APRIL NEWSLETTER

Don't be surprised if the Easter Bunny plays a few pranks in 2018—the Christian holiday falls on April 1, aka April Fool's Day, this year. Ash Wednesday is pulling double-duty too, sharing a calendar date with Valentine's Day this February. It's the first time this odd occurrence has appeared on the calendar since 1945!

The coincidence has left many people wondering why Easter falls on a different date each year, anyway. Most Christians know Ash Wednesday's date depends on Easter's, but wouldn't it be much simpler (and easier to remember) if Jesus Christ's resurrection were celebrated on a set day, the way holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day are observed? Here's a look at why that's not the case.

For Catholics, Ash Wednesday signals the period of 40 days before Easter, called Lent, when observants typically "give up" some earthly pleasure (wine, chocolate) as a form of penance. The holiday stems from the Old Testament book of Daniel's "association of fasting with ashes,". Its main ritual involves a priest invoking Genesis 3:19 ("for you are dust, and to dust you shall return") while anointing congregants' foreheads with a mix of ash from Palm Sunday—itself derived from the story of Christ's route to Jerusalem being padded by palm fronds—and sometimes oil. Lent is an acknowledgment of the 40 days Christ spent in the wilderness. Since Ash Wednesday kicks off Lent, its date is always exactly 46 days before Easter (fasting is not observed on Sundays during Lent) and thus is affected directly by what date Easter falls on that year. Which brings us to

our central question: Why is Easter on a different date each year? The holiday, which celebrates Christ's return from the grave following his crucifixion, usually occurs between March 22 and April 25. It's set to coincide with the March Equinox, a day when the sun shines directly on the equator and the majority of earth experiences nearly equal hours of sunlight and nighttime, which signals the start of spring in the northern hemisphere. Because Christ's death and resurrection happened after the Jewish Passover, which is celebrated on the first full moon after the equinox, early Christians wanted Easter to always take place following Passover. To make a long answer short, Easter falls on a different date each year because it, like Passover, is tied to solar and lunar cycles.

Earth Day 2018 Aims to End Plastic Pollution

Earth Day Network, the organization that leads Earth Day worldwide, announced that Earth Day 2018 will focus on mobilizing the world to End Plastic Pollution, including creating support for a global effort to eliminate single use plastics along with uniform regulation for the disposal of plastics.  EDN will educate millions of people about the health and other risks associated with the use and disposal of plastics, including pollution of our oceans, water, and wildlife, and about the growing body of evidence that decomposing plastics are creating serious global health problems. 

From poisoning and injuring marine life to the ubiquitous presence of plastics in our food to disrupting human hormones and causing major life-threatening diseases and early puberty, the exponential growth of plastics is threatening our planet's survival. EDN has built a multi-year campaign to End Plastic Pollution.  Our goals include ending single

use plastics, promoting alternatives to fossil fuel-based materials, promoting 100 percent recycling of plastics, corporate and government accountability and changing human behavior concerning plastics.

EDN's End Plastic Pollution campaign includes four major components:

Leading a grassroots movement to support the adoption of a global framework to regulate plastic pollution;  

Educating, mobilizing and activating citizens across the globe to demand that governments and corporations control and clean up plastic pollution;

Educating people worldwide to take personal responsibility for plastic pollution by choosing to reject, reduce, reuse and recycle plastics, and

Promoting local government regulatory and other efforts to tackle plastic pollution.

Earth Day Network will leverage the platform of Earth Day and the growing interest in the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2020 as a catalyst for global action.

If this is something you are interested in helping with we have a recycling center right here in La Harpe, Kansas that you can take your scrap and aluminum to, Ray’s Metal Depot! Or if you are looking to recycle your plastic, take your items to Kansas City Recycling Center 2404 S 88th Ave – Kansas City, KS 66111

 LOCAL NEWS

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

If you haven’t purchased your City dog tags you need to by May 1st, after that date you will be charged a $1.00 per month late fee.

The City of La Harpe city crew will be doing a clean-up week in May. If you want items hauled off you must sign up at City Hall. Deadline to sign up is May 1st. For more information contact City Hall (620) 496-2241.

Please do your part and help keep the drainage flowing in La Harpe by keeping your ditch cleaned from tree debris. Remember, we have a brush pile located east of the City Park that you can use to dump tree debris.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL LAHARPE CITIZENS CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH!!!! MAY YOUR DAY BE AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE TO US!

If you need assistance after-hours please call the Iola Dispatch Center at (620) 365-1437, they will notify the proper personnel.

Dates to remember:

April 11th: Council Meeting at City Hall at 7:00 pm

April 16th: PRIDE Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

April 22nd: Earth Day

April 25th: Past due Utility shut off date.

