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Month: February 2015

Jewish community in Lawrence plans Torah welcoming

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Screen Shot 2015-02-21 at 2.00.22 PMLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Jewish community in northeast Kansas is planning a sacred Torah welcoming ceremony in Lawrence.

The ceremony Sunday marks the end of an effort of an expert ritual scribe to write an entire Torah, the most sacred object in Judaism. The task takes between 62 and 84 sheets of parchment, exactly 304,805 letters and months of work. One mistake voids the entire work.

The scroll will be the first written in Lawrence. A ceremony Sunday at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Lawrence will mark the completion of the Torah. It will then be taken under a canopy through the streets in a procession that will include music and dancing.

Gov. Sam Brownback issued a proclamation congratulating the Jewish community and extending best wishes for the celebration.

Kan. man’s 10th drunken driving conviction nets 3 days in jail

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duiKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man convicted for the 10th time for drunken driving has been sentenced to jail, but only for three days.

The Kansas City Star reports that Leavenworth County District Court Judge Gunnar Sunby on Friday sentenced 57-year-old Lloyd Henson of Kansas City, Kan. After three days in jail, he will spend the rest of his mandatory six-month sentence under house arrest. Prosecutors had asked for the maximum 12 months in jail.

Henson was arrested in 2011 while driving in the wrong lane on Kansas 7 with an open container of alcohol. His license had been suspended since 2006 and he had no insurance.

Police: Man took loaded gun into Kansas school

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police emergency lightsGODDARD, Kan. (AP) — A 20-year-old Kansas man is jailed on suspicion of carrying a loaded weapon into Goddard High School.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the incident happened Friday. Goddard schools spokesman Dane Baxa says two men went into the main office, and police were called. He says that through conversation with administrators and police, it was determined that one of the men had a loaded gun.

The suspect was taken into custody. His name has not been released and charges have not been filed. Baxa says the men, one of whom was a former student, never had contact with any students. However, school officials sent a letter to parents advising them of the incident.

With Littles on the waiting list, BBBS in dire need of Big Brothers

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BBBS crop

By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

Nearly everyone has some kind of a mentor during their younger years, but some children in the area live without one, due to a variety circumstances.

The Ellis County Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters answers the call when a child in the community lacks or rarely sees a companion, mentor or somebody to just hang out with. Right now, 40 “Littles” sit on a waiting list. They’re currently looking for more Big Brothers because 35 of the 40 are boys.

Some children are put into the program through a court order, while some simply need a mentor while their parents work more than usual. Executive Director Nancy Jeter said the agency attempts to base each match on both parties interests.

“Once they’re matched, they’re committing to meeting once per week for at least an hour,” said Program Director Jenny Bates.

Big Brothers also arranges several activities for matches to attend, including Bowl for Kids Sake and an outdoor program for matches who enjoy outdoor activities. But Bates said some of the most successful matches happen when mentors include Littles in everyday activities.

“Some of the hesitations come down to thinking that you have to plan out a special time to spend with a child, but our program is just about including them in your everyday life,” Bates said.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters or if you would like to become a Big Brother or Sister, call (785) 625-6672. BBBS also serves Norton, Rooks, Phillips, Rush, Russell, Trego and Sheridan counties.

Branson performers will take the stage in Chapman

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Bradshaw_ChesneyHEADSHOT

Some of the nation’s finest entertainment is found on the strip at Branson, Mo. On Friday night, March 20, and Saturday night, March 21, Branson performers will be performing at the Chapman High School Auditorium for the first-ever “Branson in Chapman” concerts.

Entertainer Todd Bradshaw who performs as Kenny Chesney at the Dick Clark Theatre in Branson stated, “Every year, thousands and thousands of tourists travel to see us perform on the strip in Branson. We have been invited by BDS Productions of Chapman to travel from Branson to see our fans for 2 concerts at the beautiful Chapman High School Auditorium on Friday night, March 20th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday night, March 21st at 7:00 p.m.”

In addition to Todd Bradshaw as Kenny Chesney, also appearing will be Conway Twitty, Elvis, comedian Terry Sanders and more.

BDS Productions Vice President Roger Thompson stated, “We approached several select entertainers concerning the prospect of bringing their shows to Central Kansas as part of an outreach program so fans did not have to travel to Branson to see world class performers. Now fans of Branson entertainment will have the opportunity to travel a few miles to see excellent entertainment in a beautiful facility.”

The Chapman High School Auditorium is a first-class, state-of-the-art theatre built following the tornado of 2008. The theater seats 750 with lobby space capable of accommodating 400 with viewing via closed circuit.

