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VOLt)ME NO. 11¢J UMBER 10 ALMA, WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KANSAS 66401 USPS 496-340 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2002
COUNTY 4-H
ENT AND
RECOGNITION NIGHT
AT ALMA COMMUNITY
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION
HELD AT WABAUNSEE HIGH SCHOOL
During ceremonies held November 12th, 2002, thirteen students at Wabaunsee High School
were inducted as new members of the National Honor Society. These additional members
brought the total number of NHS members at Wabaunsee High School to thirty-five.
Following a 7:00 p.m. banquet, WHS Principal Dr. Michael Ford welcomed those in
attendance and addressed the crowd as he stressed the importance of student dedication and
hard work. Dr. Ford then turned the meeting over to the NHS officers: President, Jacque
Gehrt; Vice-President, Valerie Ebert; Secretary Jenny Wilson; Treasurer, Katie Hill; and
Student Council Representative, Travis Loughary. Jacque Gehrt led the ceremony to initiate
students as members.
Membership requirements of this prestigious club include leadership, character, service,
and scholarship. In order to qualify, students must maintain a 3.5 grade average. Those new
members inducted Tuesday evening included: Shawnee Barton, Loretta Barthuly, Lisa
Erikson, Genna Gehrt, Joni Gehrt, Cachet Hancock, Michael Heigert, Rebecca Lesline, Emily
Loughary, Rebecca Short, Kaci Songs, Kelsey TenEyck, and Rachel Yancey. Current members
at WHS include: Jacque Gehrt, Valerie Ebert, Jenny Wilson, Katie Hill, Travis Loughary,
Kelsey Hendricks, Matthew Schrader, Kimberly ZeUer, Brian Boechman, Chris Eberwein,
Rebeca Garcia, Larami Garrison, Kodi Ginavan, Alex Gnadt, Elisabeth Grimm, Brian Hund,
Lisa Hund, Sharon Johnson, Kayla Oney, Ginger Rubbottom, Less Schrader, Kelby Umbehr,
and Grady Wenderott.
At the close of the ceremony National Honor Society Sponsor Mrs. Tonia Carlson offered
congratulations to the students and their parents as she welcomed the new inductees into the
organization.
tO
J
receiving Record Book Awards were,
right: A very Land, Katelyn Da vis,
Kartman, and Luke Morrill.
recipients of the "1 Dare You" Leadership
s were, left to right: Rebecca Romine and
Wertzberger
Foster (left) and Andrew Burgen were the
Key A ward winners.
1001 Wabaunsee County 4-H Achievement and Leader
Ceremony was held Wednesday evening,
13th, at the Alma Community Center. The First
Bank of Wamego, as in the past, underwrote the
program.
County Extension Agent Theresa Foster welcomed
the annual meeting. Extension Agent Matt
~troduced Mr. Ron Schultz, Alma Branch President of
National in Wamego. Matt expressed the 4-H clubs'
sponsorship.
4"H families had an opportunity to socialize and enjoy a
~'of snacks and f'mger food, representatives from the
~-H clubs shared highlights from the prewous year.
(continued to page 10, col. 1)
F. ONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM
HOLDS STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT
By: Linda Craghead, WCEDC Coordinator
On the evening of Tuesday, November 12, the Wabaunsee County Economic Development
Committee conducted a strategic planning retreat. The purpose of the meeting was to aft'win the
mission of the committee, review the existing strategic plan and to revise its strategy to meet the
needs of our current economic situation.
It was reported by State Representative Vern Osborne that the current economic condition of
Wabaunsee County pulis only $0.22 of every dollar earned by Wabaunsee County citizens back
into our county. This wanes in comparison to Pottawatomie County, which pulis $1.25 for each
dollar earned by the dtizens of Pottawatomie County. The question was posed -- Are we satisfied
with the existing conditions (status quo)? Or do we want to improve our existing economic situa-
tion by aggressively pursuing growth? The participants committed to the pursuance of growth.
The meeting proceeded with interesting discussion about the existing strategic plan, formal-
ized in May of 2000, which consists of multiple objectives and strategies to accomplish those
identified objectives. It was determined that the focus is currently too widespread to effectively
attack the current situation. In turn, the decision was made to narrow the focus of the committee
so as to ensure results.
The primary focus of the team (not necessarily in the order of importance) will be to accom-
plish the following objectives:
1. Develop Tourism within Wabaunsee County with immediate attention on the creation of a
Day Trip Brochure.
2. Implementation of a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan within our county to enhance the
beauty of our communities.
(continued to back page)
WABAUNSI E COUNTY OFFICIALS ATTEND
KAC CONFERENCE
Seven Wabaunsee County officials joined over 700 other Kansas county officials at the Hyatt
Regency Wichita and Century II Convention Center in Wichita, Kansas, November 17-19, 2002
for the 27th Annual Conference of the Kansas Association of Counties.
Dr. Michael Fowlin was the keynote speaker at Monday morning's general session. In his
presentation, "You Don't Know Me Until You Know Me', Dr. Fowlin assumed the character of
nine people who shared their stories dealing with race, discrimination, violence prevention and
other issues involving emotional pain. His presentation was humorous, yet heartbreaking at
times. It was an outstanding and inspiring beginning to the 27th Annual Conference.
Two pre-conference workshops "Perhaps It's Legal, But Is It Right?~ presented by Mary Grover
and "The World Is Run by Those Who Show Up" led by Michael Stewart were part of the Sunday
offerings of the conference. Mary Grover, experienced public sector facilitator, trainer and attor-
ney, led a highly interactive discussion on identifying and dealing with ethical dilemmas before
the), become headlines. Michael Stewart, speaker, writer and former Chair of the Salt Lake City,
Utah Board of Commissioners, led a workshop that focused on people making a difference wher-
ever they are. Presentations on such topics as the counties' role in protectin~ against bio-
terrorism, improving communications and budget balancing were a part of the program during
the three-day conference.
(continued to back page)
ARREST MADE IN ESKRIDGE AREA BURGLARIES
Following a four-month investigation involving a number of burglaries in the Eskridge area,
the Wabaunsee County Sheriff Department made an arrest on November 12, 2002.
Deputies Rachele Weddle, Bill Gollner, and Reserve Deputy Robert Van Cleave arrested 16-
year-old Cody Benteman, Eskridge, for suspicion of burglary, theft, and criminal damage to
property. Benteman was charged with the July and August burglaries at Rush Auto. He was
also charged with the August burglaries at the Lake Wabaunsee Boat House and the Eskridge
Lumber Company, and the November burglaries of the Fuller residence and the Eskridge
Grade School. The investigation is continuing and other arrests are anticipated.
WABAUNSEE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGER
ANNOUNCES NEW WEB SITE
Wabaunsee County Emergency Preparedness Manager Phillip "Lee" Sampson announced
Friday that there now is a web site designed specifically for the citizens of Wabaunsee County.
Sampson said the site will provide public information in the event of a natural or home made
disaster as well as other important information. The web site location is:
htto: I/wwW.wal:l¢Omm_~dclr.cnm