BURLINGTON — Enercon Services Inc. has been ordered to pay $261,152.69 in back wages, compensatory damages and interest, plus attorney’s fees, to a senior engineer following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which found that the company violated the whistle-blower provisions of the Energy Reorganization Act.
An investigation conducted by OSHA staff in Kansas City, Mo., found that Enercon wrongfully terminated a senior engineer for raising safety concerns during construction projects Enercon Services was part of at the Wolf Creek Generating Station, a licensee of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
OSHA rules in favor of Wolf Creek whistleblower
Board selects Jackson as superintendent
WAVERLY — The Lebo-Waverly USD 243 Board of Education selected David Jackson, Sedan, to succeed Dr. Patti Bishop as superintendent of the school district.
The board made the decision Monday night, following the interview of four candidates last week. The board offered Jackson a two-year contract, beginning July 1.
Class of 2013 ready to write next chapter of their lives
BURLINGTON — Sixty-four members of the Burlington High School Class of 2013 are starting to write the next chapter of their lives, after receiving their high school diploma during a commencement ceremony Saturday afternoon in the BHS gymnasium.
The 1½-hour ceremony included a celebration of their successes, presentation of local scholarships and one last lesson from a former teacher.
AC issue shuts down Wolf Creek
BURLINGTON — A concern with one of the air conditioning units at Wolf Creek Generating Station resulted in station operators taking the plant offline Monday evening.
The plant had been producing electricity for four days, following a brief shutdown last week to repair a water leak not associated with any safety systems.
'The Convincer' makes a case for seat belts
BURLINGTON — Students at Southern Coffey County High School received a jarring lesson on seat belt safety Tuesday afternoon.
Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Rick Wingate and Coffey County Sheriff’s Officer Jeremy Lind arranged the presentation, complete with a big silver carnival-ride contraption. Most of the students were brave enough to be strapped into the padded seat of the device, known as a seat belt convincer.
Benefit provides AC for animal shelter
BURLINGTON — With summertime temperatures right around the corner, air conditioning at animal shelters is a hot topic.
At the Burlington Animal Shelter, corner fans circulating lukewarm air through cages that cats and dogs call home for the time being will be replaced with central air conditioning, thanks to the help of 100-plus local residents. More than $1,660 was raised last weekend at a new event in Coffey County called “Give the Dog a Home.”
Brooklyn's dream comes true at Disney World
BURLINGTON — Thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, four-year-old Brooklyn K. Barrett’s dream of going to Disney World was recently fulfilled.
Brooklyn’s doctor, Maria Ibarra, nominated Brooklyn’s story (see 3-on-3 tournament story below) to the Foundation and Brooklyn was granted her wish. Brooklyn was chosen to travel with her parents and two-year-old brother, Brendan, to Disney World in Orlando, Fla., earlier this month.
Children sell toys for handicapped classmate
WAVERLY — When a brother and sister’s hearts were touched by the plight of a handicapped classmate, the two children sold their own toys to earn money to help their friend.
Alex Griffith, 6, and his sister, Isabel Griffith, 8, attend Waverly Elementary School. Alex, a first-grader in Candice Seaman’s class, took a special liking to classmate Summer Davis, who suffers from a traumatic brain injury and has a visual impairment. The brother-sister duo came up with an idea recently to sell their toys and give the money to the school to help her with special needs. Summer is the daughter of Jennifer Dawson, Waverly.
NRC: Wolf Creek operated safely in 2012
NEW STRAWN — Wolf Creek Generating Station operated safely in 2012, however the Nuclear Regulatory Commission continues to conduct additional oversight at the nuclear plant, because of an incident that occurred more than a year ago.
The NRC found that Wolf Creek’s staff failed to provide adequate oversight of contractors while they performed work on the startup transformer in April 2011. NRC reported, “As a result, your staff failed to identify that electrical maintenance contractors had not installed insulating sleeves on wires that affected the differential current protection circuit, contrary to work order instructions. This allowed an electrical short to prevent transfer of power to the startup transformer during a plant trip on Jan. 13, 2012, resulting in a prolonged loss of offsite power.”
Veterans visit war memorials
LeROY — Twenty-four area veterans have many new memories to share about their recent two-day Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C.
The Honor Flight, sponsored by Southern Coffey County High School, took seven World War II veterans and 17 Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit war memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifice. Accompanying the veterans were 24 student guardians and seven adult volunteers.
Wolf Creek back online
BURLINGTON — Yesterday, Wolf Creek Generating Station operators connected the generator to the electrical system, which means it is back online and producing electricity. Operators closed the output breaker shortly before 12:30 p.m. The plant had been offline since early February for its 19th scheduled maintenance and refueling outage.
“We accomplished a tremendous amount of work during Refuel 19, and our workforce performed activities safely and to a high standard,” said Matt Sunseri, Wolf Creek president and chief executive officer. “The results of our hard work are a freshly fueled reactor, increased safety margin and improved long-term station reliability.”
Fire destroys Waverly business
WAVERLY — A fire in a downtown Waverly business early Saturday morning is being investigated by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office as possible arson, according to Coffey County Fire Administrator Randall Brown.
Whitey’s, a restaurant and bar located at 401 Pearson Avenue, was totally gutted. The building had formerly housed Garvey’s Mercantile and Grocery; Waverly Food Mart, owned by Ted and Millie Milburn; Ken’s IGA, owned by Ken Kistner; and Waverly Market, which was owned
Voters decide eight contested races
BURLINGTON — The voter turnout for Tuesday’s city/school general election was light, with only 17 percent of the registered voters in Coffey County going to the polls, according to Coffey County Elections Officer Angie Kirchner.
While registered voters living within cities were guaranteed a ballot for city candidates, that was not the case for all rural voters. Registered voters residing within the Lebo-Waverly USD 243 and LeRoy-Gridley USD 245 school district voted for all school board seats, but in Burlington USD 244, only voters residing within individual districts for positions 4, 5 and 6 received a ballot for their respective school board position. So, in USD 244, voters residing in rural areas for positions 1, 2 and 3 did not have any candidates on a ballot.
City/School Election
Unofficial results from April 2, 2013 election
Trustees hire new library administrator
BURLINGTON — The Coffey County Library Board of Trustees announced Friday that Brandon Hines, Hays, has been hired as the library administrator, effective May 28. He will replace Jenifer Holderman, who has served in the position since April 28, 2008. Holderman is retiring, but will assist Hines through the transition. She expects to leave sometime in June.
“We are thrilled to have Brandon join us,” said Janet Lewis, trustee and head of the search committee. “His enthusiasm for creating value in public libraries and his desire to collaborate with the community became very evident in his experience and through our interviews with him. We look forward to his leadership in taking Coffey County Library to the next level.”
New Pizza Hut planned for Burlington
BURLINGTON — By summer, patrons will be dining in a new Pizza Hut restaurant in Burlington, complete with flat screen TVs, new décor and additional menu items. The new hometown restaurant will feature a fresh and modern design, as well as the addition of WingStreet Wings to the menu.
Built in 1980, the old Pizza Hut, located at 901 N. Fourth Street in Burlington, will be demolished and replaced by a Pizza Hut WingStreet. The new building will be located on the same lot, but will be set back farther from Fourth Street. The building will be about 33 percent larger than the present Pizza Hut and seat 86 people; Burlington’s Pizza Hut now seats 60. It will also feature a drive-thru window.
City candidates respond
The Coffey County Republican asked candidates for area city and school board positions to answer four questions, so their answers could be shared with our readers.
Candidates were asked:
1) What makes you a good candidate for this position?
2) What would you like to accomplish during your term, if elected?
3) What do you see as the top issues, specific to your school or city?
4) Provide any personal information you want to share with our readers.
Responses from area school board candidates were featured in Friday’s newspaper. Candidates for city offices are featured in today’s newspaper. Out of 20 candidates in Coffey County races, six did not return questionnaires.