The shows will be filmed by BDS Productions of Chapman and Eagle TV for later broadcast on Public Television–Kansas and Eagle Communications.

Todd Bradshaw stated, “Normally, we would not try to do a show in a gymnasium or high school auditorium, but we toured the Chapman High School Auditorium and found the facility to be a state of the art complex. It is as nice as our Dick Clark Theatre in Branson. There is not a bad seat in the house and we are excited to bring our show to Chapman in Central Kansas.”

“We are delighted BDS Productions and Eagle Communications will film the shows for presentation to Public Television – Kansas. We hope the shows are a tremendous success so other entertainers from Branson can follow us for ‘Branson in Chapman II’ and so forth,” he added.

Reserved tickets can be purchased at The Kansas Auto Racing Museum in Chapman or by calling BDS Productions at 785-922-6756. Reserved seating tickets are $25 for adults, kids 12 and under for $10, military active or retired $20.

Several Chapman students will participate in the opening song of the show to recognize the terrible destruction of the tornado in June of 2008, but to highlight the rebuild of Chapman since the tornado. Chapman is stronger than ever and continues to rebuild.

Angie Wheeler stated, “Although it will be spring break for students, many of the students will be involved in helping with the show, ushers, parking lot attendants, ticket takers and of course performing the opening song for the show. We are excited to be a part of the first ‘Branson in Chapman’ concert.”

“We are excited the shows will be filmed for later broadcast on Public Television across the state of Kansas and on Eagle Communications. What an excellent opportunity to showcase our school, community and students. We look forward to ‘Branson in Chapman II’ and so forth,” she added.

Concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night, March 20th and Saturday night, March 21st at the Chapman High School Auditorium. Reserved tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 for adults, kids 12 and under for $10, military active or retired for $20 by contacting: The Kansas Auto Racing Museum at 1205 Manor Dr. in Chapman or by calling BDS Productions at 785-922-6756.

Buy your tickets in advance because once the two shows are sold out, there will be no other tickets available. For further information concerning the “Branson in Chapman” concert, contact BDS Productions at 785-922-6756.

Friday’s high school basketball results

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BOYS
Western Athletic Conference
Hays 47, Garden City 39

Mid-Continent League
Hill City 48, Plainville 43
Smith Center 65, Phillipsburg 60
TMP-Marian 45, Stockton 29

Other Area
Central Plains 65, Kinsley 20
Ellsworth 43, Lincoln 41
Hoisington 51, Halstead 45
Lakeside 52, Natoma 28
Logan 57, Western Plains 56
Oberlin-Decatur 80, Quinter 68
Osborne 61, Chase 35
Otis-Bison 48, Ellinwood 44
Triplains-Brewster 50, Palco 32
Victoria 59, Ness City 52
Wheatland-Grinnell 61, Golden Plains 26

