July 2014 – Page 89 – Hays Post Archive

State abruptly delays Medicaid health home service

Posted on July 3, 2014

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas health officials delayed a new Medicaid service a day before it was scheduled to begin because it did not have enough contractors to cover the entire state.

The “health home” service was to provide case management for people with chronic medical conditions and those with severe mental illness.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment notified service providers Monday that the part of the program for the chronically ill would be delayed. It was to begin enrolling patients on Tuesday.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports the service for the mentally ill will continue.

Health department spokeswoman Sara Belfry says federal rules require the state to offer at least two providers before it can participate in the program, and Kansas did not have enough providers to meet that requirement.

Ellis County Sheriff’s activity log, July 2

Posted on July 3, 2014July 3, 2014

Criminal transport, Cottonwood Falls, 9:35 a.m.
Criminal transport, WaKeeney, 10:01 a.m.
Motor vehicle accident, 2900 block Indian Trail, 12:43 p.m.
Phone/mail scam, 800 block 200th Avenue, July 1
Criminal transport, Ellis/Russell county line, 5:05 p.m.

HFD offers fireworks safety tips

Posted on July 3, 2014July 3, 2014

Hays Fire Department

All consumer fireworks that are legal in Kansas are approved for sale and use in the city of Hays on July 2, 3 and 4.

Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Fireworks safety:
•   Adults need to closely supervise teens using fireworks.
•   Do not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
•   Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
•   Always have a hose, fire extinguisher or water bucket ready when using fireworks.
•   Know your fireworks; Read the caution label before igniting.
•   Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
•   Only light one firework at a time.
•   Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
•   Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill you!
•   Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor, fire resistant garbage can away from buildings and flammable materials.

State law prohibits fireworks from being ignited or discharged:
•   From a moving or stationary vehicle.
•   On a public street or right-of-way.
•   Within 100 feet of a hospital, nursing home of fireworks sales location.
•   Within 50 feet of a fuel pump or gas station.

Practice courtesy and respect. Clean up your fireworks debris. Avoid disturbing your neighbors when using fireworks.

Call 911 promptly if a person is injured or a fire is started by fireworks.

Sen. Moran receives commitment on future of ARCH program

Posted on July 3, 2014July 3, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, was recently alerted to plans by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to instruct all Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) pilot program sites – including the site in Pratt, Kansas – to send letters to veterans notifying them that their medical services through ARCH would be ending this fall. Sen. Moran immediately reached out to acting Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Sloan Gibson and requested these letters be halted given the VA’s continued public statements to Congress that the future of the successful ARCH program has not been decided. Hours later, Sen. Moran received word that VHA Assistant Deputy Undersecretary for Health for Administrative Operations Philip Matkovsky put a hold on sending letters to veterans regarding the future of their medical services through ARCH.

In light of VHA’s unpredictable decisions about the future of ARCH, Sen. Moran spoke personally with acting Secretary Gibson last Friday, June 27, 2014, to make certain he was personally involved in assuring that veterans currently receiving medical services through ARCH will continue to receive those medical services. Today, Sen. Moran sent a follow up letter to acting Secretary Gibson calling for his commitment to providing medical services through ARCH as he expressed during their phone conversation.

“I am pleased you understand that access to quality care is vital for the health and well-being of all veterans; particularly those who are underserved and struggle to receive the care they deserve in rural areas,” Sen. Moran wrote to acting Sec. Gibson. “As we continue to work together to make certain rural veterans have access to quality care, I’d like to confirm the assurance you offered during our conversation that veterans currently receiving medical services through ARCH will continue to receive those medical services. Veterans from the five ARCH pilot sites are overwhelmingly satisfied with the care they receive through ARCH, and are counting on you to make certain they continue to receive quality care closer to home.”

