Great Kids

I have really enjoyed the music concerts, student presentations and athletic competitions during the past 2 weeks. We have some really talented kids here in USD 493. We also have some dedicated teachers and staff members that motivate our kids in and out of the classroom.

Happy Birthday Debbie

This is Debbie's birthday so I decided to make it a special day. I'm taking her to one of our favorite golf courses in Arkansas. As we smell the fresh air and see the beautiful Ozark Mountains it will be a special day just spending time with each other. Happy Birthday to the most beautiful woman in all the world. I love you!

Saturday Morning

A rainy Saturday morning working at my office and the best breakfast in the world.

Senior Version of Jesus Loves Me

Here is a new version just for us who have white hair on the side or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song..
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)

New Shed

The new shed turned out really nice. The main thing is Debbie is happy!

Jack gets a Haircut

Jack got a haircut and bath on Friday. It was way overdue.

Bad News Continues

Kansas deficit to top $450M

ANTHONY S. BUSH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

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ANTHONY S. BUSH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Duane Goossen, Secretary of Administration, and Alan Conroy of the Kansas Legislative Research Department talk with reporters about projected budget shortfalls in both the 2010 and 2011 fiscal years during a news conference Friday at the Statehouse.

State looking at $70M shortfall this year, likely to exceed $450M in 2011

Created April 16, 2010 at 5:13pmBY TIM CARPENTER

The Kansas government's revenue shortfall surged Friday beyond the $450 million threshold to place more pressure on lawmakers to raise taxes or cut spending to balance the budget.

A group of state fiscal analysts and economists met to revise tax revenue estimates for the current fiscal year ending June 30 and the subsequent fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.

Despite six rounds of spending cuts that reduced government expenditures by $1 billion during the past two years, the Consensus Estimating Group reported the recession's grip on tax revenue would require additional work to balance the budget.

The group concluded the Republican-led Legislature and Democratic Gov. Mark Parkinson must address a $70 million deficit in the current budget year. The deficit next fiscal year would be at least $450 million, but would escalate to $510 million if Medicaid and K-12 enhancements sought by the governor were included.

Alan Conroy, director of the Kansas Legislative Research Department, said the state's economic recovery so far remained "anemic" with corporate and individual tax receipts suffering. The problem reflects an unemployment rate expected to remain above 6 percent for months, he said.

"Jobs are lagging everywhere," said Duane Goossen, secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration. "The question is how fast might we then come off the bottom. It's quite possible that could be a bumpy road."

Lawmakers return to Topeka on April 28 to consider proposals for resolving the budget quagmire. The only certainty to emerge in the legislative session so far is that insufficient political support exists to resolve the shortfall exclusively with spending cuts or by simply raising taxes.

In January, Parkinson proposed a 1 cent increase in the 5.3-cent state sales tax, recommended a stiff increase in tobacco taxes and opposed more cuts in public safety, schools and social services. His plan would raise about $380 million annually.

"This hole is too big to fill with additional cuts," Parkinson said. "Instead, we must implement a temporary solution so that we can create lasting economic recovery. That's why I reiterate my call for the legislature to return to Topeka at the end of the month prepared to raise the revenue we need to prevent permanent damage to the foundation of our state."

Some Senate Republicans proposed a budget that makes modest cuts but leaves open the possibility of a $360 million increase in state taxes.

"Balancing the budget will be a daunting task of historic proportions," said Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence. "There is no good or popular option that will get the job done."

Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, said the Legislature should consider raising the sales, tobacco and liquor taxes and reform the Kansas income tax structure to increase revenue. He said it was unfair for Kansans earning $60,000 a year to pay the same tax rate as Kansans making $6 million, he said.

The House Republican leadership endorsed a plan to slash expenditures to fix the problem, including a $200 million reduction to K-12 education.

"This doesn't require a tax increase," said Rep. Kevin Yoder, an Overland Park Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "Would a tax increase help small businesses start hiring again? I don't think so."

House Democratic Leader Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, said legislators had wasted enough time avoiding "tough choices that we knew were inevitable."

"Public schools, higher education institutions, the disabled and many other Kansans who rely on essential services cannot afford a seventh round of devastating cuts," Davis said. "More than ever, Democrats and Republicans need to put partisanship aside and come together to tackle this budget crisis."

Schmidt picked up on that bipartisanship theme.

"The spirit of compromise needs to prevail in the days ahead," he said.

Thought for the Day

A Great Teacher and Friend Passes Away

Longtime College Friend Passes

Woodrow W. Kirk, Associate Professor of Sociology 1968-98

Woodrow W. Kirk, longtime sociology professor at York College, passed away April 2, 2010. Woody and Kathryn made York College their home in 1968 and gave 30 years to what they deemed a ‘higher calling.’ Alumni remember with fondness Woody’s marriage and family lectures, his honesty and straightforwardness. Of course they also find it hard to think of the registrar's office without Kathryn's welcoming smile.

