Elk Konnected Hand out at County Commissioners meeting on 4/25

[Mom70x7]

So, guys . . .  call the district board office (374-2113) and ask to be put on the agenda to speak to the board. I've never done that, but know people who have. They say it's a pretty simple process: the request has to be made a day or two in advance, not the day of, nor are you just supposed to show up and speak. Don't know why the rules, but that's what they are, to my understanding.

[Ross]

And Ross ,while you are answering questions, whatever gave you the idea that I let Liz or anyone else post under my name? You have posted about that more than once! I already have to say.)

That really bothers you, probably for good reason. I explained fully when the situation happened. And on more than one occasion you failed to deny it. Why deny it now , so far down the road? And I am sure the moderators read every word.  To feign ignorance is about something so simple is just terrible.

Again you are a calling me a liar and I don't like it. It's  another unnecessary personal attack against both Liz and me. I've always said I respect what EK has been trying to do .I've never hidden it, but you pretend that I do. That's also a lie of a sort, now isn't it.

I don't recall calling you a liar, that's your word right up there in your quote. Sorry!
I do seem to remember calling Liz a liar way back, but I don't recall why! That's water under the bridge.
But that was simply my personal opinion.

You denied being a Follower, you claimed no Konnection with Elk Konnected.
Followers supposedly respect Elk Konnected for what they are claiming to try to do.
But none of you can explain what they have done or what they are trying to do.
And then dehy being a Follower. Why is that?

Diane please tell us what Elk Konnected has done to build stronger families and by what means?

I bet you can't do it!

Please tell us how Elk Konnected has provided a superior life style to the people of Elk County and by what means?

I bet you can't do it!

Please explain to us exactly what you think Elk Konnected is trying to do and how they can do it?

I bet you can't do it!

Now you are fantisizing about what is going to be like if I call you and give you what for? Oh please! I've had your phone number and address for a very long time.  Why would I want to call you? Why threaten me?

I don't recall threatening you!
When did I threaten you?
Please quote the post where I threatened you.
I'd like to read it and I am sure everyone else would like to read it as well.

Now, I'm going to try to leave again

Really!  Again?

and I better not see any of my posts moved over here.

Or what?
I told you if you bad mouth me I will move the post over here, so it is basically up to you.

You do not have anyone's permisson to do that, so please respect it.

I am not required to have your permission, this is a public domain.
If the owners found anything wrong with my actions I am sure they would let me know.
And I would respect them for it.
They are good people.

I'd never do that to you.

Why, because you don't know how?
Or perhaps because you don't have cause to di it?

Someone has to be the adult here and I'm going to try to be one. I'm going to try very hard to ignore the childish nionsense...poof, I'm gone.

It's about time and I wish you lot's of luck with that.

I wish you a very good evening.

[Janet Harrington]

In trying to research where the number of 600 came from in reference to how many students the West Elk building will hold, I came across this article. This was published by Prairie Star on October 30, 2008 and was written by Jerry Wagner.


West Elk BOE discusses possible new facility



By Jerry Wagner
PRAIRIE STAR

The West Elk School Board met in a muted planning session Monday evening designed to contemplate long-range possibilities of building a new facility on the centrally located campus in Howard.

Attending this evening were the majority of the board members, two architects from PBA & Associates, as well as a smattering of parents.

Board president Marty Talliaferro stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the declining enrollment, now at 346 students, and that given continual financial pressures they were considering building a new facility.

The focus, according to Talliaferro, was to discuss a centrally located facility that would be capable of providing a quality education and meeting the varying demands of our district for 20 to 25 years.

There were two options initially discussed: building a new facility on the West Elk campus or utilizing the old grade school. Talliaferro expressed discomfort with the effectiveness and efficiency of utilizing the old grade school building. Ed Klock of PBA explained that in Newton they had utilized an early 20th century school building and it had cost roughly 75 percent of a new build, which tends to run roughly $160 per sq ft.

PBA outlined that the first steps in a construction design process would be to evaluate the existing West Elk High School structure and contemplate any necessary improvements and where to locate any new facility.

