MAY NEWSLETTER

May Day is a May 1 celebration with a long and varied history, dating back millennia. Throughout the years, there have been many different events and festivities worldwide, most with the express purpose of welcoming in a change of season (spring in the Northern Hemisphere). In the 19th century, May Day took on a new meaning, as an International Workers’ Day grew out of the 19th-century labor movement for worker’s rights and an eight-hour workday in the United States. May Day 2021 will be celebrated on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

The First Thursday of May

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for

America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo-Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.

THE HISTORY OF MOTHER’S DAYA day to honor mothers has existed for as long as, well, there have been mothers! Festivals honoring mothers in ancient times were often tied to gods and goddesses. The Phrygians held a festival for Cybele, the Great Mother of the Gods. The Greeks and Romans also honored the mother figure of their gods. Even today, an important festival in India, Durga-puja, honors the goddess Durga.During the Middle Ages, people would return to their home or “mother” church once a year during the middle of Lent. (Back then, children would often leave to work at the tender age of 10!) Historians theorize that it was the return to the “mother” church that led to the tradition of children getting the day off to visit their mother and family.In 16th-century England, this celebration became “Mothering Sunday.” Children—mainly daughters who had gone to work as domestic servants—would be given the day off on the fourth Sunday of Lent to return to their mothers and home parish. The eldest son or daughter would bring a “mothering cake,” which would be cut and shared by the entire family. Family reunions were the order of the day, with sons and daughters assuming all household duties and preparing a special dinner in honor of their mother. Sometime during the day, the mother would attend special church services with her family. Mothering Sunday was also known as Refreshment Sunday; the fasting rules were relaxed for that day. (Often, the gospel for the day was about Jesus feeding the crowd with loaves of bread.) The traditional cake, called a Simnel cake, is a fruit cake with two layers of almond paste. The cake was made with 11 balls of marzipan icing on top, representing the 11 disciples. (Judas is not included.) Traditionally, sugar violets would also be added.In the United States, three women were most instrumental in establishing the tradition of Mother’s Day: Ann Reeves Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Ann’s daughter, Anna M. Jarvis.

Armed Forces Day is a special holiday for people all over the world to come together and thank the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. First conceived by President Harry S. Truman, the holiday was established in 1949. The creation of a single day celebration for all five branches of the United States military made sense due to its recent unification under the Department of Defense. Today, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of every May, this year falling on May 15. Be sure to mark your calendar & support our military!

May 31, 2021 The history of Memorial Day 2021 dates back to the American Civil War. It started as an event to honour soldiers who had died during the war. It is said to be inspired by the way people in the Southern states honoured the dead. The original national celebration of Decoration Day took place on 30 May 1868. There was over twenty-four cities and towns across the United States that claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo (New York) was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966. In the late 19th century, the holiday (previously known as Decoration Day) became known as Memorial Day

and was expanded to include the deceased veterans of all the wars fought by American forces. Originally, the holiday used to be celebrated on May 30, regardless of the day of the week that it fell on. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed and as a result the day changed.

 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.

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for 2020 is available in our lobby at City Hall or on our website; www.cityoflaharpe.org

If you would like to be notified of natural disasters in your community you can sign up at www.allencounty.org and you will receive a phone call anytime the power or water will be off for long periods of time. This service is free and is very useful when you are in need of what is happening in your City. Also please remember in emergency situations the City of La Harpe will have postings on the radio, KIKS Iola 101.5 and the Iola Register.

Have you heard, La Harpe now has an information phone line!!! Find out what’s happening in La Harpe from; activities, special announcements, scheduled power outages, etc.… (620) 496-3112

The La Harpe Senior Center will be opening on May 1, 2021. If interested in reserving the building call Judy at 620-496-2284

The Health Clinic is returning at the La Harpe Senior Center! Every 3rd Wednesday starting May 19, 2021 from 1:00pm – 1:30pm. Face masks are required and no appointment is needed.

Health & Wellness Dance at City Hall May 4th & May 18th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm

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!

Notice from the La Harpe City Code Officer:

Citizens of La Harpe,It’s a new year and it’s starting to warm up, everyone is

getting outside and working in their yards, BBQing, etc. This is a reminder of the City ordinances that I am getting complaints on;

a)You can NOT blow grass in the street, if you do then you HAVE to get it blown back into YOUR yard.

b)You HAVE to get your dog(s) registered and tagged with the City of La Harpe if you live in the City limits.

c) Do NOT allow your dog(s) to run out of your yard. They are NOT allowed in the street or across the street. The dog(s) must stay in YOUR yard.

Please obey your City ordinances and THANK YOU to all that are! Sincerely,

Animal & Code Officer

Penny Miller

D ates to remember :

May 12th: Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

May 17th: Pride Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall

May 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 May 25th.

May 31st: Memorial Day. City Hall will be closed.