School board candidates respond
The Coffey County Republican asked candidates for area city and school board positions to answer four questions, so their answers could be shared with our readers.
Candidates were asked:
1) What makes you a good candidate for this position?
2) What would you like to accomplish during your term, if elected?
3) What do you see as the top issues, specific to your school or city?
4) Provide any personal information you want to share with our readers.
All the school board candidates in USDs 243, 244 and 245 responded to the questions. Only one of the four candidates in USD 252 responded.
Grieving father publishes book to help others
COFFEY COUNTY — Not a day goes by that former Coffey Countian Von Kopfman doesn’t think of the son he lost in a tragic accident about 1½ years ago. Kopfman, however, found a way to help himself, his family and others through the grieving process that follows the loss of a child.
Kopfman has written and published a book called, “Letters for Healing: The Therapeutic Power of Writing to a Lost Loved One.” A CD, “Songs for Healing” is included with the purchase of the book. The CD features 15 songs that are based upon letters in the book. The book made its debut on Friday, March 15, and can be found in area bookstores and at Office Supplies Today, 324 Hudson, in Burlington.
Board OKs classroom configuration change
LeROY — The LeRoy-Gridley USD 245 Board of Education, which met for more than two hours Monday night, made a number of decisions that will positively affect its district during the 2013-14 school year. Monday night’s topics included classroom configurations, hiring a new principal and going forward with a major energy project at the elementary schools.
A full board was present at the meeting, including President Randall Storrer, Vice President David Kraft, Greg Yotz, Damon Birk, Kevin Ohl, Jennifer Nauertc and Charlie Patterson. Also attending were Superintendent Michael Kastle, Principal J.J. Edwards, board clerk Roxi Newkirk and 10 visitors.
Lady Wildcats beat Garden Plain, 52-42, in 3A title game
HUTCHINSON — The Burlington Lady Wildcats would not be denied a state title in this year’s 3A State Basketball Tournament. After losing last year’s title game to Silver Lake in overtime, the Lady Cats made sure to finish strong as they defeated the Garden Plain Owls, 52-42.
“They’ve been kind of on a mission all year long to get back (to the state tournament) and when we got here, it was to win,” BHS Coach Doug Stewart said.
Mission accomplished.
Birk pleads guilty to vehicular homicide
BURLINGTON — Nearly two years after Kathryn M. Gant, Burlington, was killed in a head-on collision south of Burlington, Justin Birk, 22, Burlington, who was driving the other vehicle, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and was sentenced to serve 90 days in Coffey County Jail.
In a deal worked out between both sides, Birk’s original charge of involuntary manslaughter, which is a severity level 5 person felony, was downgraded to vehicular homicide, a class A person misdemeanor.
School schedules adjusted for snow days
Snow storms Coffey County experienced in December and the past couple of weeks allowed kids and staff time off from school. Now, school officials and boards are looking at the effect this will have on make-up days so they will still meet the state’s minimum requirement of instruction during the school year. Under state law, school districts are required to provide at least 186 days of class for grades K-11 and at least 181 days for grade 12. The law gives districts flexibility to adjust, as long as a total of 1,116 hours of instruction is provided.
Wolf Creek outage impacts area economy
BURLINGTON — Typically, once every 18 months, hundreds of additional workers support Wolf Creek Generating Station for its scheduled maintenance and refueling outage. Refueling outages are an opportunity for plant personnel to complete activities that they are unable to perform while the plant is online and generating electricity. It also is a significant boost to the area’s economy.
The primary purpose of a refueling outage is to make the necessary maintenance to provide for long-term safe and reliable plant operation and perform refueling activities. In turn, this supports the plant’s top priority of protecting the health and safety of the public.
Winter storm Rocky slams county with snow, wind
After being buried under more than eight inches of snow by Winter Storm Q last week, Coffey Countians spent the weekend preparing for even more snow Monday and Tuesday.
A new storm system, called Winter Storm Rocky, began moving into the area on Monday. When the storm began to develop, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch on Saturday. Some uncertainty remained as to the storm’s track, but the watch was upgraded to a winter storm warning early Sunday morning. The probability for heavy snow and near-whiteout conditions prompted the upgrade.
Winter storm brings thundersnow to county
The season’s first winter storm finally arrived early Thursday morning, bringing heavy snow to Coffey County.
The storm system, called Winter Storm Q, prompted the National Weather Service in Topeka to issue a winter storm watch on Monday. The watch was upgraded to a winter storm warning on Tuesday evening. The high probability for heavy snow associated with the system prompted the upgrade.
Beto Junction sold to TravelCenters of America
BURLINGTON — Beto Junction Travel Plaza, a long-time highway oasis and Coffey County landmark, has been sold to TravelCenters of America. The sale became final today.
Beto Junction Owner, Teri Roe Williams, in a telephone interview on Sunday, told The Coffey County Republican that Beto Junction has been a TA franchise since 1994. Williams and her husband, Kirk, own Beto, Inc., (the truck plaza), and the Regency Restaurant Group, which owns Wendy's.
Two teachers, BMS principal to retire
BURLINGTON — The Burlington USD 244 Board of Education accepted retirement resignations from two teachers and a principal, and extended administrative contracts when they met Monday.
The board accepted, with regret, the retirement request of Burlington Middle School Principal Dallas Scothorn, effective June 1. Scothorn has spent 33 years in education, including the past two years as middle school principal and 14 years as high school assistant principal and athletic director. He also spent four years as K-8 principal at Burlington, one year as assistant principal/athletic director at Raton, N.M., 10 years at Mission Valley Middle School and two years at Healy as a P.E. and social studies teacher. Scothorn said he plans to continue his career in some aspect of education for a few more years.
Meader wins Coffey County Spelling Bee in 11th round
BURLINGTON — When Waverly eighth-grader, Payton Meader, woke up Friday morning, she had no idea she would be competing in the Coffey County Spelling Bee, let alone win it.
Payton, who placed as an alternate in her school’s spelling bee, learned when she arrived at school that one of her school’s top three spellers was sick, which sent her to the county bee.
Dredging proposed at reservoir
BURLINGTON — John Redmond Reservoir has a sedimentation problem so severe the reservoir is referred to as the “poster child” for sedimentation in Kansas.
Susan Metzger, policy and planning director at the Kansas Water Office (KWO), made the reference during a public scoping meeting held Tuesday morning at the Coffey County Courthouse. The KWO is proposing to dredge John Redmond Reservoir to restore water supply lost to sedimentation. About 100 people attended the meeting, which sought comments and concerns that should be addressed in an environmental impact statement.
Wolf Creek's maintenance and refueling outage under way
BURLINGTON — Yesterday, Wolf Creek Generating Station’s 19th maintenance and refueling outage got under way. The major activities scheduled for this outage support overall improved plant safety and compliance with industry standards associated with the post-Fukushima recommendations.
Last March, Wolf Creek Generating Station officials announced their decision to move the outage to February 2013. The outage was originally scheduled to start in September 2012. However, because of maintenance issues in early 2012, the plant was off-line longer than originally planned for this operating cycle. An evaluation of the operating cycle determined there were benefits to moving the start date for the outage.
Six conservation awards to be presented Wednesday
BURLINGTON — Six Coffey County landowners will receive conservation awards Wednesday night at the Coffey County Conservation District’s 72nd annual meeting and banquet.
A meal, sponsored by the Coffey County Bankers Association, will be served at 6 p.m. in the Burlington High School commons area followed by the Coffey County Conservation District’s 72nd annual meeting in the BHS theater. More than 250 Coffey County residents and landowners attend the meeting each year.
Burlington Rotarian helps with polio immunizations in Nigeria
BURLINGTON — Ken Hughes took his membership in the Burlington Rotary Club to a new level last month when he traveled to Nigeria, Africa to take part in National Immunization Days. He participated in a group that immunized children against the polio virus in one of three countries in the world where the crippling childhood virus remains.