As stated by Talliaferro: "My goal is to put the district on a stable financial footing. and any plan would need to provide adequate growth room, should such growth occur. "

Klock discussed that there were four primary budgetary concerns: building costs, site improvements, equipment/furniture costs, and a contingency fund. There was a discussion regarding the considerations of building either an attached or detached structure or the code implications that would result from an attached structure.

The potential details of a new facility as well as modifications to West Elk were then discussed in some detail focusing on correctly aligning the building to match the curriculum for the twenty-first century. Discussions of whether foreign language, interactive distance learning, athletic improvements, and what potential technology integration should be included were discussed, with the general consensus among the board being that the structure should encompass some improvements to address current deficits in technology and athletics.

Mr. Reese presented an example of the Rose Hill school district that had utilized a cloverleaf layout to the elementary school that integrated the grades and focused more on the individual needs of the student as well as having multiple uses for each learning space.

Based on current board policy of no more than 24 students per classroom, the new facility would require, at a minimum, one classroom per grade level as well as a further 3 flex classrooms that would adapt to whichever grade levels had exceeded board policy.

In addition, there would potentially either be a new elementary library or a unified library facility that would permit, perhaps, utilizing the current West Elk library as additional classroom space. The subject of a practice gymnasium or multi-purpose room absorbed a significant period of discussion, especially considering the current lack of scheduling flexibility available for the West Elk gymnasium.

The general board consensus was to entertain a practice gym that would have seating for 100-150 people that would be roughly 8500 square feet in size. Bert Moore explained that in 2006, he and his administration had discussed an estimate on a facility of 12 classrooms, a library, a multi-purpose room, a gymnasium, restroom facilities, and secretarial/administrative rooms at a built cost of $2.5 million.

Much discussion centered on the potential twenty-first century advancements that could be included both in building technology and classroom technology. The general agreement was that any new structure should incorporate some element of available efficiencies.

Several classroom technological advancements were discussed including Smart Boards, in-classroom projectors, and mobile wireless computer carts. The statement was made by Bert Moore "What would the school of the future look like?" He encouraged the board to plan to encompass the future.

Talliaferro furthered that by stating that he had several graduates comment on their lack of preparedness for the technology that they had encountered upon graduating.

The discussion focused more on the mechanics and time lines of any construction and bond issue. Once a preliminary design concept and its costs were relayed to the board, should it adopt a resolution for a bond, the state would require 75-90 days to review the proposal before a bond election could be held.

If a bond issue were passed, the design period would require an additional 6-9 months with construction then requiring 12-15 months.

Talliaferro was quick to explain that the board would be required to utilize maximum Local Option Budget authority on this next budget and that the district was losing all fiscal flexibility.

It is important to note that state aid towards construction costs can range from 26 to 34 percent depending on economic conditions in the district, so the bond amount would be dependent on said aid.

It was generally agreed by the board to have the architects review with the school administrators the current facility at the West Elk campus and begin to discuss with staff the elements of a new facility.

This session would be scheduled at some point in the next few weeks with a Board follow up possible in the next few months.

The architects made it clear that the most beneficial sessions for these initial plans were ones that were collaborative and inclusive in nature.

Talliaferro said, "Tthe community expects that we should go forward even if we don't do anything in the end."


October 30, 2008 · Posted in News   

So, even though it doesn't answer how many students the West Elk school building was built to hold, it does answer the question that talking about building a new school came way, way before Elk Konnected was ever established. Right or wrong?

[Patriot]

So, even though it doesn't answer how many students the West Elk school building was built to hold, it does answer the question that talking about building a new school came way, way before Elk Konnected was ever established. Right or wrong?

Wrong, the Elk Konnected genesis was in early 2007 by their own admission.  While the LLC was officially formed on 09/30/2009, their formation process began in early 2007, with Terry Woodbury's involvement starting in March of that year.

[Ross]

 

As I was informed the present building was designed as a step down from the old building and designed to hold only 600 students due to the declining population. You can see from that monstrosity of an old building that it would accommodate a lot more than 600 students.

The plan that you found information about was to be a new grade school with a community storm shelter included for Howard. And if I remember correctly the bond issue was to be for 5.5 million dollars. Which to me is extremely high for far less than 300 students.

And if I remember correctly Elk Konnected did hold Kommunity Konversations about closing the Severy and Moline grade schools.
They even had posts here on the forum about them, if memory serves me correctly.