Find-A-Word Fun!!I T H T W O R G I S U N C C HE R S Y A D E N O Y T R I H TY A D Y A M T S A I N H N O NA W T H I E U M N O N T C H OD O F N Y R G M R A Y G O O MA T I Y U L N I O T S N D A HI E L A G N I T H G I N E M TR S T D E B M L T N A U M W FO T P S I T O S W I P R A O IT B A R B L O Y A N N R Y A FC M E E I D L M H E M A O F TI E R H M N B A I D A R O M AV N G T O D G D S R E W O L FM E M O R I A L D A Y E S S OF S E M E R A L D G P R I N G

BLOOMING MAIACINCO DE MAYO MAY DAYEMERALD MEMORIAL DAYFIFTH MONTH MOTHER'S DAYFLOWERS NIGHTINGALEGARDENING SPRINGGEMINI TAURUSGROWTH THIRTY-ONE DAYSHAWTHORN VICTORIA DAYLILY WARM

CITY COUNCIL NEWSCITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS

a) Marcia Davis with Thrive passed out flyers to the Pump Track ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for this Sunday, April 18th, at 1:00pm at the La Harpe City Park.

b) Raymond Maloney addressed the Council about a shelter house he offered to sale the City a few months ago. Mayor Crowell stated we really haven’t discussed it. Sharlyn Thompson thought people may struggle getting in and out. Cynthia Carr stated I wouldn’t want to entertain the liability of it and just don’t think we want to go with that offer.

NEW BUSINESS

a) HVAC Grant w/ Mike Billings (by phone) – Mike went over the grant forms with the Council and once approved the City would receive 75% of the project cost which would be $46,400.00. Sharlyn Thompson made the motion to grant the Mayor authority to sign the required forms for the grant. Cynthia Carr seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

b) Fuel Cost Adjustment – Mayor Crowell suggested we take 3% of the 5% that we gave to our customers when we joined KMEA and use the 3% to help repay the loan, doing so could reduce the loan from 10 years to 5 years. She stated I want to make this easy on our customers and many can’t afford the big hike plus we have 10 years to pay it off should we choose to go that way. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to adjust the fuel cost to 3% to offset the loan and revisit as needed. Austin Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

c) City Wide Clean-up – Michelle mentioned she had several inquiries wondering if we would do a summertime clean-up and I am suggesting the dates of June 21st through June 24th, wondering if the Council had an objection to those dates. She stated it was the week before the La Harpe Alumni. The Council was fine with those dates for the clean-up.

d) Park Shelter House – Sharlyn Thompson stated there is graffiti on the walls, people are tearing up our new benches and climbing on the roof. She suggested we get at least 4 more cameras in the park. She mentioned that people are in the park after hours and thought maybe we needed another sign about the park rules and maybe some signs letting them know that cameras are in use. Marcia Davis mentioned that Thrive may have some signs. Michelle Altis asked Marcia if we could use some of the health & wellness grant funds to purchase the cameras. Marcia will look into this and get back to us. Mayor Crowell suggested we table this until May.

e) Face Mask Mandate – Ron Knavel suggested we take the signs down and hang new ones stating “face masks are recommended” and the Council agreed.

f) Trees – Austin Lee suggested we hire someone to trim trees from roadways and powerlines because the crew is too busy working on the roads and the water leaks. Mayor Crowell mentioned we tried this before and it didn’t go to well. She mentioned that Mike is in contact with Kansas Works trying to find some part-time help. Austin Lee made the motion to accept bids for the tree trimming. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

g) Code – Austin asked Penny Miller where we were on issuing citations on these dilapidated buildings, garages and homes in town. Penny Miller explained that it is a

long process; mailing code letters, giving them x number of days, having the public hearing and then removal, she stated it normally takes about 120 days to get one condemned. Austin Lee suggested a special meeting or two to go over the code ordinances and fix what needs to be fixed to make Penny’s job a little easier. Penny stated there are a few items I would like to remove or change; remove the ordinance on swimming pools and either have properties surveyed if they are building/adding or get a letter from the joining neighbor that you both agree with the property lines.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a) Portable generator for City Hall – Ron stated he would rather wait on this until the HVAC Grant is closed, then we can discuss it later.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

a) Fred Works, City Attorney – Had nothing to report.

b) Roy Caler, Water Representative – Had nothing to report.

c) Penny Miller, Code/Animal Control – Shared her monthly reports. Penny asked the Council about selling the old sewer plant because she does not want to have to mow it. Gas City Mayor, Kenneth Baker, suggested just leave it alone and didn’t see any reason to have to maintain it because it is no longer used. Penny stated there is about 5 acres there but it would have to be surveyed because we would need to keep the slew because that is where our lagoons come out. Ron Knavel suggested selling the building and fence and that would make it easier to mow. Mayor Crowell asked the Council if they wanted to put it up for sealed bids. Cynthia Carr stated a different legal description would have to be drafted. The Council decided to table this until May.

