May 2017 – Page 55 – Hays Post Archive

Leaks repaired in Ellis city swimming pool liner; new slide delayed

Posted on May 12, 2017May 11, 2017

ELLIS–The liner for the 80-year-old municipal swimming pool has been repaired by Natare Corporation. The pool has been having issues with water leaks.

A report was presented to the Ellis City Council during their May 1 meeting by Fort Hays State University Leadership students Kate Neer and Matt Perkins. The findings of their research on pool options ranged from closing the pool to a complete reconstruction of the facility. Respondents to the pool needs assessment survey favored purchasing and installing a new liner, followed by the option to renovate the current facility.

Council members also heard from the Ellis Community Foundation that the company installing the new pool slide, Perfect Settings, is unable to complete the project before the swimming pool opens for the season. The company plans to have the slide ready to install by the end of June. The pool can remain open during the installation.

In other water-related business, Ellis has received permits from the Kansas Department of Agriculture for the appropriation of water for two well sites northwest of Ellis.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
May 1, 2017

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Susan Eaton, Jolene Niernberger, Dena Patee, and Bob Redger. Also present were City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Charlene Weber, Chad Pritchett, Glen Keller, Pauleen Edmonds, Kassi Brown, Nan Brown, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Matt Perkins, Kate Neer, Sharon Disney, and Gary Luea.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on April 17, 2017, Bills Ordinance #2020, and the manual journal entries for November 2016. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gary Luea, 1807 Spruce, handed out information on the definition of conflict of interest to each of the Council members.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Swimming Pool: Special Project
Kate Neer and Matt Perkins, Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 Team, gave their presentation outlining the findings of their research of pool options ranging from closing the pool to a complete reconstruction of the facility. The results of their pool needs assessment survey showed respondents favored purchasing and installing a new liner, with renovating the current pool facility coming in second. The Team noted that the only way to ensure a reduction in water loss is to repair the structural issues with the 80 year old facility, which is well past its life expectancy. Mayor David McDaniel presented Ms. Neer and Mr. Perkins each with a Citizenship Award thanking them for their research with the project.
Swimming Pool: Special Project
Pauleen Edmonds and Nan Brown, Ellis Community Foundation, updated Council on the pool slide fundraising project. The company installing the slide, Perfect Settings, is unable to build and install the slide by the time the pool opens; however, they should have the slide ready to install by the end of June and the pool can remain open during the installation. Council stressed that fencing must be intact throughout the entire project to ensure the safety of individuals in the area. At the last meeting, Council agreed to a $10,000 donation to the Ellis Community Foundation contingent on the slide being installed by May 30, 2017. Ms. Edmonds is asking for a time extension of that motion in order to allow the slide installation in June. Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Susan Eaton seconded a motion to extend the donation period to June 30, 2017. The motion carried 6-0; with Council member Dena Patee abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Licenses/Permits
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Fireworks Permit Applications for the Ellis Baseball/Softball Association and the Ellis Baptist Youth. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Streets: Special Project
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, was unable to attend; therefore, Mayor David McDaniel reviewed Change Order #3 for the Street Improvement Project. The top of an existing reinforced concrete box will be in the new pavement at 11th Street and Cottonwood Avenue. Therefore, the contractor is proposing removing a section of the box and tying the inlets together using a longer pipe, resulting in a cleaner connection and adequate cover over the pipe for the new pavement. In the interest of time, Mayor David McDaniel and Public Works Foreman Dan Wickham approved the change order prior to the meeting. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to ratify approval of Change Order #3 for the Street Improvement Project at a cost of $3,720.00. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Licenses/Permits
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Application for License to Sell Cereal Malt Beverages from the Ellis Chamber of Commerce for June 9, 2017. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0, with Council member Dena Patee abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
General Government: Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas is requesting the City sign an agreement allowing our current health insurance provider, Freedom Claims Management, Inc., to obtain an insurance quote from BCBS for the City’s new plan year. The agreement would give the City another provider to consider when comparing costs for renewal. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the Consultant of Record Agreement as requested by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. The motion carried 6-0.
Streets: Policy
City Clerk Amy Burton had the County contact her regarding the official name of Cottonwood. The documents they researched show the official name as Cottonwood Avenue; however, the City maps refer to the roadway as Cottonwood Street, as does the Post Office and the City’s street signs. After discussion, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Dena Patee seconded a motion to direct the City Attorney to draw up documents renaming Cottonwood Avenue to Cottonwood Street. The motion carried 6-0.
City Attorney: Contracts
City Attorney Olavee Raub presented a revised contract for professional services for consideration. The proposal includes up to 16 hours of work on City matters for the flat fee of $2,500 per month. Additional hours will be billed at the reduced rate of $175.00 per hour. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner asked Ms. Raub if she would be willing to increase the hours included in the flat fee to 18 hours. In discussion, both the Council and Ms. Raub would like to set the contract term at one year, in order to revisit the rates and hours. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Holly Aschebrenner seconded a motion to direct City Attorney Olavee Raub to draft a revised agreement for consideration at the next meeting. The motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman was absent from the meeting, therefore, Mayor David McDaniel updated Council on the Department’s projects. Council reviewed the Comparative Water Reports for the period February 10th – March 10th.
Swimming Pool: Repair/Maintenance
Natare Corporation has made repairs to the pool liner. It is unknown if the work performed will be considered under warranty at this time.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for April and the May Staff Calendar. The number of cases has decreased; however, the magnitude of those cases is greater.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the Financial Reports consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Report, and Securities Deposit Worksheet for November 2016.
Council reviewed the draft minutes from the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on April 24, 2017.
The swimming pool staff has been hired for the 2017 season.
Water Exploration: Licenses/Permits
The City has received permits from the Kansas Department of Agriculture for the appropriation of water for two well sites northwest of Ellis.
General Government: Contracts
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to authorize the City Clerk to develop a list of duties and to solicit bids for the cleaning contract for City Hall. The motion carried 6-0. The current contract has not been reviewed since 1998.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the code violation cases outstanding are being actively addressed. The City does have one agriculture lease that will be terminated due to nonpayment.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel gave an update from the 2017 Leadership Summit and Kansas Mayor’s Conference that he and Council member Jolene Niernberger attended April 21st – 22nd in Dodge City. Ms. Niernberger was recognized at the conference for completing Level 1 of the Municipal Training Institute with the League of Kansas Municipalities.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

