MAY NEWSLETTERNational Day of Prayer in the United StatesMay 4, 2017

National Day of Prayer calls on all people of different faiths in the United States to pray for the nation and its leaders. It is held on the first Thursday of May each year.

What Do People Do?

Through the efforts of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, more than 35,000 prayer gatherings will be conducted by about 40,000 volunteers across the United States. Several million people are expected to participate in this call to prayer. Some celebrities, such as popular musician and Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs, will join millions of Americans in praying for the nation. Other events in various communities across the United States may include: choirs and bands performing songs relating to prayer; community prayer breakfasts or luncheons; daytime prayer walks; and evening worship and prayer services or gatherings. National Day of Prayer is a time for people of all faiths to pray together in their own way.

Background

In 1775 the Continental Congress allocated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. Over the years, there have been calls for a day of prayer, including from President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. On April 17, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law in the United States. President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer. The National Prayer Committee was formed in the United States in 1972. It went on to create the National Day of Prayer Task Force, with the intended purpose of coordinating events for the National Day of Prayer.  According to the Legal Information Institute, the President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.

Mother's Day in the United StatesMay 14, 2017

Mother's Day in the United States is annually held on the second Sunday of May. It celebrates motherhood and it is a time to appreciate mothers and mother figures. Many people give gifts, cards, flowers, candy, a meal in a restaurant or other treats to their mother and mother figures, including grandmothers, great-grandmothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers.

The origins of Mother's Day are attributed to different people. Many believe that two women, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis were important in establishing the tradition of Mother's Day in the United States. Other sources say that Juliet Calhoun Blakely initiated Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the late 1800s. Her sons paid tribute to her each year and urged others to honor their mothers.

Around 1870, Julia Ward Howe called for Mother's Day to be celebrated each year to encourage pacifism and disarmament amongst women. It continued to be held in Boston for about ten years under her sponsorship, but died out after that.

In 1907, Anna Jarvis held a private Mother's Day celebration in memory of her mother, Ann Jarvis, in Grafton, West Virginia. Ann Jarvis had organized "Mother's Day Work Clubs" to improve health and cleanliness in the area where she lived. Anna Jarvis launched a quest for Mother's Day to be more widely recognized. Her campaign was later financially supported by John Wanamaker, clothing merchant from Philadelphia.

In 1908, she was instrumental in arranging a service in the Andrew's Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, which was attended by 407 children and their mothers. The church has now become the International Mother's Day Shrine. It is a tribute to all mothers and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Mother's Day has become a day that focuses on generally recognizing mothers' and mother figures' roles. Mother's Day has also become an increasingly important event for businesses in recent years. This is particularly true of restaurants and businesses manufacturing and selling cards and gift items.

ARMED FORCES DAYMay 20, 2017

Armed Forces Day is a day to pay tribute to the men and women who serve the United States Armed Forces.  Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated on the third Saturday in May, is part of Armed Forces Week.

HISTORY

It was with the idea for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country that President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish this single holiday. The one-day celebration then stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.  It was on August 31, 1949, that Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force Days.

Parades, open houses, receptions and air shows were held to celebrate the first Armed Forces Day held on May 20, 1950.

1962 – President John F. Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday.

The United States longest running city-sponsored Armed Forces Day Parade is held in

Bremerton, Washington.

2012 – Bremerton celebrated the 64th year of the Armed Forces Day Parade.

Memorial Day in the United StatesMay 29, 2017

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

Arlington National Cemetery

What Do People Do?

It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is combined with Jefferson Davis' Birthday in Mississippi.

Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year.

Background

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.

MONTHLY HEALTH TIPS

 LOCAL NEWS The City wide clean-up will be May 22nd through May 26th. Deadline to sign-

up will be Friday, May 19th at 5:00 p.m. You must sign up to have your items picked up. Remember to group all of your items in separate corresponding piles by the street, items that won’t be picked-up are; Tires, batteries, household trash and items with Freon.

PRIDE will be dedicating the New Playground Equipment at the La Harpe City Park on May 20th. The festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Crowell will be delivering the opening speech. PRIDE will also be serving hotdogs; the public is invited to attend.

The City would like to congratulate Paul Beasley for successfully obtaining his water license with KDHE!!! WAY TO GO PAUL!!!!

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!

 

D ates to remember :

May 1st: If you have not purchased your 2017 dog tags there will be a

$1.00 penalty assessed after this date.

May 10th: Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

May 15th: PRIDE Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

May 22nd – 26th: City Wide Clean up

May 25th: Past due Utility shut off date.

If you can’t pay your account in full at this time then you must attend the May Council meeting or submit your reasoning in writing to the City Clerk BEFORE the May Council meeting.

May 29th: La Harpe City Hall will be closed in observance of Memorial Day

CITY COUNCIL NEWSCITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS

a) Damaris Kunkler asked that we add a sentence to our letters when we are in the process of condemning a structure so that the homeowner knows there are options out there that can help them. She would like for our citizens to know about the Allen County Emergency Resource Guide and the Humanity House can help those in need. City clerk, Michelle Altis, suggested we add the statement to our letters at the beginning of the condemnation process instead of waiting until closer to the end, Damaris liked that idea.

b) Richard Luken with PRIDE- PRIDE will be hosting an Easter Egg hunt at the La Harpe City Park on Saturday, April 15th at 2:00 pm. Children 11 and under are invited to participate. On Saturday, May 20th there will be a dedication of the new playground equipment. The festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Crowell will be delivering the opening speech. PRIDE will also be serving hotdogs; the public is invited to attend.

