March 2015 – Page 25 – Hays Post Archive

Leland L. Ewing

Posted on March 24, 2015March 24, 2015

Phillipsburg resident Leland L. Ewing passed away Sunday, March 22, 2015 at his home in rural Phillipsburg at the age of 76.

He was born October 29, 1938, in Phillips County to Forrest & Opal (Thompson) Ewing.

His wife, Charlene, preceded him in death on March 27, 2014.

Survivors include his son, Randy, daughter, Melany Jackson, and half-brother, Gale Ewing, all of Phillipsburg; and 4 grandchildren: Adam and Savannah Ewing, Shawn Cotton, and Steven Cotton & fiancee’, Alex.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 27, at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillsdale Cemetery, Phillips County, with military honors by the U.S. Air Force.

Visitation will be Wed. & Thurs. from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 7 – 8 p.m. Thursday evening.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Agra Fire Department or Phillips County E.M.S. Online condolences to: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

Blood drives at HaysMed and FHSU this week

Posted on March 24, 2015March 24, 2015

Two blood drives will be held in Hays this week. Walk-in donations are welcome.

Fort Hays State University and the American Red Cross will host a two-day drive today and Wednesday. Hays Med will host a blood drive Thursday.

Drive Details:
Fort Hays State University Union
600 Park St., Hays, KS, 67601
FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom
Tuesday, March 24
Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Hays Medical Center
Thursday, March 26
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hadley Room
All presenting donors will be entered to win 4 Royals baseball tickets and a $150 gift card.

Following round after round of snow, freezing rain and arctic cold in many parts of the country, the American Red Cross has an urgent need for eligible blood donors to give now to help restock its shelves. March storms forced the cancellation of more than 200 blood drives, resulting in nearly 7,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. This shortfall follows more than 26,400 uncollected blood and platelet donations in February due to severe weather across 27 states.

Salina man will get only 1 retrial in 2 separate deaths

Posted on March 24, 2015

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — A judge has ruled that a man accused of two separate killings in Salina will have only one retrial.

Attorneys sought two trials for 33-year-old Willie Parker, who was granted a new trial after the Kansas Supreme Court reversed his previous convictions.

Saline County judge Rene Young on Monday rejected the request and said Parker will get only one trial.

In 2010, Parker was found guilty in a single trial of first-degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Alfred Mack Jr. and second-degree murder in the death of 22-year-old Justin Letourneau. The men were killed within a week of each other in June 2009. The Kansas Supreme Court ordered a retrial, citing errors in the previous trial.

The Salina Journal reports Parker’s retrial is scheduled for April 27.

Doerfler, Lang appointed to HaysMed board of directors

Posted on March 24, 2015March 23, 2015

Hays Medical Center

The HaysMed Board of Directors this week announced the appointment of Deanna Doerfler and Brian Lang as new board members. Their appointment terms run from November 2014 to October 2017.

Doerfler is co-owner of Doerflers’ Harley-Davidson in Hays since 1993. She manages the human resource portion of the dealership as well as implementing all process and procedures required by Harley-Davidson Motor Co. She is the primary buyer for all general merchandise and accessories.

Doerfler has served on the board of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and has served as chair. She is a member of the Ellis County Coalition of Economic Development and is a sponsor and member of the Fort Hays Harley Owners Group.

Lang is the President and CEO of Lang Diesel Inc., a full-service AGCO farm equipment dealership operating in twelve locations across Kansas.

Lang has served on AGCO’s North America dealer panel, AGCO’s North America Advisory panel and is currently on AGCO’s Global Visionary Committee. He has achieved AGCO’s Circle of Excellence numerous times and has been named one of the top AGCO dealers in North America.

Reappointed to the Board in October for three-year terms were D.G. Bickle, Dennis Bieker and Jayne Clarke.

Kansas man sentenced in synthetic marijuana case

Posted on March 24, 2015

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Lawrence man was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for marketing synthetic marijuana and other designer drugs around the world.

Bradley Miller was sentenced Monday after admitting he conspired with his brother, Clark Sloan, and his brother’s son, Jonathan, to manufacture and sell the drugs.

Federal prosecutors say the men’s business started at Persephone’s Journey in Lawrence. The business grew to include suppliers, retailers, wholesalers and business associates across the country, in Canada, South America, Europe and Asia.

The men made at least $3.3 million from the scheme.