Hughes worked at Wolf Creek Generating Station when he became a member of the Burlington Rotary Club about six years ago. “I really knew nothing about Rotary, except they sponsored a Little League baseball team I played on 60 years ago,” he said. “Once I got involved, I really liked what Rotary does.”
Hours cut at LeRoy, Gridley post offices
Because the United States Postal Service is nearing its own fiscal cliff and has already reached its $15 billion debt limit, it is taking drastic measures to stay in business.
Part of the problem hit home Tuesday afternoon when Mike Monnington, manager of Post Office Operations, held separate informational town meetings in LeRoy and Gridley to share plans with patrons regarding the future of their post offices.
Coffey County Museum's annual fundraiser is Saturday
BURLINGTON — Saturday will be a big day at the Coffey County Museum, as museum staff and volunteers prepare for the annual Kansas Day fundraiser. Activities scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. include a chili feed, bake sale, silent auction and live auction.
The train set will be running in the Asbury Gallery and visitors will be able to view exhibits in the museum.
Former clerk sentenced for misuse of public funds
BURLINGTON — Sarena Storrer, 43, LeRoy, will serve 10 days in the Coffey County Jail and repay more than $15,000 she stole from LeRoy-Gridley USD 245.
Storrer, a former school board clerk for the district, was found guilty Nov. 7, 2012, of misusing public funds. An annual financial audit conducted last summer revealed discrepancies in the district’s bookkeeping records. As a result of an investigation, Storrer admitted issuing herself extra paychecks and was asked to resign.
Kansas court orders lawmakers to find $400 million more for schools
OSAWATOMIE — While state lawmakers, officials and educators are still reeling from Friday’s court ruling on Kansas’ latest school funding lawsuit, one thing is clear.
This fight isn’t even close to over.
A panel of three Shawnee County District Court judges ruled the state’s current school funding formula unconstitutional Friday, prompting praise and criticism from education officials and legislators. The panel, led by Judge Franklin Theis, ruled that state lawmakers cannot reduce the school funding rate below $4,492 per pupil. The current funding rate is $3,838 per pupil.
Devening, Laib inducted into Burlington Wrestling Hall of Fame
BURLINGTON — The Burlington Wrestling Foundation inducted Mike Devening, a former Burlington High School wrestler, and Bart Laib, a wrestling coach, into the Burlington Wrestling Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place prior to the championship round of the BHS Wrestling Invitational on Saturday.
Devening is one of the first freshmen who joined the Wildcat wrestling team under first-year head coach Doug Vander Linden back in November of 1990. Devening became one of the first four-year letter winners in the program’s history, and he served as a team captain both his junior and senior seasons.
Coffey Health System welcomes First Baby of 2013
BURLINGTON — The first baby born in 2013 at Coffey Health System made her appearance at 9:40 a.m., Jan. 2. Hope Selena Rose Garrett weighed in at 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Her arrival so early in the New Year was somewhat surprising to her parents. Rose Pope and JJ Garrett, Burlington, had initially expected the birth of their daughter to happen closer to her due date on Jan. 15. However, as early as Christmas day the couple noted indications that the baby may come early.
2013 Election
City, school candidates must file by Jan. 22BURLINGTON - Seats will be up for election on area city councils and school boards. Interested candidates have less than three weeks to declare their candidacy.
School board candidates must file at the Coffey County Clerk's Office (county election office), 110 S. Sixth, Burlington. Candidates for Burlington City Council must file at Burlington City Hall, 301 Neosho. However, candidates for city positions in LeRoy, Gridley, New Strawn, Waverly, Lebo or Hartford have the option of filing at either their town's city hall or the county clerk's office (Lyon County Election Office for Hartford), during regular business hours.
Board agrees to give long-term care 3-5 years
BURLINGTON - The Coffey Health System Board of Trustees unanimously voted to set the timline at three to five years for Coffey Health System to be fully out of the long-term care business.
The decision, made at the board's Dec. 17 regular meeting, is subject to a quarterly review of the political environment regarding reimbursement and government regulations as well as unforeseen circumstances with the Waverly building (Sunset Manor) or the financial picture of CHS.
Season's first storm brings rain, snow
The first winter storm of the season brought rain and snow to the area Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
Prior to the storm’s arrival, the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory that included Coffey County. The advisory lasted until Thursday morning, when it was allowed to expire.
Christmas on Us drawing is Wednesday
BURLINGTON — At least $2,550 will be given away Wednesday night during the Christmas on Us grand prize drawing. The contest finale will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Burlington Fire Station.
The holders of winning ticket numbers must be present to win.
CHS board meets with county commissioners
BURLINGTON — A November decision made by the Coffey Health System Board of Trustees, to get out of the long-term care business, directly affects the future of Sunset Manor in Waverly and its 55 to 60 employees.
On Monday, Coffey County Commissioners learned why the CHS board made the decision, as the two boards met for a joint meeting with more than 100 onlookers present.
Lighted Christmas parade is Thursday
BURLINGTON — Burlington’s annual Christmas Parade of Lights will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13. The parade starts at Second and Neosho streets and heads west to Sixth and Neosho streets.
Prior to the parade, members of the Christian Church will be serving free hot chocolate at the red caboose.
Bids approved for county shop addition
BURLINGTON — Coffey County Commissioners on Monday approved four bids totaling $177,446.76 to construct an office addition to the Coffey County Shop, 1510 S. Sixth Street, Burlington. Once completed, the engineer's office will be moved from the Coffey County Courthouse to the county shop.
Residents deck their halls for holiday homes tour
BURLINGTON — The Coffey County Council for the Arts, Burlington Promotions Committee and Burlington Recreation Center will host the 2012 Holiday Homes Tour from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Four homes are included on this year’s tour.
CHS to 'get out of long-term care business'
BURLINGTON — The Coffey Health System Board of Trustees voted at its Nov. 19 meeting to discontinue its nursing home services. A motion by Jim Ochs, Gridley, to "get out of the long-term care business" was seconded by Gene Merry, Burlington, and passed by a 4-2 margin.
"We cannot stress enough that there will be no immediate action affecting Sunset Manor in Waverly," said CHS Chief Executve Officer Karen Smith.
Three instant prizes claimed in first week
BURLINGTON — Three readers of The Coffey County Republican wasted no time in claiming $50 instant prizes in the Christmas on Us promotion. Connie Gilmore, Burlington, brought her winning ticket to The Republican office Wednesday. Mary Freeman, Burlington, and Naomi Weiss, Lebo, claimed their prizes Monday morning. All three were given $50 in scrip money to be spent at any of the 30 participating Christmas on Us businesses.
County canvasses, considers ED position
BURLINGTON — Ballots from the Nov. 6 General Election were canvassed when Coffey County Commissioners met Nov. 15. Present to canvass were vice chairman Kenneth Combes, and Commissioners Bob Saueressig and Fred Rowley. Also present were County Clerk/Election Officer Angie Kirchner, Count Payroll Clerk Denise Humlicek and County Attorney Doug Witteman. Commissioners Kimberly Skillman-Robrahn and Larry Crotts were absent.
Fifty-five provisional ballots were accepted, and 25 were rejected, consistent with state statutes, and provisional vote totals were added to the appropriate races.
Christmas on Us begins 11th year
BURLINGTON — As many as 14 Coffey County shoppers will be rewarded for shopping locally over the next four weeks.
Area businesses are joining The Coffey County Republican to sponsor Christmas on Us, an exciting promotion that will award prizes totaling up to $3,000 to people who shop locally at participating businesses. This is the 11th year for the promotion, which kicks off today.
