What’s Inside ...
The Two Faces of
Breast Cancer
…Page 3
English Makes Flight
Team at KSU-Salina
…Page 4
Vet’s building gets new
sidewalk
…Page 8
75¢
THE
SYR ACUSEJOURNAL
Volume 130, Issue No. 43
What’s
Happening
TODAY Wednesday, Oct. 28th
Cram The Van
Wheatland Electric
& New Office Remodel Grand
Opening
@10 a.m. - Ribbon Cutting
@10 - 2 p.m. - Open House
@11:30 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch
Syracuse, KS
The Voice of Hamilton County Since 1885
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Driver Crashes Into Building,
Leaves The Scene
Wednesday Oct. 28th
Community Friendship Meal
United Methodist Church
@ 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Fri./Sat., Oct. 30th & 31st
Zombie Pit Haunted House
Ham Co Fairgrounds
@ 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1st
Daylight Savings Time Begins
So “Fall Back”
Don’t forget to change your
clocks!
Monday, Nov. 3rd through
Saturday, Nov. 21st
CNA Classes
Ham Co Hospital
WEATHER
Sunny
High: 64º; Low: 38º
Forecast, Page 9
Word Wise
Taphephobia
[taf-uh-foh-bee-uh], noun,
1.an abnormal fear of being
buried alive.
Origin:
Taphephobia is a combination
of the Greek word taphḗ, meaning “grave,” and the combining
form -phobia meaning “fear.”
A drunken driver crashed into a building on Avenue B, a half a block east of Main St. in Syracuse, Kan. last Friday evening, Oct. 23 and then left the scene of the accident. An investigation
of the incident is currently underway by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Occupants of the building suffered minor injuries. If anyone has any information about the accident or saw the
driver at the wheel of the vehicle, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (620) 384-5616. Photo by Sarah Schwerdfeger.
Ham Co Drug Has New Photo Printer
by Krista Norton cards, save the date, Christmas SD card, flash drive or CD, one can
This Week in History
from
History.com
Oct. 29, 1682
William Penn arrived in
Pennsylvania.
Oct. 30, 1534
King Henry VIII became head of
the English church.
Oct. 31, 1648
Janene Fouts born.
Nov. 1, 1755
Earthquake, fires, and tsunami
leveled Lisbon and claimed
70,000 lives.
Staff Reporter cards, baby announcements, a
photo collage and much more.
The Hamilton County Drug
They offer 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10
Store is pleased to announce and 8 x 12 sizes for pictures and
the installation of Direct Kiosk passport size. Individuals can also
Solutions. The machine offers a edit, add borders, texts, and imporwide variety of options for print- tant dates to remember on his or
ing pictures, calendars, greeting her pictures. By bringing a camera
download pictures and print them
in the store while he or she waits. A
person can also print pictures from
his or her phone. Year-At-A-Glance
calendars are also an option with
sizes of 4 x 6, 8 x 10 and 8 x 12.
See Printer page 2.
Syracuse Man Dies In
Colorado Semi Collision
by Marcus Ashlock into oncoming traffic, striking three the semi-trucks driven by Ramirez
Editor semi-trucks in a row. Several head
of cattle were killed in the wreck.
A semi-trailer chain reaction
Joshua Ramirez, 29, of Dodge
crash, involving four tractor-trailers, City, Kan., was hospitalized with
took the life of a Syracuse, Kan., minor injuries. Jorge Moya, 43, from
Nov. 2, 1976
Jimmy Carter defeats Gerald
man last Wednesday, Oct. 21, Miami, Fla., was not injured; both
Ford.
on U.S. 40 east of Hugo, Colo. semi-trucks were seriously damaged.
Duane Olson, 50, of Syracuse
At the time of the incident, three
Nov. 3, 1903
was pronounced dead at the scene semi-trucks were traveling east on
Panama proclaims independence along with one other fatality, Clint U.S. 40 near Hugo, approaching
from Colombia.
Torres, 30, of Mansfield, Texas. Olson’s semi-truck. The first colAccording to Colorado Highway lision occurred at 4:52 p.m. when
Nov. 4, 1922
Patrol
Trooper Nate Reid, Olson’s Olson, traveling westbound, veered
Howard Carter discovered the
semi
veered
into the wrong lane and into the eastbound lane sideswiping
tomb of Tutankhamen.
and Moya. Oslon’s truck then
hit head-on with Torres’ truck.
All four trucks remained upright
after the crash. Olson’s truck came
to a stop on the north side of the
road, while the other three came to
a stop on the south side of the road.
Authorities were uncertain as to
which trailer the dead cattle belonged.
According to Reid, the investigation will take some time to sort out
and at this point, it is unknown why
Olson’s truck left the eastbound lane.
• Page 2
The Syracuse Journal
October 28, 2015
Announcements and family living
Senior
Subjects
Duane Carl Olson
1965 - 2015
by Jennifer Brucker
Nov. 2nd Craft Club @ 9:00 am
Nov. 3rd Medicare Plan D with Rick Schaffer 9am to
1pm
Appointments Needed
Nov.3rd “New to Medicare” Guest Speaker Rick
Schaffer @ 12pm
Nov. 3rd Dinner Night Out @ 5:00pm @ Porky’s (Note
New Time!!)
Nov. 5th Painting @ 9am “Winter Scene” $20 Fee*Sign
Up needed
Nov. 5th Evening Cards @ 6:00pm
Nov. 12th Matinee @ Northrup Theatre @ 1pm
Nov. 17th Blood Pressure Clinic @ 11:45am
Nov. 17th Evening Cards @ 6pm
Nov. 18th BINGO @ 10am
Nov. 18th Birthdays
Nov. 19th Annual Meeting @ 11:45am
Nov. 19th Thanksgiving Dinner @ 12pm
Nov. 19th Board Meeting @ 12:30pm
Nov. 25th Brunch @ 11am
Mon/Wed/Fri * Ladies Exercise @ 11am
Thursdays *Ladies Bridge @ 12:30pm
Nov. 26th & 27th Closed for Thanksgiving- Call Ahead
if you need frozen meal for these days.
Veterans Day Nov.11th
In Honor**All Veterans Eat Free **
Annual Meeting Nov. 19th @ 11:45am
Thanksgiving Dinner Everyone is invited to share in our
Thanksgiving Dinner Call 384-7871 to sign-up. Lunch
starts at 12:00 pm.
Quilt Raffle 6 tickets for $5
**Holiday Snowman Quilt**
Donated and Made by Pat Keller
On Display @ VIP’S
Drawing Nov.14th at Christmas Fair
Thank you for reading The Syracuse Journal
WE WANT
YOU
AT THE
E
I
B
M
ZO
PIT
Join the Walking Dead at the
Hamilton County Fairgrounds
Enter, if you dare at 7 pm
Get out alive by 11 pm
Printer
If a person needs a copy of a
picture, the machine offers scanning capabilities, simply bring in
a hard copy of a picture to scan
and print. In addition, individuals
can log on to his or her Facebook
account on the machine and print
pictures from his or her account.
By logging on to gnpphoto.com,
a person can upload pictures, then
receiving a code, and by logging on
in the store, an individual’s pictures
are on the website ready to print
in the store while he or she waits.
There is also an application
available called LifePics, but it is
not necessary to have on a phone,
since an individual can plug his or
her phone directly into the machine
at the store. Please visit the store
for individual pricing, Monday
through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Don’t Let This Halloween
Give Your Budget A
Scare
(StatePoint) Cooler weather
and seasonal fall colors means it’s
almost time for trick-or-treaters!
Getting ready for all the fun the
season has to offer can add up
fast. Don’t let this Halloween
give your budget a scare.
With some helpful money saving tips, you will be ready to
have a spooktacular Halloween.
A FUNDRAISER FOR THE
2016 8TH GRADE DC TRIP
FRI OCT 23
SAT OCT 24
FRI OCT 30
SAT OCT 31
ADMISSION $5
From the
Stacks…
with Amy Brucker
HCL @ Literacy Night
The Hamilton County Library will be participating in the Syracuse
Elementary School Literacy Night on Tuesday, November 3. From
5:00-6:30, we invite parents to visit with us about children’s programming at the library, Santa’s visit, and free resources available to both
parents and children, online, at our State Library. Staff will be able
to demonstrate our mango languages online learning program; learn
Spanish or English. Obtaining a library card will also be available.
2015 Kansas Notable Books
This summer, the State Library of Kansas announced the 2015
Kansas Notable Book Selections. The 15 books, featuring quality titles with wide public appeal, are either written by Kansans
or about a Kansas-related topic. The Kansas Notable Book List
is the only honor for Kansas books by Kansans, highlighting the
lively contemporary writing community and encouraging readers to enjoy some of the best writing of the authors among us.
Next week, the library will be displaying 9 of the 15 books on
the 2015 list. All of these are available to our patrons to check
out. Some of the titles include: children’s book, Bluebird; novel,
A Carol Dickens Christmas; non-fiction selections, Chasing
Weather: Tornadoes, Tempests, and Thunderous Skies in Word
and Image, and The Darkest Period: The Kanza Indians and Their
Last Homeland, 1846-1973. Readers may also interlibrary loan
the remaining 6 books on the list that the library will not carry.
Obituaries
or homemade popcorn balls. Make
a Halloween trail mix with chocolate candies, pretzels, candy corn,
rice cereal and pumpkin seeds.
Visit www.dollargeneral.com/
easymeals for quick, festive snack
ideas to feed your hungry monsters.
Use a fun decorated candy
bowl and fill it with Halloween
favorites to hand out to costumed visitors. Make sure to
Decorations
stock up on Halloween themed
Bring the colors of fall into napkins and paper plates to add
your home with seasonal deco- festive flair to your table spread.
rations. From pumpkin kitchen
towels to owl décor and fes- Costumes
tive candle holders, you can
Above all, Halloween planning
accent your home in style. includes having a great costume.
Adorn your front door with an Check out your closet and use
autumn wreath. Warm your home clothing items you already have
with pumpkin scented candles and to create a fun DIY look. Use bold
fall themed tablecloths and runners. make-up and fun hair styles to
For a scary theme guaranteed to create your own unique costume.
thrill your trick-or-treaters, stock up For the trick-or-treater who likes to
on Halloween décor like skeletons, accessorize, check out Halloween
jack-o-lanterns, bats and cobwebs! selections at your local discount retailer, like Dollar General. A variety
Candy and Treats
of costume essentials and accessoWhether you’re planning for a ries are available starting at $1.
crowd or just a few, don’t forget
Halloween comes once a year,
to stock up on the candy and treats but it doesn’t mean that you have to
that make Halloween so sweet. Try break the bank to have a great time.
your hand at homemade goodies With quick tips and money saving
like scrumptious monster cupcakes ideas, you can have fun affordably.