d) Joe Stotler, Police Chief – Absent from meeting but shared his report; 11 traffic stops, 4 tickets and 1 arrest. Mayor Crowell shared a list of items that he was needing; Locksmith kit for vehicles, flashlight and ear buds totaling $233.82 plus he needs a bullet proof vest which costs $740.00. Sharlyn Thompson asked about his radar gun not working properly and the Mayor stated he was looking into options to replace it. Sharlyn Thompson made the motion to purchase all that he was requesting. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

a) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Absent from the meeting and no minutes were shared. Mayor Crowell stated we need to get a list of whistles that need cleaned sent to Marc by email.

b) Mike Headman, City Superintendent –Shared his monthly report and workorders. Dereck Ranes turned in his monthly report on his schooling. Mike stated they have been moving a lot of dirt and have a few citizens that need the dirt; Roy Caler request some and I have talked to Harold Karr about filling in that mosquito pit along 5th street. Sharlyn Thompson mentioned there were two property owners in that location. Fred Works stated that Mike would need permission from both property owners before dumping. Mike also stated the ditch needs to widened there so the water can flow easier. Mike requested that each Council member go look at the water leak situation we have at the corner of Kenneth Pratt’s place; it still has a very minimal water leaking

and I have reached out to Larry Gilmore to make a handle which will cost $10.00 so that we can operate the valve but I want you all to look at it and make a decision to leave as is or repair. Mike stated to repair it properly we would need a 2” water meter and a meter setter and you’re looking at about $3,400.00. Mike mentioned they had an issue with lift station #5, the discharge pipe rusted and broke off, we were able to get it shut down and bypass and now are running off one pump. Environline will not go into the pit to fix it because of the risks involved in doing so. I told Mae I will not go into the pipe and neither will the crew; I have an obligation to protect myself, co-workers and the city. You have to have a permit and confined space training to do so plus you have to have medical personnel on sight because it is lethal to go inside one of those and we don’t have the proper equipment. Some of you have said we purchased equipment to do so but what you have is nothing but safety equipment to be used in the event of an emergency situation only. Mike stated he has spoke with a guy out of Independence and he will fix this for us for $2,200.00. Mayor Crowell mentioned to the Council; I told Mike we have always did our own repairs in the past and this situation he would need to bring to the Council. Sharlyn Thompson suggested we change the job requirements to cover this and Mike commented; it isn’t going to happen; this is a job that needs to be hired out and sending us to confine space training is just a waste of money. Cynthia Carr stated we just need to get it fixed. Cynthia Carr made the motion to get it fixed for $2,200.00. Austin Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

c) Michelle Altis, City Clerk – Had nothing to report.

Mayor: City Attorney: Ella Mae Crowell (496-6219) Fred Works

City Municipal Judge: Police Officer: Patricia Miklos Joe Stotler

Fire Chief: City Clerk: Marc Waggoner Michelle Altis

Assistant City Clerk: City Treasurer: Penny Ebert Teresa Driskel

Maintenance Staff: Code/Animal Control Mike Hedman – City Superintendent Penny Miller 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

Overnight Blueberry French ToastIngredients

12 slices day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 cup fresh blueberries 12 eggs, beaten 2 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⅓ cup maple syrup 1 cup white sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 cup water 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon butter

Directions Step 1

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish, and top with cream cheese cubes. Sprinkle 1 cup blueberries over the cream cheese, and top with remaining bread cubes.

Step 2In a large bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and syrup. Pour over the bread cubes. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Step 3Remove the bread cube mixture from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 4Cover, and bake 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue baking 25 to 30 minutes, until center is firm and surface is lightly browned.

Step 5In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the remaining 1 cup blueberries. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, until the blueberries burst. Stir in the butter, and pour over the baked French toast

Delicious Egg Salad for Sandwiches

Ingredients 8 eggs ½ cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard ¼ cup chopped green onion salt and pepper to taste ¼ teaspoon paprika

Directions Step 1

Place egg in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

Step 2Place the chopped eggs in a bowl, and stir in the mayonnaise, mustard and green onion. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Stir and serve on your favorite bread or crackers.

Mexican Chicken-Stuffed PeppersIngredients

1-pound extra-lean ground chicken 1 small onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 4 each green peppers 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 (19 ounce) can black beans, rinsed 1 cup Shredded Tex Mex Cheese

Directions Step 1

Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2Cook chicken, onions, garlic and seasonings in large skillet on medium-high heat 7 to 9 minutes or until chicken is done, stirring occasionally.

Step 3Cut tops off peppers; chop tops, then stir into chicken mixture along with the tomatoes and beans. Cook 5 to 6 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Meanwhile, remove cores and seeds from pepper shells; stand, fill sides up, in shallow pan.

Step 4Spoon chicken mixture into peppers. Add enough water to pan to fill to 1/2-inch depth around peppers; cover.

Step 5Bake 40 minutes. Carefully remove peppers from pan; drain water. Return peppers to pan. Top with cheese; bake 5 minutes or until melted.

Tips: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. For a touch of heat, add a chopped fresh jalapeno pepper to cooked chicken mixture along with the chopped green pepper tops, tomatoes and beans.