Annual craft festival is Saturday
BURLINGTON — Crafters will be back in a big way this year to help you kick off your Christmas shopping. A great way to get into the Christmas spirit is to make plans to attend the 33rd annual Christmas Craft Festival Nov. 17 in Burlington. The event is one of the largest craft festivals in the area.
Witteman, Rowley re-elected in local races
BURLINGTON — Coffey County voters favored Republican candidates in every race during Tuesday's election.
Only two county races were contested. Doug Witteman, LeRoy, won re-election to a fifth term as Coffey County Attorney. He defeated a Libertarian challenger, Frederick Campbell, Garnett, 2,758-922.
2012 General Election Unofficial Results for Coffey County
Nov. 6, 2012
President
Romney (R) 2,860
Obama (D) 884
Johnson (L) 76
Baldwin (Ref) 19U.S. Representative
Dist. 2
Lynn Jenkins (R) 2,741
Tobias Schlingensiepen (D) 900
Dennis Hawver (L) 174
(Districtwide results: Jenkins - 157,450, Schlingensiepen - 108,936, Hawver - 11,730)State Senate
Dist. 14
Forrest Knox (R) 2,901
Eden Fuson (D) 780
(Districtwide results: Knox - 19,179, Fuson - 7,358)State Representative
Dist. 76
Peggy Mast (R) 2,572
Janet Lewis (D) 1,230
(Districtwide results: Mast - 5,641, Lewis - 3,213)County Commission
Dist. 2
Arlin Meats (R) 690County Commission
Dist. 3
Fred Rowley Jr. (R) 524
Keith Hoffman (I) 253County Clerk
Angie Kirchner (R) 3,543County Treasurer
Brenda Cherry (R) 3,554Register of Deeds
Gwen Birk (R) 3,545County Attorney
Doug Witteman (R) 2,752
Frederick Campbell (L) 920County Sheriff
Randy Rogers (R) 3,402Lebo 1% City Sales Tax
Yes 290
No 79USD 243 District Election Method Change
Yes 690
No 294Constitutional Amendment
Yes 1,812
No 1,722Township Trustee
Uncontested Winners: Roger Douglass (R), Burlington Twp.; Daryl Knight (D), Key West Twp.; Jerry Murray (R), LeRoy Twp.; Irene Kennard (R), Neosho Twp.; Carl Sherman (R), Ottumwa Twp.; Terry Emmons (D), Pleasant Twp.; Kent Stukey (R), Pottawatomie Twp.; Dale Hinderliter (D), Rock Creek Twp.; Wilfred Lehmann (R), Spring Creek Twp.Township Treasurer
Uncontested Winners: Warren Bell (R), Burlington Twp.; Wayne Bolen (R), LeRoy Twp.; Bill Schrader (R), Lincoln Twp.; Lyle Fischer (R), Neosho Twp.
Retiring firefighters receive warm send off
BURLINGTON — After many years of service to Coffey County, three firefighters were honored for their selfless gifts to the community at a reception Nov. 1 at the Burlington Fire Station. Friends, fellow firefighters, wives and other family members took the opportunity to recognize Jerry Sowder and Alan Barrett, who retired Sept. 30, and Sam Somerhalder, who will retire Dec. 15. All together, the men have more than 95 years of service to Coffey County Fire District No. 1. They were presented with plaques and a retirement cake.
Vietnam Veteran license plate originates in Coffey County
BURLINGTON — Two years after the fall of Saigon, Bob Saueressig noticed a license plate dedicated to Vietnam veterans, while driving in Arkansas.
“Man, if Arkansas can do this, why can’t Kansas,” Saueressig, a Vietnam veteran, thought to himself.
That was in 1977. Now, 35 years later, Kansas finally has a distinctive license plate available to Vietnam veterans, and just in time for Veterans Day. But, it took a cooperative effort of four locally elected officials cutting through state bureaucracy to make the license plate a reality.
Lawmakers propose lid on property taxes
FAIRWAY — Two of Kansas’ biggest tax revenue streams, income taxes and sales taxes, are going to start taking a $900 million annual hit when new tax cuts kick in Jan. 1.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and some fellow Republicans are proposing to cap property taxes on homes and businesses that generate nearly a third of the state’s general fund revenue each year.
Students get a lesson in flag etiquette
GRIDLEY — Southern Coffey County Middle School and High School students will look at the American flag a little differently after receiving a lesson on U.S. flag etiquette Wednesday.
Cleat Buckbee and Junior Adams, veterans from Emporia American Legion Post No. 5, gave the students a 30-minute presentation that also included a history lesson on flags. They talked with the middle school students in the morning and the high school students in the afternoon.
Outdoor pool life questionable
BURLINGTON — Clark Waage, vice president of Continental Pool, Inc., Gardner, told the Burlington USD 244 Recreation Commission at its Oct. 12 meeting they need to decide if it is fiscally responsible to invest money into a leaky bucket. Waage was referring to Burlington’s outdoor swimming pool.
The $2½ million aging outdoor pool has a number of problems that were discovered by Waage while inspecting the pool and described to the commission in a written report. Waage did not charge the commission for the report. He said immediate needs include removing and sealing the pool lights inside the outdoor pool, caulking the expansion joints in the floor and walls and painting the pool. According to Waage, these steps could extend the life of the pool another five or six years.
Shopko announces start of store conversion
Shopko announced Friday that the liquidation sale has ended and the store conversion process to Shopko Hometown will begin Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Burlington Pamida store. The store will be closed for one week until the first department, consumables, is converted. The entire conversion process will last 5–6 weeks.
The conversion to Shopko Hometown will include new interior and exterior signage, updated and supplemental fixtures and a new easy to shop store layout. Each of the store’s three primary departments will be converted one department at a time with each department opening to shoppers as soon as it’s complete.
Renewed insurance policy reflects 11.5% hike
BURLINGTON — While the Burlington USD 244 Board of Education spend three-fourths of its meeting Monday night behind closed doors discussing personnel matters, the board did take action to renew its insurance for another year.
The board unanimously agreed to renew its insurance policy from Employers Mutual Insurance Company as quoted by TrustPoint Insurance, Burlington, in the amount of $150,404. The policy, effective Nov. 1, includes coverage for property, liability, crime, inland marine, linebacker, vehicles and workers comp.
Voter registration deadline is Tuesday
The general election is less than a month away. Any citizen who needs to register to vote must do so by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16.
A citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age or older, or will have attained the age of 18 years at the next election, must register before he or she can vote.
Coffey County - Commissioners hear economic development update
BURLINGTON — Aside from approving two payroll changes, Coffey County Commissioners didn't take any action when they met Monday for their regular weekly meeting.
Commissioners present were Kimberly Skillman-Robrahn, chairman, Larry Crotts, Kenneth Combes, Bob Saueressig and Fred Rowley, County Payroll Clerk Denise Humlicek, County Attorney Doug Witteman and Administrative Assitant Donna Berland.
Enrollment drops in two area school districts
BURLINGTON – The numbers are in. Burlington USD 244 officially lost 20 students compared to the last school year. LeRoy-Gridley USD 245 gained eight students, while Southern Lyon County USD 252 gained one student and Lebo-Waverly USD 243 dropped two students.
The comparisons are based on enrollment as of Sept. 20, which is the official cutoff date for reporting school enrollment in Kansas.
NRC increasing Wolf Creek oversight
BURLINGTON — Wolf Creek Generating Station will face additional inspections and oversight by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, due to the evaluation of a Jan. 13 incident that resulted in a loss of off-site power.
The NRC on Friday determined the event has substantial safety significance and labeled the event “yellow,” which is a step below the category of highest safety concern.
Rotarians build flagpole monument
BURLINGTON — Burlington Rotarians celebrated their club’s 75th anniversary by officially dedicating a new flagpole in Kelley Park to the veterans and youth in Coffey County. The flagpole is located just west of Kelley Hall.
