April 2015 – Page 76

Re-elected Rankin, unseated Schwartz thank community after election

Posted on April 8, 2015April 8, 2015

USD 489 board members Josh Bickle and James Leiker examine election results Tuesday night at the Ellis County Administration Building. — USD 489 board members Lance Bickle and James Leiker examine election results Tuesday night at the Ellis County Administration Building.

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

While the USD 489 election results will not be official until canvassed by Ellis County commissioners on April 13, it appears incumbent Sarah Rankin accomplished the goal she set for herself and proved her re-election was a “vote of confidence” from the community. With 1,460 votes in Tuesday’s election, Rankin finished second behind newcomer Dr. Paul Adams.

“I grateful for everyone who supported me. … I am relieved I now have the confidence of the Hays community to continue to serve, and I am eager and committed to get back in there and keep tackling the issues we are tackling and trying to serve the diverse needs and striving for that standard of excellence across USD 489,” Rankin said, adding the district’s budget in light of state funding questions will remain key the issue.

Rankin was appointed to the school board last spring when a Darren Schumacher vacated the seat due to a job relocation. She was one of seven people on the ballot for four open seats in Tuesday’s election.

Municipal election workers deliver ballots to the Ellis County Administration Building Tuesday.

Twelve-year veteran Greg Schwartz was unseated Tuesday. He finished fifth in the balloting, behind Rankin, Adams, Luke Oborny and Miranda Fox.

Schwartz thanked the community for providing him the chance to serve USD 489 for 12 years. He said his service has been frustrating at times, but also “very rewarding.”

“It is often difficult to sit up there and ask difficult questions and know you’re angering everyone you’re talking to, but still demand those answers,” Schwartz said. “I hope (the board) can continue to do that because if we don’t, we will end up with just a ‘yes’ board — and those are not productive boards.

“I think we have a very qualified administration and board, and I think we will be all right,” he added.

Schwartz will serve through July 30.

Current board members Marty Patterson and James Leiker’s seats were also up for re-election, but neither sought another term.

Jerald Braun, who withdrew from the election last month, finished sixth, while Leslie Blagrave finished seventh.

Hays USD 489 Board of Education
Unofficial results
• Paul Adams: 1535 votes
• Sarah Rankin: 1460 votes
• Luke Oborny: 1337 votes
• Miranda Fox: 1133 votes
Greg Schwartz: 1029 votes
Jerald Braun: 648 votes
Leslie Blagrave: 511 votes

HPD Activity Log April 7

Posted on April 8, 2015April 8, 2015

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 traffic stops and 9 animal calls Tuesday, April 7, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Criminal Damage to Property–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 1:01 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–2400 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 8:28 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1700 block Oak St, Hays; 8:38 AM
Battery – Domestic–3000 block Indian Trl, Hays; 9:25 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–3000 block New Way, Hays; 9:41 AM
Found/Lost Property–2500 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 10:17 AM
Found/Lost Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4/4/15 9 AM; 3 PM
Animal Call–3800 block Vine St, Hays; 11:59 AM
Battery – Domestic–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:07 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1800 block Fort St, Hays; 12:42 PM
Miscellaneous Investigation–1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 4/6/15
Identity Theft–2400 block Main St Terr, Hays; 1:27 PM
Theft (general)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:06 PM
Harassment (All Other)–2700 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 3:05 PM
Domestic Disturbance–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 3:41 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–1700 block Hall St, Hays; 4:24 PM
Mental Health Call–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 4:33 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3800 block Vine St, Hays; 5:38 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block W 37th St, Hays; 5:45 PM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 4 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–3300 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 6:12 PM
Welfare Check–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 7:34 PM
Water Use Violation–1700 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 8:33 PM

Hutchinson Sports Arena ballot question easily passes

Posted on April 8, 2015

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Supporters of a $29 million renovation plan for the Hutchinson Sports Arena scored an easy win in Tuesday’s election.

Unofficial returns show nearly 75 percent of the voters approved a 0.35 increase to local sales tax to update and add more space to the arena, which was built in 1953. The tax will take effect in July and remain in place for about 10 years. Hutchinson Community College has pledged $4.5 million for the project.

The Hutchinson News reports the planned improvements include replacing the plumbing, electrical and heating systems, and new home men’s and women’s locker rooms. Other plans include a new main entrance, lobby and ticketing area, more restrooms, two full-sized practice gyms, a new weight room and more storage.

University Senate leaders support domestic partner benefits

Posted on April 8, 2015

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Leaders of the University Senate are urging the University of Kansas to offer domestic partner benefits to its employees.

The senate’s executive committee approved a resolution Tuesday supporting the benefits for domestic partners, either same or opposite sex. The full University Senate is scheduled to vote on the resolution on Thursday and is expected to approve it.

