Gardner News

Marriages, Divorces

joant — Sat, 25 May 2013 06:54:51 +0000

MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED
James Willaim Berry, 31, Olathe and Carah Marie Medill, 31, Gardner
Kevin Coffey Blick, 30, Overland Park and Elizabeth Ann Emerson, 26, Overland Park
James Edward Campbell, 30, Kansas City, MO and Mary Margaret Mercer, 31, Kansas City, MO
Robin Cane Carbrey, 36, Merriam and Kathy Marie Wilson, 36, Merriam
Zachary Matthew Dehaemers, 25, Overland Park and Amanda Juliann Mock, 24, Overland Park
Nikola Gagic, 27, Shawnee and Dijana Skavo, 25, Shawnee
Bradley Jacob Klein, 34, Shawnee and Megan Leigh Zurovsky, 26, Shawnee
Erin Woodfin Martin, Jr, 78, Gardner and Patricia Ann Winter, 65, Gardner
Michael David Muehlebach, 31, Overland Park and Annemarie Grell, 28, Overland Park
Jay Gordon Owens, 42, Overland Park and Natalia Valerii Mimogleadova, 28, Kansas City, MO
Patrick Cannon Owens, 28, Prairie Village and Kelly Nicolette Dieker, 28, Olathe
Denis Torres, 31, Olathe and Patricia Cambambia, 33, Olathe
Jesus Antonio Torres, 20, Kansas City, MO and Geraldine Sthefany Pena, 20, Kansas City, MO
David Ryan Ward, 23, Olathe and Claire Elizabeth Mccoy, 22, Olathe
Joshua Dale Wood, 24, Overland Park and Lindsey Michelle Hitchcock, 26, Overland Park

DIVORCES FILED
Martha E. Duran vs. Michael J. Duran
Andrew Elmore vs. Brenda Elmore
Shelly G. Formen vs. Christopher C. Formen
Jennifer Hamilton vs. Devin Hamilton
Vickie L. Jones vs. Kelvin L. Jones
Hila Berman vs. Josef Mcdermott
Dusty Joe Seifert vs. Amy Danyel Seifert

DIVORCES FINALIZED
Sara Brown vs. Austin Brown
Judith E. Cummins vs. Harold L. Cummins, Jr
Amy Dubinski vs. Joseph Patrick Dubinski
Scott Michael Mcfall vs. Lindsey Jordan Mcfall
Ryan Matthew Raven vs. Misti Michelle Raven
Trevor L. Smither vs. Amy K. Smither

Gardner city council approves city employee health package benefit

brandonh — Fri, 24 May 2013 20:00:56 +0000

City clerk Doreen Pesek, right, swears Tory Roberts, left, in as a city council member. Roberts replaces Chris Morrow on the council. Morrow vacated his seat when he became mayor in April. Staff photo by Danedri Thompson

Danedri Thompson
dthompson@gardnernews.com
Officials adopted a health care plan that continues the practice of incentivizing employees to take a high deductible health plan (HDHP) paired with a health savings account (HAS).
Last year, about 72 percent of city employees opted to take an HDHP. In return, the city put $300 in individual HSA accounts and $600 in family HSA accounts. It was supposed to be a one-time deal.
However, staff recommended during a council meeting on May 20 that the practice continue next year with an even greater incentive. City employees who opt for the HDHP this year, will receive $500 for their health savings accounts. Family accounts will receive $1,000.
“The whole point of continuing this strategy is because you have success,” Laura Gourley, city finance director told the council.
As employees shifted to HDHPs last year from more expensive HMOs and PPOs, the city realized a one-time cost benefit of approximately $100,000. The city health benefit package pays 100 percent of premiums for individual employees and 80 percent of the cost for family plans.
Gourley said without the incentive for employees to take the HDHPs, healthy staff members might opt for an HMO or PPO, making the city’s insurance pool unstable, and perhaps, less healthy and more costly.
With insurance premium increases and the health savings account premiums, the city will pay $36,300 more for employee health benefit packages next year.
Council member Kristina Harrison said she’d like to see a strategy for managing city health care costs down the line. She said as part of budget discussions this year, she would like the council to consider how much money they want to spend for healthcare each year.
“If we can say number we want to spend on insurance, then we could start controlling costs,” Harrison said.
Currently, the city simply takes bids for their existing package each year. Next year’s health benefits will be impacted by changes to federal health care laws as well.
In other business, city council members:
• held a work session to discuss an agreement between the city of Gardner and the Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation for economic development services. The council later tabled an action item that would’ve adopted a contract between the pair. It will be discussed at a later council meeting or work session.
• approved preliminary and final plats for First Light Church. The Methodist congregation plans to build a church on the north side of Santa Fe Street near the Poplar Street intersection.
• approved a request that will allow Festival on the Trails planners to sell malt liquor beverages within 200 feet of a school and church during the Festival on the Trails.
• selected newly-appointed member Tory Roberts to assist the Mayor in making appointments to the city planning commission and board of zoning appeals; selected Steve Shute to assist in making appointments to the airport commission and electric utility board.
• passed two ordinances that will allow the city to move forward with condemnation hearings related to two city projects – the Big Bull Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Center and Main Street intersection projects.