Burlington Rotary Club President James Higgins led the ceremony, which was held on Patriot Day, Sept. 11. Nearly all of the club’s 36 members were present, as well as District Governor Kevin Tubbesing, of the Shawnee Rotary Club.
A 'Storybook Harvest' planned Saturday
HARTFORD — Hartford will be bustling with activity all day Saturday, as the town celebrates its 22nd annual Harvest Day. The event promises fun, food and activities for all ages. This year’s theme is “Storybook Harvest.”
Events begin with a biscuits and gravy breakfast 6-10:30 a.m. at the Methodist church. Registration for the 5K Fun Run/Walk will begin at 7 a.m. in front of the fire station, with the run/walk starting at 8 a.m.
Parker honored as semifinalist
BURLINGTON — Devra Parker, a veteran English teacher of 25 years, knows why she entered the field of education. She wasn’t looking for a job that begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., she knows the three best things about teaching are not June, July and August, and she didn’t enter the career for the paycheck.
For the past eight years, Parker has been a favorite teacher among students and staff at Burlington High School, and Sunday she received recognition for her dedication to education and her students. She was named one of three secondary education semifinalists for Kansas Teacher of the Year at the Kansas Region 2 Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet held at Capitol Plaza Hotel.
Two sentenced for felony crimes in Waverly
BURLINGTON — A Wichita man and a Williamsburg man were sentenced Aug. 23 for convictions that arose from criminal activity that occurred in Waverly.
District Court Judge Phillip M Fromme sentenced Stephen J. Fagan, 29, Wichita, to 10 months in prison. The sentence was the result of Fagan’s July conviction for criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, a severity level 8, nonperson felony. Consistent with the requirements of the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, Fagan was granted supervised probation for a period of 18 months.
OK Kids: Outdoor family fun planned for weekend
BURLINGTON — The Coffey County OK Kids event will be the place to be this weekend, Sept. 8-9. The family-oriented event, centered at John Redmond Reservoir’s Riverside West, will include fishing, canoeing, archery, horse rides, trap shooting, boat rides, music, magic, food, hayrack rides and much more. And best of all, it is free and open to anyone, thanks to the monetary donations and volunteer hours given by individuals, organizations and businesses.
Countywide burn ban continues
BURLINGTON — Even though Coffey County received rain during the weekend, Coffey County Commissioners took action yesterday to extend a countywide burn ban another week.
Rain amounts reported on The Republican’s Facebook page ranged from .7 inches near Lebo to 1.6 inches in LeRoy. New Strawn had just over an inch.
Coffey County Commission Chairman Kimberly Skillman-Robrahn signed a proclamation, printed on page 10, prohibiting all open burning in Coffey County until Sept. 3, when commissioners will re-evaluate the status of the burn ban.
Whooping cough confirmed in Coffey Co.
BURLINGTON — Coffey County Health Nurse Lindsay Payer received, this week, confirmation of one case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in Coffey County. She said the surrounding counties of Osage, Anderson, Franklin have had several cases reported.
“In cases like this, the health department must investigate contacts or potential contacts to verify the person’s immunization status and to determine if they have any symptoms,” Payer said. “This is a vaccine-preventable disease and can be treated with antibiotics. However, it can be fatal to infants, and that’s why we try to be aggressive in our investigations.”
LeRoy Homecoming on tap for weekend
LeROY — From a quilt show to a greased pig contest, the 64th annual LeRoy Homecoming will offer something for everyone this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This year’s parade them is “Back Where I Come From.”
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, quilts may be dropped off at Sticks and Weeds for the quilt show. The kids will enjoy inflatables and mechanical rides 5-9 p.m. at Jones Park. A dodgeball tournament, with proceeds going to Honor Flight, will begin at 7 p.m. During a break in the dodgeball tournament at 8 p.m., Little Kings and Queens will be announced at the park pavilion. Containers are available throughout LeRoy for your votes.
Burlington USD 244
New teachers, administrators ready for school
BURLINGTON — Burlington USD 244 students and staff returned to school yesterday. Among last year’s familiar faces, they also found seven new teachers and two new administrators.
Amanda Allen, who previously taught language arts to sixth graders at Burlington Middle School, returns this year as a seventh-grade special education teacher at BMS. She has also taught third- and fourth-grade students at St. Rose School in Garnett.
Water watch continues in Coffey County
BURLINGTON — A water watch remains in effect for water customers who get their water from the cities of Burlington, LeRoy, Gridley and New Strawn or Coffey County Rural Water Districts No. 2 and No. 3.
A water watch is also in effect for customers of Public Wholesale Water Supply District No. 12, which includes Lebo and Waverly water customers.
The water watch, which calls for water customers to voluntarily conserve water in an attempt to limit or eliminate nonessential water use, took effect in Burlington on July 27 when worsening drought conditions and an increase in water consumption triggered the action.
2012 Primary Election
Rogers wins sheriff’s race; Knox, Mast advance
BURLINGTON — Voter turnout for Tuesday’s primary election in Coffey County exceeded the statewide average. A contested primary race for county sheriff and a county commission seat, and contested races for state House and Senate seats drew Coffey County voters to the polls.
Statewide voter turnout was 22.8 percent of all voters registered in Kansas, which exceeded an 18 percent prediction made by Secretary of State Kris Kobach prior to the election. A total 392,142 Kansans cast ballots.
Unofficial primary election results
County Commission District 2
R - Arlin Meats - 296
R - Renee L. Trimble - 112
R - David Lehman - 36County Commission District 3
R - Fred T. Rowley Jr. - 277County Clerk
R - Angie Kirchner - 1,703Register of Deeds
R - Gwen R. Birk - 1,780County Attorney
R - Doug Witteman - 1,648County Sheriff
R - Randy Rogers - 1,347
R - Riley Morgan - 626County Treasurer
R - Brenda Cherry - 1,754Kansas Senate – District 14
(151 of 151 precincts)
R - John C. Grange – 5,157
R - Forrest J. Knox – 7,293Kansas House of Representatives – 76th District
(42 of 42 precincts)
R - Peggy Mast – 1,699
R - Bill Otto – 1,209
R - Willie Prescott - 723U.S. House – 2nd District
(895 of 895 precincts)
D - Scott Barnhart – 7,528
D - Robert V. Eye – 10,153
Tobias Schlingensiepen – 11,561
Area budget hearings set
Property tax rates in the seven cities in The Republican’s coverage area will remain largely unchanged in 2013, if city councils adopt budgets published in recent weeks. Property owners in LeRoy will see the greatest city tax rate decrease at 1.395 mills while Waverly property owners will notice the greatest increase at 1.14 mills.
The average city mill levy in Coffey County will be just under 40 mills in 2013.
Coffey County shaved off .450 mills from the 2012 tax rate.
Birk charged with involuntary manslaughter
BURLINGTON — More than a year has passed since Kathryn M. Gant, 31, Burlington, was killed in a head-on collision south of Burlington. Last week, a charge of involuntary manslaughter was filed against Justin Birk, Burlington, who was driving the other vehicle.
On June 10, 2011, Gant was driving a 2007 GMC Acadia eastbound on K-58 Hwy. and Birk was driving a 2007 Cadillac Escalade westbound. A Kansas Highway Patrol accident report indicated Birk’s vehicle went left of center for an unknown reason and struck Gant’s vehicle head-on at milepost 27.1, which is just east of U.S. 75. The drivers were the sole occupants in each vehicle.
Burn ban declared in Coffey County
BURLINGTON — All open burning is prohibited in Coffey County, following the signing of a proclamation Monday morning by Coffey County Commission Chairman Kimberly Skillman-Robrahn.
The proclamation, printed on page 9 of today’s newspaper, declares a state of local disaster emergency for Coffey County due to drought.
It’s been 12 days since the last rainfall -- .51 inches -- was recorded at John Redmond Dam. Over the last 39 days, only .82 inches of rain fell at the dam.