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Posted on May 12, 2017May 24, 2017

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Wauneta Elaine Wolters Schemper

Posted on May 12, 2017

Wauneta Elaine Wolters Schemper, the daughter of Herman and Elizabeth Tillema Wolters was born November 12, 1917 and passed away May 9, 2017 at the age of ninety-nine, at the Norton County Hospital.

She was raised in the Prairie View, Kansas area and attended the Prairie View Schools.

After she graduated she taught school one year at the Rock Island Country School.

She married Robert (Bob) Schemper in February of 1937. They lived in the Prairie View area the first few years and then moved to Long Island, Kansas to spend many years together.

Wauneta was a very faithful lifelong member of the Prairie View Reformed Church and a person who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She volunteered many hours at the Long Island Library. Wauneta loved following the lives of her children and their families. She moved to Whispering Pines at Norton, Kansas in February of 2012, making it her home the last few years.

Wauneta was the mother of six children. She had 17 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren. She is survived by three sons, Jan (Eileen), Kenneth (Bev), both of Prairie View, Kansas and Douglas (Jeniece) of Long Island, Kansas. Two daughters, Carolyn (Arlo) Tien of Prairie View, Kansas and Sandra (Dick) Dole of Almena, Kansas. One daughter-in-law Joyce Schemper of Kearney, NE. Two sisters, Dolores Walcott of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Rose (Norman) Erickson of Phillipsburg, Kansas and brother-in-law Virgil Whitsitt of Phillipsburg, Kansas, along with many nieces and nephews and other relatives. Those preceding her in death are her parents, husband Bob, son Gary, granddaughter Teresa Schemper, great granddaughter Chassidy Breese, two sisters Hazel Jansonius and Marilyn Whitsitt, one brother Alden Wolters, sister-in-law Marjorie Wolters, brother’s-in-Iaw , Harold Jansonius, Melvyn Walcott, and Ted Allen.

