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Month: July 2012

Ellis County One of 82 KS Counties in Federal Disaster Declaration

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TOPEKA – Kansas officials welcome an announcement Wednesday that 82 Kansas drought-stricken counties will be declared as federal disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), making agricultural producers eligible for disaster assistance programs.

The disaster declarations are the result of improvements the USDA recently made to current federal disaster assistance programs to update the disaster designation process and deliver more efficient and flexible disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers coping with the ongoing drought.

The designation makes farmers and ranchers eligible for Farm Service Agency (FSA) low interest emergency loans.

This process update resulted in the designation of 1,016 primary counties nationwide as disaster areas effective Thurs., July 12, 2012.  Specifically, 66 Kansas counties will be declared as primary disaster areas and 16 contiguous counties will also receive disaster designations.

Kansas Disaster Designations:

Primary Counties:

Allen, Anderson, Barber, Barton, Bourbon, Butler, Chautquaua, Cheyenne, Clark, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Crawford, Decatur, Edwards, Elk, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Greenwood, Hamilton, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearney, Kingman, Kiowa, Labette, Lane, Linn, Logan, Lyon, McPherson, Meade, Montgomery, Morton, Neosho, Ness, Norton, Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Rawlins, Reno, Rice, Rooks, Scott, Sedgwick, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, Wichita, Wilson and Woodson

Contiguous Counties:

Chase, Cherokee, Dickinson, Ellis, Ellsworth, Franklin, Marion, Morris, Miami, Osage, Osborne, Rush, Russell, Saline, Smith and Wabaunsee

 

Hays Man Arrested for Credit Card Violations

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A Hays man was arrested for three credit card violations. Twenty-two year old Landon Strano, of Hays, was arrested Saturday afternoon in the 1200 block ofVine Streetfor three cases of criminal use of a financial card, without consent of the owner.

According to the Hays Police Department, Strano allegedly used a credit card belonging to Xibit Customs three different times to charge items at Advanced Auto Parts in Hays.

The arrests were also in connection with thefts reported at both Xibit Customs and Advanced Auto Parts earlier this month.

Sebelius to Attend Tallgrass Visitors Center Dedication Friday

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary and former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius will be back in the Sunflower State Friday.

 

Sebelius and U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar are special guests at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Visitors Center dedication.  Both attended the groundbreaking in 2010.

 

Prairie tours and activities will be available from 3-6p.m. The dedication ceremony begins at 7p.m. followed by tours of the new  Visitors Center.

 

The public is invited to attend. All events are free.

 

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, west of Strong City in Chase County, is a partnership between the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy. Both work together to preserve and protect the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, while educating the public about its importance.

 

Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America. Within a generation the vast majority was developed and plowed under. Today less than 4% remains, mostly in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Ellis County Clerk Candidates Sound Off

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The two candidates for Ellis County Clerk squared off Tuesday night in Hays during a candidate forum sponsored by the Big First Tea Party.

The current Deputy Clerk, Donna Maskus-D, and the current Ellis County Health Administrator Robert “Butch” Schlyer-R, introduced themselves to the crowd of about 50 people gathered at Thirsty’s Brew Pub and Grill.

Maskus and Schlyer then each explained why they’re running for Ellis County Clerk.  Maskus focused on her 30 years experience working in the clerk’s office.  Schlyer wants to work more closely with Ellis County Commissioners and said morale among department heads is at its lowest ever.

Watch Street Beat Eagle Community TV Channel 14 tonight for the remarks by Maskus and Schlyer.

Also participating in the candidate forum were:

* Ellis County Commission 3rd District: Ron Adams, R-Hays.

* 40th District Kansas Senate: Sen. Allen Schmidt, D-Hays, John Miller, R-Norton, Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer, R-Grinnell.

* 110th District State Representative: Travis Couture-Lovelady, R-Palco.

* 111th District State Representative: Sue Boldra, R-Hays.

 

 

 

 

North-Central Kansas Manufacturer Expands

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Reinke Manufacturing Company Inc. announced Wednesday that it will expand its manufacturing facility in Belleville, more than doubling its workforce over the next 18 months.