Others
Abilene 66, Clay Center 56
Andale 46, Clearwater 27
Andover Central 58, Goddard 38
Argonia 59, Central Burden 47
Ashland 45, Hodgeman County 29
Atchison 78, KC Harmon 64
Barstow, Mo. 89, Maranatha Academy 34
Basehor-Linwood 65, Lansing 53
Bishop Miege 48, Blue Valley Stillwell 29
Blue Valley Southwest 70, BV North 59
Bluestem 86, Belle Plaine 58
Bonner Springs 73, KC Bishop Ward 49
Buhler 64, Rose Hill 41
Burlington 66, Neodesha 48
BV West 56, BV Northwest 46
Caldwell 64, Flinthills 28
Caney Valley 56, Erie 54
Canton-Galva 71, Goessel 47
Centralia 65, St. Mary’s 52
Chaparral 33, Garden Plain 31
Chapman 73, Marysville 71, 2OT
Chase County 74, Centre 68
Cheney 70, Douglass 19
Circle 52, Mulvane 47
Coffeyville 58, Chanute 51
Columbus 57, Baxter Springs 44
Conway Springs 51, Medicine Lodge 37
Derby 62, Newton 51
Dighton 66, Rawlins County 32
Eureka 77, Cherryvale 37
Flint Hills Job Corps 67, St. John’s Military 49
Fort Scott 73, Pittsburg 53
Fredonia 56, Yates Center 39
Frontenac 71, Southeast 51
Galena 45, Pittsburg Colgan 34
Gardner-Edgerton 55, St. Thomas Aquinas 47
Girard 56, Riverton 53
Greeley County 65, St. Francis 54
Hanover 69, Doniphan West 54
Haven 64, Larned 49
Hesston 58, Hillsboro 28
Hiawatha 58, Atchison County 22
Holcomb 72, Goodland 29
Holton 68, Nemaha Central 58
Horton 55, Pleasant Ridge 45
Hugoton 71, Colby 46
Hutchinson Central Christian 76, Pratt Skyline 39
Independence 62, Parsons 56, OT
Inman 55, Little River 47
Junction City 53, Emporia 50
KC Washington 64, KC Sumner 62
KC Wyandotte 87, KC Schlagle 64
Labette County 69, Augusta 54
Lakin 60, Syracuse 41
Lawrence 79, Olathe North 51
Lyndon 60, Madison 32
Maize 72, Salina South 46
Maize South 76, Andover 61
Manhattan 56, Topeka Hayden 54
Maur Hill – Mount Academy 65, Jefferson North 55
McPherson 62, Hutchinson 37
Meade 75, Johnson-Stanton County 38
Mill Valley 55, KC Piper 43
Minneapolis 76, Beloit 60
Moundridge 57, Peabody-Burns 43
Nickerson 57, Lyons 36
Northeast-Arma 66, Uniontown 31
Northern Heights 41, Hartford 40
Olathe East 52, Lawrence Free State 44
Olathe South 54, Olathe Northwest 51
Onaga 56, Blue Valley Stillwell 31
Osawatomie 52, Central Heights 34
Ottawa 71, Baldwin 27
Paola 54, DeSoto 32
Pike Valley 71, Wilson 48
Pratt 76, Smoky Valley 63
Pretty Prairie 57, Cunningham 53
Riley County 77, Rossville 71, OT
Rock Creek 55, Silver Lake 32
Rock Hills 68, Thunder Ridge 45
Sabetha 61, Royal Valley 37
Salina Central 45, Wichita Campus 31
Salina Sacred Heart 48, Republic County 37
Satanta 71, Bucklin 30
Scott City 76, Ulysses 49
Sedan 49, Oxford 37
Sedgwick 64, Ell-Saline 49
Shawnee Heights 60, Washburn Rural 53
SM East 69, Leavenworth 36
SM South 80, SM North 75
SM West 51, SM Northwest 36
Solomon 53, Bennington 50
South Barber 73, Burrton 52
South Gray 82, Kiowa County 65
Southwestern Hts. 51, Elkhart 39
Spearville 52, South Central 41
Spring Hill 57, Louisburg 47
St. John 86, Macksville 27
St. John’s Beloit-Tipton 55, Sylvan-Lucas 41
Sterling 59, Kingman 56
Tonganoxie 59, KC Turner 27
Topeka 65, Topeka West 61
Topeka Seaman 64, Highland Park 54
Troy 66, Axtell 56
Valley Center 49, Goddard-Eisenhower 46
Valley Falls 53, Immaculata 42
Valley Heights 86, Cair Paravel 67
Van Horn, Mo. 66, KC Christian 52
Veritas Christian 45, Marais des Cygnes Valley 37
Wabaunsee 63, Herington 49
Wakefield 45, Linn 32
Wallace County 84, Wichita County 44
Wamego 76, Concordia 64
Washington County 66, Frankfort 37
Wellsville 62, Santa Fe Trail 51
West Elk 61, South Haven 32
West Franklin 47, Burlingame 43
Wetmore 53, Clifton-Clyde 35
Wichita Collegiate 57, Wellington 54
Wichita East 42, Kapaun Mount Carmel 40
Wichita Heights 60, Wichita Southeast 51
Wichita North 77, Wichita Northwest 73
Wichita South 66, Wichita West 39
Wichita Trinity 68, Wichita Independent 44
Winfield 67, Arkansas City 53

GIRLS
Mid-Continent LeagueWestern Athletic Conference
Dodge City 50, Great Bend 43
Garden City 47, Hays 30

Mid-Continent League
Hill City 44, Plainville 28
Phillipsburg 35, Smith Center 28
TMP-Marian 70, Stockton 52

Other Area
Central Plains 73, Kinsley 35
Ellinwood 73, Otis-Bison 45
Ellsworth 52, Lincoln 50
Halstead 41, Hoisington 40
Logan 46, Western Plains 26
Natoma 41, Lakeside 40
Oberlin-Decatur 44, Quinter 36
Triplains-Brewster 52, Palco 31
Victoria 54, Ness City 47
Wheatland-Grinnell 49, Golden Plains 44