Wauneta will always be remembered for her many and wonderful ways of love and kindness to us all. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2017 in the Prairie View Reformed Church, Prairie View, with Pastor Aaron Rust officiating. Burial will follow in the Prairie View Cemetery.

Mrs. Schemper will lie in state from Noon until 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral chapel for visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Prairie View Reformed Church or Long Island Library.

JD’s Country Style Chicken – Friday Special – Steak Sandwich with Fries and Free Drink

Posted on May 12, 2017May 5, 2017

Steak Sandwich with fries and free drink-$8.25

Hours of Business:
Monday to Saturday: 10:30 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday: 10:30 am to 3:00 pm

J D’s Country Style Chicken is a chicken restaurant and the name you can trust in providing catering services to Hays, KS. We have been offering great tasting food and the best catering services at reasonable prices. Let us satisfy your cravings; enjoy our freshly made dishes every day, and let us help you with all your catering services needs.

Contact J D’s Country Style Chicken today at 785-625-3013 for all of your catering services needs

Howard Dean DeWald

Posted on May 12, 2017

Howard Dean DeWald, 84, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, May 08, 2017, in Russell, Kansas.

Howard was born on February 25, 1933, on the family farm in Milberger, Kansas, the son of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Schwartz) DeWald. He grew up in the Milberger and Russell areas and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1950. After high school he worked on the family farm before joining the U. S. Army. He served his country from 1953 to 1955, and fought in the Korean war, achieving the rank of corporal. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Batt on October 02, 1960, at the Bender Hill Church. From this union they were blessed with 2 children, a son Kurt and daughter Cheryl. Most all his life, Howard lived, worked and raised his family on the farm that his great grandfather first homesteaded in 1889. He was a longtime member of the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger and served on the church council. He was also a lifetime member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.

Surviving family include his wife Shirley of the home, son Kurt DeWald and wife Lois of Russell, Kansas; daughter Cheryl Itschner and husband Scott of Salina, Kansas; sister Alice Michaelis of Colorado Springs, Colorado; granddaughters Lisa and Kayla DeWald of Hays, Kansas and grandsons Jordan Itschner and wife Annie of Salina, Kansas and Aaron Itschner of Kansas City, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul, Darrell, Harlan and LeRoy DeWald and sister Norma Feil.

A celebration of Howards life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, May 12, 2017, at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas, with Nancy Mitchell P.M.A. officiating. Burial will follow the church services at Fairview Cemetery in Galatia, Kansas. Military rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be given to the Fairview Cemetery and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Recall: 1 million Ram trucks due to software glitch

Posted on May 12, 2017May 12, 2017

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Fiat Chrysler is recalling approximately 1 million trucks in North America due to a software glitch that could prevent side air bags and seatbelts from deploying during a rollover.

The company’s U.S. division said Friday that it is aware of one death, two injuries and two accidents that may be related to the problem.

The recall includes some 2013-16 Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 pickups.

According to the company, after some trucks experience significant underbody impact, a computer module may incorrectly determine that one of its sensors has failed, temporarily disabling the side air bag and seat belt pretensioner. If the vehicle is turned off and then back on, those restraints become functional again.

The company plans to reprogram the software in effected vehicles.

Winners: Chicken Soup for the Soul book “Best Mom Ever” with 99 KZ Country

Posted on May 12, 2017August 23, 2017

We are giving away the Chicken Soup for the Soul book “Best Mom Ever.”

Listen to Theresa Trapp Monday, May 8 – Friday, May 12, 2017 for chances to call 785-628-2995 and win a book.

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Best Mom Ever! is full of loving and entertaining anecdotes by grateful children, all in praise of the woman who encourages them, supports them, and most importantly, loves them. These stories will brighten any mother’s day, and show her that the kids were paying attention after all.

Winner 5/8/17: Don Burlison, Janet Barnes, Kay Moorhouse, Lavone McGinness and Myra Burns

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

Hays native is new team member for University of Kansas cheer squad

Posted on May 12, 2017May 11, 2017

SUBMITTED

Hays resident Mkilar Otte traveled to Lawrence on April 7 for tryouts for the University of Kansas cheer squad. The tryouts were held all weekend.

