DECEMBER NEWSLETTER A Visit from St. Nicholas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: "Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blixen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!" As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a

word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight—“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

It’s that time of Year; La Harpe PRIDE is having a Christmas Lights display contest! Three lucky citizens will win a cash prize just for decorating your home for Christmas! If you would like to nominate someone to win the cash prizes please notify a La Harpe PRIDE member or contact City Hall. Winners will be announced at the PRIDE Meeting on December 18th at 7:00 p.m.

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!

Dates to remember:

DECEMBER 13th: Council meeting at city hall at 7:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 18th: PRIDE Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

DECEMBER 25TH: City Hall Closed for Christmas

DECEMBER 27th: Past due Utility shut off date.

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

CITY COUNCIL NEWSCITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS

a) Jacque Scott was requesting a decision be made on allowing her to bring a mobile home in. Sharlyn Thompson reminded the Council that we voted unanimously to decline her variance letter. The Council explained to Jacque she will not be able to bring in a home that is more than 10 years old.

b) Harry Lee spoke on behalf of PRIDE stating they have been working on the sand volleyball court and the goal is to get sand before the end of the year. We are hoping to put lights up next spring. On a different matter, the keyless lock has been ordered for our fitness center. The cost of the keyless entry was $3,570.00 which also comes with 50 key faubs. Harry stated that there is a report due December 1st, he will be working with Ben Alexander to get that completed. He is requesting the City help by providing a number of cameras available and would like to know what kind of programs the citizens would like. Mayor Crowell suggested we send out a survey. David Lee made the motion to send out a mailing to our citizens. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0. The PRIDE meeting will be next Monday, we are hoping to come up with a recommendation on the cost of the key faubs and a monthly fee.

NEW BUSINESS

a) Economic Development- Harry Lee stated that Dollar General went to Gas so I inquired as to why and was told because Gas has a higher income than La Harpe. Harry stated there are other opportunities for businesses to come to La Harpe. Harry stated he had been working on a document showing what La Harpe has to offer and asked the Council to review. Mayor Crowell suggested the Council send their thoughts to Michelle and she can pass along. David Lee mentioned that we have a facility here with space available. Harry also shared that PRIDE has ordered 120’ of 1 ½ “conduit to put on the sand volleyball court.

b) Election Results- Mayor Crowell shared the unofficial results of the election; Ron Knavel, Sharlyn Thompson and Cynthia Carr won the election and will be sworn in at a special meeting on January 8, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Crowell congratulated the candidates.

c) Signed complaint- Mayor Crowell read a signed complaint regarding a house in La Harpe. Mayor Crowell stated that in her opinion the house should be condemned. David Lee made the motion to start condemning procedures. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

d) Resolution for condemning properties- Chuck Apt stated that Scott needs to send a notice before adopting the resolution.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a) Nothing to report

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

a) Chuck Apt, City Attorney – Stated he needs to get with Scott and make an amendment to the ordinance for tiny homes, not pertaining to just the tech center. Hopefully have something to share at the December meeting. David Lee expressed concerns for our property values and are these homes going to be lasting homes. David stated; as a council member I have an obligation to look

out for our citizens and help them protect their assets. Chuck stated; our efforts will be to protect the City of La Harpe as well. Citizen, Harry Lee, asked if these homes would be built on site or at the tech center. Chuck stated his impression was they were going to build them then move them. Chuck mentioned we had a very productive conference call with the bond attorney, banks, the Mayor and myself. The Protest period ends November 27th and afterwards we can propose a resolution to pass in a special meeting early in December. We have a very excited group on board. Scott Stewart asked about law enforcement and where we were on that. Chuck stated that the Sherriff’s department will provide a proposal of what they can do, waiting on Sherriff Murphy to finish that.