Since 2011, the ARCH pilot program has been operating in five rural sites across the country including Pratt, Kansas. ARCH serves rural veterans by giving them access to health care from a community provider close to home instead of traveling hundreds of miles to seek care at a VA facility. Independent analysis shows that more than 90 percent of veterans who received primary care services through ARCH are “completely satisfied,” and cite significantly shortened travel times to receive care. Sen. Moran has repeatedly asked VA officials – including Sec. Shinseki directly at a March 2014 SVAC hearing – about the future of the successful ARCH program which is set to expire in September 2014. Instead of the straightforward analysis promised by Sec. Shinseki, Sen. Moran has only received empty promises and non-answers from the VA. Sources outside the VA now tell the Senator that the national program director for ARCH directed the five pilot sites several months ago to begin contacting veterans who participate in ARCH to let them know the program would be ending. The VHA has consistently given Congress the impression they were waiting on analysis about the success of the program to inform their decision about extending the program and all along that has been a misleading storyline. At a time when the VA says it is looking for ways to “accelerate access to care” for veterans, the VHA made an intentional decision not to inform Congress about their plans to discontinue this successful program.

Water Vision Team in western Kansas next week

Posted on July 3, 2014

TOPEKA – Next week the Governor’s Water Vision Team will visit 12 locations throughout the state for residents to provide input on the first draft of the 50-Year Vision for the Future of Water in Kansas.

“The first draft of the Vision has been posted to our website and we encourage the public to look at the preliminary document,” said Kansas Water Office Director Tracy Streeter. “This discussion draft is based on input the Team has been gathering for months from stakeholders representing all water uses. While we know the solution isn’t a one-size fits all, we hope this can address many of Kansas’ water priorities.”

Last fall, Gov. Sam Brownback issued a call to action for a 50-Year Vision to ensure a reliable water supply for Kansans. The Team will be at the following locations for input from stakeholders and residents on the first draft:

Monday, July 7
Wichita – 11:30-1 pm, Sedgwick County Extension Center, 4-H Hall, 7001 W 21st Street North
St. John – 4:30-6 pm, Stafford County K-State Research & Extension Office, 210 E. 3rd

Tuesday, July 8
Liberal – 7-8:30 am, Seward County Activity Building, 810 Stadium Road
Garden City – 11:30 am -1 pm, Finney County 4-H Building, 209 W. Lake Avenue
Dighton – 4:30-6 pm, Lane County 4-H Building, 755 N. 7th

Wednesday, July 9
Colby – 7-8:30 am Colby Community Building, 285 E. 5th
Stockton – 11:30 am -1 pm, Rooks County Fairgrounds, Harding Hall 4-H Building, 918 S. Elm
Assaria – 4:30-6 pm, Assaria Community Center, 315 E. Main

Thursday, July 10
Manhattan – 7-8:30 am, Manhattan Fire Department Headquarters, 2000 Denison Avenue
Washington – 11:30 am – 1 pm, First National Bank, 101 C Street
Kansas City – 4:30-6 pm, Kansas City Community College, Jewel Room 2325, 7250 State Avenue

Friday, July 11
Fort Scott – 9-10:30 am, Ft. Scott Community College, Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

“Kansas and its citizens are continually reminded of the importance of water,” said Secretary Jackie McClaskey. “We look forward to hearing from folks next week because it doesn’t matter what area of Kansas you live in, the entire state is affected by this issue.”

Stakeholders and Kansas residents are encouraged to attend one of the Vision Tour input sessions. For more information and to view the preliminary discussion draft of the Vision for the Future of Water in Kansas, visit www.kwo.org.

Changes underway for Hays airport inside and out (VIDEO)

Posted on July 3, 2014July 3, 2014

skywest jet to be used in hays — Bombardier-manufactured CRJ200 50-passenger turbofan aircraft

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The look of the tarmac at Hays Regional Airport soon will change.

SkyWest, operating as United Express, will start passenger flight service Aug. 1. The daily flights between Hays and Denver will operate using 50-seat Bombardier-manufactured CRJ200 aircraft.

The planes are bigger than what’s been used by prior commercial flight providers.

Acting airport manager I.D. Creech, who is also the Hays Public Works Director, said that requires some changes:

Click here to see more about the CRJ200 to be used in Hays.

