FEBRUARYNEWSLETTERis202202002020y2

Julius Caesar instituted a new calendar that added a leap day to February once every four years.

Everyone knows a year lasts 365 days. The number is right on your calendar — except during

leap years, when you get an annoying reminder that the 365-day year doesn’t quite match up

with the true year, as defined by how long it takes the Earth to complete one orbit around the

sun.

Forcing the human calendar to stay in sync with nature’s cycles requires some awkward

contortions. Every four years, February has 29 days instead of the usual 28. So, 2020 will be a

366-day year. But if a year is divisible by 100, there’s no extra day — unless the year is divisible

by 400, in which case there is an extra day after all. In other words, 2100 will not be a leap year,

but 2400 will.

It’s all a bit of a mess, but it’s necessary.

Why do we have leap years?

There would be no need for leap years if Earth’s orbit took exactly 365 days. In reality, the solar

year is a messy 365.2422 days. Thus, at the 365-day mark, Earth hasn’t quite circled all the way

back to its starting point. That lag of a 0.2422 day might seem small, but it adds up. If we had

nothing but 365-day years, the calendar would keep slipping relative to the seasons. After three

centuries, Jan. 1 would come in autumn. After six centuries, it would land in summer. That was

the strange situation in Rome in the 1st century BCE, when the calendar had slipped a full two

months out of alignment with the seasons. In the words of University of Houston historian

Richard Armstrong, “The Roman calendar was in a terrible mess.”

Who created the leap year?

In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar declared that the current year would last 445 days, bringing the

calendar back into alignment with the seasons. Irritated Roman officials referred to it as the

annus confusionis. Armstrong calls it simply “the longest year in history.” To limit any future

confusion, Caesar instituted a new calendar (now called the Julian calendar) that added a leap

day to February once every four years. That was the beginning of the leap year as we know it

today, but not the end. The Julian calendar produces years that average 365.25 days long —

much better than the Roman calendar it replaced, but still not a perfect match with the actual

solar year. By the 16th century, the error had added up to a quite-noticeable 10 days. In

response, Pope Gregory XIII replaced the Julian calendar with the more refined “Gregorian”

one, which introduced the modern schedule of leap days. He also restored the seasons and

holidays to their original place by decreeing a leap in time: Oct. 4, 1582 was followed by Oct. 15.

Super Bowl LIV will be played on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. Super Bowl LIV will be played in Miami Gardens, Florida, at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. This year's Big Game will mark the 11th time South Florida has hosted a Super Bowl, with the last one coming in 2010 (Super Bowl XLIV) at Hard Rock, then known as Sun Life Stadium.

The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team was founded in 1960 as the Dallas Texans by businessman Lamar Hunt and was a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). (They are not associated with the NFL Dallas Texans.) In 1963, the team relocated to Kansas City and assumed their current name. The Chiefs joined the NFL as a result of the merger in 1970. The team is valued at over $2 billion. Hunt's son, Clark, serves as chairman and CEO. While Hunt's ownership stakes passed collectively to his widow and children after his death in 2006, Clark is the operating head of the franchise; he represents the Chiefs at all league meetings and has ultimate authority on personnel changes.

The Chiefs have won three AFL championships, in 1962, 1966, and 1969. They became the second AFL team (after the New York Jets) to defeat an NFL team in an AFL–NFL World Championship Game, when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. The team's victory on January 11, 1970, remains the club's last championship game victory to date, and occurred in the final such competition prior to the leagues' merger coming into full effect. The Chiefs were also the second team, after the Green Bay Packers, to appear in more than one Super Bowl (and the first AFL team to do so) and the first to appear in the championship game in two different decades. Despite post-season success early in the franchise's history, winning five of their first six postseason games, the team struggled to find success in the playoffs for many years, including losing 10 of 11 playoff games from 1993 to 2017, which included an 8-game losing streak. Since, with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, the Chiefs have won 3 of their last 4 playoff games including the 2019 AFC Championship game sending the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl in 50 years.

The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team located in the San Francisco Bay Area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) West division. The team currently plays its home games at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, located 38 miles (61 km) southeast of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. Since 1988, the 49ers have been headquartered in Santa Clara.

The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and joined the NFL in 1949 when the leagues merged. The 49ers were the first major league professional sports franchise based in San Francisco. The name "49ers" comes from the prospectors who arrived in Northern California in the 1849 Gold Rush. The team is legally and corporately registered as San Francisco Forty Niners. The team began play at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco before moving across town to Candlestick Park in 1970 and then to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara in 2014.

