JANUARY NEWSLETTER
New Year’s Day, which is on January 1, marks the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar and it's a public holiday in many countries. Count down to the New Year, no matter where you are.
New Year’s Day celebrations vary widely across different cultures. Some children receive gifts on New Year’s Day in some countries. This is a popular holiday in Japan, where everyone celebrates his or her birthday. In Scotland the holiday is known as Hogmanay, which is characterized by the custom of visiting friends and relatives after midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Many people who were up on New Year’s Eve to welcome the New Year and have a day off work on New Year’s Day have the chance to sleep in and spend the remainder of the day either attending church services, visiting friends or relatives, going to the movies, staying in, or watching or playing sport. Feasting on traditional New Year’s food is also a widespread practice but dishes vary across cultures.
Many people mark New Year’s Day as the first day to start a New Year’s resolution for the year. New Year’s Day parades are held in some places and some of these parades are televised. The start of New Year’s Day is usually marked by fireworks and music as the clock strikes midnight between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
New Year’s Eve is a public holiday in many places around the world including in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Schools, post offices and government offices are closed, as are most businesses, in countries where New Year’s Day is a public holiday. Those wishing to travel via public transport may need to check with the local transport authorities on public transport schedules for New Year’s Day.
New Year’s Day marks the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It is a relatively modern practice. Although Romans began marking the start of their civil year on January 1 in their calendar (prior to the Gregorian calendar), the traditional springtime opening of the growing season and time for major military campaigns still held on as the popular New Year celebration.
Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582. It was adopted immediately in some areas of Europe but it was not used in various countries until even centuries later. For example, the United Kingdom and the United States started observing the Gregorian calendar in 1752, in which 11 days were dropped.
It is important to note that not all cultures follow the Gregorian calendar in observing New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For example, the New Year in the Hindu, Chinese, Coptic, Jewish, Islamic calendars differ to that of the Gregorian calendar.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are symbolized in various ways across the world. Midnight between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is often marked by fireworks and fire crackers. Many people drink and toast with champagne or other sparkling wine.
Wondering when do I take my Christmas decorations down?
If you've ever wondered why your neighbors, family members or that one house on your block have their Christmas decorations up long after Christmas day, there might not be a random action.Every family moves at their own pace when it comes to taking down Christmas trees and decorations, but there are certain popular dates to remember that are approaching when people will start taking them down. Those specific dates follow either religious or even just superstitious guidelines.
The first date is on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31):
There's a saying that you should take your tree down on New Year's Eve before the bells toll at midnight because if you don't, then it's said to believe that you'll be dragging all of the baggage and bad luck from the previous year into the new year. This is something we can all agree to avoid.
The next date is Jan. 5:
This day is traditionally considered to be the twelfth day of Christmas, so taking your tree down on this day is the last day of the 12 days of Christmas celebration or merriment.
The following day, Jan. 6, which is the last date:
Taking it down on this day is usually in observance of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, a Christian holiday.
Martin Luther King Jr. – Observed January 15, 2018
Martin Luther King, Jr., (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968) was born Michael Luther King, Jr., but later had his name changed to Martin. His grandfather began the family's long tenure as pastors of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, serving from 1914 to 1931; his father has served from then until the present, and from 1960 until his death Martin Luther acted as co-pastor. Martin Luther attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduating from high school at the age of fifteen; he received the B. A. degree in 1948 from Morehouse College, a distinguished Negro institution of Atlanta from which both his father and grandfather had graduated. After three years of theological study at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he was elected president of a predominantly white senior class, he was awarded the B.D. in 1951. With a fellowship won at Crozer, he enrolled in graduate studies at Boston University, completing his
residence for the doctorate in 1953 and receiving the degree in 1955. In Boston he met and married Coretta Scott, a young woman of uncommon intellectual and artistic attainments. Two sons and two daughters were born into the family.
In 1954, Martin Luther King became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Always a strong worker for civil rights for members of his race, King was, by this time, a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the leading organization of its kind in the nation. He was ready, then, early in December, 1955, to accept the leadership of the first great Negro nonviolent demonstration of contemporary times in the United States, the bus boycott described by Gunnar Jahn in his presentation speech in honor of the laureate. The boycott lasted 382 days. On December 21, 1956, after the Supreme Court of the United States had declared unconstitutional the laws requiring segregation on buses, Negroes and whites rode the buses as equals. During these days of boycott, King was arrested, his home was bombed, he was subjected to personal abuse, but at the same time he emerged as a Negro leader of the first rank.
In 1957 he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization formed to provide new leadership for the now burgeoning civil rights movement. The ideals for this organization he took from Christianity; its operational techniques from Gandhi. In the eleven-year period between 1957 and 1968, King traveled over six million miles and spoke over twenty-five hundred times, appearing wherever there was injustice, protest, and action; and meanwhile he wrote five books as well as numerous articles. In these years, he led a massive protest in Birmingham, Alabama, that caught the attention of the entire world, providing what he called a coalition of conscience. and inspiring his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail", a manifesto of the Negro revolution; he planned the drives in Alabama for the registration of Negroes as voters; he directed the peaceful march on Washington, D.C., of 250,000 people to whom he delivered his address, "l Have a Dream", he conferred with President John F. Kennedy and campaigned for President Lyndon B. Johnson; he was arrested upwards of twenty times and assaulted at least four times; he was awarded five honorary degrees; was named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963; and became not only the symbolic leader of American blacks but also a world figure.
At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.
On the evening of April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers of that city, he was assassinated.
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW
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!
It’s that time of year again! If you would like to sign up for the level payment on city utilities program contact City Hall to find out more information.