The Lawrence Journal World reports the resolution follows a recent report from a senate committee, which concluded the university’s lack of medical insurance and other significant benefits for domestic partners violates the school’s anti-discrimination policy.

University attorney Rachel Rolf has said state and federal laws restrict the university from offering such benefits, which could also create tax and regulatory challenges for the university.

City/school elections attract low, but ‘normal’ voter turnout

Posted on April 8, 2015

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

voters — Voters cast their ballots Tuesday at American Legion in Hays

By noon Tuesday, Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Donna Maskus was concerned with voter turnout reported at only 6 percent for the city-school elections. Maskus said she felt much better when she heard activity started to pick up in the late afternoon.

The final number of ballots cast was 3, 379, or 19.24 percent voter turnout.

Maskus said though the low number is normal for the local elections.

“Our history there is around 20 percent. Our city and school, we just do not get people out like the bigger elections,” she said. “Of course, everything is unofficial until we canvass. We do have 20 provisional votes, and those are people who moved or changed their name, so we will review those and see if they merit to count or not to count.”

The votes will be canvassed by the Ellis County Commission on April 13.

Unofficial Rush County Election Results

Posted on April 8, 2015April 8, 2015

Alexander Mayor
*Mark Baus: 4 votes
James Webs: 2 votes
Darwin Grumbein: 3 votes
*Ronald Boese: 4 votes

Alexander Councilpersons
Top 3
Ronald Boese: 2 votes
*Darwin Grumbein: 4 votes
*James Webs: 9 votes
Leann Web: 1 vote
Lisa Whittom: 1 vote
Dale Whittem: 1 vote
*Dennis Barnett: 6 votes
*Jeff Seltman: 4 votes
*Louise Swartz: 4 votes
Krystal Blackburn: 1 vote
Pam Seltman: 1 vote

Bison Mayor
James Flax: 18 votes
Dennis Elder: 24 votes
James Fisher: 19 votes
Clifford Allen: 1 vote
Dan Elder: 1 vote
Denise Elder: 1 vote

Bison Councilpersons
Top 2
*C. Duane Kaler: 50 votes
Lance Ficken: 2 votes
*Sharon Klein: 26 votes
James Fisher: 2 votes
Marsha Ochs: 1 vote
Mike Cheely: 3 votes
Melvin Klein: 1 vote
Dennis Elder: 2 votes
Kirby Shaw: 1 vote
Bart Rothe: 6 votes
Clifford Allen: 2 votes
Robert Barlow: 1 vote
Rick Holopirek: 1 vote

La Crosse Commissioner
Top 1
*Joseph Proffitt: 117 votes
Larry Werth: 86 votes
Kyler Fetters: 33 votes
Dustin Day: 5 votes
Trevor Steinert: 2 votes

Liebenthal Mayor
*Medesa Sander: 16 votes
Bill Stark: 1 vote
Ken Herrman: 2 vote
Galen Boese: 1 vote
Sheila Herman: 1 vote

Liebenthal Councilpersons
Top 5
Barbara Matal: 18 votes
ThomasWilliam McElroy: 16 votes
Casey Shaw: 15 votes
Robert E. Tryon: 14 votes
Galen Boese: 4 votes
Bill Stark: 12 votes
William Stark: 1 vote
Ben Rogers: 4 votes
Randy Conrad: 4 votes
Robert Pfeifer: 2 votes
Tim Learned: 2 votes
Sheila Herman: 1 vote
Darrell Randa: 1 vote

McCracken Commissioner
Top 1
Colleen Kerns: 14 votes
Kevin Anderson: 2 votes
Scott Keener: 4 votes
John Zeller: 15 votes
Ron Johnson: 1 vote
Lane Morgan: 2 votes
Dave Liberton: 1 vote
Mark McCormick: 2 votes

Otis Mayor
John Landers: 47 votes
*Glen Saunders: 50 votes
Nelson Kent Reinhardt: 4 votes

Otis Councilpersons
Top 2
*Shelly DeWald: 91 votes
*Mike Sharkey: 27 votes
Lynette Kline: 11 votes
Candace Demory: 1 vote
Dale Highfill: 1 vote
Everett Royer: 1 vote
Kent Reinhardt: 7 votes
Kathy Nelson: 1 vote
Terry Hanks: 1 vote
Steve Sohm: 1 vote
Michael Sohm: 5 votes
Sharon Froust: 1 vote
Charles Batman: 1 vote

Rush Center Mayor
*Jeff Keener: 25 votes

Rush Center Councilpersons
Top 5
*Kathy Felder: 24 votes
*Chad Folkerts: 25 votes
*Larry K. Johnson: 23 votes
*Tracy Lewis: 20 votes
*Kyle Dean Tammen: 22 votes
Jarret Kneiling: 2 votes
Christopher Long: 1 vote