Duane Carl Olson, age 50, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 21,
2015 near Hugo, Colo. He was born on March 5, 1965 in Ogallala,
Neb., the second child of Delmore Olson and Frances (Deen) Olson.
Duane attended Ogallala Public School in Ogallala where he
was involved in wrestling and football, graduating in 1983. While
in high school he worked for Everett Wood Farms until August
of 1989. He then moved to Syracuse, and worked for Bear Creek
Feeders until January of 1991. He then went to work for Hook
Trucking. He met and fell in love with Gail Valentine in 1989, and
they were married on Dec. 17, 1993 in Syracuse. The important
aspects of Duane’s life was his family, friends, and his dogs. He
loved more than anything the time he spent with his wife, family,
and friends. At Christmas time you would find Duane down on
hands and knees being the human bucking bull for all his nephews.
He enjoyed motor cross racing, where he won many trophies.
He also liked to bowl, and ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
He loved to hunt and fish, especially ice fishing with his dad.
Duane’s dogs were considered part of his family. He loved to
take them for their runs and spend quality time with them. Duane
was the kind of man that would give you the shirt off of his back,
and never knew a stranger. The one thing he enjoyed most was
camping on the Little Bush Creek in Wyoming with his wife
Gail. Duane was a patriot of his country, and he deeply admired
any and all Veterans. He was very proud of all of his family and
friends that served this country. Most importantly, Duane loved
his family, friends, his country, and Gail. The world has lost a
great man, and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances
Olson in 2002; and a sister, Janice Ann Olson in 1975.
He is survived by his spouse, Gail (Valentine) Olson of
Syracuse; his father, Delmore Olson of Ogallala; an aunt, Louise
(Bernard) Armstrong of Queensland, Australia; mother in law,
Kathleen Hook of Syracuse; sisters-in-law, Deb (& husband
Burt) Files of Holly, Colo. and Kam (& husband Tom) Walsh of
Elkhart, Kan.; brother in law, Steve Valentine of Syracuse; and
numerous nephews, great nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, Oct. 27,
2015 at the First United Methodist Church, in Syracuse.
Burial followed in the Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse.
Vi s i t a t i o n w a s h e l d o n M o n d a y, O c t . 2 6 , 2 0 1 5
at the Fellers Funeral Home LLC in Syracuse.
Condolences may be sent to fellersfh@yahoo.com. In
Lieu of Flowers memorial contributions may be payable to
Wounded Warriors or Lamar Animal Shelter or Syracuse Animal
Shelter, sent in care of Fellers Funeral Home & Monuments
LLC, P.O. Box 1253, Syracuse, KS 67878. 620-384-5100.
Holly Housing
Authority
is now accepting
applications for 3
bedroom aprtments.
HUD subsidy.
Happy Birthday
Mom!
Contact Rose Robinson
(719) 537-0191
Oct. 31st
Love,
Marcus
Fellers Funeral Home & Monuments, LLC
“Striving for excellence, committed to caring”
Donald L. Fellers • 401 N. Summer • PO Box 1253
Syracuse, KS 67878-1253 • 620-384-5100
“Are You In Need of an Auction?”
Associates of Swenson Real Estate
& Auction Services, Inc.
The Canny Team
303 S. Main
Johnson, KS 67855
(620) 492-3169
www.thecannyteam.com
Estates-Agriculture-Equip.-Antiques-Collectibles-Coins-Residential
BIG C’s Tire & Service Center
Tires - Mufflers - Brakes - Oil Change - Batteries
708 W. Avenue A • Syracuse, KS 67878
• 620-384-6361 24 Hr On-Call Service - 492-5104
Norton Dry Cleaning Service
and Tuxedo Rental
Drop off and pick up at NorthrupTheatre Fri.-Sun. evenings or call Craig at 384-4030 for drop off or pickup.
Pure Certified Angus Beef!
Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel
206 S. Fifth St. Lamar, CO 81052 (719) 336-9011 or
119 S. Main St. Holly, CO 81047 (719) 537-6229
Monuments & Prearrangements
e
at th
Northrup Theatre
The Intern
Oct. 30th - Nov. 1st
at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13
Proverbs 12:19
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is
but for a moment.
WORD OF GOD
The Syracuse Journal
The Two Faces OF Breast Cancer
by Carol Roberts driving over here for one thing and able to relieve her of that worry.
Staff Reporter then driving to another place for
something else,” Thomeczek said.
October has been named Breast
Along with doing self-exams
Cancer Awareness month and for Thomeczek also emphasized
two women in Syracuse, Kan., this that she had no risk factors, but
month has a lot of meaning. Janet still developed breast cancer.
Thomeczek and Tori Mathias
“It can happen to anypresent the cold, hard facts about o n e , ” T h o m e c z e k s a i d .
breast cancer. Both women are
Some of the risk factors include
very open and candid about smoking, being overweight, not
what they have been through, maintaining a healthy diet, age
and how they felt going through (most breast cancers are found in
the diagnosis and treatment. women over the age of 55), family
Since being diagnosed with history and ethnicity. Breast cancer
breast cancer the first time in 1999, is more common in white women
Janet Thomeczek has worked hard than Asian, Hispanic or Africanat making others aware of the American women. Low Vitamin D
disease. Thomeczek has been di- levels and lack of exercise can also
agnosed twice, the most recent in be risk factors. For a complete list,
2013, both times self-exams played go to the website breastcancer.org.
an important part in her diagnosis.
When Thomeczek was diag“Both times I discovered a nosed the first time in 1999, her
lump I found them during youngest was in eighth grade
self-exams,” Thomeczek said. so she didn’t have very small
After finding the first lump, children to worry about. Her husThomeczek was directed to the band Tommy would come home
University of Colorado Breast from driving a truck and cook
Center on the east side of Denver enough meals for three weeks.
by her sister. Since then, she has That would last them until he got
referred many others to the center. home again. Thomeczek consid“Everything you need for your ers herself fortunate to have a
care is in one place. There is no husband who could cook and was
“He is a good cook,” Thomeczek
said. “I still don’t cook.”
When she was diagnosed in
2013 again, it was because of
self-exams. At the University
of Colorado Thomeczek went
through more testing, including
testing for the breast cancer gene.
Again, she had no risk factors.
“The key is early detection,” Thomeczek said.
“I was never afraid. My reason was to help others.”
While Thomeczek didn’t have
very young children to worry
about and also did not have her
lymph nodes involved, another
Syracuse resident’s experience
was just the opposite. When Tori
Mathias was diagnosed she did
have young children at home and
her lymph nodes were involved.
“My kids were young, Ivy was
two years old and Reid was four,”
Mathias said. “I feel like I missed
out on Ivy’s second year of life.”
Simple things that most of us
take for granted were also missed.
“We couldn’t go out as a family and do anything due to risk
of catching something,” Mathias
said. “I also had weight restric-
tions as to what I could pick
up or hold. There was a lot of
time I couldn’t hold the kids.”
Mathias’s mom, Stacy Cox, was
able to come down and take care of
the kids while Mathias recovered
from the chemotherapy treatments.
As with Thomeczek, Mathias
had none of the risk factors associated with breast cancer. She did not
have the gene BRCA 1 or BRCA
2 that would indicate she would
develop breast cancer and there
was no breast cancer in her family.
During her diagnoses and treatment, it was discovered her lymph
nodes were also involved in the cancer. Testing revealed not all lymph
nodes were involved, so only the
ones involved were removed.
Testing also revealed that the
estrogen and progesterone were
feeding the cancer. As a result
Mathias receives shots to suppress
the release of those hormones and
will for the next 5-10 years. She
also goes to see her oncologist
every three months in Denver.
Both women have been through
a lot. Testing, surgeries, chemo,
taking care of family, and just
the mental part of realizing you
are going through all of this.
Mathias sums it all up
in two words, “It stinks.”
Halloween Zombie Pit Fundraiser
Lisa Barnes, ARNP - Oct. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24, 25, 30
Mary Shy, FNP - Oct. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20
Office hours are from 8 a.m. to Noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m.
NOTE: The clinic will be open the
Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27th
11th Anniversary Sale
Quilter’s Stash
123 N. Main St.
Syracuse, Kan.
and would love for everyone
to come out and visit them this
weekend. The adult zombies
and volunteers mimic what the
students say, adding it has been
a blast and are in awe of how the
students have worked hard to
make the event come together.
Admission is $5, with all
proceeds going to the students
to help with expenses of the trip.
The entrance is between the
Fair Building and 4-H building.
If a person is under the age of
Wesleyan Church
Barton and Post Road
Pastor Paul Runyon
384-5828
9:30 AM
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
9:00 AM
10:15 AM
Sunday
9:15 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship & Children’s
Church
First Presbyterian
Church
601 N. Johnson
Pastor Ardeen Webster
384-7878
Sunday School
Morning Worship
9:00 AM
9:30 AM
Kendall United
Methodist Church
Pastor Todd Anthony
373-2400
8:30 AM
9:30 AM
Spanish Service
Evening Service
309 N. Main St.
384-7416
Pastor Tom Reynolds
Christ’s New
Covenant Church
East Highway 50
Pastor Joe Gould
Associate Pastor Bob Wedel
384-5383
Worship Service
Fellowship Time
Sunday School
First Christian Church
Sunday
10:30 AM Worship
Thursday
7:00 PM
Bible Study
by Krista Norton Scholastic gives Scholastic
Staff Reporter Bucks to purchase books for
each classroom library and
Syracuse Elementary School the elementary school library.
would like to announce the In addition to the Scholastic
Scholastic Book Fair is com- Book Fair, there will be a
ing Monday, Nov. 2 , through “Penny War” during that week.
Friday, Nov. 6, and will Students are encouraged to
be located in the Syracuse bring any change they can find.
High School lecture hall. Every day the change will be
Hours are Monday, Nov. collected around 9 a.m., and
2, 8-4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. the class with the most change
3, noon-7 p.m., which will will win an ice cream sundae
include literacy night. The party, with second place class
Scholastic Book Fair continues receiving a popcorn party. All
on Wednesday, Nov. 4, noon-4 change collected will contribute
p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 5, noon-4 to purchasing goods for the
p.m.; and Friday Nov. 6, noon-4 classrooms. Cumulative results
p.m. If unable to make it to will be posted on the poster
the Lecture Hall, individuals outside of the elementary gym.
can order online at http://book- For questions, contact Natasha
fairs.scholastic.com/homepage/ Te Velde at 620-451-0496 or
syracuseelementaryschool2. at pastimeoffice@yahoo.com.