The point is if you have 300 students and half or more are in grade school, how can you justify such expense for just 150 students. Especially while the population is still declining.

I think the main thinking is more about sports than education. That's my personal opinion. They even want to pay a church to use their building as a gymnasium, go figure.

Did you ever notice the sign on the highway going north into Howard. It says something about West Elk winning something sports wise.
Did you ever wonder why it is inside the city limits of Howard and not of across the highway from the West
Elk School. Wouldn't it make more sense to have put that sign across from the school on the south end of the school for the benefit of all the school children to see everyday to instill pride in their school. It really isn't about Howard is it.

Actually Shouldn't the one on the north side of town be on the north end of the school.
Or which is it, is it about Howard or is it about the West Elk School children. Just asking.

Give it some thought.

[kshillbillys]

EK"s slogan or maybe a Public Squares slogan is my understanding as being Come Grow With Us. This term was used on Hwy 400 on Batson's billboard, the same term used at Coffeyville when you're entering Coffeyville from south on 169 (the sign states Come Grow With Us). I'm not sure but I've heard that Public Square has their hand in Coffeyville's pocket. And now a new one comes to light: CULTIVATE FREDONIA. My understanding of what cultivation is, is to weed out undesirables; get rid of what is not wanted; to get your crop to grow without anything interfering in what you're trying to plant. Let that soak in awhile. Just exactly what is the "agenda" and the "undesirables" that may question the Public Squares Organization that they would like to "weed out"?---Robert

[Janet Harrington]

Wrong, the Elk Konnected genesis was in early 2007 by their own admission.  While the LLC was officially formed on 09/30/2009, their formation process began in early 2007, with Terry Woodbury's involvement starting in March of that year.

Ok. I was wrong. I really thought I had found something. LOL

[Ross]

Remember a few months ago Flint Hills Frontiers held a community conversation in Grenola.
When we arrived and the meeting got underway them folks from Flint Hills Frontiers said, "Don't ask us about the Flint Hills, because we don't know nothing about the Flint Hills."?  
Remember that?

Then the meeting resumed with the same old crap the Elk Konnected, LLC always did?
We want your ideas of how we can improve our communities. Nothing new.
Except that I thought those young people were holding this meeting only to practice what they had been taught.
The one young guy walked around like a teacher in a class room looking over peoples shoulders at what they were writing down, and sort of to show the authority of a teacher making sure the students were doing what they were asked to do.

People fall for this stuff too, they will make sure they please the teacher, no matter, what age they are.

Well, the reason I bring this up is because, when they advertised the Flint Hills Frontiers meeting in Winfield they were inviting people between the ages of 21 and 39, I  do believe.
Now what is that all about?

Isn't that discriminatory? Not really important!
To me, it simply impresses the idea, that it is not the community as a whole that counts.

A person, I can't name, told me it was about the ease of control of younger people  and their ignorance of control methods.
That same person also said, most of these younger people could be easily manipulated and
most of us old farts er  folks can't.

                  Does that sound feasible?
                                            I think it does!

I mean a friend of mine (who is also older) was manipulated by EK,
they gave him a position on a committee for a short time and
that made him feel important for a short time.
Most likely today, if they were to ask him to be on a committee,      
I'm certain he would
                          laugh at them.


If you check Flint Hills Frontiers   http://www.flinthillsfrontiers.org/ you will find a connection with Elk Konnected, LLC. Which I believe points out the fact that they are not really a community organization.

What I see them as is a few people wanting special recognition any way they can get it. And the majority of those few work for free for others that are paid possibly a pretty decent income. We will never know because they have their books protected by being LLC's and INC's.

I believe if you read the Flint Hills Frontiers web site you will find a grant for 2 Million Dollars, where do you think all that money might be going?      Don't CEO's and President's and other people in organizations get paid.
                               If the org. doesn't bring in money no one get's paid right?
                                    Don't you just feel like opening your wallet?
                                                       Give till it hurt's!                                                                                                  
                                                                LOL
                                   And don't forget to volunteer for those that get paid!
                                                       Just my opinion!

And, I believe all these little NGO's need to pull together to have the strength of more people.

