JANUARY NEWSLETTER
New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1, marking the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar. January 1 is a public holiday in the United States and Canada (as well as many countries around the world). Interestingly, the month of “January” was named for the ancient Roman god Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings. Janus looks simultaneously to the future and the past, a fitting symbol for this first day of the year. Each year, on the first day of the month of January, Romans exchanged presents in Janus’ honor.
Janus am I; oldest of potentates;Forward I look, and backward, and belowI count, as god of avenues and gates,The years that through my portals come and go.
A common tradition is to take time to reflect and make New Year’s resolutions. A fresh calendar encourages us to fill in the blanks with ambitious projects for home and personal improvement. In Scotland, the custom of first-footing is an important part of the celebration of Hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve Day. This practice holds that the first foot to cross a threshold after midnight will predict the next year’s fortune. Today, there is a custom of visiting good friends and family after midnight on New Year’s Eve.
There are even some traditional New Year’s foods—many associated with good luck. One southern American recipe is Good Luck Hoppin’ John. A Scottish tradition is Hogmanay Shortbread. Champagne and other holiday drink recipes are also served in celebration.
The evening before New Year’s Day—New Year’s Eve—is when most people celebrate the turning of the year! As the clock counts down, people may celebrate the last hours at a party or watch a televised countdown. When the clock strikes midnight, the custom is to exchange hugs and kisses and wish each other a “Happy New Year!”
Many people ring in the New Year by singing the Scottish song “Auld Lang Syne.” Should auld acquaintance be forgot,And never brought to mind?Should auld acquaintance be forgot,And auld lang syne!Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,For auld lang syne.We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,For auld lang syne.NEW YEAR’S QUOTETo help you ring in the New Year or write a special New Year’s greeting….Ring out the old, ring in the new,Ring, happy bells, across the snow:The year is going, let him go;Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Martin Luther King Jr Day is January 20, 2020
Martin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the "I Have A Dream" speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968.
In 1968, shortly after Martin Luther King died, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced, trade unions lead the campaign for the federal holiday. It was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single "Happy Birthday" and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983. Martin Luther King Day was first observed in 1986, although it was not observed in all states until the year 2000. In 1990, the Wyoming legislature designated Martin Luther King Jr/Wyoming Equality Day as a legal holiday.
LOCAL NEWS Are you in need of grocery delivery service? Call 620-228-5570 for more
information on this service.
La Harpe Days T-Shirts available at City Hall.
Sign up for Weight Watchers at City Hall.
FREE Blood pressure & blood glucose clinic at La Harpe Senior Center – 111 S. Main St, La Harpe. Sponsored by Senior Life Solutions.
Did you know the City offers a level payment plan for city utilities? For more information contact City Hall.
If you need assistance after-hours please call the Iola Dispatch Center at (620) 365-1437, they will notify the proper personnel.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL LAHARPE CITIZENS CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH!!!! MAY YOUR DAY BE AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE TO US!
Dates to remember:
January 1st: City Hall will be closed in observance of New Year’s Day. Have a safe and happy New Year!!!!
January 8th: COUNCIL MEETING AT CITY HALL AT 7:00 P.M.
January 15th: 2nd Annual Winterfest from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at
La Harpe City Hall
January 18th: La Harpe Home Fair at 1:30pm at the La Harpe City Hall
January 20th: PRIDE Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall
January 28th: Past due Utility shut off date.
If you can’t pay your account in full at this time then you must submit your reasoning to the City Clerk BEFORE January 28th.
CITY COUNCIL NEWSCITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS
a) Marc Waggoner requested an extension on his utility bill. Mayor Crowell granted the extension.
b) Marcia Davis informed us the Health & Wellness grant was not approved for 2020. She stated she will be calling them to find out why but won’t know anything until January 9, 2020.
NEW BUSINESS
a) Darren Prince with KMEA – shared with the Council a few numbers on the fuel adjustment costs. In June of 2020 KMEA will be providing the power to the City of La Harpe and I have worked up a previous 12-month table for you to see the cost savings the City will be able to pass to the customer. In June our KWH will lower, the residential side will see a 6.5% decrease and the commercial side will see a 6.75% decrease. Darren also asked the Council if they would be interested in a rate analysis, all council members were interested. He stated he would start working on something in January. Michelle asked about the lineman program and he stated it is definitely in the works.
b) 2020 Holidays – Michelle shared a copy of requested holidays for 2020. Cynthia Carr made the motion to skip Veteran’s Day and give them the 2 half days in December. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
c) ACARF – Michelle presented a letter from ACARF requesting that the City pay $40.00 whenever they bring a dog in. Mayor Crowell had no problem paying the fee but wanted Fred to write up a contract in the case that they needed our kennel space. The Council will meet one the contract is ready for approval.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No unfinished business.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
a) Fred Works, City Attorney – Had nothing to share.
b) Chuck Richey, Water District Representative- Absent from meeting.
c) Mike Jewell, Police Chief – Shared his report for the month; 10 case numbers, 7 citations, 8 warnings and 11 calls.