HFD staffing extra fire trucks for Independence Day celebrations

Posted on July 3, 2014July 3, 2014

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

This was nearly the the third consecutive year fireworks were banned in Hays because of the ongoing drought.

But thanks to abundant June rains, Hays city commissioners voted Monday night to lift the fireworks ban.

“If people use common sense and respect their neighbors, it should be a safe experience using fireworks,” said Hays Fire Department Chief Gary Brown.

The Hays Fire Department normally staffs two fire trucks every day.

For this Fourth of July holiday week, Brown said all fire trucks will be staffed, with one on stand-by at the site of the Wild West Festival Fireworks Spectacular, which starts at 10 p.m. Friday.

Fireworks can be sold and shot in Hays from July 2 to 4. Discharge of fireworks is allowed between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. each day. Fireworks remain prohibited in Ellis and rural parts of Ellis County.

Although lawns are green, all fireworks should be used with caution, Brown added, especially aerials, which can easily start a residential fire. He’s seen it happen:

Brown urged residents to call 911 promptly if a person is injured or a fire is started by fireworks.

“There’s no penalty for calling 911, and we don’t mind turning around and going home if we’re not needed,” he said. “We want to get there and deal with it while it’s still a controllable situation or before major damage occurs.”

FHSU’s Martin on merger: ‘Dodge City is an imperative partnership’

Posted on July 3, 2014

By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

In a recent interview, FHSU President Mirta Martin voiced her support for the proposed Dodge City Community College merger with Fort Hays State University.

The college is considering a proposal to create an Institute of Applied Technology on the Dodge City campus, with FHSU offering some four-year degree programs. If the merger happens, DCCC would give up control of academics and administration to FHSU.

According to the proposal, the institute will “combine innovative technologies with innovative cooperative educational experiences for students, ultimately creating a more educated workforce that better suits the needs of employers and creates a mechanism for these students to more easily move into high-paying jobs they are qualified for.”

“I think the potential partnership at Dodge City is an imperative partnership,” Martin said. “That area does not have a senior institution. We can provide a very affordable way to reach and teach the citizens of southwest Kansas without having them leave their homes.

“We recognize the plethora of intellect, diversity, and opportunity that resides there and we’re looking to go ahead and partner with them to create educational opportunities for citizens there so that we can go ahead and become the economic multiplier for the state,” she added.

The proposal still must be approved by the Legislature, Kansas Board of Regents, the governor and FHSU. The DCCC Board of Trustees recently reiterated its support for the proposal.

Coach sentenced in auto theft ring

Posted on July 3, 2014

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A former basketball coach at Southeast Missouri State and Highland Community College in Kansas was sentenced to three years’ probation for participating in an auto theft ring.

Forty-nine-year-old William Smith was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in St. Louis for five counts of mail fraud and one count of conspiracy. He was must pay about $160,000 in restitution.

Prosecutors say Smith was one of 21 people involved in a scheme to steal luxury motor vehicles from individuals and dealerships in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. The ring staged accidents and filed false theft reports for the insurance money.

The St. Joseph News-Press reports Smith pleaded guilty to obtaining fraudulent transfer titles from the Osage Nation for five vehicles in 2011 and 2012, which allowed the vehicles to be resold.

HPD activity log, July 2

Posted on July 3, 2014July 3, 2014

The Hays Police Department conducted 22 traffic stops and received 17 animal calls on Wednesday, July 2, according to the HPD activity Log.