Timken Mayor
*Jay D. Jecha: 3 votes
Tom Pechanec: 1 vote

Timken Councilpersons
Top 5
*Kara L. Jecha: 3 votes
*Tom Pechanec: 3 votes
*Terry Sparks: 3 votes

USD 403 Position #1
Ted Bannister: 164 votes
Kathy Bannister: 1 vote
James Flax: 1 vote
Lance Ficken: 1 vote
Everett Royer: 1 vote
Kathy Nelson: 1 vote

USD 403 Position Position #2
*Bernard Juno: 164 vote
James Flax: 1 vote

USD 403 Position Position #3
James Flax: 1 vote
Lance Ficken: 1 vote
Don Reinhardt: 1 vote
Michael Maneth: 1 vote
Paula Shaw: 1 vote
Blaine Campbell: 1 vote
Dan Frieb: 1 vote
Bart Rothe: 1 vote
Jesse Flax: 1 vote
Brenda Allen: 1 vote
Phillip Butler: 1 vote
Carol Jecha: 1 vote
Edith Elder: 1 vote
Amy Freib: 1 vote
Patricia Reinhardt: 1 vote
Kayla Woods: 1 vote
Glen Saunder: 1 vote
*Everett Royer: 3 votes
Bruce Adamson: 1 vote
Scott Higgason: 1 vote
Timothy Freib: 1 vote
Mark Loukes: 1 vote
Darrin Steinert: 1 vote
Steve Sohm: 1 vote

USD 403 Position Position #7
*Amy Blackburn: 154 votes
James Flax: 1 vote

USD 395 Position #1
*John Irvin: 42 votes
Paula Greenway: 1 vote

USD 395 Position #2
*Sandy Showalter: 20 votes

USD 395 Position #3
*Wes Sherman: 71 votes
Dhani Caldwell: 1 vote

USD 395 Position #7
*Glenn A. Herrman: 332 votes
Kehvan Zydhek: 1 vote
Richard Schmidt: 1 vote
Trevor Steinert: 2 votes
Rachel Holopirek: 1 vote
Glen Hoyt: 1 vote

Extension District #2
Top 2
*Billy Legleiter: 302 votes
*Michael J. Maneth: 270 votes
Melissa Schlegel: 263 votes
Heath Davis: 1 vote

Sales Tax Question
*Yes: 150 votes
No: 89 votes

Unofficial election results from Graham County

Posted on April 8, 2015April 8, 2015

HILL CITY MAYOR
*Kenneth Stewart 205
Todd Mersch 46
Dennis Mersch 2
Jean Bell 1

HILL CITY CITY COUNCIL
Top 2
*Jean Bell 235
*Les Burton 138
Jordan Owen 31
Fred Pratt 1
Todd Mersch 1

MORLAND MAYOR
*Jim Dinkel 20
Alex Leslie 2
Logan Keith 1
Mike Frakes 2
Stan McDonald 1
Kenny Born 1

MORLAND CITY COUNCIL
Top 2
*Curtis Meier 17
*Bob Borger 13
Donna Leslie 2
Lewis Crayton 1
Kenny Born 1
Adam Schamberger 2
Otis Toll 2
Evelyn Clark 1
Derek Vaugh 1

MAYOR BOGUE
*Dan Zahn 28
Megan Hart 1
James Armknidht 1
Dan Irby 4
Bob Hooper 1
Larry Thurlow 1
Anthony Roy 1
Tim Thompson 1

BOGUE CITY COUNCIL
Top 5
*Raymond Smee 38
*Amy Bell 37
*Dani Roeder 38
*Karen Thompson 19
Gail Allen 2
Emily Bell 1
Beth Beam 1
Dan Zahn 1
Larry Thurlow 1
*Anthony Roy 12

HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT #1
*Don D. Paxson 325
Alex Leslie 1
Debbie Gansel 1
Tawny Ashbaugh 42

HOSPITAL BOARD DISTRICT #2
*Susan K. Worcester 404

USD #281 B.O.E.
Top 4
Robert Segarra 273
Tommy Atkins 295
*Jamie Berland 307
*Kappi Billips 356
*Carl Keith 337
*Debbie Gansel 1
Duff Jones 1
Steve Fulks 1

USD 211 Board of Education District 2 Position 1
*Bill Jones 4
Rhonda Heikes 1

USD 211 Board of Education District 1 Position 2
*April A. Karnopp 4

USD 211 Board of Education District 1 Position 3
*Deena Wente 4

USD 211 Board of Education District 2 Position 4
*Sean Kats 4
Raymond Heikes 1

USD 211 Board of Education District at large
*Chris Harting 4
A . Thomas Gerlits 1
0
USD 211 Board of Education Bond Question
YES 3
NO 3

Wichita voters approve reducing marijuana penalties

Posted on April 8, 2015April 8, 2015

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita voters have approved an initiative to reduce the penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana for first-time offenders.