Dates to remember:
JANUARY 1st: City Hall Closed – HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
JANUARY 8th: Welcome the new Council members as they are sworn in at a special meeting at 6:00 p.m. Congratulations; Cynthia Carr, Ron Knavel and Sharlyn Thompson!
JANUARY 10th: Council meeting at city hall at 7:00 p.m.
JANUARY 15th: PRIDE Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall
JANUARY 25th:Past due Utility shut off date.
If you can’t pay your account in full at this time then you must attend theJanuary Council meeting or submit your reasoning in writing to the City Clerk BEFORE the January Council meeting
CITY COUNCIL NEWS
CITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS
a)Mike Maloney presented a letter of variance to our ordinance on mobile homes, requesting he be allowed to bring in a 1999 mobile home. Danny Ware Jr mentioned that a 1999 and a 2007 mobile home does not have much difference. David Lee suggested we could change the ordinance and go on something other than age. Danny Ware Jr suggested we visit with Chuck on the standard rule of a manufactured or mobile home.
b)Harry Lee expressed concerns of electric lines running through a few properties preventing them to develop growth of residents or even a business. The Mayor stated this was discussed in the meeting earlier and it was recommended if the landowner wants it moved they will pay the cost of replacement. David Lee stated that replacing a pole isn’t that time consuming but when you have to re-route the line then you are doubling if not tripling the cost.
c)Richard Luken with PRIDE mentioned the liner is in the volleyball pit and 2 loads of sand have been added as well, still needing more sand. This weekend PRIDE members will be driving around town judging Christmas light displays, winners will be announced at Monday night’s meeting. Richard shared a plaque that was awarded to La Harpe PRIDE for the 2017 Award of Excellence in Recreation from Thrive Allen County. The following statement is printed on the plaque: Given in recognition of the outstanding multi-year effort led by La Harpe PRIDE to revitalize the La Harpe City Park. The tireless efforts of these volunteers have produced a park all Allen Countians can be proud of, and was made possible only because this group of people were scrappy, resourceful and refused to take “no” for an answer. This project truly shows the pride La Harpe residents have for their community, and represents the spirit Thrive works to instill in communities across our county.
d)Raymond Maloney shared an update on the Tech Center; they will start building mini homes next semester. These homes will be 16X30 2-bedroom open floor plan and would like to bring them into the City. Mayor Crowell reminded Raymond that we were waiting for you and Chuck to come up with a proposal to share with the Council. She mentioned that you can bring in the mini home just wouldn’t qualify for the incentive ordinance that we have in place now. Raymond asked about the tax abatement and city clerk, Michelle Altis stated he would need to contact the County on that, the City has nothing to do with the tax abatement.
NEW BUSINESS
a)COLA – table until next month
b)Building security for fitness center - Healthcare foundation representative for the City of La Harpe, Harry Lee shared his interim report that had been recently submitted as required. He stated the budget was adjusted leaving about $6,000.00 for equipment and about $4,000.00 for security. To date we have spent $3,570.00 for the keyless entry and need about $1,500.00 additional for the security cameras. Would like to ask the City if they would purchase the cameras or pick up the difference. Mayor Crowell suggested we pay for the cameras and the motion lights needed, she stated $2,500.00 should cover what is needed. David Lee made the motion to spend $2,500.00 for security for the fitness center. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 4-0, Danny Ware Jr abstained.
c)Law Enforcement – Mayor Crowell suggested we run an ad in the Iola register, Humboldt Union, Chanute paper, Ft Scott paper and Garnett.
d)Part time help – Mayor Crowell stated we need to hire 1 or 2 to get the alleys done. She will contact the applicants and set up interviews.
e)Weight limit on city streets/ Trucks on 6th–David Lee expressed concerns with Nelson’s using 6th street to haul heavy equipment. Mayor Crowell reminded the Council that the employees and Scott Stewart can enforce our ordinances and write citations as needed. Michelle mentioned Nelson’s was seen going down 6th street today, tomorrow we can review the cameras at the park and issue a citation by mail after our findings on the cameras.
f)Resolutions to condemn properties – Michelle Altis presented 2 resolutions to start condemning procedures on 106 S Jefferson and 811 S Washington. David Lee made the motion to pass resolution numbers 4-2017 and 5-2017 with a special meeting being held at 6:00 pm on February 14, 2018 for the hearing. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a)Nothing to report
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
a)Chuck Apt, City Attorney – Chuck requested the Council pass the bond resolution #6-2017. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to pass the resolution. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
b)Chuck Richey, Water District Representative- Nothing to report.
c)Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Absent from meeting. Mayor Crowell stated the bunker gear Marc was needing was the cheapest he could get. David Lee made the motion to purchase 3 sets at $1,600.00 a piece. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 5-0. No monthly meeting minutes were shared.
d)Michelle Altis, City clerk- Michelle mentioned that our Delta Dental rate was going up $.72 per month and requested the Council make a motion to allow the Mayor to sign the contract. Danny Ware Jr made the motion authorizing the Mayor to sign the contract. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Michelle asked the Council permission to purchase a 16” chainsaw, she presented a price of $279.99 for an Echo and $440.00 for a Stihl. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to purchase the 16” Echo for $279.99. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
e)Law Cell Phone – Michelle asked the Council if we could suspend the law phone for 6 months’ and save about $49.00 a month in doing so. Mayor Crowell instructed Michelle to suspend the phone.
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
The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 cups prepared marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 (5 ounce) package garlic croutons
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Coat the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic and hot red pepper flakes.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in bottom of the dish, and pour marinara sauce over chicken. Sprinkle basil over marinara sauce, and top with half the mozzarella cheese, followed by half the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on the croutons, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven until cheese and croutons are golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 35 minutes to an hour, depending on the shape and thickness of your chicken breasts. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken breast should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
Roasted Vegetables