For every dollar spent,
Kai Englert, PA - Oct. 4, 5, 6, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27
18, parents must sign a waiver,
allowing the individual to enter
on his or her own. If one does
not want to tour the Zompie Pit,
he or she may come to the 4-H
building for coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn and baked goods.
A “zombie bite” can be added
to an individual’s body from the
Zombie Salon, a fresh looking
bite is $1, or $2 for a decaying
looking bite. Individuals can
also have a picture taken with
his or her favorite zombie at
Church Directory
124 N. Durffee
384-7453
Pastor Bill Roberts
Elementary School
Hosting Scholastic Book
Fair Nov. 2-6th
Dr. Zerr - Oct. 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 30
Staff Reporter
New Life Fellowship
Page 3 •
October Family Practice Clinic Provider Schedule
by Krista Norton
Students from Jessie Bloyd’s
eighth-grade social studies
class officially began their fundraising efforts for their 2016
Washington, D.C. trip with their
“Zombie Pit” last weekend. The
Pit originally began at the location of the Hamilton County
Fair’s Demolition Derby, but
due to heavy rainfall, was moved
to the barns at the fairgrounds in
less than 12 hours with lots of
volunteers stepping in to make
the move. Last weekend’s event
attracted approximately 100
people. The group has high
expectations of visitor attendance this weekend on Friday
and Saturday from 7-11 p.m.
The Zompie Pit is a spoof
from the popular TV program, “The Walking Dead.”
According to Carly Kullot,
one of the zombies, “We are
not vampires; we do not suck
blood, if you get bitten, you
become what you are, such
as a zombie photographer.”
When visiting with the students, they are very enthusiastic
about the event and are happy
to be involved in a community
event. Although it has been a
lot of work for a lot of people,
they are having a great time,
October 28, 2015
Morning Worship
Sunday School
Sunday School
Morning Worship
Saint Raphael
Catholic Church
613 N. Sumner
Father Rene Labrador
384-7357
10:30 AM
Sunday Service
8:00 AM
Wed. (week day)
Holy Day and Vigil--------call
Southern Baptist
Church
612 N. Main 384-7405
Pastor Dane Hernandez
9:30 AM
10:30 AM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
Sunday School
Morning Worship
Sun. Eve Worship
Wednesday
Betel Casa De Dios
407 W. Grant
Pastors Daniel & Maria Flores
353-5879
10:00 A.M Sunday Morning
7:00 P.M. Wednesday Evening
First United Methodist
Church
409 N. Main 384-7892
Pastor Gina Tyler
8:00 A.M Contemporary Service
9:15 A.M.
Sunday School
10:45 A.M. Traditional Service
NEW! 5:30 P.M.Sat. Nite Service
Sponsored by the Syracuse Food Center
Hwy. 50 • Syracuse • 384-7384
Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM / Sunday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Money orders, postage stamps, lottery, video rentals, catering, cakes, party trays, WIC approved vendor
the Memory Makers Photo
Booth. If one would like to pay
admission and tour the pit, a PGrated version is offered, with
little scaring and noise. For the
youngsters, they can come on
Halloween evening from 6-7
p.m., and tour the barns with the
lights on. Look for the students’
next fundraiser at the upcoming
Extension Christmas Fair at the
Syracuse High School commons area, Saturday, Nov. 14.
25% Off - STOREWIDE
Oct. 28 - 31st
Wed. Thurs. Fri. & Sat. ONLY
Excludes Sewing Cabinets
Pastor’s Ponderings
by Pastor Dane Hernandez
Syracuse Southern Baptist Church
God’s Words in Written
Form (the Bible)
In addition to God’s words
of decree, God’s words of
personal address, and God’s
words spoken through the
lips of human beings, we
also find in scripture several
instances where God’s words
are given in written form.
The first of these are
found in the giving of the
Ten Commandments on stone
tablets. Exodus 31:18, “When
He finished speaking with
Moses on Mount Sinai, He
gave him the two tablets of
the testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God.”
Exodus 32:16, “The tablets
were the work of God, and
the writing was God’s writing, engraved on the tablets.”
In Joshua and Isaiah, we see
God instruct men to record writings that applicable for us today.
Josh 24:26, “Joshua recorded these things in the
book of the law of God; he
also took a large stone and set
it up there under the oak next
to the sanctuary of the LORD.”
I s a i a h 3 0 : 8 , “ G o n o w,
write it on a tablet in their
presence and inscribe it on
a scroll; it will be for the
future, forever and ever.”
In The New Testament, Jesus
promised his disciples that the
Holy Spirit would bring to
their remembrance the words
which He, Jesus has spoken:
John 14:26, “But the
Counselor, the Holy Spirit-the Father will send Him in
My name-- will teach you
all things and remind you of
everything I have told you.
In 2 Peter 3:2, Peter writes,
“so that you can remember the
words previously spoken by
the holy prophets and the command of our Lord and Savior
given through your apostles.”
Once again, it must be
noted that these words are
still considered to be God’s
own words, even though they
are written down mostly by
human beings and always
in human language. They
are still absolutely authoritative and absolutely true.
It is most profitable for
us to study God’s words as
written in the Bible because,
1 .
G o d
c o m mands us to study it.
Psalms 1:1-2, “How happy
is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked
or take the path of sinners
or join a group of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the
LORD’s instruction, and he
meditates on it day and night.”
Joshua 1:8, “This book of
instruction must not depart
from your mouth; you are to
recite it day and night so that
you may carefully observe
everything written in it. For
then you will prosper and
succeed in whatever you do.”
2. It is God-breathed: 2
Tim. 3:16, “All Scripture is
God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting
and training in righteousness,”
Pastor’s Ponderings
Sponsored in part by
• Page 4
The Syracuse Journal
October 28, 2015
Be sure to say “Thank You” to these sponsors who make this page possible.
Corner of Hwy 50/27
Syracuse, KS
620-384-6655
11 N. Main, Syracuse
620-384-7441
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The Syracuse Journal
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620-384-5640
Superior Car Care Center
5TH S MAIN ST, SYRACUSE
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110 W. Ave B, Syracuse
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Stacey Addison, Agent
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Cross Country
The Syracuse HS Cross Country
competed in 3A Regionals at
Cimarron on Oct. 24th. This
is the first year we have been
a 3A Regional in a long time.
We competed very well but
did not qualify anybody for
State. I want to thank all of
you for supporting us this year.
Most athletes received a new
personal best every week and
that is what we look for. It was
very gratifying that we had both
full teams this year. We will be
at the top of every meet if we
just run more in the off-season.
Here are the results of the meet.
* denotes a personal best and
we had five. Schools competing were Hutchinson Trinity,
Scott City, Lyons, Larned,
TMP in Hays, Lakin, Norton,
Russell, Sterling, Cimarron,
Ellsworth, Chapparel, SWH,
Hoisington, and Syracuse. Top
3 teams qualified for State
and the top 10 individuals.
– 23:55.15
Abbi Thomeczek – 40th Place
– 24:09.50
Chrissy Batchelor – 51st Place
– 25:12.06*
Reina Seal – 56th Place –
25:00.66*
Madison Wilson – 59th Place
– 26:16.08
Daniel O’quendo 45th Place –
20:05.62
Will Kullot – 59th Place –
21:08.47
Wyatt Carter – 60th Place –
21:16.56*
Girls – 5K – 8 teams competDaniel Lopez – 65th Place –
ing – Syracuse was 6th with
21:29.46*
149 points
Evan Westeman – 71st Place –
1st – Scott City – 60 points
Average time for Syracuse –
22:23.44*
2nd – Norton – 68 points
24:10.69
Neils Hakkers – 77th Place –
3rd – TMP in Hays – 79 points
23:00.09
Boys – 5K – 10 teams compet- Daniel Roybal – 80th Place –
68 girls competing
ing – Syracuse was 9th with
23:43.15
259 points
Emily Westeman – 33rd Place 1st –TMP in Hays – 48 points Average time for Syracuse –
– 23:44.34
2nd – Scott City – 57 points
21:16.71
Alaina Squire – 35th Place –
3rd – Sterling – 100 points
23:52.44
Macey DeWeese – 36th Place 84 boys competing
English Makes K-State-Salina Flight Team
by Krista Norton time en route, and other items.
“The E6B is very challenging,
Staff Reporter
but I feel like I did fairly well
Dexter English, son of for the first year,” English said.
Marleen and Wade English,
English also flew in the
2015 Syracuse High School plane of another member who
graduate, who is attend - was competing in the message
ing K-State Salina in the drop using 4 inch by 4 inch
Professional Pilots Program, balsa wood, 200 feet above
was recently selected to be a part ground, and attempting to drop
of Kansas State University’s the block on a target on the
Flight Team. The team is made ground. Their finish was not
up of 14 students who try out good enough to qualify for the
for various categories within national competition held in
the program. English tried out Columbus, Ohio in the spring.
for E6B portion and recently
“It was a great week bonding
competed with his teammates with the flight team and making
against students from sur- some good friends with comrounding states at the regional mon interests,” English said.
competition in St. Louis, Oct.
English’s flight instructor is
19-23, placing fifth. The E6B on the flight team as well, which
competition uses a flight cal- enabled English some good
culator, also known as a “whiz one-on-one time with him durwheel,” and is commonly used ing the competition in St. Louis.
by flight students during flight The flight team is sponsored in
planning (on the ground before part by several major corporatakeoff) to aid in calculating tions, who help with expenses
fuel burn, wind correction, during the competition, such
as food, lodging and uniforms.
English was encouraged
to try out for the team by
K-State-Salina alumnus, Joe
Englert, class of 2012. Englert
is the son of Julie and the
late Tony Englert, and a 2008
SHS graduate and currently
lives in Syracuse with his wife
Marissa. Englert was also a
member of the flight team for
three years, serving as an officer two of those years and
as a coach one year. Englert
knew English would gain a lot
of skills through more practice
with the team. He also knew the
advantage of the team’s opportunities to make good contact
and the ability to network with
other pilots. While competing,
Englert and his teammates
qualified for the national competition all three years and they
still hold the K-State’s record
for the best finish at the national
competition by placing seventh
nationally. Englert competed in
the landing portion of the competition, engine idle and power
on landing. He had to land on
the 0 line within 200 yards,
qualifying top 3 at regionals
and top 20 at nationals. At that
time, only three pilots qualified for the landing portion.
