12’ building from Quality Structures, Inc., for $50,940. This price includes concrete and insulation on sides and roof. The interior of the building would be finished by city employees. Councilmember Keller made motion to purchase the building and finishing the interior subject to obtaining satisfactory lease purchase financing. Motion was seconded by councilmember Boy. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Schell made motion to trade in the 2008 Ranger for a new Polaris Ranger Crew from Country Feeds in Montezuma for a difference of $8,300.00. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Doze. All councilmembers voted aye. Councilmember Doze made motion to place equipment that is no longer useful to city service up for public auction using Purple Wave auction service. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Keller and passed unanimously. Kaiya Maas was introduced as the new assistant city clerk. Mayor Upson presented Kaiya Maas as his appointment for city treasurer. Councilmember Doze made motion to approve the appointment, seconded by Councilmember Boy. Motion passed with all councilmembers voting aye. Councilmember Boy made motion to approve spending up to $2,000.00 for signage that informs travelers that Syracuse was home to the first all-female city council in the United States in 1887. These signs are to be paid for from the tourism fund. Councilmember Doze seconded the motion. Motion passed with all councilmembers voting aye. A break in the water main in Parkhill Addition #1 on July 25, 2015 and the damage that it

may have caused was discussed. The annual Christmas Parade will be on December 2, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Councilmember Keller said the First National Bank will serve hotdogs. A traveling trophy for best entry and appointing a parade marshal was discussed. Hamilton County Library is hosting Santa Claus on December 2, 2015. Bloyd will check on dates and locations for the City Employee and Council Christmas Party. Wheatland Electric is having a ribbon cutting and grand reopening on October 28, 2015 to highlight the remodeling of their office. They will also be serving lunch and Hosting their CRAM-the-VAN project to raise food and money for local food banks. This will be held in Jackson Park at the corner of Avenue B and Main Street. REPORTS: Economic Development: Sarah Schwerdfeger invited the City Council to attend and take part in the ribbon cutting and grand reopening for Wheatland Electric and the activities that are planned for the day. Sand Park: The fish are biting in Sam’s Pond. We are in the process of applying for a grant for fish feeders and a boat to access the feeders. City Administrator: Bloyd informed the Council that he had attended a meeting with Kansas Department of Transportation concerning the upcoming project for improvements on Highway 27 from the stoplight south to the City Limits. This project is scheduled for the year 2018. City Clerk: The Health Department will be at City Hall on October 19th at 3:15 p.m. for employees and city council to receive flu shots. Kaiya Maas started in her position as assistant city clerk on September 21st. Sarah Schwerdfeger has spent several days training Kaiya Maas. Round Table: Councilmember

See Meeting page 10.

Syracuse Commission Co. 620-384-5259 www.syracusecommission.com

Closing Market Report Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015

LDP’s are all 0 cents/100 weight

Market Report courtesy of Skyland Grain

Agriculture The Extension Connection by Jenifer Sexson County Extension Director, Hamilton County

Happy Thanksgiving! As tomorrow starts slowing down and all of your guests have scraped their Thanksgiving dinner plates clean and have migrated from the dinner table to the couch. While you may want to immediately relax and celebrate after preparing a successful meal, it’s important that you first refrigerate any leftovers within two hours. Prompt storage can prevent pathogenic bacteria that cause foodborne illness from growing on your leftovers. These bacteria can’t be smelled or tasted. Leftovers should be stored in shallow pans or containers to decrease their cooling time. The quicker your leftovers cool, the less time they spend in the food “Danger Zone” (40 – 140 °F). You should also cut leftover turkey into smaller pieces to decrease its cooling time. While you may have cooked the stuffing inside of your turkey, it should be stored separately from the turkey in a shallow container. There are two storage options for your leftovers: Storage in the fridge: Leftovers are safe for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen during that time for longer storage. Storage in the freezer: Once frozen, all foods are safe forever, as long as your freezer remains 0 °F or below. But for best quality, use leftovers within 2 to 6 months. If you’re selfless enough to allow your guests to take your leftovers home with them, the food will be safe as long as the guests are not traveling for more than two hours. If any guests are traveling more than two hours, their leftovers must be kept at 40 °F or below in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Whether you’re planning to enjoy your leftovers after a long day of Black Friday shopping or during a college football ri-