If you can’t pay your account in full at this time then you must submit your reasoning to the City Clerk BEFORE April 25th.

CITY COUNCIL NEWS

CITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS

a) Citizen Ray Maloney asked about raising the 20-mph speed limit on main street, stating there was no reason for it because there were no businesses in that area to warrant for slower speeds. David Lee stated there are several children at the bus stop in the mornings. Chuck Apt recommend Ray visit with the Chief about his request. Chief Wright felt 20-mph was okay.

b) Richard Luken mentioned that PRIDE will be hosting an Easter egg hunt on March 31st at 2:00pm in the City Park, if weather is not favorable it will be moved to City Hall.

c) Damaris Kunkler, Thrive of Allen County shared a report from Tuesdays get together with La Harpe Citizens. She stated it was a huge success, a lot of different ideas on what the citizens would like to see; a couple of them were more businesses, community clean-up and community events. She also mentioned that Savannah Flory and Debbie Bearden was working on a “Welcome to La Harpe” sign holder. Citizen, Harry Lee suggested they wait to see what the City is putting up that PRIDE had received. Mayor Crowell stated if a sign was needed the Council could make a few recommendations and let PRIDE chose the design.

d) Citizen, Harry Lee stated the security cameras should be installed soon. We have a contract with CDL electric to install them. He stated the City would need to purchase a flat screen monitor to be hung in the office. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to purchase a 50” for $249.00 plus shipping. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

e) Citizen Ralph Holland shared his frustrations on receiving a code letter for his property. He mentioned that is has been taken care of but thought the City was wasting their money on having a code officer when street work needs to be done. Mayor Crowell stated we are trying to do things to improve the town to attract more businesses and as for the streets we can only do so many miles per year, our budget does not allow for more than that.

NEW BUSINESS

a) Mowing- Danny Ware Jr stated he would like to amend the ordinance allowing notification to mow be only 7 days instead of 30 days and if not incompliance we have our contractors mow and send out a citation for the bill, an office fee and court costs. Mayor Crowell asked Chuck Apt if that could be done. Chuck will work on an amendment and share at April’s meeting.

b) Condemning properties- City Clerk, Michelle Altis, asked about recouping our costs through small claims court. Mayor Crowell liked that idea and felt it would be doable. Chuck stated he would write up an amendment for that ordinance as well.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a) PRIDE walking path- Damaris Kunkler mentioned that Jessica McGinnis, with PRIDE, will be visiting with the Council on a design. David Lee was concerned about the upkeep of the walking path. Damaris stated that she would have a group of volunteers that will do nothing but maintain the path.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

a) Chuck Apt, City Attorney – Presented a weight limit ordinance for 6th street and suggested the Council adopt it and if anything changes with the entrance on the highway then we can amend the ordinance. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to adopt ordinance #1803. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Chuck also added a new section to the employee handbook in regards to schooling for employees and asked that the council approve the changes. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to approve the amended version of the employee handbook. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

b) Chuck Richey, Water District Representative- Absent from meeting.

c) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Absent from meeting and no meetings were shared.

d) Ashley Wright, Police Chief – shared her reports; 7 citations, 1 theft, 17 calls for service, 1 vehicle pursuit, and 4 dogs picked up. Ashley mentioned that she was able to acquire a dog kennel for $400 instead of $4,000.00. She mentioned that she had been working on a couple of grants to get some free items. She would like to start a reserve policy and has 2 officers that would work for free, one has 15 years’ experience and the other has 22 years. This item was tabled until April’s meeting. Mayor Crowell stated that she needed approval to sign the paperwork for Ashley to attend the police academy should she fail the reciprocity program. David Lee made the motion to authorize the required paperwork. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 4-1, Cynthia Carr opposed.

e) Michelle Altis, City clerk- Mentioned there were 3 employee evaluations that needed to be completed next month and requested a special meeting on April 11 th at 6:00 to evaluate. Cynthia Carr suggested 5:30. Michelle had a door notice ready to be signed for a special meeting at 5:30 on April 11, 2018. Michelle had a contract from Cleaver Farm & Home that needed to be signed by the Mayor and 4 elected officials so that the City could purchase whistles or supplies. Michelle stated we use to have a

contract but it has expired. Cynthia Carr and Danny Ware Jr. were uncomfortable signing the form. Danny suggested calling the Rental Station and Cynthia mentioned she would get me a name of someone they used. Mayor Crowell requested the approval to buy our code officer a computer from Walmart, the motherboard on his went out. She mentioned that Randy is willing to install and setup for $100 fee. David Lee made the motion to purchase the computer for $349.00 with a warranty and have Randy set it up and bill us $100.00. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL NEWS