English will complete his
bachelor’s degree in the program at K-State-Salina, graduating with all of his ratings
including Instrumentation,
Commercial and Commercial
Flight Instructor, qualifying
him to be hired by Kansas State
University as a flight instructor.
Upon receiving his degree, he is
open-minded to all areas that the
aviation industry has to offer.
The flight team will continue to meet two times a week
throughout the school year to
prepare for regional competition next fall. English hopes
to qualify for the flying portion
of the competition in 2016.
Ark Valley Oil
W. Hwy 50, Syracuse
620-384-7421
Susan Howell, Agent
Syracuse Food Center
301 E. Hwy 50, Syracuse
620-384-7384
Ramble-N-Restaurant
606 W. Hwy 50, Syracuse
620-384-7425
Premier Cattle Company
3 mi W. 1/2 N of Syracuse
620-384-5711
DeWitt Ag, LLC
Syracuse, Kansas
620-384-4889
Fellers Funeral Home &
Monuments, LLC
401 N. Sumner, Syracuse
620-384-5100
The Garden Shed
Flower Shop
120 N. Main, Syracuse
620-384-7800
308 N. Bentley, Syracuse
620-384-7433
The Syracuse Bulldogs rolled over the Stanton
County Trojans last week in Johnson, winning 40-0.
The Bulldogs were up 22-0 at the end the third quarter,
and in an amazing push to the end zone, scored another 18 points in the last quarter. The Dawgs score is
3-5, but 3-1 in district play. The Dawgs have made the
playoffs and will play their last regular season game
against Leoti on Thursday, Oct. 29th Photo by Krista
Norton.
Skyland Grain
5 1/2 S Main, Syracuse
620-384-5751
GO
DAWGS
Hamilton County Drug
302 E. Ave A, W. Hwy 50, Syracuse
620-384-7424
Westeman
Steel
W. Hwy 50, Coolidge
620-372-8611
110 W. Hwy 50, Syracuse
620-384-7361
Syracuse Pizzaria
208 N. Main St., Syracuse
620-384-5928
John Deere Farm Equipment
Scoular Grain Elevator
Davis Motors
Jerome Lampe
3210 SE CR Y
Kendall, KS 67857 620-384-5759
311 E. Hwy 50, Syracuse
620-384-5313
Ed Westeman
(620) 384-4314
Hilltop Lanes
711 N. Main, Syracuse
620-384-5679
102 N. Main, Syracuse
620-384-7748
Schwieterman,
INC.
1616 E. Kansas Ave
Garden City
620-275-4100
Commodity Bokerage
304 E. Avenue A Hwy 50, Syracuse
620-384-7882
Sarah Schwieterman, Agent
121 N. Main, Syracuse
620-384-5771
Where great care resides.
Proud Sponsor
of the Syracuse
Bulldogs
Tires - Mufflers
Brakes - Oil Changes
Batteries
Frazee Abstract & Title
301 N. Main, Syracuse
620-384-7828
N Durffee & Ave B Syracuse
620-384-7453
BIG C’s Tires & Service Center
708 W. Ave. A, Syracuse
620-384-6361
Gale & Gale Attorneys-at-Law
211 N. Main, Syracuse
620-384-5110
Syracuse Commission Co.
109 S. Main, Syracuse
620-384-5259
The Hub
905 E. Hwy 50, Syracuse
620-384-6914
119 N. Main, Syracuse
Wood-N-Post Lumber
705 W. Hwy 50, Syracuse
620-384-5761
Tone-N-Trim Fitness Center
111 N. Barber, Syracuse
620-384-7571
1621 E. Fulton Street
Garden City, KS
620-805-6447
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Alan’s Repair LLC
308 West Lansing, Syracuse
620-384-6365
The Syracuse Journal
By Marcia Ashmore
20 Years Ago
The Saddle Up Trail Ride
was a successful event. A total of 23 horses and 28 riders
made a 10-mile ride through
the sand hills south of Syracuse.
A crowd of about 60 was in attendance at the annual Coolidge
Alumni Banquet. Donna Hill
was elected as the new president; Steve Gerard, vice president; Evelyn Drew, secretary;
and Mary Hazen, treasurer.
All the members of the Class
of 1935 were in attendance. They
were Bud Reed, Ella Brower,
Claudene Davis, Vivian Baum,
Don Conard and Oliver Hines.
The second Ercoup and friends
fly-in at the Hamilton County
Airport was deemed a success.
Planes came from as far away
as Denver, Pratt, and Satanta.
Patricia Tope entered the
school’s Cinnamon Rolls in the
baking contest at the Kansas
School Food Service Association
1995 Fall conference and Food
Show in Wichita and was
awarded “Runner Up.” Eva Birt,
Janice Hammond, Faye Frazer,
and Patricia Tope attended the
Conference and Food Show.
Mr. and Mrs. Mario Vazquez
are the parents of a daughter,
Elizabeth, born on October 18.
30 Years Ago
The Syracuse United
Methodist Church celebrated 100
years of worship and fellowship
Sunday, with 200 present for the
morning worship service. Special
music was presented by the choir,
Mallie Pratt, Esther Evins, Becky
Guldner, Zenaide Schneider, the
Local Vocals, Willa Dulin, Jean
Jones Wilson and Tom Rishel.
The Syracuse girls’ golf
team tied for seventh at the
state tournament in Great Bend.
Members of the team included
Gail Rogers, Danelle Holdren,
Jill Davis, Tara Burnett, Kim
Fulton, and Erin Hartshorn.
A ribbon cutting ceremony
signaled the grand opening of Hair Creations, a new
October 28, 2015
Page 5 •
Hamilton County History
Syracuse beauty shop. Will
Lillibridge is the operator.
A new Wesleyan Church facility is under construction near the
hospital. Volunteers from the
area, as well as the Kansas City
area and Central Kansas helped
hang sheetrock over the weekend.
“A” honor roll students at the
Syracuse High School were Erin
Hartshorn and Kevin Puckett, seniors; Cindy Fox, Emily Frazer,
Brett Horton and DeLynne
Jorgensen, juniors; Jill Davis,
Heather Dummer, Janeen Etzel,
Lynne Lampe and Chad Libertus,
sophomores; and Trina Mayill
and Shelly Westeman, freshmen.
Syracuse cross country runners swept the field at the HiPlains League meet at Johnson.
They won all four team titles—
varsity and junior varsity—and
crowned three individual league
champions. It was a historic day
for the Bulldog runners as the
boys’ team won the first league
title in the history of the sport at
the school and the girls won the
championship for the first time
since 1979. The Syracuse teams
completely dominated the field.
Varsity girls team members
included Beth Colligan, Melissa
Wilcoxen, Audra Tracy, Donna
Wilson, Janeen Etzel, Shauna
Van Horn and Heather Hartshorn.
Members of the boys’ varsity
team were Kevin Puckett, Shawn
Stringer, Kim Ashmore, Sean
Wilcoxen, Shane Mayhill, Steve
Stambaugh, and Pedro Asebedo.
Junior varsity girls team
members were Trina Mayhill,
Katrina Reeves, Cindy
F o x a n d Ly n n e L a m p e .
The junior varsity boys
team included John Albright,
Robert Asebedo, Marlin
Burns, and Jamie LaCost.
D r i f t a n d Ti m b e r Wo o d
have won high rankings in the
Coco Cola Junior NASTAR
recreational ski racing program
for last year’s skiing season.
Mr. and Mrs. John Seal are the
parents of a daughter, Margaret
Danelle, born October 26, at
the Stanton County Hospital. Quarterhorse race meets over
the weekend. Plans were
40 Years Ago
made for a big Quarterhorse
The girls’ golf team, consist- futurity race to be held in
ing of Sheri Hale, Dawn Fanshler, Hamilton County next April.
Judy Grinstead and Brooke
D a n a Wo o d a n d L i n d a
Kinzie, has qualified for the Donnelly have been named delestate tournament at Hutchinson. gates to the Wichita Recognition
S t e v e M i l e s i s t h e n e w Event in November as members of
manager of the Duckwall’s the 4-H state blue ribbon groups.
store, replacing Geary Herrin.
There are both proponents and
Gary Crist was elected presi- opponents to Daylight Savings
dent of the Coolidge Alumni Time since it was adopted last
and Roger Slaven as secre- spring. The time change this
tary. Linda Hazen continues year came about when Colorado
as the vice president and Mrs. adopted Daylight savings time
Don Hatcher as treasurer. on a two-year trial basis. With
Harry Merrill marked the Hamilton County in an island
50th anniversary of his comple- between zones of faster time,
tion of school at Coolidge. Don more than 700 residents signed
Conard, Mrs. Claudene Schmidt petitions asking the county comand Eldon Reed were honored missioners to adopt the Daylight
as members of the class of 1935 time this year. Indications now
and Eleane (Fearno) Reid and are that, with the switch back
Carl Nobles as members of the to mountain time, the clocks
class of 1965 at the annual event. will stay there unless a vote of
Sue Wagner and Charles the people decides differently.
Golladay were named as winners
Syracuse merchants and stuof the Kansas 4-H Key Award at dents at Syracuse high school
the annual 4-H achievement ban- will get together Saturday for
quet. Official recognition was the city’s second annual Student
also made of the state champion Day, when students spend the
honors given to Roy Golladay day working in various busiin the entomology project. nesses, offices and institutions.
Injuries and illness are plaguA daughter, Jeryl Lynn, was
ing the Syracuse football teams. born to Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy
The team has lost five linemen Va l e n t i n e o n O c t o b e r 2 1 .
who started early in the year and
Miss Kansas, Deborah Irene
were without two starting backs, B r y a n t o f O v e r l a n d P a r k ,
one of them out for the rest of the was crowned Miss America.
season. In addition, starting quarRay Perkins and his trained
terback Steve Richter was shaken Pomeranians were the subject
up just before the half in the last of an article in the Denver Post.
game and saw no more action. Last year, Mr. Perkins and his
Tailback Kyle Maxey suffered a dogs gave 153 performances in
leg injury in practice. Fullback schools all the way from Liberal,
Jim Lampe missed the game be- Kansas, to Denver, Colorado.
cause of illness. Linemen who The Poms are trained to push
have been out for several games and pull wagons and carts, teeterinclude Kyle Roberts, Greg totter, ride a carousel, walk on
Boattenhamer, David Fanshier, their hind legs and many other
Brad Young and Steve Englert. stunts. But the 40minute presentation is slanted at one thing—
50 Years Ago
teaching youngsters the basic
Mr. and Mrs. John Tracy, elements of training their dogs.
Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Hughs and
Jimmy Lee Akers and Delores
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Taylor at- Jean Kilgore were united in
tended a meeting of Kansas marriage on October 16 at the
Syracuse Methodist Church. C o u n t y T u e s d a y n i g h t .
Phillip Immroth is the new
roadmaster for the Santa Fe
70 Years Ago
E. T. Allison and E. J. Lalicker here since the recent re-diannounced that they have formed vision of the district. He is
a partnership with the firm name charge of the railroad line from
“Allison and Lalicker Flying Holly to Dodge City. R. R.
Service.” They will engage in Ellison, former roadmaster in
the business of buying and sell- Syracuse, has been placed over
ing airplanes, charter airplane the Holly-LaJunta division.
Fifty members and visitrips and student instruction.
Ed Ochs and his wife have tors attended the first meetsold their farm equipment and ing of the Hamilton County
will relocate to a ranch recently Teachers Association held
purchased west of Denver. l a s t S a t u r d a y a f t e r n o o n .
A group of Hamilton County
Hamilton County received
. 2 2 i n c h o f r a i n S u n d a y taxpayers have called a meeting
m o r n i n g , a c c o m p a n i e d b y to be held in the Courthouse to
near freezing temperatures. organize a Taxpayers League.
County Agent Frank Bieberly The meeting is called by A.
described a sorghum test plot in H. Bennett, Tom Potter, H. K.
glowing terms about two weeks Plunkett, Howard Ault, T. M.
ago, inferring that it would be Grissom, J. C. Kitch, Frank
worth driving miles to see, even Morrell, Howard Walker, D.
in these days of tire shortage. Craven, Henry Dyck, Murray
Farmer Murlin Carter’s cows B r o w e r a n d S . B i s h o p .
Syracuse defeated Las
beat the agricultural boys to the
field when they went through the Animas 6-0 on Friday night.
J. M. Maricle & Co. had
fence and ruined the experiment.
Even in disaster, Mr. Bieberly a bushel of No. 1 Jonathan
found data. The cows wouldn’t apples for 89 cents; 10 pounds
eat the Colby, he pointed out, and of onions for 19 cents, and a
none of them died from eating the bushel of pears for 98 cents.
The Western Chevrolet Co.
other grain. It proved cows don’t
like Colby in the field, and that was selling a deluxe Chevrolet
western Kansas sorghums are heater for $9.95 and a super denot as poisonous as those grown luxe heater was $14.95. This price
in the eastern part of the state. also included the installation.
Vernon Kennedy, rookie
Merle English, nephew of
Mrs. E. R. Conard, and for- pitcher of the Chicago White Sox,
mer resident of Coolidge, has entered baseball’s hall of fame by
arrived on the west coast re- pitching a no-hit, no-run game
cently according to word re- against the Cleveland Indians.
ceived by his aunt at Coolidge.
Merle had been a prisoner of
the Japanese since Manila fell.
Hamilton County
Pheasant season opens
November 1.
The bag
History
limit is three birds, includSponsored in part by
ing nor more than one hen.
Miss Laura Fern Patton and Mr.
Davis Motors, Inc.
Raymond R. Royer, exchanged
Since 1944
wedding vows at the Syracuse
Methodist Church on October 21.
80 Years Ago
The temperature dropped
to 31 degrees in Hamilton
GO
DAWGS
Syracuse Office Grand Reopening
206 N Main
Join us October 28th for a reopening celebration! Tour the newly
remodeled offices and enjoy cookies, cider, coffee and hot chocolate
during our open house, and then stay to help us Cram the Van!
Bring us a donation (cash or can) in return for a hot dog or hamburger, chips and a drink!
Donations go to Hamilton County Food Bank
Schedule of Events
10:00 a.m. : Ribbon Cutting / Grand Reopening
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. : Open House
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. : Lunch / Cram the Van
While you are there, register to win a free night stay at the Hotel at WaterWalk in Wichita
The Syracuse Scholar’s Bowl Team competed in Lakin on October 26 for their first meet of the year. They
tied for first, but came home with 2nd place medals, losing the tie breaker. Pictured are team members, front,
left to right, Paola Varela, Emily Westeman, Trae Valentine, Mallory Horton, back, left to right, Coach Steve
McAllister, Reina Seal, Madison Wilson. They received 2nd Place Medals for their efforts. Their next meet is
November 2nd in Satanta.
• Page 6
The Syracuse Journal
October 28, 2015
Opinions and editorials
Ramblings and Ruminations
In Step with the Editor
At the behest of the public, it is
the role of the Fourth Estate, the
press, to hold our government and
its elected officials in check. As an
elected official, their words carry
weight and the masses listen to those
words as fact. In small communities
such as Syracuse and Hamilton
County, the weight of those words
can be carried farther at times than
in our larger towns and cities.
On Tuesday, Oct. 13, The
Syracuse Journal reporter and
Hospital Board member Carol
Roberts was dining with her husband at the Ole Cook Shack during
lunchtime when approached by another patron, County Commissioner
Nikki Schwerdfeger. Many topics
were discussed, including the presence of hospital board members at
the weekly commissioners meeting
when the hospital was on the agenda.
According to Carol, as well as
those present who were later interviewed by The Syracuse Journal,
Commissioner Schwerdfeger said,
in no uncertain terms, the hospital
would be closed within the month.
Carol called the newspaper to
discuss this incident after lunch.
The next week on Tuesday,
Oct. 20, Carol was on the agenda
for the commissioners meeting
to discuss being cornered in a
crowded restaurant with no room
for privacy, as well as the general
tenor of the public discussion.
Carol described the situation to the
county board and Commissioner
Schwerdfeger denied ever stating the opinion the hospital was
in imminent danger of closing.
Despite the undisputable fact
of witnesses confirming and corroborating Carol’s account of the
events and statements, they were
unbelievably denied. Never mind
the fact The Journal did not need to
seek confirmation as Commissioner
Schwerdfeger was speaking directly to the local press at the
BAXTER
BLACK
time the statements were made.
The word of the denial has
made it around the county far
enough, several people, who also
wish to remain anonymous, have
come to The Journal under no solicitation, to confirm they too have
heard Commissioner Schwerdfeger
telling residents the hospital will
soon be closing its doors. She also
insinuated the county might be
required to cut the budgets of other
county departments or even lay off
courthouse employees. None of
which has ever been asked by the
hospital board, nor ever considered
by the County Commissioners.
Is this the type of leadership
Hamilton County and Coolidge deserves to have representing it on the
County Board of Commissioners?
I say not. To spread false rumors
of the hospital’s demise and then
when confronted about it, to deny
it ever happened is unfortunate and
disrespectful to our community.
Is the hospital in a tough situation? Yes. Are they diligently working to find a solution to keep services
available to our county? Yes. For the
by Marcus Ashlock
Editor
first time since I moved to Syracuse
more than five years ago, our hospital’s leadership is looking for a solution to its problems and attempting
to exhaust every means possible
to keep the current level of care.
The town-wide meeting held last
month was by far the most honest account of the hospital’s situation than
ever presented prior to that meeting.
There were no smoke and mirrors
or slight of hand about the financial
situation that have been seen in the
past by previous administrators.
Our hospital and its immediate
future are on everyone’s mind, and
we all as a community, whether in
the county proper or those living
is Coolidge, Kendall or Syracuse,
Kan.; share equally in either its
success or failure. Having a rogue
commissioner exclaiming the sky is
falling is not what this county needs.
The county needs positive action
to support the hospital and its several plans to keep the current level
On the Edge of Common Sense
Ike’s Tour
Bein’ a country vet, I’ve had my share of emergency calls regarding escaped animals. Feeder steers in City Park, buffalo at the mall or
snakes in the school yard. But none of my rescue missions can compare to Gary’s tale entitled “THE DAY IKE TOURED FAIRVIEW.”
Even thirty years ago Fairview, UT put on a pretty good
rodeo. Gary happened to be mounted and in the arena when
the bull ridin’ began. Ike was a big rough blue gray brahmer
with horns like petrified cedar and the disposition of a constipated bank examiner! Ike dislodged his rider with ease, made
straight for the 6 foot arena fence and cleared it by two cow
lengths! He broke for downtown with Gary hot on his heels!
Ike’s first stop was a garage. The shocked owner saw the big bull
gallop by and slide in. Thinking to trap him, he closed the garage
door. Gary had just turned his horse into the driveway when the
garage door exploded in a shower of splinters and glass! Ike thundered by him with a good portion of the door skewered to his head!
He ran across the street scattering lumber and drove
himself between the shavs of a parked pony cart...head
first! He picked it up and smashed it into the side of a car!
Gary went to buildin’ a loop as the headed down the
street. Ike poked his head in a service station, decided
against payin’ a visit, bounced across the next lawn and
into the backyard where a picnic was in progress.
“Don’t anybody move!” screamed Gary as Ike wandered
amongst the frozen relatives, squealing toddlers and potato salad.
Gary roped him, but the rope broke when Ike jumped over the
neighbor’s privacy fence. Someone threw Gary another rope. He
dropped the horn knot over the saddle horn and roped Ike again!
He set his horse. When Ike hit the end of the line, Gary might
as well a’been chained to a box car dropped off the Bay bridge!
It jerked him and his saddle up and over the ol’ pony’s withers!
Ike ran across the back porch as Gary and his horse sorta
hopped along behind him like they had their pants down around
their knees! Ike made a loop around the porch posts, then
headed back to the street. The posts tore out with a screech
and the roof collapsed like a hot dog stand closin’ its eyes.
Finally Gary’s buddies got two more ropes on Ike. They tipped
him over on the curb and managed to guide him (as in guided missile), across the road. But not before he kicked in the window and
driver’s side door of a curious onlooker who had stopped to gape!
Ike lived to make several more tours. There
w e r e s o m e a r e n a s h e j u s t d i d n ’t c a r e t o s t a y i n .
www.baxterblack.com
BAXTER BLACK
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75 cents, plus postage if mailed.
of service for our community, not
negative diatribes on the matter. It
will take a renewed effort of local
residents bringing their healthcare
needs back to our hospital rather
than traveling 30 miles in any
direction for healthcare services.