Caught on camera - Burglar sentenced to prison
BURLINGTON — A Mound City man, who was caught on camera burglarizing a Coffey County residence, was recently ordered to serve a prison sentence.
On Thursday, July 12, District Court Judge Phillip M Fromme sentenced Richard L. Jones, 56, to a controlling term of 15 months in the custody of the Kansas Secretary of Corrections as a result of his conviction for attempted burglary of a dwelling , a severity level 9, person felony. He was also sentenced to six months on a misdemeanor criminal damage to property charge. Coffey County Attorney Doug Witteman said Jones had a history of several theft and burglary convictions in Linn, Franklin, Nemaha and Miami counties. He also indicated he had a prior burglary conviction in Coffey County in 1995.
Coffey County Fair kicks off Wednesday
BURLINGTON — Kelley Park will be bustling with activity all day Wednesday as the 132nd Coffey County Fair officially begins. Events are scheduled throughout the day, including the dog, cat and hand pet show and the Rusty Rierson country music show in the evening.
Open class and 4-H exhibitors will be entering their non-livestock entries from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Kelley Hall and the 4-H Building, and judging of the 4-H arts and crafts and foods exhibits will begin at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., conference judging of 4-H photography and woodworking entries begins, and the open class exhibit buildings will close for judging at 1 p.m.
Museum director charged with theft
BURLINGTON — Deborah Stinson Kennamore, who has served as Coffey County Historical Society and Museum’s director for more than 13 years, is facing five counts of theft against the museum. Coffey County Attorney Doug Witteman filed the complaint in the Coffey County District Court late Wednesday afternoon.
“These charges are the result of an investigation that was initiated on June 27 by Coffey County Sheriff Randy Rogers after specific concerns were brought to his attention,” Witteman said. “Detective Tom Johnson handled the investigation, which proceeded in a timely manner and was concluded on Monday, July 16. Reports were provided to my office on Tuesday, July 17.”
Republicans debate
toward August primary
A Republican candidate forum was held Thursday, July 12, at the Coffey County Library Burlington Branch to a standing room only crowd. A story appeared in the July 17 edition of The Republican, and audio files from the debate have been made available below (click to listen).
Commissioners Race - 11:16, 10.8MB
Sheriff's Race - 38-21, 36.8MB (approx. 15 minutes missing at end due to technical error.)
Legislative Races - 1:38:31 - 94.6MB
Wild Blue serves up BBQ, more
BURLINGTON — Kelley Park will be filled with kids' activities and delicious barbecue during the 8th Annual Wild Blue BBQ and Expo July 20 and 21 in Burlington.
Festivities will officially begin Friday afternoon with the craft and business vendor expo, while Saturday's schedule includes the KCBS-sanctioned cookoff, a pedal power tractor pull and a variety of kids' games and activities.
County declared disaster due to drought
TOPEKA — Coffey County is among 82 Kansas counties declared federal disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), making agricultural producers eligible for disaster assistance programs.
The designation makes farmers and ranchers eligible for Farm Service Agency (FSA) low interest emergency loans. Specifically, 66 Kansas counties will be declared as primary disaster areas and 16 contiguous counties will also receive disaster designations.
Bailey gets 161 months for baby's death
BURLINGTON — Karen Marie Bailey, 23, LeRoy, received a 161-month prison sentence for the death of her newborn infant, Benjamin Edward Riggs-Geisler.
District Court Judge Phillip Fromme imposed the sentence Thursday in Coffey County District Court. He concurred with a plea agreement worked out between Bailey’s court-appointed attorney, Forrest Lowry, and Coffey County Attorney Doug Witteman and Assistant Attorney General Lee Davidson in which Bailey pleaded no contest to two charges.
Judge Fromme sentenced her to 154 months in prison for the first charge of second-degree unintentional murder of her newborn son and seven months for the second charge of aggravated endangerment of a child. The sentences are to be served consecutively.
Coffey County placed in drought warning
TOPEKA — Drought conditions continue to intensify for Kansas which led Governor Sam Brownback to update the Drought Declaration for Kansas counties with an Executive Order 12-08 Tuesday. The update includes all 105 counties either in an emergency, warning or watch status.
New state agencies focus on protecting Kansans
TOPEKA — Kansans from across the state joined Gov. Sam Brownback and Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, M.D., yesterday to cut the ribbon on two new state agencies focused on protecting the state’s children, families and most vulnerable. Created by Executive Reorganization Order No. 41, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) are part of the Brownback Administration’s ongoing reorganization efforts to increase efficiency among state agencies and improve services and programs.
Burlington community makes
a dream come true
BURLINGTON — The folks in Burlington are pulling together as a community and are accomplishing an amazing feat. With help from all facets of the community, a new handicapped-accessible home is under construction for Loran Martin, a life-long resident of Burlington and Coffey County.
Martin was diagnosed five years ago with Friedreich’s Ataxia. FA, a form of muscular dystrophy, is a debilitating and progressive disease that affects the limbs, heart and speech.
Floyd H. Robinson Vietnam MIA
Memorial Highway dedicated
BURLINGTON — A dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon recognized the service and ultimate sacrifice of a Burlington soldier by naming the 27-mile stretch of U.S. 75 in Coffey County as the Floyd H. Robinson Vietnam MIA Memorial Highway.
Approximately 200 people attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Sgt. Robinson, who was reported missing in action on March 12, 1969, while on a reconnaissance mission in South Vietnam.
Burlington USD 244
Board OKs personnel, rec appointment
BURLINGTON — The Burlington USD 244 Board of Education approved a number of personnel items and appointed a new member of the USD 244 Recreation Commission when the school board met June 11.
Board members present for the regular monthly meeting were President Jeff Finlayson, Beth Sloyer, Dale Williams, George Smith, Doug Jones and Seth Bell. Board member Brian Masters was absent.
Ceremony to dedicate Floyd H.
Robinson Memorial Highway
Forty-three years after Sergeant Floyd Henry Robinson went missing in Vietnam, a 27-mile stretch of U.S. 75 will be dedicated to his memory.
A dedication ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Park, located at Fourth and Neosho streets. The 300 block of Neosho will be blocked off for the ceremony, which is being organized by the members of the Congdon-Kepler American Legion Post No. 38 in Burlington. Sgt. Robinson’s family has been invited to attend the ceremony.
Board OKs ballistic vests
Coffey County Commissioners received four more requests for funds related to the 2013 budget when they met Monday.
Present for the regular weekly meeting were Commissioners Kimberly Skillman-Robrahn, chairman, Larry Crotts, Kenneth Combes, Bob Saueressig and Fred Rowley, County Clerk Angie Kirchner, County Attorney Doug Witteman and Administrative Assistant Donna Berland.
Senate, House districts change in county
Redistricting has reshaped the political boundaries in Coffey County, particularly in the county’s representation in the Kansas House of Representatives and Kansas Senate.
The Kansas Legislature failed at the task of redrawing the political boundaries, so three federal judges went to work and released the new boundaries late Thursday. The legislative maps are redrawn every 10 years so the population in each district is as even as possible.
School fortunes riding on funding trial outcome
TOPEKA — Cynthia Lane wants her students in Unified School District 500 to succeed.
But the odds, well, they aren’t exactly in her favor. The Kansas City, Kan., schools superintendent said as much before a packed Topeka courtroom Monday.
Lane was the first of 44 witnesses scheduled to appear in the second major school funding lawsuit in six years to hit Kansas courts. Fifty-four school districts are suing Kansas to recover school-aid money legislators chose not to budget during the 2008 financial crisis.
Bailey found guilty in newborn's death
BURLINGTON — There will be no jury trial surrounding the death of a newborn infant by his mother on April 2, 2011. A jury trial to hear the case had previously been scheduled to begin June 25.