I just can't figure out their real and actual motives because even the NGO here in Elk County won't have an open and honest dialog. They won't answer the simplest questions.
They have no transparency because they hid behind an LLC.

Public Squares Communities, Inc. uses Rebuilding The Public Square.... One Community at a time
http://www.publicsquarecommunities.com/communities/

Elk Konnected, LLC's Latest Community Contact Dr. David Whetstone (316) 708-0296, since Liz Hendricks moved up to being President of Public Squares Communities, Inc.
I never did believe that her family was not to gain from her starting up Elk Konnected and I still don't.

Their Vision Statement is
Strong families. Solid education. Superior Lifestyle. "Stay with us as we grow!"

They have no authority on families that I know of.
They do have a member on the school board, the Konnected President of the West Elk School Board and maybe one or two others. But that is not enough to control the school board. Not like the situation we had with the County Commissioners Board over the past 6 or 7 years. Remember that when it comes time to vote for school board members. I seriously feel they want full control and that would only require one or two more Elk Konnected members on the board. Then they could build their Taj Mahal for a declining enrollment of students.

They still post on their web site the following, of course I'm not posting the whole letter.
In early 2007, Elk County was experiencing some events that made a resident wonder "What is the future of Elk County"? With a county population of only 3000, one tiny town spends time and energy wanting to pull out of the county wide trash service. Yet on the other side, members across the county come together for a "tablesetting" event that raises over $3000 for the local foundation. How can these two polarizing events happen at the same time?

Why do they still post something where the diss our communities? Why?
Is it that they don't believe the individual communities should govern themselves?
Do they believe that they should control the communities?
Oh that's right, one of their ideas on the first post of this thread stated something about a
"Centrally Located Unified Government" doesn't it?

I just can't put my finger on anything substantial about Elk Konnected,
but I'll keep trying.

[Ross]

Alert!       DISCLAIMER       Alert!

 For your comfort, I don't expect anyone to believe anything I write.
These are just my personal opinions and thoughts and nothing more.

I feel obligated to say this especially to the folks that threatened to sue me sometime down the road.
I am practicing my Freedom of Speech and I sincerely mean no harm to anyone. Thank you.

Just trying to understand what is really happening.

[Patriot]

...
Just trying to understand what is really happening.

Try this on for size:

Most Americans are unaware that one of the greatest threats to their freedom may be a United Nations program known as Agenda 21. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development created Agenda 21 as a sustainability agenda which is arguably an amalgamation of socialism and extreme environmentalism brushed with anti-American, anti-capitalist overtones...

...Smart growth plans usurp property rights and constitutional rights. Local officials, at the behest of State Government, revise zoning laws to fit into a "smart code" zoning template. A massive reshuffling of property rights ensues. Farmers may lose subdivision rights; conservation land adjacent to population centers may be rezoned into commercial employment centers; and low-density land in small towns is re-designated as growth area and rezoned to accommodate diverse housing including high-density apartments and condominiums.

Finally, a healthy dose of federal- or state-sponsored housing initiatives is embraced to ensure communities are properly balanced. The net effect of these plans is to create highly urbanized population centers throughout otherwise-rural counties, while simultaneously limiting the availability of land for suburban and estate subdivisions, as these are considered an unsustainable waste of land by Agenda 21 disciples....

...Smart growth has another interesting unintended consequence: it can disrupt conventional alliances and lead to strange political bedfellows. Rural urbanization plans may raise the ire of environmental groups while simultaneously stirring the wrath of both conservative and liberal residents that want to maintain the rural fabric of their communities. Conversely, developers, sensing opportunity, may side with government smart growth bureaucrats in support of these plans.

Regardless of political orientation, two indisputable facts remain. Agenda 21 is a direct assault on private property rights and American sovereignty, and it is coming to a neighborhood near you. (Emphasis added)

Entire article:  http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/10/un_agenda_21_coming_to_a_neigh.html

This raises the question:  Do the local/regional players (so-called stakeholders) actually know what their participating in?  And if they do, what does that say?  Before the naysayers jump on this, it might be wise to do some serious research on Agenda 21 and the use of local & regional NGO 'planners' to implement the UN's Agenda in America.