We have new leadership, a dedicated staff and highly qualified
providers here in our own county; it
is not our county residents’ responsibility to keep other area hospitals
in business. If there can ever be any
more said of keeping one’s business
local, it must be said as it relates
to our own hospital. The more
patronage we can provide them,
the longer they will be able to provide quality healthcare to all of us.
The entire county understands
the ripple effect and how losing
our hospital will cause other entities in the county to ultimately
fail. We should not strive to be
a bedroom community to other
towns, we need to be a place where
people want to move and raise
their families. This will take positive efforts from all the county’s
residents, in and out of town, not
feeding the negative rumor mill.
Commissioner Schwerdfeger,
you owe the hospital, as well as
members of your elected board, a
public apology. Become a supporter
of this community and its hospital,
not a naysayer; become part of the
solution, not part of the problem. We
need leadership from the Coolidge
district, it is time they find themselves an honest representative.
by Jim Miller
Social Security’s Viagra Benefit for Kids
Dear Savvy Senior,
I’ve been told that my children, who are 13 and 16 years
old, may be eligible for Social Security when I file for
my retirement benefits. What can you tell me about this?
Older Dad
Dear Older,
It’s true. If you’re retired and are still raising young children,
there’s a little-known Social Security benefit dubbed the “Viagra
benefit,” that can put some extra money in your family coffers.
Here’s how it works. When you file for Social Security
retirement benefits, each of your minor children can get
money on your work record equaling half of what you would
receive at full retirement age, which is currently 66. Even if
you were to take a smaller benefit by claiming earlier, your
kids will still get half of your full-retirement age amount.
To qualify, your kids – whether they’re biological, adopted or step
children – must be unmarried and under age 18. Kids that are over 18
but still in high school, can collect too until they graduate or turn 19,
whichever comes first. (Other rules apply to kids that are disabled.)
But that’s not all.
Because you have one child that’s only 13, your wife (if you’re
married) can collect Social Security benefits on your work record
too. And it doesn’t matter if she’s just 40 years old. The minimum
age requirements to collect retirement benefits (62) or survivor
benefits (60) do not apply when it comes to collecting benefits as
the caregiver of a young child. The spouse’s benefit, which is also
worth up to half of your benefit, will stop when your child turns 16.
But be aware that there are limits to the amount of money
that can be paid to a family. The Social Security “family
maximum payment” is determined by a complex formula
(see ssa.gov/oact/cola/familymax.html) and can range from
150 to 180 percent of your full retirement benefit amount.
If the total exceeds that, each person’s benefit, except
yours, is cut proportionately until it equals the maximum.
Here’s an example of how that’s figured. Let’s say, for
example, that your full retirement age benefit is $2,000.
After doing the Social Security math computations that
would make your family maximum benefit $3,500.
Subtract your $2,000 benefit from the $3,500 family
maximum benefit, which leaves $1,500. That’s the monthly
amount that can be split between your two children – $750
each. If your wife wants in on it too, the individual checks are
smaller, at $500 a piece, but the family amount is the same.
File and Suspend
One other benefit boosting strategy you should know about that’s
relevant here is “file and suspend.” If you’re still working and would
like to wait, say to age 67 or even 70 to start claiming your own
benefits, you can file and suspend starting at full retirement age 66.
This option gives you the ability to start monthly payments
for your minor children and wife, but suspend your own
benefit so you can collect a larger amount later. Your benefit
will increase by 8 percent per year for every year you delay
collecting your retirement benefit up until age 70. That
means your retirement benefit at age 70 will be 132 percent
of what it would have been if he had collected at age 66.
You should also know that minor children can collect Social Security
benefits based on the earnings of a parent who is disabled or dead too.
To learn more, see the SSA publication (No. 05-10085)
“Benefits For Children” at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10085.pdf.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman,
OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor
to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Savvy Senior
is sponsored by
The New Life Fellowship of Syracuse
Publisher:
Ashlock Media Group LLC
21 N. Main St.
P.O. Box 1137
Syracuse, KS 67878
Phone: (620) 384-5640
Fax: (620) 384-5228
email: editor@thesyracusejournal.com
Owner/Editor: Marcus Ashlock
Copy Editor: Caroline Godfrey
Office Manager: Carol Roberts
Columnist: Marcia Ashmore
Reporters: Carol Roberts & Krista Norton
Graphic Design: Joe Weaver
The Syracuse Journal
October 28, 2015
Page 7 •
THE JOURNAL CLASSIFIEDS
Services
Jay D’s Satellite
Your LOCAL DirecTV &
Dish Provider
in all of SW Kansas, OK
and TX Panhandles
CALL: 800-952-9634
EMAIL:
jaydsat@gmail.com
WEB:
www.jaydsatellite.com
TEXT: 620-360-0520
Lewis Dental Office
620-384-5252
405 N. Main St.
Monday-Thursday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
CERTIFIED SEED
WHEAT:
• Mint • Denali
• TAM 112 • TAM 304
• Brawl CL • Oakley CL
• KanMark • T 158 •
Byrd • Antero white
wheat • Turkey Red
We also have a full line
of Thunder Brand™ triticale, rye and blends for
hay, silage, graze -out
EHMKE SEED
Healy Ks 620-397-2350
www.ehmkeseed.com
Help Wanted
Narcotics Anonymous
Meeting
505 N. Johnson Wednesday
night at 7p.m. (Oct-April) or
8p.m. (May-Sept.) Please use
west entrance.
AA MEETING
at Masonic Lodge every
Monday Night at 7 p.m.
Please use back door.
STORAGE UNITS
5x10
10x10
10x15 and 10x20.
Call 384-7584
Maune Mini Storage
TRITICALE
Whether you’re looking
for a hay, silage or grazeout variety, we have an
award-winning solution to
your forage need. At 21.7
tons per acre, ThunderTall
topped the 2015 NMSU
irrigated dairy variety trials. For grazing, reputation
cattlemen say ThunderGraze
Extra doubled their production. Ehmke Seed,
Healy KS 620-397-2350
Stanton County Hospital Family Practice & LTCU has the
following employment opportunities:
Insurance Clerk, Lab Technician (MLT or MT), Food Service
Worker, Housekeeper, Nurses (RN or LPN), Dietitian, and
C.N.A.s For more information please contact Human Resources
at 620-492-6250 ext. 124 or applications are available at the reception desk at the hospital located at 404 N Chestnut, Johnson
or apply online at www.stantoncountyhospital.com EOE
Syracuse Dairy, LLC is now accepting application for a Mechanic to perform maintenance and repair on diesel, gasoline and small
engines. Applicant must have good knowledge of electrical and must perform duties,
including but not limited to, welding and cutting. Salary will be based on qualifications
and abilities. Syracuse Dairy, LLC offers (to
all qualified candidates) benefits that include health insurance, life
insurance and 401k plan. Please apply in person at our Syracuse
Dairy office at 751 SE CR 36, Syracuse or call 620-492-2525 and
ask for Diego, or send your resume to diego@syracusedairy.com
Syracuse Dairy LLC, is now accepting application for milking
positions. Syracuse Dairy is starting at $11.00/ hour (based on prior
experience) to all qualified candidates along with benefits that include health insurance.
Please apply in person at our Syracuse Dairy office
at 751 SE CR 36, Syracuse or call 620-492-2525.
Thank you for reading The Syracuse Journal
Home For Sale
203 N. Hamilton
Very clean, solid built and
ready to move into. 2br, 1.5
bath, hardwood floors, gas
fireplace, new appliances,
central heat/air, fenced yard
with stone grill. $55,000 Call
620-451-1082 for viewing.
Help Wanted
Part-time caregiver for
elderly gentleman.
No experience necessary,
will train.
Houck 384-7848
Youth Services Coordinator – Hamilton County Library
The Hamilton County Library is looking to hire a full time,
Youth Services Coordinator. The Youth Services Coordinator
plans, promotes, and provides library services and programming
to library patrons, age birth to 12, in the library as well as in the
community. The position is also responsible for planning and overseeing the Summer Reading Program and special youth programs
and events and will be required to assist in general library duties.
Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma, computer
skills, including Microsoft Office and navigating the Internet,
and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Preferred
qualifications include: college class work or previous experience
working with children, knowledge of current trends in child development and literature, previous library experience, and bi-lingual.
The Youth Services Coordinator will report to the Library
Director. Wages based on experience with full benefits package. The position will remain open until filled. Interested
candidates should email or drop off cover letter, resume,
and three references to: Hamilton County Library, 102 West
Avenue C, Syracuse, KS, 67878, director@syracuselibrary.info.
Talk directly to your
market
A color ad in the
Journal will get you
recognized and make a
strong impact with the
readers. Contact us at
editor@thesyracusejournal.com
Public Notices
• Page 8
The Syracuse Journal October 28, 2015
County and city government
County Commissioners Meet
The October 20, 2015
meeting of the Hamilton
County Commissioners was
called to order on time with
all Commissioners present.
The Agenda was adopted
as presented after a motion
and a second. The minutes of
the October 13, 2015 meeting
were approved as presented
after a motion and a second.
Next item, Sarah
Schwerdfeger, Community
Development Director, informed
the Commissioners that she
spoke with Jeannie Miller regarding the pumpkin patch at
the outdoor classroom. There
will not be a maze, and the
pumpkins are not for sale. They
will be used for the preschool
kids. Ms. Schwerdfeger also
invited the Commissioners to
Wheatland Electric’s ribbon
cutting on Wednesday, October
28th. They will be serving
lunch and giving tours of
their newly renovated office.
Following that, Donnie Miller,
Tamarisk Golf Course Board
Member, and Tom Simpson,
Golf Course Superintendent,
informed the Commissioners
that the pump is up and running.
They also asked for additional
operating funds from the golf
course’s 2015 budget. A motion was made to give Tamarisk
Golf Course $10,000.00 for
operating funds. After a second it was unanimously approved. Mr. Miller also discussed the need for a permanent
bathroom with a holding tank.
Commissioner Lewis asked that
he contact Scott Selee with SW
Kansas Local Environmental
Planning Group for guidance.
Next, Ed Baker, Rural
Fire Chief, presented the
following bids for a rescue
vehicle and utility boxes:
Davis Motors for
an F450 $37,500.00
Kansas Truck for a Reading
Utility Box $9,208.00
Kansas Truck for a Stahl
Utility Box $9,736.00
American Trailer for a
Knaphelde Utility Box $10,600.00
American Trailer for a
RKI Utility Box $11,350.00
Mr. Baker will research each
utility box to see if it will fit his
needs. The Commissioners asked
Mr. Baker if the current Noxious
Weed spray rig would work
for the vehicle. Mr. Baker will
check on the spray rig’s wheel
base and turning radius and report back to the Commissioners.