LeRoy resident, Karen Marie Bailey, 23, pleaded no contest to murder in the second degree and aggravated endangerment of a child Friday in the Fourth Judicial District Court of Coffey County. The victim of the crime is her son, Benjamin Edward Riggs-Geisler, who died about 12 hours after his birth.
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Sheriff discovers statute, reimburses county
BURLINGTON — Coffey County received a reimbursement check in the amount of $503.44 from A Lasting Impression after Coffey County Sheriff Randy Rogers learned about a state statute that governs contracts made by public officers and employees.
Sheriff Rogers discussed the situation with Coffey County Commissioners when they met Tuesday morning for their regular weekly meeting. Rogers said the statute, KSA 75-4304, might be interpreted or construed that an elected official is not allowed to authorize and purchase any goods from a personal business.
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Survey shows patron satisfaction with library
BURLINGTON — A little feedback on how your business is doing can go a long way in improving your service. Coffey County Library staff is using results from a patron survey taken April 2-20 to do just that.
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Four valedictorians address Lebo grads
LEBO — The Lebo High School Class of 2012, on Sunday afternoon, May 20, had 27 students graduate from high school and 24 eighth graders promoted into high school. The event took place in the large school gym before a standing room only crowd.
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Twin sisters open Barbie doll museum in LeRoy
LeROY — Twin sisters, Wilda and Wilma Williams, plan to celebrate their 80th birthday by hosting a grand opening of the Barbie and More Museum in downtown LeRoy.
Located next door to the Pizza Parlor, the Barbie and More Museum features hundreds of Barbie dolls, as well as many other dolls and stuffed animals.
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USD 244 BOE
Thomas named BHS principal
BURLINGTON — The hiring of a new high school principal topped a long list of personnel-related items handled by the Burlington USD 244 Board of Education Monday night.
All members of the school board were present for the meeting, Jeff Finlayson, Beth Sloyer, Dale Williams, George Smith, Doug Jones and Seth Bell. Brian Masters arrived at 7:35 p.m. Superintendent Cliff Williams was also present.
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BHS GRADUATES 57
Class of 2012 ready to race into huge world
BURLINGTON — Fifty-seven members of the Class of 2012 joined the ranks of Burlington High School alumni following commencement held Saturday afternoon in the BHS Gymnasium.
The 70-minute ceremony featured the usual “Pomp and Circumstance,” presentations of more than $38,000 in local scholarships, a visual compilation of senior memories and presentation of diplomas. However, this year’s senior address had a new twist as the entire class stood at designated points in the speech and recited select lines of popular songs that corresponded with the speech.
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TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Kelley is enriching classrooms nationwideLEBO — Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7-11, is an opportunity to let students show their gratitude to their teachers. Many students use the opportunity to thank teachers in person, with a card, small gift or phone call. Even businesses observe the week.
Behind the scenes, one can find teachers being thanked by other educators. One such teacher who receives thanks from ppers is Sheila Kelley, a first-grade teacher at Lebo Elementary School. Kelley has, for 19 years, touched lives of students in her classroom and at the same time provided ideas for teachers across the nation.
Area students named Governor's Scholars
TOPEKA — Five area students, along with numerous other Kansas students, were honored Sunday at the 29th annual Governor’s Scholars Award Program in Topeka, on the campus of Washburn University.
The event, hosted by Gov. Sam Brownback and the Kansas State Department of Education, recognized the top 1 percent of each school’s senior class.
Students taught lesson about failure
BURLINGTON — Coffey County seniors and their families attending a Senior Honors Banquet Wednesday night heard 2012 Kansas Teacher of the Year Tiffany Richard deliver a message about failure.
It probably wasn’t the topic many of the seniors had been expecting. After all, they had to maintain a 3.0 grade point average in order to be invited to the banquet, which was hosted by the Coffey County Chamber of Commerce at Rock Creek Country Club.
Burlington girl continues health battle
BURLINGTON — A 3-on-3 basketball tournament scheduled Saturday will benefit Brooklyn Kay Barrett while raising awareness for Kabuki Syndrome and Juvenile Arthritis. A breakfast is also planned in conjunction with the tournament.
The tournament has become an annual event for Brooklyn, a three-year-old girl who has faced numerous obstacles since birth. This spring was particularly challenging for Brooklyn and her parents, Matt and Nikki Barrett, Burlington , and Brooklyn’s
brother, Brendan, 2.
Refinancing could save city $428,000
BURLINGTON — The City of Burlington could save approximately $428,000 over the next 13 years by refinancing three outstanding state loans.
David Arteberry, a representative of George K. Baum and Company, summarized the savings for the Burlington City Council when the council met April 18. Arteberry has been working with the city to determine the feasibility of refinancing city debt. He outlined steps the city must take to successfully refinance the debt.
Rogers files for re-election as sheriff
BURLINGTON — Coffey County Sheriff Randy Rogers joins four other county elected officials in filing for re-election. Rogers, a Gridley Republican, filed Friday by submitting a petition to the Coffey County Elections Officer, which is located in the county clerk’s office. The other four incumbents, all Republicans, also filed by petition.
Spring cleanup in Burlington
Seven City of Burlington employees and Mayor Gene Merry were out in force Monday morning picking up everything from lumber and bagged trash to furniture and appliances from city residents. As of this morning, truckloads of items have already been taken to the landfill.
The workers are expected to finish the spring cleanup project by late afternoon today. If you forgot to set your trash out Monday morning, you can still take it to the landfill this week and dispose of it at no cost.
Court closings to affect Coffey County
BURLINGTON — The Fourth Judicial District Court in Burlington will be forced to close April 13, April 27, May 11, May 25 and June 8 due to an unexpected decrease in court case filings in fiscal year 2012. Revenue losses for the judicial branch left the Kansas judicial branch with a shortfall of $1.4 million. The money is included in a $14 billion state budget that stalled in the Legislature because of an unrelated dispute over school funding.
Native plants provide a
‘Taste of the Tall Grass Prairie’LeROY — A book inspired George Arnold to put together a native plant bundle that includes plants that are not only pleasing to the eye, but more importantly will attract pollinators, which are beneficial to flower and vegetable gardens.
Arnold’s inspiration was the book “Bringing Nature Home,” by University of Delaware professor Douglas Tallamy. The book tells how you can sustain wildlife with native plants.
Wolf Creek resumes
power productionBURLINGTON — Wolf Creek Generating Station operators returned the plant to service Tuesday morning following a maintenance outage to repair equipment needed to transfer power to and from the plant. On Jan. 13, Wolf Creek Generating Station automatically shut down because the plant had a fault in its electrical distribution system. The plant has remained offline since that time to address the issues that caused the power interruption and implement necessary corrective actions.
“We have an outstanding team of employees who have worked safely to bring the plant back online, and I appreciate their efforts,” said Matt Sunseri, president and chief executive officer. “Safety is our highest priority at Wolf Creek, and the actions we have taken reflect that commitment to our- selves and those who live in the community.”
Early Thursday morning, the plant returned to 100 percent power.
Lebo man sent to prison
after probation violationBURLINGTON — A Lebo man’s probation was revoked March 15 following a lengthy hearing in the Coffey County District Court. As a result, he was ordered to serve time in prison.
District Judge Phillip M. Fromme ordered Anthony R. Chenoweth, 24, to serve 19 months in the custody of the Kansas Secretary of Corrections as a result of violating the terms of his probation that was imposed at his original sentencing on Sept. 23, 2010. He had originally been sentenced following his August 2010 convictions for nonresidential burglary, a severity level 7 nonperson felony and possession of marijuana, a severity level 4 drug felony.
Mayor participates in
'March for Meals'BURLINGTON — Burlington Mayor Gene Merry, who is no stranger to community service, got an up-close look at the local Meals on Wheels program Wednesday. The mayor, along with Lynn Osburn, who usually delivers the hot meals, delivered 16 meals to homebound seniors around Burlington. Mayors or county commissioners have been a part of the program for the last 10 years.