Abolish the IRS — and the Income Tax with It

brandonh — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:30:01 +0000

Sheldon Richman
Guest Columnist
The Internal Revenue Service has been caught engaging in political profiling while processing applications for tax-exempt status. In this case it was against organizations with “tea-party” or “patriot ” in their names and other right-wing groups. Next time it could be libertarian or left-wing antiwar and pro-civil-liberties groups. No dissenter can ever rest assured he is safe from the arbitrary power of the IRS.
Nothing will have been learned from this scandal if all that happens is the firing of some IRS administrators and the issuance of new guidelines on 501(c)(4) applications. That is not nearly enough.
Obviously, tax exemptions exist only because individuals and some organizations are subject to income and other forms of taxation. Congress levies a tax on incomes, then in its “wisdom” chooses to exempt certain activities but not others. This is social engineering, with Congress seeking to encourage some kinds of organizations — while not forgoing more revenue than necessary. The IRS then writes rules to carry out the directions of Congress.
Where possible, people will naturally strive to qualify for exemption by pushing the boundaries of the regulations. That incentive will always be strong because a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation will have more resources with which to pursue its mission. Since the language of statutes and regulations is inevitably vague, the IRS will have room to interpret when ruling on who qualifies and who doesn’t qualify for exemption. The line between vigilance and harassment is not bright, and the potential for abuse is great.
It should be apparent that this power, which is inherently arbitrary, ill suits a society that sees itself as free.
Take the current controversy. The IRS says that to qualify for 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status, a nonprofit organization must “be operated exclusively to promote social welfare.” To do that the “organization must operate primarily to further the common good and general welfare of the people of the community (such as by bringing about civic betterment and social improvements).”
What exactly constitutes the common good and general welfare of the people of the community, or civic betterment and social improvements? The IRS will let you know. What does “primarily” mean and how does it relate to the seemingly contradictory exclusivity requirement? This is subject to a “facts and circumstances” test — that is, the IRS will decide. Approved activities are generally regarded as educational, but how broadly or narrowly that term is interpreted is left to the IRS and, if challenged, to the courts. Lobbying for “legislation germane to the organization’s programs is a permissible means of attaining social welfare purposes.” However, direct or indirect participation in political campaigns is not regarded as promotion of social welfare — although an organization “may engage in some political activities, so long as that is not its primary activity. However, any expenditure it makes for political activities may be subject to tax.”
As this demonstrates, once government undertakes to tax income, it acquires even more power through its authority to define “income,” “taxable income,” subsidiary terms, and the rules of exemption. There is no escape from arbitrariness and caprice.
One might propose to remove the government’s arbitrary power by ending tax exemption. But that would make the tax burden worse. And besides, politicians aren’t likely to agree, because they would be giving up the power to dispense favors that manipulation of today’s tax code affords.
There’s a better way to go that’s demanded by liberty and justice. Since taxation is nothing less than the confiscation, under threat of force, of what belongs to productive individuals, it has no place in a free society. In other words, everyone should be exempt from income and other taxation. (Americans lived without income taxation for more than 125 years.) If something can’t be accomplished through consent, contract, and cooperation — without aggressive force — we should ask whether it is worth doing.
When the income tax was first proposed in America years ago, opponents always had the same word of warning: inquisitorial. How right they were.
Sheldon Richman is vice president and editor at The Future of Freedom Foundation in Fairfax, Va. (www.fff.org).