Next, Ms. Kerstin Mitchell,
Noxious Weed Director, presented the 2016 Noxious Weed
Management Plan for Approval.
A motion was made to approve
the Management Plan as presented. Motion was seconded
and it was unanimously approved. Ms. Mitchell also informed they are drilling the
monitoring wells at the Landfill.
Also discussed the approved
Road Petition submitted by Ms.
Mitchell. It was decided that the
Road will be put in when the construction of the property begins.
Following that, Ms. Carol
Roberts, Hamilton County
Hospital Board Member,
voiced her concerns being approached in a public restaurant
by Commissioner Schwerdfeger
about the Hospital Board not
attending the Commissioner
Meeting when the CEO and
COO attend the meeting. She
also stated that the COO has explained in detail to the Hospital
Board about selling the uncollectable accounts receivables to
an outside firm and the potential revenue that would bring
to the Hospital. Carol asked
that if anyone has a concern,
to please call her or come to a
Hospital Board meeting. Ms.
Roberts also stated that Hospital
Board Member’s will attend
the Commissioner Meetings
with the CEO and COO in the
future. Attorney Gale stated
that future communications
should be held in private or at
a Board meeting to minimize
the public confrontations and
the cause of unneeded gossip.
5-YEAR PLAN: The
5-year plan was reviewed.
ROAD PROJECT LIST:
The Road Project List was
reviewed. The ball diamond
road was added to the list.
WARRANTS: After review
and discussion, Commissioner
Braddock moved to approve
the Warrants in the amount
of $8,075.96. Commissioner
Lewis seconded the Motion and
it was unanimously approved.
Following that, Alan Hanson
discussed his concerns with Dr.
Posey being no longer employed
with Hamilton County Hospital,
as he is the Medical Director for
the EMS Service. Mr. Hanson
advised that his Department is
following the State’s guidelines
for “online medical direction”
until Dr. Zerr can be appointed
the Medical Director for the
EMS. Also, Commissioner
Schwerdfeger wanted to let the
other Commissioners know that
she did not state that the Hospital
would be closing in a month,
that she stated the Hospital
Board Members needed to attend the Commission Meeting
with the Hospital CEO and the
COO and reiterated that the
Commissioners told the CEO
and COO they needed a Plan “B”.
E X E C U T I V E
SESSION:
None.
As there was no more business to come before the meeting, a motion was made for
adjournment. The motion
was seconded and the meeting
was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
Veteran’s Building Gets New Sidewalk
The Veterans Building on Main Street in Syracuse Kan., continues with its renovation project, the newest work has been the addition of the concrete
sidewalk around the perimeter of the building. Tarbet Construction donated the concrete. The HVAC system is almost in place and the windows are in,
with about half wrapped and clad on the outside with metal.
The grant from Home Depot has been approved and should cover all the materials to dry-wall, tape and texture the ceiling in the entire building, as
well as provide the paint for the interior and exterior of the building. Photo by Bill Royer.
Don’t Forget To Make The
Change!
The Syracuse Journal has a new
email address:
editor@thesyracusejournal.com
Thank you for reading The Syracuse Journal
Stevens County, KS
160 Acres Dryland
Bid by October 27, 2015
Grant County, KS
473 Acres w/ Good Irrigation
Bid by November 17, 2015
Grant County, KS
213 Acres Dryland
Bid by November 17, 2015
—UPCOMING—
GO
DAWGS
Comanche County, KS
10,900+/- Acres Gregg Ranch
Hamilton County, KS
160 Acres CRP
Wichita County, KS
160 Acres Expired CRP
Lane County, KS
320 Acres Dryland & Minerals
160 ACRES
CROPLAND &
CRP
Inventors & Developers of the
HAMILTON COUNTY
SW/4 of 2-22-43
Located 8 N, and ½ W of
Coolidge
CALL STEVE HAZLETT
LISTING AGENT
785-443-3110
Mark Faulkner Owner/Broker
120 S. Main, Ulysses, KS 67880
620-356-5808
www.FaulknerRealEstate.com
FARM & RANCH REALTY, INC.
1420 W. 4TH – P.O. BOX 947
COLBY, KS 67701
1-800-247-7863
DONALD L. HAZLETT
BROKER
www.farmandranchrealty.com
“When you list with Farm &
Ranch, it’s as good as SOLD!”
Look for us
on Facebook
The Syracuse Journal October 28, 2015
Page 9 •
Agriculture
The Extension
Connection
Farmers Forum
by Jenifer Sexson
County Extension Director,
Hamilton County
Ernie Battin
Les James
Producers are Reminded
to Complete NASS Crop
Surveys
confidential and protected by
federal law. NASS publishes
only aggregate-level data, ensuring that no individual operThe National Agricultural ation or producer can be idenStatistics Service (NASS) tified. All reports will be availField Offices are currently able at www.nass.usda.gov.
completing 2015 small grain
yield surveys and will conFarmers to Receive
tact growers in December
Documentation of USDA
to complete row crop yield
Services
surveys. If you are one of
Local Offices Issue
the producers contacted to Receipts for Services Provided
complete a 2015 yield survey,
we encourage your participaFarm Service Agency (FSA)
tion and cooperation as many reminds agricultural producers
USDA agencies including that FSA provides a receipt
the Farm Service Agency to customers who request or
(FSA) and Risk Management receive assistance or inforAgency (RMA) use the NASS mation on FSA programs.
yield data for their programs.
A s p a r t o f F S A’s m i s FSA uses NASS county sion to provide enhanced
yield data for farm credit, customer service, producconservation, disaster pro- ers who visit FSA will regrams, loan and commodity ceive documentation of serprograms. Under the 2014 vices requested and provided.
Farm Bill, FSA uses the NASS F r o m D e c e m b e r t h r o u g h Would like to thank the following generous supporters
county yield data to calculate June, FSA issued more than who donated and helped us celebrate our 21st AnniverAgriculture Risk Coverage – 327,000 electronic receipts.
sary Sale. Thank you!
County (ARC-CO) benchmark
The 2014 Farm Bill reBig C’s
KC’s
revenues and current year quires a receipt to be issued
Campo Café
Kirby
county revenues. For example, for any agricultural program Colorado East Bank & Trust Liquor Shack
the 2014 NASS county yield, assistance requested from
Springfield
LMA
along with the crop’s market- FSA, the Natural Resources
CEBT - Tribune
Merrck
ing year average price (MYA), Conservation Service (NRCS)
CEBT- Holly
Phil Nix
are used to determine the and Rural Development (RD).
Clarence Truck Stop
Porkys
county’s current year revenue Receipts include the date, sumCountry Café
Q’s Corner
to determine if the county mary of the visit and any agriDavis Motors
Ramble
will trigger an ARC-CO pay- cultural information, program
Details
Skyland
ment. An ARC-CO payment and/or loan assistance proEagle
Superior
is triggered for a county when vided to an individual or entity.
Farm Bureau
Syracuse Journal
the current year revenue falls
In some cases, a form or
Finney Co Feeders
Tamarisk
below the guarantee revenue document – such as a comFirst National Bank
Tipton Leather
for the crop and crop year. pleted and signed program
Garden Shed
Triple D
In cases where NASS county enrollment form – serve as the
Gibbon Pack
Triple T Steakhouse
yield data is not available, the customer receipt instead of a
Golden Rule
Valley State Bank
FSA State Committee must printed or electronic receipt.
High Plains Journal
Western Plains Vet
determine a county yield us- A service is any information,
Jimmy Darnell
Wood-N-Post
ing RMA yield data or the best program or loan assistance
Jimmy Jenkins
available yield data, includ- provided whether through
ing assigning a county yield a visit, email, fax or letter.
using neighboring county
To learn more about FSA,
yields from NASS or RMA. visit www.fsa.usda.gov or to
Any information that pro- find your local USDA office,
620-384-5259
ducers provide to NASS is kept visit http://offices.usda.gov.
Syracuse Commission Co.
Syracuse Commission Co.
www.syracusecommission.com
Market Report
Closing Market Report
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015
Friday, Oct. 23, 2015
Consignors: 58 Total: 2140
Wheat – 4.28
White Wheat – 4.48
Milo – 3.25
Corn – 3.85
2016 New Crop Wheat– 4.84
2016 New Crop White Wheat – 5.04
New Crop Milo – 3.25
New Crop Corn – 3.85
LDP’s are all 0 cents/100 weight
Market Report courtesy
of Skyland Grain
STEERSHEIFERS
3-400# $272.00-$295.00
3-400# $227.00-$247.00
4-500# $230.00-$247.50
4-500# $184.00-$215.00
5-600# $190.00-$230.00
5-600# $174.00-$184.00
6-700# $180.00-$205.00
6-700# $167.00-$190.00
7-800# $171.00-$193.00
7-800# $160.00-$188.00
8-900# $171.00-$188.00
8-900# $168.00
COWS:BULLS: $84.00-$104.00
Weigh Ups - $71-$79
Preg Chk - $1700-$2000 P3
Pairs - $1500-$1700 P2
Pairs - $1700
** Be sure to check our website each week for Advance
Consignments
A popular food product that
many consumers enjoy preparing in different ways, ground
meat is often considered versatile
and affordable. In the United
States, consumers on average
eat about 60 pounds of beef
every year, of which about 42
percent is in a ground form, said
Travis O’Quinn, a meat scientist at Kansas State University.
But despite its popularity, studies that have shown contaminants
in ground meat, particularly
ground beef, coupled with recalls
might make consumers question ground meat safety. While
contamination is a possibility,
O’Quinn said that responsibility in preventing foodborne illness should be shared by everyone involved in the production
chain to the consumer’s plate.
While meat contamination is
at times a prominent concern, any
food product could potentially
have contaminants, which is
why safe handling practices are
important, said Londa Nwadike,
food safety specialist for K-State
Research and Extension and the
University of Missouri Extension.
When grinding meats,
Nwadike said, the outside surface of the product—where
contamination is most likely to
occur—is mixed with the untouched inside. If any contaminants are mixed in, they have the
potential to multiply quickly.
Contaminants that could be found
include pathogens such as E. coli
and salmonella, among others.