When the Kirks retired in 1998 and made their move to Texas, they deeded to the college their house across from campus. Strong proponents of the institution's mission and the impact YC students could have on the world, their influence will always be embedded within life at York College.

There will be a memorial service Saturday, April 10, 11:00 am, at the Christian Care Center in Mesquite, Texas. Cards and letters of sympathy can be sent to Kathryn at 4810 Rollingwood Ct., Garland, TX 75043.

Beautiful Spring Days

Guess who continues to enjoy the beach? She plays with Pink golf balls?

Wow, what a weekend!

Oklahoma Facts

Here Are Some Little Known But Very Interesting Facts About Oklahoma.

1. The bread twist tie was invented in Maysville.

2. The shopping cart was invented in Ardmore in 1936.

3. The nation's first parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City in
1935.

4. The first Girl Scout Cookie was sold in Muskogee in 1917.

5. Cimarron County , located in the Oklahoma Panhandle, is the only
county in the U.S. bordered by 4 separate states... Texas , New
Mexico , Colorado & Kansas .

6. The Oklahoma State Capital is the only capital in the U.S. with
working oil wells on its grounds.

7. Boise City , Oklahoma was the only city in the United States to
be bombed during World War II. On Monday night, July 5, 1943, at
12:30 a.m., a B-17 Bomber based at Dalhart Army Air Base, Texas ,
dropped six practice bombs on the sleeping town, mistaking the city
lights as target lights.

8.. WKY Radio in Oklahoma City was the first radio station
transmitting west of the Mississippi River .

9. The nation's first 'Tornado Warning' was issued on March 25,
1948 in Oklahoma City minutes before a devastating tornado. Because
of the warning, no lives were lost.

10. Oklahoma has the largest Native American population of any state
in the U.S.

11. The name ' Oklahoma ' comes from two Choctaw words... Okla. meaning
'people' and humma meaning 'red'. So the name means, 'Red People.'
The name was approved in 1890.

12. Oklahoma produced more astronauts than any other state.

13. Oklahoma has more man made lakes than any other state.

14. During the 'Land Rush', Oklahoma City went from a vast, open
prairie to a city of over 10,000 in a single day.

15. The nation's first traffic 'Yield' sign was erected in Tulsa on
a trial basis.

16. Pensacola Dam is the longest multi-arched dam in the world at
6,565 feet.

17. The ' Port of Catoosa ' (just north of Tulsa ) is the largest
inland port in America .

18. The aerosol can was invented in Bartlesville .

19. Per square mile, Oklahoma has more tornadoes than any other
place in the world.

20. The highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was in Moore ,
Oklahoma on May 3rd. 1999 during the Oklahoma City F-5 tornado.
Wind speed was clocked at 318 mph.

21. The ' Will Rogers World Airport ' and the ' Wiley Post Airport '
are both named after two famous Okies....both killed in an airplane
crash!!!

Family Meets in Pryor

We had a great time on Thursday evening visiting with family in Pryor, Oklahoma.

Easter Pics

Jack ate to much ham

The bunnies visited all weekend.

NCAA Mens Championship Tonight (Go Butler!)

Easter

The death of Jesus

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then, at that time Jesus called out with a loud voice,

“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought He was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to Him on a stick so he could drink. ”Leave Him alone. Let’s see whether Elijah will come and take Him down!” he said.

Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed His last. And the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. When the Roman officer who stood facing Him saw how He had died, he exclaimed, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”

Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph) and Salome. They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for Him while He was in Galilee. Then they and many other women had come with Him to Jerusalem.

The burial of Jesus

This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, an honored member of the high council, Joseph from Arimathea (who was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come), gathered his courage and went to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body. Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman military officer in charge and asked him. The officer confirmed the fact, and Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth, and taking Jesus’ body down from the cross, he wrapped it in the cloth and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid.

The resurrection – Jesus is risen!

The next evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary the mother of James went out and purchased burial spices to put on Jesus’ body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they came to the tomb. On the way they were discussing who would roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb. But when they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone – a very large one – had already been rolled aside. So they entered the tomb, and there on the right sat a young man clothed in a white robe. The women were startled, but the angel said, “Do not be so surprised. You are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead! Look, this is where they laid His body. Now go and give this message to His disciples, including Peter: Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there, just as He told you before He died!” The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, saying nothing to anyone because they were too frightened to talk.

It was early on Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead, and the first person who saw Him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and found the disciples, who were grieving and weeping. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they didn’t believe her.

Afterward He appeared to two who were walking from Jerusalem into the country, but they didn’t recognize Him at first because He had changed His appearance. When they realized who He was, they rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them.

Still later He appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their unbelief – their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

And then He told them,

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in My name, and they will speak new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them.”

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

Happy Easter

This is scary. These cute bunnies show up every year about this time.........

LADY SOONERS REGIONAL CHAMPS

We had a great time at the Women's Regional Final in Kansas City on Tuesday evening. The Lady Sooner's advance to the NCAA Basketball Final 4 in San Antonio on Sunday.