February 2014 – Page 82 – Hays Post Archive

Examination of Lincoln’s legacy on tap at library

Posted on February 3, 2014

By LUCIA BAIN
Hays Public Library

February is here and that means I’m excited about celebrating one of my favorite holidays — Presidents’ Day.

Lucia Bain is Kansas Room librarian at Hays Public Library.

It seems to me everyone has a favorite and least-favorite president and an opinion about the current president, but whatever your sentiments – I think you’d be hard pressed to find an American who didn’t admit that there’s something interesting about the men who’ve held the Oval Office.

This February and March, the Hays Public Library will be hosting an exhibit organized by the National Constitution Center and the American Library Association entitled “Lincoln: The Constitution and The Civil War,” which is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This exhibit will examine how President Lincoln used the Constitution to confront three intertwined crises of the Civil War – the secession of Southern states, slavery and wartime civil liberties. We will be hosting a grand opening for the exhibit on Friday, Feb. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce will do a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m., and a Lincoln impersonator will arrive at 6 p.m. to recite the Gettysburg Address.

Live music from the Civil War era will be played throughout the opening by a quartet from Fort Hays State University and light refreshments will be served. All are invited so please be sure to drop by and support this national exhibit and your public library.

Along with the exhibit the library is hosting several Lincoln-related humanities programs that are being funded through grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Kansas Humanities Council. On Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. the library will be hosting a very special Read 2 Reel for “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

This nonfiction work not only examines Lincoln’s presidency, but analyzes the men in his cabinet and the genius behind putting a group of political competitors together to lead the nation through the Civil War. Dr. Cheryl Duffy, an English professor at FHSU, will be leading the half-hour discussion of the book. The book discussion will be followed by a screening of the 2012 Oscar-winning movie Lincoln. Whether or not you’ve read the book, feel free to attend this event which will be sure to stimulate and inform anyone interested in history, politics and Abraham Lincoln.

The second Lincoln-related humanities event will be held on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Schmidt Gallery. Dr. Brian Craig Miller, a professor of History at Emporia State University, will be giving a presentation called “The Tattered Lincoln Album: Lincoln’s Likeness and Image in American History and Memory.” Dr. Miller’s presentation includes over fifty images of Abraham Lincoln during different episodes of his life and gives the audience the opportunity to reflect on how public memory affects the way we see historical figures. This historically rich presentation should fascinate people from all walks of life. Please remember, all of these events are free to attend.

As for non-Lincoln related programs, I’ll be hosting another line dancing class on February 18th at 6 PM for all those interested in learning some new dance steps. Also, on Saturday, Feb. 22 I’ll be hosting a team trivia night. We’ll have ten rounds of trivia with ten questions in each round on a variety of topics. Teens and adults are encouraged to participate. There will be free pizza for all those who attend.

Finally, the Hays Public Library Trust is back up and running and looking for a new board member. If you are interested in learning more about the Trust or would like to know more about being a board member, please contact me at [email protected] or Eric Norris at [email protected].

The Kansas Room is located in the basement of the Hays Public Library and is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by request.

Lucia Bain is Kansas Room librarian at Hays Public Library.

Decomposed body found in K.C. suburb

Posted on February 3, 2014

ROELAND PARK (AP) — Law enforcement officers are investigating after a decomposed body was found in a wooded area of a Kansas City suburb.

The body was found Sunday evening in Roeland Park, Kan. Police say it was so badly decomposed that detectives were not able to determine the race, gender or age of the deceased.

Police took the body to the Johnson County Crime lab for further investigation.

January economic survey suggests growth in Midwest

Posted on February 3, 2014

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of business leaders suggests the economy will continue growing in nine Midwestern and Plains states in the months ahead.

The monthly Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to 57.7 last month, compared with 53.2 in December.

Looking six months ahead, the business confidence index dropped to a still strong 62.2 from 66.5 in December.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth, while a score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Norma J. Weigel

Posted on February 3, 2014

Norma J. Weigel, 69, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

She was born Dec. 7, 1944, in Victoria to Alfred G. and Mary Anna (Hammerschmidt) Weigel.

She worked at St. Anthony Hospital/Hays Medical Center as a Certified Dietary Manager for 37 years. She attended Victoria High School and has lived in Hays since 1968. She enjoyed playing shuffleboard and worked part time at Club-3 in Hays for many years.