Clark Sloan, of Tonganoxie, and Jonathan Sloan, of Lawrence, were convicted last September on 20 counts. Clark Sloan was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison, and his son got eight years.

Ice cream recall expanded in Kansas

Posted on March 24, 2015

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported in a media release Blue Bell Ice Cream of Brenham, Texas is recalling three 3 oz. institutional/food service ice cream cups- chocolate, strawberry and vanilla with tab lids because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

On March 22, the Kansas Department of Health & Environment reported one positive test for Listeria monocytogenes on a chocolate institutional/food service cup recovered from a hospital in Wichita, Kan. This cup was produced in the Broken Arrow, Okla., plant on April 15, 2014. These cups are not sold thru retail outlets such as convenience stores and supermarkets.

The ice cream cups listed below were distributed in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming via food service accounts.

Ice Cream Cup Chocolate (3 FL OZ) No UPC – SKU #453
Ice Cream Cup Strawberry (3 FL OZ) No UPC – SKU #452
Ice Cream Cup Vanilla (3 FL OZ) No UPC – SKU #451

There have been no reported illnesses to date.

This recall in no way includes Blue Bell Ice Cream half gallons, pints, quarts, 3 gallons or other 3 oz. cups.

Consumers who have purchased these items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information consumers with questions may call 979-836-7977, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST.

With new funding plan in the mix, USD 489 awaits block grant approval

Posted on March 24, 2015March 24, 2015

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Just as USD 489 and districts across the state were adjusting to a proposed bill replacing the state’s current school funding formula with block grants for the next two years, Director of Finance Tracy Kaiser warned board members at Monday’s work session of a brand-new bill that deserves “watching.”

Kaiser said the bill (Senate bill 294) will not affect USD 489 next year, but is proposed as a pilot funding formula for several school districts for the 2015-16 school year.

“(The bill is) creating a new formula that is just as confusing as the one we had in the past. It’s based on census numbers,” Kaiser said. “We are still trying to figure it all out. … It will affect six school districts next year, up to 106 the following and then everyone the year after that.”

If the measure is adopted, Kaiser said the six schools that would implement the new formula first are those designated as “Innovative School Districts” — Concordia, Marysville, McPherson, Blue Valley, Hugoton and Kansas City.

According to the Kansas Department of Education website, “the purpose of the designation of innovative districts is to allow up to 10 percent of the state’s school districts, at any one time, to opt out of most state laws and rules and regulations in order to improve student achievement.”

Kaiser said it is unknown which 106 schools would follow in the 2016-17 school year.

She added said if Gov. Sam Brownback approves the block grant funding, Hays USD 489 will be $211,000
short at end of the school year, but said she is not concerned about making up the difference because of savings accrued from workers compensation changes, medical insurance savings and more.

At next week’s board meeting, Kaiser will present an updated presentation depicting the exact figures and what areas will make up for the budget shortfall.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Dean Katt said block grant funds are USD 489’s best option.

“The block grant, the way it came out, is better for us than the other alternative when the governor cut allotments we could not make up,” he said. “Honestly, I don’t know how it will all play out, but we are not going to be in as bad of shape as a lot of districts because we don’t receive state aid.”

Brownback could sign the block grant bill this week. The hearing on the alternate funding formula is scheduled for a committee hearing Tuesday.

Kaiser said that bill appears to be on the “fast-track,” and Katt added he has not had time to even fully detail the “convulated” bill unveiled Monday.

Kansas man suspected of injuring kids, damaging cars

Posted on March 24, 2015

LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in the Kansas City suburb of Lenexa, Kansas, say a man has been arrested on suspicion of injuring three children, damaging vehicles and threatening people with what turned out to be a pellet gun.

Police said in a statement that the man was arrested Monday after officers fielded reports of an armed suspect throwing rocks at cars. Initial reports indicated that some children were hurt but the extent of their injuries was not released.

Police say that after officers arrived on the scene, the suspect resisted arrest but was taken into custody after a short foot chase.

The investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

New HMS assistant principal candidate expected next week

Posted on March 24, 2015March 24, 2015

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

A candidate for the new assistant principal of Hays Middle School is expected to be announced at next week’s Hays USD 489 Board of Education meeting, according to Superintendent Dean Katt.

At Monday’s work session, Katt told board members 20 people applied for the position, including three internal applicants.