The expanded facility will be 20,000 square feet and  make many of the items Reinke currently manufactures, including irrigation and chassis products. The Belleville company currently manufactures electrical assemblies.

Belleville, with a population of nearly 2,000, is located in Republic County.

Company officials cite the increased demand for its products for the expansion, which will increase employment at the Belleville plant to 50 workers by the end of 2013.

“We are excited about expanding our manufacturing presence in Belleville as the demand for our products continues to grow both domestically and internationally,” said Reinke President Chris Roth.

Republic County Economic Development, North Central Kansas Industrial Development, and the city of Belleville assisted Reinke with preliminary research for the project.

“We are thrilled about Reinke’s new endeavor in Republic County and happy that they chose to build here,” said Jenny Russell, Republic County Economic Development coordinator.  “ Reinke has been a strong community partner for years, and we look forward to a continued relationship with them for years to come.”

Tuesday’s Police Activity Log

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The Hays Police Department responded to a call of a suicidal subject just before 7:00 am on Tuesday in the 1400 block of East 29th Street. Hays PD also performed a pair of welfare checks on Tuesday evening, according to the Police Activity Log. The first was in the 3400 block of Vine Street and the second was in the 100 block of West 12th Street.

 

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Police officers responded to two motor vehicle accidents on Tuesday. There was a report of a hit and run accident with private property in the 400 block of West 7th Street Tuesday afternoon. Another accident happened in the 2700 block ofPlaza Avenue.

 

Disturbance: The Hays Police Department responded to two cases of general disturbance on Tuesday evening. According to the Police Activity Log the first was reported as a disturbance and the removal of an unwanted person in the 1200 block of East 43rd Street. The other incident occurred in the 2900 block ofVine Street at the Showplex Cinema just before10:00 pm Tuesday night.

 

Suspicious Person: Tuesday night a suspicious person was reported to the Hays PD in the 1900 block ofVine Street at the Dillons.

 

Restraining Order: Finally according to the activity log Hays PD responded to the 1000 block ofReservation Road Tuesday morning for a restraining order violation.

Size Of Kansas Wheat Crop Up 43 Percent, Earliest Harvest On Record

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A new government report estimates that Kansas farmers harvested 396 million bushels of winter wheat this year.

The Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service said Wednesday that would make this harvest 43 percent larger than last year’s drought-stricken crop. It is also up 2 percent from last month’s forecast.

The agency says this year’s crop was cut off 9 million acres, making it the largest area harvested since 2006 in Kansas. The average yields were 44 bushels per acre, far better than the 35 bushels per acre Kansas farmers were averaging a year ago.

The monthly forecast is based on crop conditions as of July 1. By that time, the harvest in Kansas was 99 percent complete.

This is also is the earliest Kansas harvest on record.

Obituary – July 11, 2012

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Regina Dechant

Hays, Kansas – Regina Dechant, age 89, died Friday, July 6, 2012, at the Brookside Retirement Community at Overbrook, Kansas. She was born December 12, 1922, in Victoria, Kansas, to Frank M. and Rosa (Hertel) Dinkel. She married Richard Dechant Sr. on May 10, 1948, in Victoria, Kansas. He died December 15, 2003.

She was a homemaker and participated in farming with her husband for 39 years. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and IHM Funeral Ministry Committee, Hays Medical Center Auxiliary all of Hays, Kansas. She was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church Plainville, Kansas.

Survivors include one son, Richard Dechant Jr. and wife, Melinda, Baldwin City, KS; two grandchildren, Richard Cody Dechant and Aubrey Sophia Dechant; two brothers, George Dinkel and Father Harvey Dinkel O.F.M. Cap., both of Victoria, KS; six sisters, Sister Francis Rose Dinkel C.S.A., Fon du Lac, WI; Melinda Griebel, Mary Younger and Sister Paul Ann Dinkel C.S.A., all of Hays, KS; Irene Scruggs, Manhattan, KS; Viola Richmeier, Grinnell, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one infant daughter, Renee Joan Dechant; three brothers, Hilarius, Clarence and Edward Dinkel; three sisters, Julitta Dechant, Bertha Prewo and Rita Rohr.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 13, 2012, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 18 & Vine, Hays, Kansas. Graveside services are 1:30 P.M. Friday, at Sacred Heart Cemetery Plainville, Kansas. A Hays Daughters of Isabella rosary is at 6:30 P.M. Thursday followed by a vigil service at 7:00 P.M. both at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays 1919 East 22nd Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday and from 8:30 to 9:45 A.M. Friday all at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays.