The squad members were announced the following Friday, April 14 at 5 p.m. and the list included Otte for the 2017-2018 University of Kansas cheer squad. Otte is an incoming freshman at KU.

Otte celebrated his accomplishment, Sun. May 7, with a reception at Heartland Gymnastics Academy, 1803 General Custer Road, where he has been a student as well as a coach for the past several years.

cheerleader-with-coaches — Mkilar Otte with his coaches Tawnita Augustine and Kody Ellis from Heartland Gymnastics Academy in Hays

During the reception Otte gave an overview of what tryouts were like and then his coaches Tawnita Augustine and Kody Ellis spoke about Otte and his accomplishments.

🎥 Annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive Saturday in Hays

Posted on May 12, 2017May 12, 2017

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Letter carriers across the country will be taking part once again in the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive this weekend.

Saturday marks the 25th anniversary for the annual food drive organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Residents can leave nonperishable food items next to their mailbox to be picked up by their letter carrier.

In Hays, all of the items collected with be boxed up and delivered to the Community Assistance Center. Laurie Mortinger, co-director of the Community Assistance Center, said this is always their busiest time of the year.

“We seem to do more food orders during the summertime and less food comes in during this food drive because people are so busy,” Mortinger said. “So we’re really hoping people don’t forget about us this weekend.”

Mortinger said they are in need of any non-perishable food items and said “our shelves are pretty bare.” But they ask that people do not buy glass because the items could break in transport.

Letter carrier Josh Robben said all people who want to donate have to do is leave the items in a bag by their mailbox and they will put up the items as they move along their route.

If you forget to leave your items out on Saturday, carriers will pick up items next week or you can drop it by the Community Assistance Center in Hays.

Watch Community Connection with Mike Cooper who talks to CAC Co-Director Laurie Mortinger about the food needs in Hays.

Sandra Kay ‘Sandy’ (Dirks) Waite

Posted on May 12, 2017

Sandra Kay “Sandy” (Dirks) Waite, 66, of Salina, was called to be with the Lord on Monday, May 8, 2017. She was born Oct. 21, 1950, in Great Bend to Raymond H. and Irma G. (George) Dirks.

Sandy married Jerry L. Waite Jr. on July 1, 1995, in Salina.

She worked at Dillard’s in several beauty counters for more than 14 years. Many customers referred to her as the “Dillard’s Lady.” She even won the highly-coveted Pacesetter award in 2000. She loved to dance, listen to country music, make crafts and read.

Survivors include: her husband, Jerry, of the home; daughters, Holly Dinkel, of Salina, and Sheila Culver, of Norton; stepdaughter, Samantha Peery (Josh); stepson, Josh Waite (Brittany), of Newton; grandchildren, Shelby Dinkel, Colton Sanchez, and Lanae, Monica and Sierra Dial; stepgrandchildren, Serenity Peery and Gabriel Waite; mother-in-law, Lorna Waite; sister-in-law, Rhodona Berkhiem; brother-in-laws, Lyle Waite (baby brother) and Boyd Waite (boyfriend); and brother-in-law, LeRoy Walz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Brenda Sue Walz (Dirks); and father-in-law, Jerry L. Waite Sr.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 12, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salina, with Rev. Ed Foster as officiant. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Sunflower Adult Day Care or Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401.

Krista Charise Dietz

Posted on May 12, 2017

Krista Charise Dietz, 46, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, May 7, 2017 at her home in Westminster, CO. She was born in WaKeeney, March 1, 1971 to Dean Dietz and Linda Hicks.

Krista married Vahid Sheydaei. They were blessed with a son Chase. They later divorced.

Krista graduated from Goddard High School with the class of 1989 and continued on to earn a Bachelor’s degree at Kansas Newman. She taught school in Wichita and later moved to Denver where she worked in the financial field. At the time of her death she was working as a Lead Customer Service Rep/Operations Specialist at TransAmerica in Denver.