Others
Abilene 40, Clay Center 27
Andale 39, Clearwater 11
Andover 52, Maize South 49
Andover Central 58, Goddard 45
Attica 57, Stafford 15
Axtell 48, Troy 34
Barstow, Mo. 58, Maranatha Academy 42
Belle Plaine 41, Bluestem 33
Beloit 55, Minneapolis 49
Bennington 45, Solomon 43
Bishop Miege 57, Blue Valley Stillwell 43
Blue Valley Southwest 47, BV North 46
Bonner Springs 60, KC Bishop Ward 43
Bucklin 71, Satanta 67
Buhler 64, Rose Hill 41
Burlington 43, Neodesha 30
BV Northwest 50, BV West 38
BV Randolph 65, Onaga 32
Cair Paravel 55, Valley Heights 42
Caldwell 38, Flinthills 24
Caney Valley 61, Erie 28
Central Burden 45, Attica/Argonia 35
Central Heights 42, Osawatomie 19
Centralia 60, St. Mary’s 42
Chanute 45, Coffeyville 41
Chase 38, Osborne 35
Chase County 58, Centre 38
Cheylin 58, Healy 17
Circle 35, Mulvane 28|
Columbus 51, Baxter Springs 39
Conway Springs 42, Medicine Lodge 32
Cunningham 29, Pretty Prairie 17
Dighton 66, Rawlins County 21
Douglass 44, Cheney 34
Emporia 59, Junction City 33
Eureka 49, Cherryvale 45
Fredonia 47, Yates Center 46
Frontenac 51, Southeast 20
Girard 70, Riverton 31
Glasco/Miltonvale-Southern Cloud 42, Tescott 18
Goessel 53, Canton-Galva 41
Hanover 39, Doniphan West 25
Hesston 54, Hillsboro 28
Hiawatha 44, Atchison County 32
Holcomb 55, Goodland 52
Hugoton 76, Colby 22
Hutchinson Central Christian 52, Pratt Skyline 27
Independence 53, Parsons 33
Inman 52, Little River 15
Jackson Heights 62, McLouth 22
Kapaun Mount Carmel 59, Wichita East 44
KC Harmon 51, Atchison 19
KC Sumner 63, KC Washington 27
Labette County 52, Augusta 39
Lakin 48, Syracuse 29
Lansing 36, Basehor-Linwood 25
Lawrence 52, Olathe North 43
Lawrence Free State 49, Olathe East 43
Leavenworth 68, SM East 17
Lebo 46, Southern Coffey 26
Linn 63, Wakefield 32
Louisburg 52, Spring Hill 36
Madison 66, Lyndon 64
Maize 56, Salina South 28
Marysville 57, Chapman 44
Maur Hill – Mount Academy 50, Jefferson North 25
McPherson 46, Hutchinson 36
Meade 64, Johnson-Stanton County 43
Mill Valley 63, KC Piper 50
Moundridge 70, Peabody-Burns 21
Nemaha Central 40, Holton 23
Newton 50, Derby 39
Northeast-Arma 53, Uniontown 41
Northern Heights 56, Hartford 30
Norwich 58, Fairfield 33
Olathe South 63, Olathe Northwest 30
Ottawa 41, Baldwin 39
Paola 47, DeSoto 29
Pike Valley 45, Wilson 33
Pittsburg 45, Fort Scott 29
Pittsburg Colgan 41, Galena 24
Pleasant Ridge 42, Horton 34
Pratt 55, Smoky Valley 23
Remington 46, Olpe 37
Republic County 44, Salina Sacred Heart 15
Rossville 49, Riley County 45
Sabetha 66, Royal Valley 46
Salina Central 51, Wichita Campus 40
Sedan 46, Oxford 22
Sedgwick 41, Ell-Saline 25
Silver Lake 48, Rock Creek 31
SM Northwest 47, SM West 41
SM South 54, SM North 39
South Barber 61, Burrton 27
South Gray 45, Kiowa County 44
South Haven 51, West Elk 16
Southwestern Hts. 47, Elkhart 45
Spearville 55, South Central 40
St. Francis 47, Greeley County 45
St. John’s Beloit 63, Sylvan-Lucas 42
St. Paul 55, Metro Academy 38
St. Thomas Aquinas 49, Gardner-Edgerton 27
Sterling 56, Kingman 53
Thunder Ridge 60, Rock Hills 15
Tonganoxie 59, KC Turner 26
Topeka 55, Topeka West 37
Topeka Hayden 58, Manhattan 52
Topeka Seaman 50, Highland Park 29
Ulysses 60, Scott City 27
Valley Center 50, Goddard-Eisenhower 46
Valley Falls 54, Immaculata 29
Van Horn, Mo. 46, KC Christian 31
Wabaunsee 50, Herington 18
Wamego 76, Concordia 64
Washburn Rural 61, Shawnee Heights 39
Washington County 54, Frankfort 27
Wellington 49, Wichita Collegiate 37
Wellsville 62, Santa Fe Trail 33
West Franklin 31, Burlingame 27
Wetmore 52, Clifton-Clyde 28
Wichita County 48, Wallace County 20
Wichita North 45, Wichita Northwest 31
Wichita South 77, Wichita West 14
Wichita Trinity 52, Wichita Independent 48
Winfield 56, Arkansas City 46