Survivors include five sisters, Theresa Klaus, Victoria; Betty Denning and husband, Dennis, Victoria; Twila Weigel and friend, Bill Plante, Hill City; Agnes Weigel, Hays; Estella Weigel, Salina; two nephews Jan Klaus and wife, Jo, Hays; Terry Klaus and wife, Peggy, Victoria; one niece, Alicia Kelley and husband, Mike, Alta Vista; two great nephews Blake and Trenton Klaus; two great
nieces, Alyssa Dechant and husband, Josh; Kaley Klaus; and one great-great niece, Marley Dechant.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Thomas Weigel; one sister, Kathleen Weigel; and nephew, Justin Denning.

A memorial service is at 11:00 A.M. Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd, Hays, Kansas 67601. Inurnment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria.

A vigil service will be at 7 P.M. Sunday, followed by a parish rosary at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd, Hays, Kansas 67601.

The family will receive friends for 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, and from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Monday, all at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays.

Memorial to the Norma Weigel family and to be decided at a later date. Condolences can be sent via email to [email protected].

Lawrence murder suspect having first court hearing

Posted on February 3, 2014

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old woman charged with killing a Lawrence businessman is scheduled to have her first appearance in a northeast Kansas courtroom.

Monday afternoon’s hearing for Sarah Brooke Gonzales McLinn is in Douglas County District Court before District Judge Paula Martin. McLinn is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 52-year-old Harold Sasko.

Sasko owned pizza restaurants in Lawrence and Topeka. McLinn was an employee, and Sasko’s relatives have said he let her move into his home while she was having personal problems.

She was arrested in Florida but declined to fight extradition. She returned Saturday to Kansas and is being held in the Douglas County jail on $1 million bond.

Kansas conference focuses on women managing farm

Posted on February 3, 2014February 3, 2014

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A farm conference especially tailored to women is planned this month in Kansas.

The “Women Managing The Farm” conference is scheduled for Feb. 13-14 at Manhattan’s Hilton Garden Inn.

Designed to provide educational and networking opportunities, this year’s conference theme is “The Heart of Agriculture.”

Numerous networking sessions are planned for farm partners, independent producers, absentee landowners and industry career women. Additional educational sessions are planned on financial risks, community advocacy and retailing local produce.

The event is put on by the Agriculture Department’s Farm Service Agency, Kansas State University Research and Extension and numerous Kansas farm organizations.

Cloudy Monday, Snowy Tuesday

Posted on February 3, 2014

Today Increasing clouds, with a high near 35. Wind chill values as low as -6. South wind 8 to 17 mph.
Tonight Snow, mainly after 1am. Low around 18. Southeast wind 8 to 11 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Tuesday Snow with areas of blowing snow before 5pm, then snow likely after 5pm. High near 21. Wind chill values as low as 3. Blustery, with a north northeast wind 13 to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Tuesday Night Snow likely with areas of blowing snow before 11pm, then a slight chance of snow between 11pm and midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 3. Wind chill values as low as -15. Blustery, with a north wind 17 to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Wednesday Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 8. North wind 11 to 16 mph.
Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -1.
Thursday A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 10.

FHSU wrestling dominates Newman

Posted on February 3, 2014

FHSU Sports Information

No. 6 Fort Hays State picked up its first conference dual victory on Sunday (Feb. 2), rolling over Newman, 36-15, at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers (7-4-1, 1-2 MIAA) had three pins on the afternoon, as C.J. Napier (141), Noah Killip (149) and Mitchell Means (157) stuck their individual opponents. Josh Rodriguez (174) had a technical fall, while Bradley Little (165) picked up a major decision and Symon Seaton (133) had a decision.

FHSU was open in the 125 and 285 pound weight classes, and lost just one head-to-head match: a 3-1 decision at 197 pounds (Chad Rous).

After the bye at 125 pounds, Seaton paired up with Kris Workman (NU). Down 4-1 with less than 30 seconds to go, Workman used a takedown and a five-second near fall count to pull ahead and take the decision, 6-5. Reed had one point of riding time.

Napier started a stretch of three straight pins for the Tigers, working against Wyatt Wade for two periods before sticking him just 21 seconds into the second period (fall time of 3:39).