d) Penny Miller, Code/Animal Control – shared her report for the month. David Lee arrived at 7:33pm.
e) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Shared minutes from October & November meeting; Present: Marc Waggoner Sr., Dennis Sidebottom, Josh Sparks, Jeremy Kinzer,
Marc Waggoner Jr., Meghan Waggoner, Matthew Waggoner, Michael Waggoner, Craig Trester, Ronald Richardson, Luke Chenowith and William Gay. Absent was Tori Danford. Had meeting in October deployed drop tank and did training on tanker to find out capacity and learn how to run trucks off of drop tank then ended meeting. Had meeting in November, took out trucker and did training on how to run them for a refresher course then ended meeting. Marc stated the addition to the Fire barn will probably start in March. Mayor Crowell asked Fred to write up a lease for the Council to approve. Marc stated the fire hydrant at 6th & Main is cracked and need to order a new one. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to purchase a hydrant if we need one. David Lee seconded. Ron Knavel mentioned the hydrant on Broadway is not functional as well. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to rescind his first motion and allow Marc to purchase 2 hydrants if needed. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
f) Michelle Altis, City clerk- shared 2 bids, one from ACE and the other from CDL, to get the heat exchanger replaced in the south unit of the gym. David Lee was concerned because of the $500.00 difference between the 2 bids and wants to make sure we are comparing apples to apples. Mayor Crowell reminded the Council this has been a problem for 2 years now and something needs done. Sharlyn Thompson made the motion to call ACE and make sure their bid included the gaskets and everything else and if it does then go with ACE. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion failed 2-3 with Danny Ware Jr, David Lee and Cynthia Carr opposing. Fred suggested reaching out to someone in Fort Scott, tell them what you are needing and they can come over and give you a general idea of what is needed. Mayor Crowell asked Danny Ware Jr to reach out to him and help if needed. Mike Hedman stated he needs a backup breaker for lift station #1 and the cost is around $400.00. Mayor Crowell told him to order it. Mike shared with the Council that he has reached out to Darrel Baughn to be an advisor on the electrical system, he said he was interested and would need $25.00 an hour. The Council thought that was a good idea. Mayor Crowell asked Fred to work up a contract with him. Mike stated the digger truck is in dire need of repair, we had the hydraulic pump blow up on us, the winch does not have a handle and we don’t have a manual for the truck. I have ordered one but won’t be here for 4 weeks and we have a lot of leaning poles that need addressed. He reached out to Floyd Sinclair which bought the old digger truck from the City; he is willing to let us use it as needed or he stated the City could buy it back for $1500.00. David Lee suggested we borrow Floyd’s truck. Mayor Crowell was concerned about the liability on the City and asked Fred if there was something, he could write up for that. Fred said he would write a contract to use the truck. Mayor Crowell asked Mike to start looking at digger trucks for sale.
Mayor: City Attorney: Ella Mae Crowell (496-6219) Fred Works
City Municipal Judge: Police Chief: Patricia Miklos Michael Jewell
Fire Chief: City Clerk: Marc Waggoner Michelle Altis
Assistant City Clerk: City Treasurer: Penny Ebert Teresa Driskel
Maintenance Staff: Code/Animal Control Mike Hedman, Zach Culbertson Penny Miller & Dereck Ranes City Council Members: Austin Lee (496-2323) Danny Ware Jr. (496-2156) Cynthia Carr (496-7500) Sharlyn Thompson (496-3348)
Ron Knavel (496-2508)
Laharpe City Hall Hours: Monday-Friday
902 S. Washington 8:00-12:00 & 1:00-5:00 P.O. Box 10 Ph. (620) 496-2241 Laharpe, KS. 66751 Fax (620) 496-2240
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE; CITYOFLAHARPE.ORG
Apple Oatmeal CrispIngredients
1 cup brown sugar 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup butter, melted 3 cups apples - peeled, cored and chopped 1/2 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8-inch
square pan.2. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, flour and butter. Mix until
crumbly. Place half of crumb mixture in pan. Spread the apples evenly over crumb mixture. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon and top with remaining crumb mixture.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
New Year's Day Black-Eyed Peas"Remember, black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day bring good luck for the entire year!"
Ingredients 1-pound bulk pork sausage 1-pound ground beef 1 large onion, diced 4 cups water 3 (15 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL(R)),
undrained 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies 4 teaspoons molasses 4 beef bouillon cubes 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Directions1. In a large Dutch oven, cook and stir the pork sausage and ground beef
with the onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, 10 to 12 minutes; drain off excess fat. Pour in the water, and stir in black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, salt, canned green chilies, molasses, beef bouillon cubes, black pepper, and cumin until thoroughly mixed.
2. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
Golden Yam Brownies
Ingredients 1 cup butter 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 4 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups peeled and finely shredded yam 1 cup confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 2 tablespoons milk
Directions1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch
baking dish.2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar
until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in the shredded yam. Spread the batter evenly in the greased baking dish.
3. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center, comes out clean. Mix together the confectioners' sugar, butter and milk until smooth. Spread over the brownies while they are still warm. They will absorb some of the glaze. Serve hot or warm.