REMINDER: Kan. Wildlife Federation’s 64th annual meeting in Hays

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kan wildlife federation

The Kansas Wildlife Federation will have its 64th annual meeting in Hays this weekend.

The meeting begins at noon Feb. 21 at Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill, 3203 Vine.

At noon, Dr. Elmer Finck of Fort Hays State University will offer a free presentation on the northern long-eared bat, followed by “The Importance of Pollinators,” from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., with presenters from FHSU, the University of Kansas and Pheasants Forever.

A social hour, including live and silent auction, will run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with proceeds used to benefit KWF programs and youth outdoor activities. The auctions are free and open to the public.

The Conservation Achievement program banquet and awards will begin at 7 p.m., with featured speaker Scott Hoard, Courtland. Cost of the banquet is $25.

For more information or to register, visit, www.kswildlife.org.

Kan. had biggest per-capita drop in road spending before budget problems

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Highway-Through-Wheat-Fields-225x247TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Budget problems in Kansas prompted Republican Gov. Sam Brownback to propose siphoning off transportation dollars to help erase projected shortfalls.

But even before then, federal data showed that Kansas had the biggest decade-long decline in per-person spending on highways of any state.

Brownback is facing bipartisan criticism for proposals to divert $858 million from highway projects through June 2017 to deal with budget problems arising after lawmakers reduced personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at his urging.

But data compiled by the Federal Highway Administration shows per-capital highway spending was 29 percent lower during the state’s 2013 fiscal year than in fiscal 2003 — or $490 compared with nearly $695.

Kansas ranked fifth in per-capita spending in 2003 and dropped to 28th a decade later.

Sheriff seeking help locating Kansas robbery suspect

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McCroy
McCroy

Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON— The Reno County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help in locating 26-year-old Patrick McCroy. He stands 5 foot 8, weighs 173 pounds.

The Sheriff’s office reported McCroy is wanted for failure to appear with an original charge of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.

McCroy is accused of breaking into a Hutchinson apartment and beating the occupant, wanting items from his apartment.

McCroy has been convicted of other felony crimes including criminal possession of a firearm, drugs, burglary and criminal damage to property.

He had been paroled in March of last year, but was discharged from those previous crimes on February 19.

If you know the location of McCroy, you’re asked to call 911 and give this information or call Crime Stoppers of Reno County and you may be eligible for a cash reward. (620) 694-2666 or 1-800-222-TIPS and you can remain anonymous.

Kansas lawmakers consider expanded beer, wine, liquor sales

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Capitol KansasTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are considering a proposal to permit grocery stores to sell full-strength beer, wine and liquor starting in July 2018.

The bill up for debate Monday in the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee also would permit convenience stores to sell full-strength beer starting in July 2018.

Groceries and convenience stores now can sell weaker beer known as cereal malt beverage. Only liquor stores can sell full-strength beer, wine and liquor.

The measure is backed by grocery and convenience store chains. Many liquor store owners oppose it, fearing they’ll be run out of business.

It would cap the number of retail liquor store licenses and allow store owners to transfer theirs to grocery stores in the same county starting in July 2018.

2nd professor quits amid ranking scandal at Kansas City college

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Norton
John Norton- courtesy photo

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A second professor has resigned from the University of Missouri-Kansas City after an audit found that its business school knowingly submitted false data when applying for rankings and awards from national organizations.

The university said Friday that John Norton’s exodus as associate director of its Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will take effect March 15.

Norton’s supervisor, Michael Song, quit as the institute’s director last week.

Norton told auditors he felt pressured by Song to do improper things related to the ratings but didn’t speak up because he feared for his job and believed in Song’s vision for the institute.

In a statement released by the school, Norton says he remains passionate about teaching entrepreneurship but believes his “role in events of recent weeks may distract from that mission.”

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