Killip, in his first match since Dec. 15, took control early and picked up a first period pin over Zach Duwe in 1:58.

Means followed suit, winning by fall over Colton Duhr in just 2:34, and stretching the Tigers’ team score advantage to 21-6.

At 165 pounds, Little used a takedown late in the third period (under 20 seconds remaining) and riding time to stretch a decision into a major, defeating Noel Torres, 10-2.

Rodriguez won FHSU’s final head-to-head matchup of the night in impressive fashion, scoring early and often en route to a 17-2 technical fall as time expired. Rodriguez racked up over two minutes of riding time to push the victory from major to a tech fall.

After Jon Inman’s forfeit victory at 184 pounds, Chad Rous dropped a 3-1 decision to Steven Cooksley and FHSU went open at heavyweight, sending the dual to a final score of 36-15.

Fort Hays State closes out the home portion of its 2014 dual schedule on Thursday (Feb. 6) against Central Missouri at 7 p.m.

Grant to help Lawrence promote its basketball roots

Posted on February 2, 2014February 2, 2014

LAWRENCE (AP) — Lawrence has received a $15,000 grant to promote the city’s basketball roots.

The Lawrence Journal World reports that the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism awarded the money Friday to the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau. The money will be used to develop a documentary on Lawrence’s basketball history and a logo that promotes the city as the “cradle of basketball.”

Although James Naismith didn’t invent the game of basketball here, Lawrence was his longtime home, and he was the University of Kansas’ first coach. Longtime Kansas coach Phog Allen often is cited as the father of basketball coaching and was the leader of the effort to get basketball added as an Olympic sport.

Custody battle brewing over Seacat children

Posted on February 2, 2014

WICHITA (AP) — A custody battle is brewing over the young sons of a former Kansas lawman who killed his wife before setting their house on fire.

The Wichita Eagle reports that what began as a face-off between maternal and paternal families has evolved into a struggle between the mother and sister of Vashti Seacat. She was killed in April 2011 just days after she filed for divorce from her husband, Brett Seacat. He was sentenced in August to life in prison.

Judge Larry Solomon has set a two-day trial beginning March 27 to decide who will be the guardian. Solomon also presided over Brett Seacat’s trial. At the time of the killing, Brett Seacat worked for the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, teaching police recruits from around the state.

1 dead in Kansas weigh station accident

Posted on February 2, 2014February 2, 2014

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — One person has been killed on the off ramp from Interstate 35 to a northeast Kansas weigh station.

The three-vehicle accident happened Friday night a few miles south of Olathe. The Kansas Highway Patrol says the victim and another person were standing between two parked tractor-trailers when a third rig came onto the icy ramp and lost control.

The out-of-control truck’s trailer struck one of the parked truck’s trailers. The victim then became pinned between the two parked tractor-trailers.

Religious leaders, farmers pray for precipitation in West

Posted on February 2, 2014February 2, 2014

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Religious leaders and farmers held special events to ask for divine intervention in delivering the West from the grips of a serious drought.

Religious leaders prayed for snow and rain during a multi-faith service Saturday at a Mormon church in the Reno suburb of Sparks.

And on Sunday, the Utah Farm Bureau asked the public to join in prayer and fasting for moisture for livestock and crops as part of its Harvesting Faith event.

Weber County, Utah, dairy farmer Ron Gibson told the Deseret News that farmers “can’t go to the Legislature to ask for help, (so they instead) decided to go to the guy upstairs.”

Rajan Zed, who organized the Nevada service, says it drew Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish and other faith leaders, and they’re confident it’ll bring positive results.

Zed notes that many counties around the West have been declared as drought disaster areas, with California, Nevada and Oregon the worst affected.

Kansas technical training initiative gets high marks

Posted on February 2, 2014

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas program that provides free, college-credit technical training for high school students in high-demand fields is getting strong marks in its second year.

The program was enacted by the Legislature in 2012 and championed by Gov. Sam Brownback, who said it would build a better-trained and better-paid workforce.

More than 6,000 high school juniors and seniors statewide took classes at community and technical colleges during the program’s first year. Officials expect enrollment to increase 50 percent by the end of the current academic year.

An official with the state Board of Regents said the program is similar to traditional high school vocational education, but with more industry involvement in designing curricula. Students who complete the program can also take tests for industry-approved certificates.