3-1-18: Mayor Crowell presented 5 lots, in La Harpe, that were coming up on a sheriff’s tax sale on March 7th in Iola; 410 S McKinley- lots 13 & 14, 1102 S Washington- lots 1 & 2 and 1106 S Washington- lot 3. David Lee mentioned that they were decent lots and we would have the potential to place a home on each lot. Cynthia Carr expressed concern if the City would get a percentage of the sale. Mayor Crowell explained that once the property is in a tax sale or we lose the lean we had against that property unless it sales for more than the taxes due. Mayor Crowell stated, it’s worth it for us to acquire these properties; home can be placed thus bringing revenue into the City off the utilities.

Danny Ware Jr. made the motion for David Lee to represent the City of La Harpe to attend the sheriff’s tax sale on Wednesday, March 7th at 10:00am to acquire 3 tracts of property not to exceed $2050.00. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Mayor Crowell stated she was not comfortable having the newspaper do a big article on our K-9 for a couple of reasons; Ashley is doing a great job but she is still in the probation period and has a lot of training to complete. The Council was in agreement and suggested talking with the newspaper about a short, simple article just to get the word out.

3-22-18:Mayor Crowell requested an executive session for 30 minutes to discuss personnel. David Lee made the motion to go into executive session for 30 minutes on personnel. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 5-0. After returning to regular session David Lee made the motion to terminate the La Harpe City Officer, Ashley, effective immediately. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

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

City Municipal Judge: Police Chief: Patricia Miklos

Fire Chief: City Clerk: Marc Waggoner Michelle Altis

Assistant City Clerk: City Treasurer: Penny Ebert Teresa Driskel

Maintenance Staff: Code/Animal Control Paul Beasley & Clint Boyers Scott Stewart (496-2241) City Council Members: David Lee (496-2333) Danny Ware Jr. (496-2156) Cynthia Carr (496-7500) Sharlyn Thompson (496-3348)

Ron Knavel (496-2508)

Laharpe City Hall Hours: Monday-Friday

902 S. Washington 8:00-12:00 & 1:00-5:00 P.O. Box 10 Ph. (620) 496-2241 Laharpe, KS. 66751 Fax (620) 496-2240

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE; CITYOFLAHARPE.ORG

Paleo Omelet Muffins

Muffins in a cup! Easy, yummy, and best of all hearty.

Ingredients

8 eggs 8 ounces cooked ham, crumbled 1 cup diced red bell pepper 1 cup diced onion 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 8 muffin cups or line with paper liners.2. Beat eggs together in a large bowl. Mix ham, bell pepper, onion, salt, black pepper, and water into the

beaten eggs. Pour egg mixture evenly into prepared muffin cups.3. Bake in the preheated oven until muffins are set in the middle, 18 to 20 minutes.

BBQ Tuna Fritters

A fun way to make canned tuna taste less like canned tuna. These thin tuna patties are tasty enough to be eaten plain or in a pita pocket with lettuce and tomato.

Ingredients

1 (5 ounce) can light tuna in water, drained 1 egg 2/3 cup quick-cooking oats 3 tablespoons barbeque sauce 3 tablespoons chopped green onion 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon dried savory 1 pinch salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the tuna, egg and oats until blended. Mix in the barbeque sauce, green onion, hot pepper sauce, savory, and salt.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Spoon tablespoonfuls of the tuna mixture into the pan, and flatten slightly. Smaller patties hold together better. Cook until browned on each side, about 3 minutes per side.

Carrot Cake Cheese Ball

This sweet carrot-shaped cheese ball recipe is a clever take on an Easter dessert favorite: carrot cake. Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, gingersnaps or apple slices for dipping fun that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredientso 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened o 2 tablespoons honey o 1 teaspoon vanilla extract o ½ teaspoon cinnamon o ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup shredded carrot plus ¼ cup, divided o ½ cup diced pineapple o ¼ cup golden raisins o ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans o ¼ cup toasted unsweetened coconut flakes o Carrot greens for garnish

Directions

1 Whisk cream cheese, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Stir in 1 cup carrot, pineapple and raisins.

2 Coat a large piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray. Scoop the cheese mixture onto it. Using the plastic wrap to help you, form the cheese mixture into a ball, then completely wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.

3 Just before serving, combine pecans, coconut and the remaining ¼ cup carrot in a small bowl. Turn the cheese ball out onto a serving plate and form into a carrot shape. Coat with the pecan mixture. Garnish with carrot greens, if desired.