The two experts provide information that consumers should
know about what industry safety
measures are in place currently
to prevent foodborne illness
from the ground meat supply
and how consumers can do
their part to protect themselves.
process, from the time an animal
goes into a packing plant until
products go out the other side,”
O’Quinn said. “We might think
most contamination would occur
on the harvest floor itself. The
biggest opportunity for contamination actually occurs when the
hide goes off the animal, because
contaminants on the outside of
the hide have the opportunity to
touch the sterile inside surface.”
Some examples of preventive
measures taken by meat processors, he said, include that before
the animals are harvested, they
go through a hot water bath
cabinet, which is essentially a
hot water mist. Before the hide is
removed, they again go through
a hot water bath to remove as
much of the potential contamination on the outside of the hide
as possible. In the hide removal
process, plastic and other barriers are put on the hide to further
prevent potential contamination.
“Once the hide is removed,
the carcasses go through another hot water bath cabinet, in
which (processors) spray 180
degree (Fahrenheit) water on the
outside of the carcass to hopefully kill as many bacteria that
may be there,” O’Quinn said.
“Many times before that carcass is ever fabricated, or even
when the meat goes into packages,
it’s typically sprayed with some
form of antibacterial, such as citric acid or lactic acid,” he added.
Safety measures by consumers
Consumers often have the
misconception that if they grind
meat at home, there’s no potential
for contamination, O’Quinn said,
which is “absolutely not correct.”
“All the types of contamination that we can get from a packing facility, from the outer surface
of the meat coming into contact
with the inner surface of that
meat through grinding, can occur in the home as well,” he said.
Nwadike said consumers
should make sure not to crosscontaminate cooked meat or other
ready-to-eat foods with raw or
undercooked meat that could contain contaminants. In addition to
preventing cross-contamination,
cook ground meats such as beef,
lamb and pork to 160 F and
all poultry products to at least
165 F. Whole beef, lamb and
pork cuts should be cooked to
a minimum temperature of 145
F, with a three-minute rest time.
The processes of consumers preventing cross-contamination starts at the local grocery store, farmers’ market or
butcher, she said. Other safety
measures can occur when storing, thawing and preparing meat.
Safety in beef processing and
packing
O’Quinn, who is also a fresh
meat quality specialist for K-State
Research and Extension, said
ground meats such as beef are
tested throughout the processing
and packing process to help ensure any meat that could be contaminated doesn’t make it to the
consumer. Therefore, recalls that
occur mean the industry’s system
is working to protect consumers.
“Ground beef is highly regulated,” O’Quinn said. “Both
the company that produced the
product and the U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA) send
it for microbial testing to ensure that no bacteria of concern, specifically pathogenic
E. coli, are in that product.”
That doesn’t mean all contamination is identified, he said,
but the meat industry takes
many precautions to prevent as Buying meat at the store
much contamination as possible.
At the store, consum“Contamination can occur
at multiple steps of the harvest See Extension page 10.
Weekly Weather Forecast from Weather.com
Thurs. Oct. 29
Partly Cloudy
62°
40°
High Low
Wind:
E at 12 mph
Fri. Oct. 30
Rain
58°
36°
High Low
Wind:
E at 12 mph
Sat. Oct. 31
Sunny
60°
36°
High Low
Wind:
NNW at 10 mph
Humidity:
55%
Humidity:
81%
Humidity:
59%
Precip: 40%
Precip: 60%
Precip: 10%
Sun. Nov. 1
Sunny
68°
40°
High Low
Wind:
SW at 10 mph
Humidity:
50%
Precip:
0%
Mon. Nov. 2
Sunny
67°
40°
High Low
Wind:
NNW at 11 mph
Humidity:
47%
Precip:
10%
Tues. Nov. 3
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• Page 10
The Syracuse Journal October 28, 2015
Recipes & Stuff
by Carol Roberts
Spicy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced in 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup + 1 teaspoon olive oil,
divided
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 Tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
(more or less depending on heat
tolerance)
8 ounces Penne pasta
1 green onion, thinly sliced
S
In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4
cup Parmesan cheese, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce
and red pepper flakes. Add the diced chicken to the
marinade and stir to coat chicken. Cover bowl with
saran wrap and chill in fridge. Let marinate at least 30
minutes, or up to 8 hours.
In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according
to package directions; drain well. Toss cooked pasta
with 1 teaspoon olive oil and remaining Parmesan
cheese.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium high
heat. Add the chicken and marinade mixture. Cook
and stir chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken
is no longer pink. Stir in the pasta and gently toss to
combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately with sliced green onion and extra Parmesan cheese.
Hilltop Lanes Weekly League Results
LUNCH BUNCH
10-19-15
1. Pin Pals
2. 3 Bowling Angels
3. Go For It
4. H & H Trucking
High Scratch Game
Edith Majors
Janet Weis
70.5
59.5
59
51
1. Rhonda Hedberg
2. Raymond Munoz High Sratch Series
1. Rhonda Hedberg
2. Ed Westeman
3. John Simon
200
182
1. Marlin Burns
2. Sherri Rome
265
255
508
496
496
High Hdcp Series
1. Marlin Burns
2. Raymond Munoz
741
686
VILLAGE PEOPLE
10-21-15
1. Queen B’s
2. One-Eyed Jacks
3. Fellers Funeral Home
4. Hines Farms
5. Keller-Leopold
6. Umbergers
7. Coleman Sprinkler
8. Golden Rule
9. Dipsticks
High Scratch Game
1. Stanley Hines
2. Patty Helsel
179
174
High Hdcp. Game
1. Rhonda Hedberg
2. Cozette Lewis
263
257
High Handicap Game
Janet Weis
Edith Majors
255
254
High Hdcp. Series
1. John Simon
2. Cozette Lewis
712
709
High Scratch Series
Janet Weis
Edith Majors
483
441
High Handicap Series
Janet Weis
Mary Kay Scuffham
726
676
ATHLETICS
10-19-15
1. Big C’s
2. Westeman Steel
3. Horton Embroidery
4. LoBo Smokers
5. Premier Cattle Co.
6. Hilltop Lanes
7. The Corn Pickers
High Scratch Game
80.5
77.5
75
71
68
61.5
52.5
CHAMPIONS
10-20-15
1. Wood-N-Post
2. Bulldogs
3. Pin Heads
4. Maniac’s
5. The Healers
6. Crazy 8 Trucking
7. High-Low
High Scratch Game
1. Marlin Burns
2. Sherri Rome
High Scratch Series
1. Marlin Burns
2. Don Fellers
High Hdcp Game
69
68.5
65.5
63.5
63
62
60.5
210
173
576
468
High Scratch Series
1. Patty Helsel
2. Mark Kleymann
High Hdcp Game
1. Stanley Hines
2. Cameron Coleman
High Hdcp Series
1. Ben Stultz
2. Stanley Hines
Have a safe and Happy Halloween!
71.5
70.5
69.5
67
61
57
56
55
48.5
215
210
529
504
Extension
ers should look for the “best
by” date on meat products.
“The ‘sell by’ date would just
be an indicator for the store when
it should be sold,” Nwadike said.
“If it’s a ‘best by’ date, that’s the
date that you as the consumer
could say, ‘It’s getting close to that
date; maybe I won’t buy that one
if I can’t eat or use it before then.’”
Make sure the meat package
isn’t torn and that it feels cold.
After deciding to buy a meat
product, make sure to keep it away
from other groceries in the cart
to prevent meat juices dripping
onto other foods. Make the meat
counter the last stop at the grocery
store and the grocery store the last
errand before returning home.
“If it’s a long time between
when you buy the meat and
get it home, you might want
to bring a cooler,” Nwadike
said. “You don’t want meat in
the temperature danger zone,
which is 40 to 140 degrees (F),
for longer than two hours.”
Storing meat
Once home, get meat into the
refrigerator or freezer as soon as
possible. Check the temperature
of the refrigerator to be sure
it stays below 40 F. Nwadike
recommends using a refrigerator thermometer to check the
temperature about once a week.
Bacteria such as listeria can
grow at refrigerator temperatures, especially if the temperature creeps up to 50 F, she said.
It’s good practice to put raw
meat into a plastic bag around
the store packaging, so no juices
drip into the refrigerator or onto
other foods. Put meat on the
lowest shelf in the refrigerator
and ready-to-eat foods on the top
shelves in case dripping occurs.
Any other surfaces that raw
meat products touch directly, such
as countertops or sinks, should
be cleaned and sanitized well.
Thawing and preparing meat
Nwadike said the best way to
thaw any meat is in the refrigerator.
“A lot of people might thaw
on the counter or in the sink,
but the outside of the product
could get up to room temperature while the inside is still frozen,” she said. “When a meat
product is at room temperature,
that’s a perfect environment for
microorganisms to multiply.”
Consumers can also use
the microwave to thaw meats,
but be sure to cook that meat
right away. Don’t thaw it in
the microwave and try to put
it back in the refrigerator.
“You can also thaw meat in
cold water, just make sure the
water is changed often and is
staying cold,” Nwadike said.
“Don’t use hot water. Put a
bag around the outside, so the
package doesn’t leak and you
don’t get water into your meat.”
When cooking, always use a
meat thermometer to ensure the
product gets to the minimum
temperature for doneness for the
specific meat product. Color is
not a good indicator of doneness,
particularly for ground meats.
“I tell people microorganisms
don’t care what color the meat is;
they only care what temperature
it’s been cooked to,” she said.
When dining out, Nwadike recommends that consumers “pass
the message that it’s important to
use temperature as an indicator
of doneness” to restaurant staff.
All meat is susceptible to contamination
Consumers have many different meat options, from conventional to grass-fed to organic, among others. The experts
said no matter what the source
of the meat, there is always
a potential for contamination.
“The meat industry is doing
its job to make sure meat is as
safe as possible, but no matter
where consumers are buying
their meat products, no matter
what the source of the meat is, if
microorganisms get introduced,
they can multiply,” Nwadike said.
The USDA regulates the
meat industry in the country,
O’Quinn said, regardless of how
the animals are raised and marketed. It inspects U.S. meat
the same way it inspects meat
coming from another country.
“Meat overall in the U.S. is
safe due to standards of inspection in place by the USDA,” he
said. “To be sold in the United
States, meat such as beef that
is coming from another country
must undergo the same stringent
inspection process that a product
produced domestically must.”
A video on ground meat
safety that features O’Quinn
and Nwadike is available on
the K-State Research and
Extension YouTube channel
(https://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=qced9Du_3gc&index=6&
list=PLAD45744D5128C8EB).
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