The 49ers won five Super Bowl championships between 1981 and 1994, led by Hall of Famers Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Steve Young, and coaches Bill Walsh and George Seifert. They have been division champions 20 times between 1970 and 2019, making them one of the most successful teams in NFL history. The 49ers have been in the league playoffs 50 times: 49 times in the NFL and one time in the AAFC.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 14TH

History of Presidents' Day

The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). Washington, according to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, was born on February 22nd 1732. According to the old-style calendar in use back then, however, he was born on February 11th. In 1796, many Americans celebrated his birthday on the 22nd while others marked the occasion on the 11th instead.

By the early 19th century, Washington's Birthday had taken firm root in the American experience as a bona fide national holiday. Its traditions included Birthnight Balls in various regions, speeches, and receptions given by prominent public figures, and a lot of revelry in taverns throughout the land.

President Chester Alan Arthur was the first to designate Washington's original birth date as a national holiday in 1885.

Then along came Abraham Lincoln, another revered president and fellow February baby (born on the 12th of the month). The first formal observance of his birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday like George Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in several states.In 1968, legislation (HR 15951) was enacted that affected several federal holidays. One of these was Washington's Birthday, the observation of which was shifted to the third Monday in February each year whether or not it fell on the 22nd. This act, which took effect in 1971, was designed to simplify the yearly calendar of holidays and give federal employees some standard three-day weekends in the process.

 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.

FREE Blood pressure & blood glucose clinic at La Harpe Senior Center – 111 S. Main St, La Harpe. Sponsored by Senior Life Solutions.

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!

THE ANNUAL DOG CLINIC IS CHANGING.

Take your animals to the Red Barn Veterinary Clinic located at 1520 – 1300 St. Iola

THE COST OF SHOTSAnnual or Rabies - $26.50Annual & Rabies - $29.00Kennel Cough - $12.50

They will be offering the above prices from March 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020. The office charge for the above services will be waived if you show them your City of La Harpe utility bill for resident verification.

PLEASE CALL 620-365-3964 TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT BEFORE April 30, 2020. (Note: Tags will be issued after current rabies vaccination)

Dates to remember:

February 12th: COUNCIL MEETING AT CITY HALL AT 7:00 P.M.

February 17th: City Hall will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day.

February 17th: PRIDE Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

February 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 February 25th.

CITY COUNCIL NEWSCITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS

a) Marcia Davis shared with the Council that La Harpe had two pictures on the last page of the Southeast Kansas Magazine. She reminded everyone about Winterfest which will be January 15, 2020 for 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Soup will be available along with cookie decorating, card/game tables and a pickleball demonstration. Marcia stated we can apply for a new Health & Wellness grant in 2020 which I will submit sometime in February. Should be finding out sometime this week why we weren’t approved the first time we submitted the grant. David Lee asked if you could apply for this grant on a monthly basis and Marcia stated yes but only once per calendar year. With this new grant we are focusing on updating the kitchen, repair equipment, safety equipment for the park, mats for the gym and the health & wellness coordinator’s payroll. David Lee asked the amount we are requesting and Marcia stated it will be $37,000.00. Sharlyn Thompson suggested racks for the tables & chairs. Marcia reminded the Council that the K-State students will be here Monday and we are looking at painting the kitchen and the spare room at City Hall, they will be helping with the Winterfest and also help setup for the Home Fair on January 18, 2020.

b) Richard Luken shared information on the Home Fair Saturday, January 18, 2020. It starts at 1:30pm and our focus will be on the incentives La Harpe has to offer and the tax abatement program. Richard asked if someone representing La Harpe could be present to answer any questions about what the City offers. Mayor Crowell suggested Michelle make up a few packets with our ordinance, the incentives and the abatement program.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a) Small Home Ordinance – Tabled to February.b) ACARF Contract – Tabled to February.c) Lease with County on Fire Barn – Tabled to Februaryd) Contract with Floyd Sinclair – Tabled to February

SEATING OF NEW COUNCIL

a) Austin Lee took seat in place of David Lee.