SCC prepares for honor flight
LeROY — The Southern Coffey County High School Honor Flight will take wing on April 5-6 with 24 World War II and Korean War veterans, 21 SCCHS students, three Wes ern Plains students and seven support personnel making their sixth trip to Washington, D.C.
Source of Lebo odor unknown
LEBO — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment absorbed most of the cost to find the “fresh gasoline smell” experienced in downtown Lebo during January and early February. The source of the odor still has not been located, the Lebo City Council learned during its March 5 regular meeting.
NRC discusses inspection,
recent Wolf Creek eventNEW STRAWN — Officials from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation met Tuesday night to discuss the findings of an augmented inspection team. Nearly 100 people attended the public meeting held at the New Strawn Community Building.
Library launches e-book service
The Coffey County Library has launched a new e-book service for its patrons. With this new service, people can check out e-books on their computers, e-readers, and other compatible devices, and all they need is a library card.
Severe weather
season starts earlyThunderstorms rolled through the area Tuesday night, prompting the first severe weather warnings of the spring storm season.
A tornado watch was issued at 8:10 p.m. for Coffey County, as well as neighboring counties. At 9:58 p.m., an approaching thunderstorm with strong winds prompted meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Topeka to issue a severe thunderstorm warning that included the cities of LeRoy, Burlington, New Strawn and Waverly.
Refueling outage move
under evaluationBURLINGTON — Personnel at Wolf Creek Generating Station have repaired electrical equipment that caused the Jan. 13 automatic shut down and loss of off-site power.
“We have taken the time needed to understand what happened and are implementing corrective actions,” said Steve Hedges, Wolf Creek site vice president.
Committee recommends
MacBooks, iPads for studentsHARTFORD — The One-to-One Initiatives Committee, comprised of a group of staff members, board members and parents, presented its proposal regarding individual student learning using technology at the Southern Lyon County USD 252 Board of Edu- cation meeting held Feb. 8.
The committee has been meeting since November and has visited a number of other school districts to examine one-to-one initiatives and/or innovative technology programs to see what types of technology might work best to promote student learning for USD 252 students.
Unique haltime performance
'hard to beat'BURLINGTON — Armed with sticks and homemade instruments, 21 members of the Burlington High School Wildcat Band gave a “booming” performance at halftime of the boys’ basketball game Friday evening against the Caney Valley Bulldogs.
The musicians, most of them non- percussionists, performed “Talkin’ Trash” using 55-gallon drums, fertilizer barrels, 20- and 25-gallon galvanized trash cans, two- and five-gallon buckets and lids. The result was a unique, rhythmic routine, complete with student-choreography, decorated instruments and costumes.
County’s top spellers face off
Myers takes top prize with ‘cellophane’
BURLINGTON — Burlington Middle School’s seventh-grader, Braden Myers, is a natural when it comes to spelling.
“I didn’t study until last night,” he admitted shortly after he won the Coffey County Spelling Bee Tuesday afternoon in the Waverly High School gymnasium. “My dad went over the words with me and I only missed three. He said he thought I was ready.” Braden said he is an avid reader, which is common among spelling champs.
Board discuss indigent
deaths, landfill feesBURLINGTON — Coffey County Commissioners discussed indigent deaths, waiving landfill fees and upgrading dispatch equipment among a host of other business when they met Monday.
Council OKs street
improvement, tree removalBURLINGTON — The Burlington City Council on Wednesday passed a resolution to make street improvements to one block in the southwest part of the city, hired a full-time Parks Department employee and accepted a quote from a Pomona tree care service to remove five hazardous trees.
Williams recognized
for service to fire districtBURLINGTON — Chairman Lyle Williams, who stepped down as a trustee on the Coffey County Fire District No. 1 board, received two plaques at the board’s Jan. 17 meeting for his continued support and dedication to the district for the past 13 years.
Five landowners to receive
soil conservation awardsBURLINGTON — Five Coffey County landowners will receive conservation awards Wednesday night at the Coffey County Conservation District’s 71st annual meeting and banquet.
A meal, sponsored by the Coffey County Bankers Association, will be served at 6 p.m. in the Burlington High School commons area followed by the Coffey County Conservation District’s 71st annual meeting in the BHS theater. More than 150 Coffey County residents and landowners at- tend the meeting each year.
Local, state officials investigate
odd smell in LeboTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), along with Coffey County Fire District No. 1 and Coffey County Emergency Management, has noted and is investigating a strong gasoline odor in Lebo. Experts stress that the odor has shown no health concerns.
The smell was first reported on Thursday, Jan. 26, by Lebo’s city superintendent. Since then, KDHE and local partners have been working to discover the cause. It is believed that the pathway for the odors to reach the buildings is an old sewer line. Officials are still investigating the location of the source of the odors.
“KDHE and their local partners plan to cap off the line this week,” explained Randy Carlson, storage tanks section chief for KDHE’s Bureau of Environmental Remediation. “We’re hoping to have this corrected soon, but want to emphasis that citizens’ health is not at risk.”
Wolf Creak remains
offline for repairsBURLINGTON — Plant personnel at Wolf Creek Generating Station are continuing to investigate the cause for a failed circuit breaker that caused an automatic shut down and loss of off-site power on Friday, Jan. 13. The plant remains offline.
“We take our responsibility to maintain nuclear safety seriously. That is why it is so important that we clearly understand what caused the event and determine the actions that are needed to address the cause. We are making progress,” said Steve Hedges, site vice president.
NRC sending inspection
team to Wolf CreakBURLINGTON — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has announced it send an Augmented Inspection Team (AIT) to the Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station to review the circumstances surrounding an automatic reactor trip and loss of offsite power that occurred there on Jan. 13.
Just after 2 p.m. on Jan. 13, officials at the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Co., declared a Notice of Unusual Event after the failure of a main generator electrical breaker, followed by an unexplained loss of power to an electrical transformer. This caused the switchyard to become de-energized, which removed the plant’s connection to the electrical power grid. The emergency diesel generators automatically started and powered safety-related equipment.
An Unusual Event is the lowest of four NRC emergency categories.
County rejects bids
for shop additionCommissioners on Monday rejected all bids received for the county shop office addition because all bids exceeded the engineer’s estimate.
Once the addition is built, the county engineer’s office will be moved from the courthouse basement to the new addition.
Couple to move, transform
church into home
BURLINGTON — Leon Sink and his wife, Tiffany, are unveiling their plans for a local historic church they’ve purchased.
Noting that folks in and around Burlington have heard about the purchase and have been curious, the Sinks talked it over and decided perhaps the time had come for them to let the cat out of the bag, so to speak.
The Burlington couple purchased the 15,000-square-foot church, which is located just across the street from the Coffey County Courthouse, more than a year ago. The church, which was once a Christian church, has sat empty for more than three years.
GOP Caucus slated for March 10
BURLINGTON — A Republican caucus will be held in Kansas on Saturday, March 10. In Coffey County, a caucus will be held starting at 10 a.m. at Burlington High School. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.
Coffey County residents, registered as a Republican by Feb. 17, will be able to vote at any one caucus in the Second District, until 1 p.m. Caucus locations are printed on the Kansas Republican Party website at www.ksgop.org, click on “Caucus: March 10” found on the top banner bar.
Fair continues search for
carnival, input sought
BURLINGTON — In its 132nd year, the Coffey County Fair continues to be the oldest consecutively held county fair in Kansas. Despite the long history, the Coffey County Fair has struggled in recent years to secure an amusement carnival, with patrons asking “why?”
“People want to know, why is it so hard to get a carnival at the fair?” said Vickie Wolford, Fair Board Secretary.
“There are obstacles we are up against in getting a long term car- nival agreement, including budget, travel routes, long term agreements, liability issues, fair size and date scheduling,” she said.