Her favorite pastimes were raising Chase and her pets. Her life revolved around her family.

Left to mourn her passing is a son, Chase of the home; mother, Linda of Wichita; father, Dean (Cindy Schoen) of Wyandotte, OK; sisters, Erin Dietz of Euless, TX, Shannon Fagen of Wichita; niece Ava of Wichita; and cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wilfred and Nina Dietz and Harlan and Emma Hicks.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney with Pastor Randy Gibbs officiating. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.

There will be a short visitation from 9 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Krista Dietz Memorial Fund and sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St, WaKeeney, KS 67672. Contributions may also be sent to your local humane society in her honor.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Two more residents file for seats on Hays city commission, school board

Posted on May 12, 2017May 12, 2017

ELLIS COUNTY CLERK

Hays resident Roger Agnew filed Thursday afternoon to run as a candidate for one of the three open seats on the Hays City Commission.

Another Hays resident, Thomas M. Wasinger, filed for one of the three open seats on the Hays USD 489 School Board.

All candidates for Ellis County city and school races must file by noon Thu., June 1, in the Ellis County Clerk’s office, 718 Main, Hays.

The general election is Tue., Nov. 7.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The intersection of politics and religious belief

Posted on May 12, 2017May 12, 2017

Last week our governor and some members of the legislature gathered at the statehouse to experience a day of prayer. Participants prayed that the work of the legislature would serve the will of the Lord. There were also prayers that the legislature not enact laws that reinforce a dependency on government.

Earlier in April the often outspoken and frequently quoted Department of Children and Families Secretary Phyllis Gilmore posted a comment on the department’s Facebook page that alleged the problems of the poor families her department is mandated to serve were largely due to dependency created by left wing enthusiasts for assistance payments. She asserted that the department and the Brownback Administration were instead providing support, guidance and training to help these families to find and keep good-paying jobs.

Last week as U.S. House Republicans celebrated passage of their alternative to the Affordable Care Act many members of the body and the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, former Georgia Congressman Dr. Tom Price, praised reduction of governmental “interference” in healthcare. Many conservative members of Congress spoke approvingly of the bill’s intrinsic Social Darwinism meant to reaffirm medical care as a market exercise and thereby reduce socially borne expenses like immigrants having babies that increase Medicaid costs and lead to welfare payments. A few IK columns ago our colleague Michael Smith wrote about Kansas’s new physician-Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall who, in March, told the medical trade periodical STAT that poor people and homeless people, “just morally, spiritually, socially … don’t want health care.”

I confess that I am no scholar of religion, but these remarks prompted me to think about the intersection of politics and religious belief. That crossroad here in Kansas has been particularly busy. The current struggles over taxation, school finance, public assistance and support of people on the lower end of the socio-economic distribution, and the general debate over government involvement in healthcare all publicly display religious overtones. Among our conservative elected officials the most common set of religious values influencing their political arguments and judgments are those of the Calvinist tradition.

Central to the teachings of John Calvin are pre-ordination and the concept of The Elect. The Elect are people pre-determined to join God in the heavenly hereafter and they are known and recognized in this secular life by their material well-being, good health, virtuous lives and charitable inclinations. Since Calvin taught that nothing mortal man can do will alter the fate determined by God, and God would not waste his blessing on the unvirtuous, all those who lived less virtuous, unsuccessful, and poorer lives are clearly not the Elect and are doomed to damnation in the afterlife.

It seems to me that the remainder, the “Unelect,” are now living in the unenviable circumstance of being ruled by these folks who believe they are members of the Elect with elections to validate their status. I don’t know if John Calvin was right. Like so many prophets before and since, he’s failed to provide us with an update on his circumstances. But I do believe that the effects of this moral certitude are pernicious. We may not all make it to the heavenly hereafter, but in the here and now there is plenty of both scientific and spiritual evidence to suggest that the whole herd benefits in this life from improving the life prospects for the least of us. Using fate and politics to assign personal fault to the few and exonerate our superior selves from a collective responsibility to assist, support and uplift the impoverished and the less able is both inhumane and damned un-Christian.

Dr. Mark Peterson teaches political science at the college level in Topeka.