Memorial to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Building Fund. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

KHAZ No Longer Airing CGSN

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KHAZ will no longer be airing Country Gold Saturday Night.  It’s last airing was Saturday, July 7, 2012.

CGSN was a popular cross country call in show featuring the “gold” hits of country muisc.

You will still hear real country music Saturday evenings.  

Below is a letter from CGSN Host Rowdy Yates:

Howdy All,

I received news that I will no longer be the host of “Country Gold.” 

I wanted to tell you all what a blast it has been to host this nationally syndicated product, and interact with all of you from coast-to-coast every week.  Few radio hosts ever get the chance to be on 100+ radio stations every week, and it has been a dream come true.

Understand up front that this was a decision made by the new company that distributes the show, and NOT the local radio stations that carry it.  They have been incredibly supportive over the years, they are my friends (and yours) and I have enjoyed the relationships I have had with so many of them, as well as their advertisers.

Radio is changing, and evolving-and so will I.  I hate to get philosophical, but the only thing constant in the world is change, and I am looking forward to a fresh start-and I hope to find my way back to your favorite station soon. 

Rowdy

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

 

 

Hays PD Investigate Theft Reports

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On Tuesday the Hays Police Department investigated three more cases of theft or burglary. According to the Police Activity Log, officers investigated a case of theft in the 1000 block of West 28th Street that occurred sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Hays PD also investigated a report of a burglary of a vehicle in the 400 block of West 7th Street that happened between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

The final report of stolen property was in connection with a civil dispute at 6th and Pine just before 8:00 pm Tuesday night. The Hays PD also responded to a civil dispute in the 400 block of East 21st Tuesday afternoon.

Stolen Vehicle From Barton County Found In Wichita, Federal Fugitive Still At-Large

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A Dodge Dakota pickup that was stolen in Barton County in connection with a federal manhunt was found in Wichita, Tuesday.

It is believed that federal fugitive, Michael Aaron Jayne, stole the truck just days after fleeing a traffic stop in Rooks County and  stealing a vehicle there.

Jayne was convicted in 2009 for attempting to run over a police officer at 75 mph during a traffic stop in Oregon.

Authorities said Jayne should be considered armed and dangerous

ORIGINAL July 8th: Authorities have searched in central Kansas for a man wanted for a parole violation in Oregon.

Barton County Undersheriff Larry Holliday says 30-year-old Michael Aaron Jayne is wanted by U.S. Marshals. Barton County officials have alerted residents around the Cheyenne Bottoms area to keep their eyes out for Jayne.

He is accused of leading officers on a high-speed chase in Rooks County Thursday night. On Friday night, a vehicle reported stolen from Rooks County was recovered in the Cheyenne Bottoms area.

Multiple law enforcement agencies have been involved in the search, bringing in aircraft and even police dogs. Authorities are urging anyone with information to call 911.

Kansas Woman Dies In Officer-Involved Shooting

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A 44-year-old Wichita woman has died after being shot by police officers.

Wichita police Capt. Jeff Easter says the woman was shot after she ignored several commands to put down a knife and lunged at officers.

The officers went to the woman’s home Tuesday night to investigate a domestic dispute.

Easter says the woman was distraught when officers arrived. When she came out of the house, she lunged at the officers with a knife and was shot. She died at a Wichita hospital.

KFDI reports it is still unclear how many times the woman was shot, and if she died from the gunshots or from injuries she suffered in the domestic dispute.

Police believe that at least one officer fired at the woman. The officers were not hurt.

Woman Survives 5-Story Fall At Wichita State University

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Wichita authorities say a woman has survived a fall from a fifth-story window at Wichita State University after landing on a first-floor awning.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Sedgwick County emergency dispatchers say the woman’s fall was reported Tuesday afternoon. When emergency crews arrived they found the woman suffering from potentially serious injuries and took her to a hospital.

Dispatchers said police at Wichita State are investigating the cause of the fall.

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