NEW BUSINESS

a) City Hall Survey – tabled until next month, David Lee would like to make a few changes.

b) Burning after dark- David Lee suggested we relax a bit about burning after dark. Mayor Crowell stated that the fire department was called out to put the City brush pile out, it had been smoldering for a week but the wind had kicked up a flame and no one was around. Mayor Crowell suggested as long as someone is watching the fire she does not have a problem with burning after dark. The council agreed that we need to look at our burning permit.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a) Water Tower Contract- City clerk, Michelle Altis explained to the Council what she had shared about a new company taking over Cunningham and renewing our contract was not true at all. Cunningham reached out to the City and explained they had a few disgruntled employees that were able to get a hold of their business files and reached out to us pretending to be taking over the company and the new fees we would be charged. Michelle assured the council that we were still in contract with Cunningham and nothing has changed.

b) City owned property east of 510 W 6th- Mayor Crowell suggested we abandon it and put it up for bids; we don’t need to maintain it when we have people interested in it. Chuck Apt suggested we could take sealed bids; there is no reason to abandon at this time. La Harpe citizen, Harry Lee, suggested we look at our easement first. Danny Ware Jr stated he would like to table this item so that he could go look at this piece of property first. The other members agreed to table until next meeting.

c) Generator for City Hall- Michelle was only able to receive one bid, she had calls out to others but haven’t heard back yet. She stated that she would continue gathering information and hopefully share at May or June’s council meeting.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

a) Chuck Apt, City Attorney – Had nothing to report. Danny Ware Jr made a motion to go into executive session with Michelle Altis invited for personnel for 15 minutes. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

b) Chuck Richey, Water District Representative- Had nothing to report on water. He did suggest to the Council that they offer incentives for these employees to stay once they start getting their licenses.

c) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Absent from meeting. The LaHarpe Volunteer Fire Department met for its monthly meeting on Sunday, March 26, 2017. Present: Marc Waggoner Sr., Craig Trester, Mark Scott, Ryan Scott, Dennis Sidebottom, Jeremy Kinzer, Nick Trester, Jonathan Gay, Marc Waggoner Jr. and Rick Noyes. Had fire meeting, took trucks out to get reacquainted with them and then returned to barn to finish meeting. Next meeting will be April 30, 2017. Mayor Crowell also shared a thank you letter from the City of Hutchinson for their help and support during the fire’s in Reno County. The Fire Department sent Dennis Sidebottom and Nick Trester, Harry Lee also shared that his son; Kevin Lee also assisted as an aviator.

d) Michelle Altis, City Clerk- Shared with the Council that a motion was made to raise the water rates a $1.00 per meter, however the ordinance never got published so there for it should have never went into effect. Michelle stated the good thing about this is when I entered the increase in the system I did it incorrectly and the only customers that seen this $1.00 increase were those that used less than 1,000 gallons of water, since then Penny and I have credited those customers accounts. She asked the Council to approve this ordinance so that we can get that $1.00 back on the accounts effective May 1, 2017. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to approve the ordinance. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Michelle also presented to Kennel permits that needed council approval, Danny Ware Jr made the motion to approve both permits. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Michelle stated Paul was requesting hydrants at all 6 lift stations, the total cost would be $1,812.00 and it would save time when they had to power wash the lift stations. David Lee made the motion allowing Paul to order the parts as presented. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Michelle also requested the Council approve a business license for New to You. Danny Ware Jr expressed concerns on why we even charge for a business license, Michelle stated that Jason started this 3 or 4 years ago and we’ve been doing it ever since. Danny Ware Jr made a motion to appeal the ordinance pertaining to business licenses and refund those that have already paid for 2017. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0. On the personnel matter that was added; David Lee made the motion to increase Paul Beasley’s pay by $1.50 and increase Clint Boyers pay by $1.00 effective April 2, 2017. Sharlyn Thompson 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) Diana Mullins (496-2248) Sharlyn Thompson (496-3348)

Ron Knavel (496-2508)

Laharpe City Hall Hours: Monday-Friday

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

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE; CITYOFLAHARPE.ORG

Classic GoulashIngredients

2 pounds lean ground beef 2 large yellow onions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 3 cups water 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning 3 bay leaves 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, or to taste 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Directions

1. Cook and stir the ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink and has started to brown, about 10 minutes. Skim off excess fat, and stir in the onions and garlic. Cook and stir the meat mixture until the onions are translucent, about 10 more minutes.

2. Stir water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and seasoned salt into the meat mixture and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir macaroni into the mixture, cover, and simmer over low heat until the pasta is tender, about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and serve.

NOTE: GRAB A LOAF OF FRENCH BREAD TO SERVE WITH THE GOOLASH!!!!

Oven-Roasted AsparagusIngredients

1 bunch thin asparagus spears, trimmed 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) 1 clove garlic, minced (optional) 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).2. Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat the

spears, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange the asparagus onto a baking sheet in a single layer.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle with lemon juice just before serving.

Caramel Spice Poke CakeIngredients

1 box Spice Cake Mix plus ingredients required 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1½ cups heavy cream ¼ cup confectioners' sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup caramel sauce ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions1. Bake spice cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool and poke holes in the

cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.2. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top of the cake, filling the holes.3. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until

soft peaks form. Spread over the top of the cake.4. Pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cake and use a rubber spatula or the back of

a spoon to swirl into the whipped cream. Top with nuts.

NotesBecause of the whipped cream topping, this cake should be consumed shortly after frosting or stored in the fridge.