Unofficial returns from Tuesday’s election showed 54 percent of voters approved the initiative. It will make first-time possession a criminal infraction with a $50 fine. The violations would not have to be disclosed on most job and college scholarship applications.

Under state law, first-time possession is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and a year in jail.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt has issued an opinion that the initiative is unlawful, primarily because it conflicts with state law. He has said he would sue the city if the measure passed.

1 hospitalized after 6-vehicle Kansas crash

Posted on April 8, 2015April 8, 2015

HOLCOMB- One person was injured in a 6-vehicle accident just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday in Finney County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Mazda driven by Khalid Salad-Roble, 34, Garden City, was westbound on U.S. 50 a mile and a half north of Holcomb.

An unknown vehicle rear-ended the Mazda and left the scene.

A 2008 Buick Enclave driven by Ma Mae ka Sin, 45, Garden City, was attempting to stop for the accident and was struck by a 2010 Ford F 150 driven by Gary A. Coleman, 85, Syracuse.

A 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by David Doan, 67, Garden City, hit the Ford.

A 2002 Chevy Malibu driven by Adenane Abdo, 40, Garden City, rear-ended the Toyota.

A passenger in the Mazda Khadra Ali, 46, Garden City, was transported to St. Catherine’s Hospital. No other injuries were reported.

The KHP reported all were properly restrained at the time of the accident.

HHS baseball splits with Dodge City

Posted on April 8, 2015

After suffering a 10-0 loss in game one, the Hays High baseball team rallied with four runs in the bottom of the seventh to beat Dodge City 8-7 and split their home and Western Athletic Conference opener Tuesday at the Hays High Field. Hays High is now 1-3 on the year. They host Salina South on Friday.

The Red Demons broke a 4-4 tie with three in the top of the seventh but the Indians answer with a two-run homer from Dalton Stout and two out RBI singles from Adam Klaus and Jared Haynes.

Cole Schumacher picks up the complete game victory with just one of the Dodge City’s seven runs earned on six hits.

The Red Demons score six in the fourth and takes advantage of four Indian errors to win the first game.

Marcus Altman allows seven runs on seven hits over 3 1/3 and takes the loss.

Wastewater project partnership, commissioner raise on Thursday agenda

Posted on April 8, 2015April 7, 2015

At its Thursday meeting, the Hays City Commission is expected to move forward on naming a owner-representative for the imminent reconstruction of the wastewater treatment plant.

Comparison of pay for elected city officials in Kansas.

Staff is recommending a $1.71 million contract with Lee’s Summit-based HDR Engineering Inc. to serve as the city’s lead on the project, which is expected to cost between $26 million and $28 million.

The owner-representative partnership is designed “to ensure we build the most efficient and effective facility as possible, control costs, and protect the city’s interest,” according to a memo to the commission from Assistant City Manager Paul Briseno.

The commission also will discuss a proposal to increase pay for city commissioners. The issue was raised by outgoing City Commissioner Kent Steward, who is not seeking re-election in Tuesday’s city/school elections.

Among other action, the commission is scheduled to appoint Kim Thomason to a two-year term on the CARE Council and appoint Paul Phillips to a three-year term on the Hays Area Planning Commission.

Thursday’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1507 Main. For a complete agenda and supporting documents, click HERE.

Ex-city clerk gets 6 months in fraud scheme

Posted on April 8, 2015

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A U.S. attorney’s office says a former Altoona city clerk has been sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Tuesday that Chrystal Scherbarth also was ordered to pay more than $47,000 in restitution to the city of Altoona.

Grissom’s office said Scherbarth used her access to the city’s accounts at First Neodesha Bank in the scheme. She fraudulently increased her hourly and overtime pay, and credited herself with unearned vacation and sick leave.

Authorities say the crime cost Altoona more than $47,800.

TMP-Marian baseball swept in Garden City

Posted on April 8, 2015April 8, 2015

The TMP-Marian baseball team suffers their first losses of the season, losing 9-8 and 3-0 in Garden City Tuesday. TMP falls to 4-2. They are off until Tuesday when they host Ellis.

The Monarchs score three in the top of the sixth to break a 5-5 tie but the Buffs answer with four in the bottom of the inning for the walkoff win. The last two runs scoring off an error.

Jared Vitztum goes 3-for-3 and drives two while Kameron Schmidt had two hits and drive on three. Schmidt takes the loss, striking out five and walking five.

Liam Stults goes the distance in the second game, allowing one earned run on three hits while striking out four and walking four. Garden City scores a run in the second and two in the fourth.

The Monarchs tried to rally, putting runners at second and third with one out in the seventh but a flyout and a strikeout ended the threat.