Current HMS Assistant Principal Shannon Demel is leaving the position to take on her new role as principal of O’Loughlin Elementary, effective June 1.

Demel replaces longtime O’Loughlin Principal Nancy Harman, who announced her retirement in January.

VA says it will relax 40-mile rule for medical care

Posted on March 24, 2015

MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Veterans Affairs says it is relaxing a rule that makes it hard for some veterans in rural areas to prove they live at least 40 miles from a VA health site.

The change comes in response to pressure from Congress and veterans groups, who say the VA’s current policy has prevented thousands of veterans from taking advantage of a new law intended to allow veterans in remote areas to gain access to federally paid medical care from local doctors.

The VA said it will now measure the 40-mile trip by driving miles, rather than as the crow flies, as currently interpreted. The rule change is expected to roughly double the number of eligible veterans.

The VA says few veterans have seen private doctors under the new law.

Feeling lucky? Annual 4-H Clover Run is right around the corner

Posted on March 24, 2015March 23, 2015

Participants in 4-H Clover Run/Walk 2013

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Get out your lucky running shoes — the third annual 4-H Clover Run is coming up April 4, starting at 9:15 a.m. at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.

Ellis County Extension Agent Susan Schlichting said the event is family-friendly and includes a 5K walk/run for all ages including toddlers and babies pushed in wagons and strollers.

In each of the last two years, Schlichting said the event drew approximately 100 people. She invited the community to attend, noting all proceeds fund college scholarships and 4-H camps.

“(The Clover Run) is a win-win … a family-friendly event on a closed course, so it’s a fairly safe environment to do a walk or run, and a fun way to hang-out with 4-H folks and support a good cause,” she said.

If participants register by Wednesday, a free T-shirt is included in the registration fee of $20. Registration for children younger than 7 is free.

After Wednesday, registration is $25 and available through the morning of the event. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

A variety of prizes are available in two adult divisions.

For more information or to register, visit the Ellis County Extension website or call 785-628-9430.

Clarence Lang

Posted on March 24, 2015

Clarence Lang, 96, Hays, died Monday, March 23, 2015 at his home.

He was born March 23, 1919 on the family farm east of Hays the son of Anthony and Catherine (Wiesner) Lang.

He graduated from Victoria High School in 1937 and was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II serving with the 310th Medical Battalion in northern Africa, Italy, and Switzerland.

On May 20, 1946 he married Melinda Geist at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria. He was a farmer and stockman and worked for the Ellis County ASCS office for fourteen years. He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, the St. Nicholas third degree Knights of Columbus Council #10044, the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and the Hays VFW Post #9076.

He enjoyed playing pinochle with family and friends, loved sports – especially baseball, and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. He truly possessed a deep love for his wife and family.

Survivors include his wife Melinda, of the home, three sons Lloyd Lang and wife Iris of Victoria, Dennis Lang and wife Vera of Wichita, and Terry Lang and wife Ruth of Hays, one daughter Patty Wolf and husband Dan of Hays, one brother George Lang of Hays, one sister Leona Walters of Borger, TX, thirteen grandchildren; John Lang and wife Stacey, Greg Lang and wife LaNae, Mark Lang and wife Amanda, Gwen Hodges and husband Daniel, Kevin Lang and wife Tasha, Jeff Lang, Cliff Lang and wife Cassie, Brandon Lang and wife Phuong, Brittany Lang, Brock Lang, Jenna Lang, Scott Wolf and Brad Wolf and wife Kristin, and twenty one great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant sons Donald and Terrence, three brothers Anthony, Ralph, and Isadore Lang, a sister Oliva Pfannenstiel, and a great granddaughter Katie Lang.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, Hays. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW honor guard will be in the St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 pm on Thursday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine.

The Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:30 until 6:30 pm, a Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:00 pm, a parish vigil service will be at 6:30, followed by a combined Third and Fourth degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00, all on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to TMP-Marian High School or for masses, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

HFD will inspect hydrants, flush mains this week

Posted on March 24, 2015March 23, 2015

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting fire hydrants and flushing water mains Wednesday in the area of 33rd Street to 41st Street and Hall Street east to Vine Street.

This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.

Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains.

Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public. Drivers are asked to avoid driving through water discharging from a fire hydrant during the short flushing period.

For more information, call (785) 628-7330.