Abandoned vehicle, 3200 block Willow, 12:29 a.m.
Abandoned vehicle, 300 block Elm, 12:52 a.m.
Civil transport, Larned, 3:10 a.m.
Animal call, Country Club and El Dorado, 6:34 a.m.
Animal at large 3200 block Country Lane, 7:08 a.m.
Credit card violations, 12 incidents, Hays area, July 2
Animal at large, 300 block East 13th, 9:43 a.m.
Assist, 1900 block Whittier, 10:49 a.m.
Animal at large, 1000 block East 15th, 12:01 p.m.
Missing person, 100 block West 12th, 12:13 p.m.
Welfare check, 2500 block Vine, 1:03 p.m.
Water use violation, 100 block West Seventh, 1:04 p.m.
Found/lost property, Hays area, 2:25 p.m.
Animal call, Downing and Vine, 3:21 p.m.
Criminal transport, Larned, 4:13 p.m.
Lost animals, 1200 block Motz, 8:32:32 p.m.
Unwanted person, 2700 block Vine, 8:59 p.m.
Animal call, 500 block West Seventh, 10:57 p.m.
Driving under the influence, 500 block East 12th, 11:15 p.m.
Domestic battery, 500 block East Sixth, 11:35 p.m.

Winners: Lunches for Harvest Crews in 99 KZ Country!

Posted on July 3, 2014September 16, 2014

As wheat harvest rolls through 99 KZ Country, we’ll be delivering lunches to hard working harvest crews courtesy of Cargill of WaKeeney. See them for all of your grain marketing and grain handling this harvest season. Your marketing specialists, Cargill of WaKeeney.

Lunches will be from Applebee’s, your neighborhood grill and bar just north of I-70 in Hays.

Listen to call in and register farmers with wheat in Trego, Ellis or Rush County. The number you’ll need is 785-628-2995.

Have a safe harvest.

Thank you for listening to 99 KZ Country.

6/23/14 Winner: Neal Gottschalk, Ellis County.
6/24/14 Winner: James Hertel, Ellis County.
6/25/14 Winner: Armbrister Farms , Trego County.
6/26/14 Winner: Matt Pechanec, Rush County.
6/27/14 Winner: Lloyd Lang, Ellis County.
6/30/14 Winner: Randy Urban, Rush County.
7/1/14 Winner: John and Brett Hertel.
7/2/14 Winner: Gross Brothers; Trego, Ellis and Rush Counties.
7/3/14 Winners: Ruder Farms, Trego County and Brungardt Farms.

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

Donna Ruth Waterman

Posted on July 3, 2014

Donna Ruth Waterman, 91, of Atwood, died Wednesday, July 02, 2014 at Good Samaritan Center, Atwood. She was born November 13, 1922 to Jess and Mabel (Thieler) Marshall in Rexford. She married Martin Waterman on February 3, 1949 in Colorado Springs, CO. She was a member of the Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League, American Legion Auxiliary and the Atwood Redeemer Lutheran Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Martin; parents; a grandson, Christopher Bowen; a son-in-law, Fendoll Bowen; a sister, Catherine Miller; two brothers, Jesse A. and James S. Marshall and a grandson-in-law, Benjamin Brogan.

She is survived by her children, Coleen Bowen, of Greeley, Co, Janet (Carl) Miller, of Gem, Virginia (Gary) Solko, of Ludell and Martin Jr. (Jane) Waterman, of Atwood; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 4-7:00pm, Friday, July 4, 2014 at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral service will be 2:00pm on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to the Church or Hospice Services in care of Baalmann Mortuary, 109 N 2nd, Atwood KS 67730. Online condolences can be left at www.baalmannmortuary.com.

Russell businesswoman appointed to Nex-Tech board

Posted on July 3, 2014July 3, 2014

Jeannine Byers-Long was recently appointed to serve as the Zone 7 director on the Nex-Tech board, filling a vacant position that resulted from the resignation of former director, Peggy Chrisler.

Byers-Long is the broker-owner of Advantage Realty in Russell. She has been actively involved in leadership roles with the Kansas Association of Realtors, and local community development initiatives as president of Russell Main Street, Inc., and the Russell PRIDE committee.

Describing herself as a serial-entrepreneur, Byers-Long maintains a wide network of industry contacts from her corporate telecom background, and advisory board experience in rural community development.
“I’m very interested in bringing the next generation of growth to our communities as well as the industries they rely on,” she said.

Jeannine and her husband, G.J. live in Russell with their 16-year-old son, Jacob. She also has two adult children, daughter, Brittany and stepson, Clinton.