Mission Possible: Video earns SHMS $3,500

brandonh — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:00:08 +0000

Makayla Burton and Jacob Crabtree, eighth graders at Spring
Hill Middle School, pose as secret agents. The two star in a
video that won $3,500 for the school district. Submitted photo

Danedri Thompson
dthompson@gardnernews.com
Their mission, which they chose to accept, required MaKayla Burton and Jacob Crabtree to help Spring Hill Middle Schools save utility costs and make a video about it.
Their reward, which they accepted at a ceremony in Kansas City, Mo., on May 16, is a $3,500 check for the school district.
The video mimics a trailer for a Mission Impossible film, complete with music, action and an almost-romantic moment.
In the opening sequences, Burton and Crabtree accept a mission to help the school save utility costs from SHMS Principal Rod Sprague. The pair dons sunglasses and dark jackets and goes about their mission turning off lights and replacing old light bulbs with energy efficient ones. They complete their tasks with a dramatic flair. For example in one scene, Crabtree jumps from a moving golf cart and rolls to his next task.
They filmed during a Saturday, because the takes required some extra athleticism and unusual backdrops. For example, in one scene, Burton and Crabtree climb on top of the SHMS roof.
Tom Carbajo, explorations in technology and mechanical drawings instructor at SHMS, filmed and edited the video.
He said he sought athletic and outgoing students for roles in the video. Burton is a league champion track athlete.
“The teachers are always asking me if anyone’s been asking for my autograph,” she said. The answer is no.
“We watched “Mission Impossible” trailers to get ideas,” Carbajo explained.
Every trailer included a love scene, but the eighth grade duo of Crabtree and Burton stopped short of kissing in the trailer as they were interrupted by an energy efficiency challenge.
“They didn’t quite get there,” Carbajo explained.
Crabtree said he is glad they filmed the almost-kissing scene last, otherwise, he said he may have been too embarrassed to continue filming or to attend a reception in their honor at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation on May 16.
Both Burton and Crabtree accompanied Carbajo to attend the luncheon and to accept a $3,500 from the Heartland Utilities Energy Efficiency video contest.
This is the third year SHMS students have participated in the contest, and the third year the school has earned $3,500 for their efforts. The funding was used to replace lights at SHMS, and next year will be used to buy energy efficient lighting in other buildings.
Burton said she learned a lot in the process of making the video. One – that she might be interested in doing theater when she enters high school next year.
“And I learned the little things we can do to save energy,” she said. “Turn off the light when you leave.”

Raymond Earl “Bubba” Larrabee

joant — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:02:48 +0000

Raymond Earl “Bubba” Larrabee, 65, of Spring Hill, Kan., passed away May 22, 2013 at OlatheMedicalCenter.

Raymond was born April 5, 1948 in Kansas City, Mo. to John Benjamin and Ruth Louise (Bethard) Larrabee. He graduated from StanleyHigh School.

Raymond moved to Spring Hill in the 80’s and married Peggy J. White on Feb. 5, 1993 in Spring Hill.

He retired as a millwork laborer for Rust Sash and Door and co-owned “The Hideout” in Spring Hill with his wife Peggy.

Raymond liked fishing, boating, and telling “tall tales”. He will be missed by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Floyd M Larrabee.

Raymond is survived by his wife Peggy, of the home; children Michael Larrabee, of Kansas City, Kan., Lavonda Hayes, of Lane, Kan., Joe Ball, of Spring Hill and Melanie Tuter, of Spring Hill; sister Patsy Puckett of Mt. Pleasant, Ark.; 15 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; three nieces and one nephew.

Memorial Services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 2013 at Bruce Funeral Home, 712 S Webster, Spring Hill, KS, (913)592-2244. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., from the service at the funeral home. Inurnment at a later date in SpringHillCemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com.

Local students graduate from KU

brandonh — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:00:54 +0000

Alex Goering, a Spring Hill High School alum, sings the national anthem during graduation ceremonies at the University of Kansas. Goering, and several other local students, graduated from KU on Sunday. Submitted photo

University of Kansas seniors graduated last weekend. The university awarded more than 4,500 degrees this spring. The formal ceremony included the singing of the national anthem by Alex Goering, a Spring Hill High School alum. Goering received his degree from KU in theatre and fine arts.
Other area students who earned degrees from KU on May 19 include:
Gardner students: Chad Sanner, master of public health; Catherine Rivera, bachelor of science in occupational studies; Krista Marvin, bachelor of arts in psychology; Amy Bartlett, bachelor of arts in education; Ashley Deters, bachelor of arts in English; Casey Dye, bachelor of fine arts in design; Brian Richerson, bachelor of science in biology; Kristin Herschberger, master of science in education, Jonathen Jensen, doctor of medicine; April Myers, bachelor of general studies in applied behaviorial sciences; Rob Shippy, master of public administration; Jacquelyn Dwyer, bachelor of science in nursing; Erin Hecker, doctor of medicine; Amber Dempsey, bachelor of science in molecular biosciences; Katie Turpin, master of occupational therapy; Jayme Thorpe, master of science in nurse anesthesia; Melynda Johnson, bachelor of general studies in communication studies; Aberham Yigezu, bachelor of science in pharmaceutical studies; and Ronda Brin, master of social work.
From Spring Hill: Holly Gault, doctor of medicine; Ian Phelps, bachelor of science in education; Kelsey Connolly, bachelor of science in journalism; Madeline Curry, bachelor of arts in French; Anne Quinn, bachelor of science in pharmaceutical studies; William Emmerich, bachelor of science in microbiology; and Rami Meisinger, bachelor of arts in history.