Market Report

valry weekend game, be sure to follow these tips and all of our other Turkey Tips to keep your food safe and healthy. For More Information If you have more questions, visit Let’s Talk Turkey to learn how to safely plan, select, thaw, and prepare a turkey or check out these turkey resources at FoodSafety. gov. Stay tuned this month for more blogs about how you can make your holiday happy and healthy for everyone at the table. If you have additional questions about cooking a turkey, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or chat live with a food safety specialist at AskKaren.gov available from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, English or Spanish. If you need help on Thanksgiving Day, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also ask questions of “Karen,” FSIS’ virtual representative, 24/7 at AskKaren. gov. Visit PregunteleaKaren. gov for questions in Spanish - See more at: http://blogs. u s d a . g o v / 2 0 1 4 / 11 / 2 6 / t u r key-tips-step-4-loving-yourleftovers/#sthash.uLX5xdJ2. dpuf Adapted from Turkey Tips Step 4: Loving Your Leftovers Posted by Chris Bernstein, Food Safety Education Staff, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, on November 26, 2014 at 9:00 AM More information about K-State Research and Extension Hamilton County is available by calling (620) 384-5225, or on the Web: http://hamilton.ksu.edu.

PECANS FOR SALE!

Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 Consignors: 61 Total: 1322

Wheat – 4.03 White Wheat – 4.23 Milo – 3.10 Corn – 3.70 2016 New Crop Wheat– 4.53 2016 New Crop White Wheat – 4.73 New Crop Milo – 3.42 New Crop Corn – 3.92

Page 9 •

The Hamilton County Extension office still has a few STEERS HEIFERS bags of pecans for sale. 3-400# $220.00-$240.00 3-400# $190.50-$202.50 4-500# $182.00-$210.00 4-500# $176.00-$193.00 5-600# $175.00-$210.00 5-600# $163.00-$179.00 Please contact the extension office to reserve your bag 6-700# $167.00-$176.00 6-700# $158.00-$166.00 of pecans (620) 384-5225 7-800# $163.00-$170.00 7-800# $165.00 8-900# $161.00-$165.00 8-900# N/A COWS: BULLS: $86.00-$93.00 Weigh Ups - $60-$71 Preg Chk - $1300-$1800 P3 - $1050-$1800 P2 - $1000-$1750 P1 Pairs - $1500-$2100

** Be sure to check our website each week for Advance Consignments **NO CATTLE SALE - November 27, 2015

Weekly Weather Forecast from Weather.com Thurs. Nov. 26

Wintery Mix 34° 15° High Low Wind: NNE at 17 mph

Fri. Nov. 27

Mostly Cloudy 32° 14° High Low Wind: NNE at 14 mph

Sat. Nov. 28

AM Snow 36° 16° High Low Wind: E at 9 mph

Sun. Nov. 29

Mon. Nov. 30

Tues. Dec. 1

Wed. Dec. 2

Mostly Sunny 43° 16° High Low Wind: SSE at 9 mph

Partly Cloudy 41° 18° High Low Wind: WSW at 9 mph

Mostly Sunny 43° 19° High Low Wind: SSW at 8 mph

Mostly Sunny 46° 21° High Low Wind: NW at 11 mph

Humidity: 88%

Humidity: 74%

Humidity: 57%

Humidity: 71%

Humidity: 76%

Humidity: 76%

Humidity: 65%

Precip: 40%

Precip: 20%

Precip: 30%

Precip: 10%

Precip: 0%

Precip: 0%

Precip: 20%

• Page 10

The Syracuse Journal November 25, 2015

Recipes & Stuff

Seen on the Scene

by Carol Roberts

Leftover Turkey Taco Soup

L

There is a lot happening in Hamilton County that not everyone gets a chance to see or hear about. This is your space to do that. Please send your photos of what you’ve seen in the county to the following email: [email protected]

Here is a way to use up some of those turkey leftovers and have something nice and warm at the same time.

1 tablespoon Pure Wesson® Canola Oil 1-1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn 1 can (16 oz each) reduced sodium pinto beans, drained 1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Original Diced tomatoes 1 pkg (1.25 oz each) 30% less sodium taco seasoning mix 1 pkg (32 oz each) reducedsodium chicken broth 2-1/2 cups chopped cooked turkey

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat; add corn and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until thawed. Add beans, drained tomatoes and taco seasoning; stir to combine. Add broth. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Add turkey; reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream and/or cheese, if desired.

High winds fell this tree across the 300 block of West Avenue B in Syracuse sometime Monday night or early Tuesday morning, Nov. 17. Photo by Brian Bloyd.

Winter

travelers, providing a hot meal and a warm place to sleep for the night. A few Syracuse residents opened their homes to those also needing a place to stay to ride out the storm. In the event this type of snowstorm or severe winter weather comes again causing stranded travelers, local residents may contact the Sheriff’s Office to let authorities know they have a place for travelers to stay if so needed. The phone number to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s O ff i c e i s 6 2 0 - 3 8 4 - 5 6 1 6 .

Meeting

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Boy has had positive comments about Ordinance No. 687 concerning golf carts operating on city streets. Councilmember Doze made motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilmember Keller. All Councilmembers voted aye and the meeting adjourned.