NEW BUSINESS

a) Haying permits – Mayor Crowell asked the Council if they wanted them or leave as is, she recommending leaving as is. Danny Ware Jr asked how things went this year and Mayor Crowell stated everyone stayed in compliance as needed. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to suspend the haying permits for 12 months. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

b) 2020 GAAP Waiver – Cynthia Carr made the motion to accept the 2020 GAAP Waiver. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

a) Fred Works, City Attorney – Absent from meeting

b) Chuck Richey, Water District Representative- Had nothing to report. He did mention the chemical spill did not affect our water, only Humboldt.

c) Mike Jewell, Police Chief – Shared his report for the month; 8 case numbers, 6 citations, 5 warnings and 16 calls. He stated the camera was up and running and everything seems to be working well. Mike requested tires for the police car. He shared three quotes on patrol rated tires; JD’S Automotive were $125.00 each, Ken Pratt Motors were $200.00 each and Walmart did not have patrol rated tires. Mayor Crowell recommended we go with Mike’s recommendation and go with JD’S. Sharlyn Thompson made the motion to purchase tires at JD’S Automotive. Ron Knavel seconded. Danny Ware Jr suggested he also get it aligned. Motion carried 5-0.

d) Penny Miller, Code/Animal Control – shared her report for the month. She stated that she has a dog in the kennels but has found someone to take him, so he will be gone Friday. She mentioned that she was going to try to make her council notes a little better. Mayor Crowell stated there was nothing wrong with these, it states what you do on a daily basis. Penny mentioned that she is having issues with the owner of the cows and chickens and can’t get nothing done. Mayor Crowell suggested she get with Fred on this.

e) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Absent from meeting but shared minutes from December’s meeting; Present: Marc Waggoner Sr., Dennis Sidebottom, Josh Sparks, Jeremy Kinzer, Marc Waggoner Jr., Meghan Waggoner, Matthew Waggoner, Michael Waggoner, Craig Trester, Ronald Splechter, Luke Chenowith and William Gay. Absent were Tori Danford and Ronald Richardson. Had fire meeting. The Heinrichs brought thank you gifts, we thanked them then we had a short meeting and then ended the meeting.

f) Michelle Altis, City clerk- Michelle asked if the fitness center could be an employee benefit for our City employees. Mayor Crowell thought that would be a good idea and it would help keep our crew healthier. She stated they would all have to sign a waiver and pay a deposit on a key fob. She recommended it be for all full and part time employees and add it to the employee handbook under benefits. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to add the fitness center to the employee handbook under benefits. Austin Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Michelle also stated that she received a couple of calls regarding the parts for the lawnmower not being ordered; I spoke with Don at the end of the mowing season about getting what he needed for the mower and he stated it could wait until next spring. After the calls I got I had Zach go in and get everything needed which has been done and the mower is ready to go.

g) Mike Headman – Had nothing new on the digger to report. Called about the book we ordered but haven’t heard back from them yet. The other digger truck is working out well, we haven’t set a pole yet. We’ve been cutting a few trees out of powerlines. Also, will work on a plan for the walking trail this spring. Michelle mentioned that with the digger truck being down and not able to transfer insurance and tags on the other digger truck Zach will have to take his test with the big bucket truck.

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

Best Queso DipINGREDIENTS

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil1 small onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, minced1 jalapeño, minced12 oz. American cheese, shredded4 oz. Pepper Jack, shredded1 c. milkKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper1 medium tomato, diced1 (4-oz.) can green chilis1/4 c. freshly chopped cilantro

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add cheeses and milk and stir until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in tomatoes, green chilis, and cilantro. 

2. Serve immediately with chips.

Chili Cheese Dog Egg RollsINGREDIENTS

8 egg rolls 8 hot dogs 1 (15 oz.) can chili 1/2 c. minced white onion 1 c. shredded Cheddar 2 tbsp. finely chopped chives Vegetable oil, for frying

DIRECTIONS1. Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape and place a

hot dog on top, trimming the hot dog ends if necessary, to fit. Top with a spoonful of chili, white onion, cheddar and chives.

2. Fold up bottom half and tightly fold in sides. Gently roll, then seal fold with a couple drops of water. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil (it should reach 1" up the side of pan) until it starts to bubble.

4. Add egg rolls and fry until golden, 2 minute per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. Serve warm with ketchup and mustard for dipping.

The BEST No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients 8 tablespoons 113g unsalted butter, melted 2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs about 60 crackers or about 194g 1 1/4 cups 142g powdered sugar 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter divided 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions1. Line a 9x9-inch or 9x13-inch pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. (Or you can use

any size pan in between; the bigger the pan the thinner the bars.)2. Place melted butter, Ritz cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 3/4 cup peanut butter in

a large bowl. Mix by hand until combined. Press firmly into prepared pan.3. Place chocolate chips and remaining 2 tablespoons peanut butter in a microwave-safe

bowl. Heat on 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Pour over bars and spread with a spatula to evenly coat.

4. Chill for at least 1 hour to set, slice into bars. **It’s best to slice them at room temperature so your chocolate doesn’t shatter. **

5. These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on how warm your house is. The chocolate will get melty if it’s too hot, so use your judgement on where you should store them.