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

c) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Marc stated they were done with flushing the hydrants this year, waiting on decals for fire truck and was able to get the culvert on 6 th street cleaned out. Marc asked the council permission to buy 3 sets of bunker gear at a price of $1,600.00 per set, he stated the County has offered to buy the other 9 sets needed. Danny Ware Jr suggested he find out how much it would cost to buy 6 sets instead of 3, they may offer us a different price. Mayor Crowell suggested he get prices and we will have a special meeting. The minutes to the fire meeting were shared; The LaHarpe Volunteer Fire Department met for its monthly meeting on Sunday, November 5, 2017. Present: Marc Waggoner Sr., Craig Trester, Dennis Sidebottom, Jonathan Gay, Nick Trester, Marc Waggoner Jr., William Gay, Rick Noyes, Josh Sparks and Jeremy Kinzer. Absent were Mark Scott and Ryan Scott. Had the fire meeting, trained guys on proper use of SCBA then started training on operation of new truck and discussed wanting safety first on all calls. Showed the crew what the new turn out gear looks like and then ended meeting. Next meeting will be December 3, 2017.

d) Michelle Altis, City clerk- Michelle presented a list of holidays to honor next year. David Lee made the motion to accept as presented. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 5-0. The Council voted to purchase 7 turkeys for the employees for Thanksgiving and 7 hams for Christmas along with 3 $50 gift cards for full time employees and 4 $25 gift cards for part time employees. David Lee making the motion. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Michelle asked permission to send Paul to a KMU class. David Lee made the motion to send him. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Sharlyn Thompson expressed interest in a contract for the training we are paying for. Mayor Crowell suggested Michelle contact Chuck and present a contract at the December meeting. Michelle requested permission to buy bucket forks and a voltage detector kit. David Lee made the motion not to exceed $800.00 on the tester and to purchase forks and stabilizer bars. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Michelle presented a bill from Susan Galemore that needed to be paid with City funds and not with CDBG money. Danny Ware jr made the motion to pay the $3,000.00 bill out of the General Fund. 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) 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

Country Breakfast Casserole "A one-dish casserole with all of your Sunday morning favorites: sausage, gravy, eggs, cheese, and toast."

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package breakfast sausage 1 chopped green onion 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 6 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup water

1/2 cup milk 1 (2.64 ounce) package country gravy mix 6 slices bread, cut into 1 inch cubes 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional) paprika to taste (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease an 11x8 inch baking dish.2. Brown sausage in a large skillet; drain fat.3. Combine sausage with green onion and spread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Top with

shredded cheese. Whisk together eggs, water, milk, and gravy mix; add mixture to baking dish. Arrange bread squares evenly on top. If desired, drizzle melted butter over bread, and sprinkle with paprika.

4. Bake 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Set aside 10 minutes before serving.

Broccoli Cheese SoupThis is a great, very flavorful soup. Good for serving at luncheons or special gatherings with a quiche. To make this soup a little fancier, add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 1 cup white wine with the onions.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter 1 onion, chopped 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli 4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth 1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food, cubed

2 cups milk 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2/3 cup cornstarch 1 cup water

Directions

1. In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter until softened. Stir in broccoli, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Reduce heat, and stir in cheese cubes until melted. Mix in milk and garlic powder.3. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into water until dissolved. Stir into soup; cook, stirring frequently, until

thick.

Cream Cheese Sugar CookiesIngredients

Cookies 2 ½ cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened ½ cup butter, softened 1 egg 2 teaspoons vanilla

Frosting 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

¼ cup butter, softened 2 to 4 tablespoons milk ½ teaspoon vanilla Betty Crocker™ gel food colors, as desired Betty Crocker™ candy sprinkles, as desired

Steps:

1) Heat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.

2) In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until fluffy; scrape side of bowl. Beat in egg just until smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla. On low speed, beat flour mixture into sugar mixture until well blended. Cover and refrigerate 15 minutes.

3) Shape dough into 60 (1-inch) balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.

4) Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat powdered sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 to 4 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla with spoon until smooth and fluffy. If frosting is too stiff to spread, add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time. Tint with food color. Using knife, spread slightly less than 1 teaspoon frosting on each cooled cookie; top with sprinkles. Store covered in airtight container at room temperature.