Assistant principal to retire after 24 years

brandonh — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:00:36 +0000

Danedri Thompson
dthompson@gardnernews.com
Everyday is a new adventure at Spring Hill Middle School. That’s SHMS Assistant Principal Julie Estes’ motto.
The SHMS assistant principal and school athletic director will retire at the end of this school year following more than 24 years in the role.
Estes’ adventures are about to become a little more personal
Though retirement looms in less than a month – her official last day is June 14 – her office is still filled to capacity with decades-worth of experiences at SHMS. Her degree and a University of Kansas flag hang on her wall, along with student artwork, and personal photos. When school lets out, she’ll be in and out, packing.
In the meantime, staff and students continue to look for her for advisement. On May 20, with less than a week of school left, a staff member stops into her office to fill out referral forms. A sixth grader stops in to find out if he will be allowed to go to recess.
“What did we agree to?” Estes asks him. She allows him to go to recess reminding him that if he misbehaves again, he’ll be right back in the office.
Estes will miss the students most, she says.
“They’re funny, and they’re goofy, and they’re loving.”
It’s the little things she’ll miss.
For example, one student, she said stops by everyday to tell Estes about her baby goats, and in between those discussions, she’ll talk with other students about other things like family life and social media.
“With social media, they have so many opportunities to see and send inappropriate correspondence,” Estes said. “It’s things like that where I can give them an outlet – someone to talk to.”
She started her career in Topeka, teaching whatever needed to be taught, including language arts and alternative education. Her second career stop brought her to the Piper School District.
After 32 years in education, she’s hanging up her ruler this year, in part, because she has a sister who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Estes’ sister lives with her now in Leawood.
“I do believe God put her in front of me,” Estes said. “She asked me before she was diagnosed to retire and leave the rat race.”
Estes hasn’t been publicly emotional about leaving behind the SHMS adventures, but a surprise all-school assembly to wish her well last week did cause her to tear-up a little bit.
Aaron Todd will replace her as assistant principal at the school. Estes offered limited advice to those who work with middle school-age students.
“Keep the humor and the love,” she said. “If you’ve got that, you’ll do fine.”

Accident on Main St.

brandonh — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:30:32 +0000

An accident between a pickup truck and a Lenexa SUV canine unit happened Thursday morning in the 600 block of Main St. There did not appear to be any injuries, although information from the Gardner Police Department was not yet complete. The story will be updated as information becomes available. Staff photos by Brandon Humble

Be careful how you help

brandonh — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:48 +0000

In the aftermath of the devastating tornado in Oklahoma, everyone wants to help. Americans are long known as the most generous people in the world, and it shows every time there’s a disaster. It really shows in Gardner.
The tornado in Oklahoma will likely see similar results. Even as we put this paper to bed in the immediate aftermath of the event, groups are coordinating to take items to Oklahoma.
It’s a wonderful sight to behold. But we want to caution those rushing to Oklahoma. Before you haul a truck down there with supplies, find someone on the other end who can collect and disperse your truck load.
First responders right now are desperately searching for survivors. They don’t have time to direct a steady flow of traffic down roads that are not yet clear.
Following the Joplin tornado, authorities turned trucks away from the city. All around its edges, piles of donated clothes and other items sat on roadsides, spoiling and mildewing in the weather. There were too many clothes, and nowhere to store them or sort them.
Right now, the residents who’ve lost everything are needing shelter. Workers are also requesting work gloves, shovels and things to assist in the clean-up.
Find a place on the other end that needs the things you’re planning to donate. We suggest a local church or local civic organization that can detail exactly what it is they need and how much they can take.
And if that fails, there’s nothing wrong with sending money to an organization that you trust.
Be careful how you help, so you don’t add to their problems.

That’s a wrap

brandonh — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:20 +0000

Submitted photos

GEHS graduates toss their caps in the air at the end of the ceremony on May 18.