The Ellis County Treasurer’s office reminds taxpayers that second-half taxes are due by 4 p.m. Monday.
The Treasurer’s Office is located inside the Ellis County Administrative Center located at 718 Main, and the office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
There is also an after-hours drop box located at the east entrance of the Administrative Center.
Payments must be received by 4 p.m. Monday to be processed on time.
STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Emma and Noah were the most popular baby names in 2014.
The list of girls’ and boys’ names is compiled by the Social Security Administration.
For girls, Emma was followed by Olivia, Sophia, Isabella and Ava. For boys, Noah was followed by Liam, Mason, Jacob and William.
Noah was the top boy’s name for the second year in a row. Emma was back on top among girl’s names for the first time since 2008.
The Social Security Administration’s website provides lists of the top 1,000 baby names for each year, dating to 1880. The top baby names that year were John and Mary. John is now No. 26 and Mary has fallen to No. 120.
The agency released the list for 2014 on Friday.
Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, serves the 109th District
Veto Session
On Thursday, April 23, the House Appropriations Committee met to discuss the latest consensus revenue estimates that were released on Monday, April 21. The release of the modified consensus revenue estimates for fiscal years 2015, 2016, and 2017, greatly impact the budget and tax policy that the legislature will need to address for the state of Kansas.
During the meeting, we were notified that even if the Governor’s tax proposal passes, that which is an increase on tobacco and liquor taxes and then a slight reduction then freeze on the lower tax bracket, we would still need to address a projected shortfall of approximately $131 million in 2016 and $80 million in 2015.
Then on Wednesday, the legislature returned to the statehouse to begin the process of wrapping up the 2015 legislative session. These final weeks of the session are typically referred to as Veto Session and during this time conference committees meet to deliberate on different positions from the House and Senate.
However, the largest items still yet to be discussed in each chamber before we can complete the session are the budgets for fiscal year 2016 and 2017 and a tax policy to address the evident shortfalls.
There has been minimal discussion this week on the state budget for the next two fiscal years, although tax policy finally had a discussion this week. The Senate Tax Committee tabled the Governor’s position of raising tobacco and liquor taxes, however, the committee supported an increase of property taxes by $46. Another agriculture land property tax increase of $3 an acre was proposed, however I do not foresee that bill moving forward. The House Tax Committee discussed an increase of consumption taxes from the current rate of 6.15% to 6.50%, a $0.05 increase on the motor fuel tax, and an increase of the same amount to red or dyed diesel fuel. These have just been discussions in both chambers’ tax committees and neither chamber has voted on a tax policy on the respective floors.
Overriding Governor’s Veto on Uber Bill
On April 20, Governor Sam Brownback vetoed a regulatory bill on rideshare services, which many have referred to as the Uber Bill. The Governor said in his statement that the reason why he vetoed the legislation that overwhelmingly passed through both chambers is that he felt that the legislation would over regulate an emerging industry creating many jobs throughout Kansas. Prior to the veto, Uber was operating in Wichita and Kansas City and then after the Governor’s veto they announced they would expand to four additional Kansas cities: Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, and Topeka.
On Tuesday, May 5, the Senate made a motion to reconsider the veto made by the Governor since the bill that passed was a Senate bill and a reconsider of the veto must take place in the chamber of origin. The reconsideration of the Governor’s veto passed easily by the two-thirds required to move it to the House, 34-5. The House then immediately voted on the motion to reconsider the Governor’s veto, and with almost no debate, the House passed the measure by 96-25, well more than the 84 needed for a two-thirds majority to override the veto.
I feel that this could have been remedied with all parties so I voted “Nay” on the motion to reconsider the Governor’s veto. Shortly after the legislature voted to override the Governor’s veto, Uber suspended all services in the state of Kansas.
Renewable Portfolio Standards
For the past three years, there has been much deliberating, discussion and debate on the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), mainly regarding the wind industry, in the state of Kansas. These standards placed mandates on Utility companies that by 2020, 20% of their energy would derive from renewable energy.
Last year alone, there were six attempts to eliminate the RPS, all which I voted “Nay” on in order to preserve the emerging business of wind energy.
After the discussion from the legislative session of 2014, all the groups met to devise a compromise and have that compromise introduced as legislation.
House Substitute for Senate Bill 91, is the settlement of all of the interested parties, would include three provisions.
First, it would transition the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard from a mandatory standard of 20% by 2020 to a voluntary goal of 20% by 2020, which would go into effect on January 1, 2016. Second, the bill modifies the current property tax exemption and establishes a ten-year property tax exemption for future renewable energy projects. A ten year exemption for nearly all forms of electric generation is already in place, and this property tax exemption would not impact any existing donation agreements or payment in lieu of tax agreements wind energy developers currently have with host counties. And, third, this would clarify that for state assessed property tax purposes, renewable energy is not a public utility, which alters that state assessed tax rate for renewable energy projects to the 25% commercial rate and not the 33% for public utilities.
On Thursday, May 7, the House voted on the compromise measure of solidifying wind energy in the state of Kansas. Senate Bill 91 passed the House, 107-11, and I cast a “Yea” vote for this legislation so that it can ensure a stable policy and investment environment for renewable energy in the state of Kansas for a long-term basis.
Senate Bill 302, KPERS, and Contact Information
Senate Bill 302 is the latest bill that has been introduced to increase the taxes on agriculture land. The language of the bill does not classify this increase as a property tax increase, though, but as an excise tax increase. An excise tax is defined as a tax when purchases are made on a specific good.
I would question the definition and use of classifying this as an excise tax, in this case.
The legislation introduced proposes $3 for each acre of land unless that property is exempt from ad valorem property taxes. I have been notified that the members of the Senate may vote on Senate Bill 302 in order to unequivocally vote the measure down.
On Wednesday morning, May 6, the Senate Ways and Means and the House Appropriations Committee held a joint meeting to discuss the future of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS) and the possibility of transitioning the retirement system to one that would be classified to some as being more financially stable. This was only an informational briefing and no action will be taken at this time. We heard presentations from Dimensional Fund Advisors and Prudential.
If you have any concerns, feel free to contact my office at (785) 296-7672, visit www.troywaymaster.com or email me at [email protected].
It is an honor to serve the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns and questions. I appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas.
Troy L. Waymaster,
State Representative
109th Kansas House
300 SW 10th
Topeka, KS 66612
TOPEKA-In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sun-up to sun-down on Friday, May 8 in honor of the Kansas Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day.
The 33rd Annual Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at noon Friday in the second floor rotunda of the Statehouse.
“The memorial is a constant reminder that Kansas officers often place themselves in danger to protect the rest of us,” said Governor Brownback. “Friday’s ceremony is an opportunity for us to come together and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them and paying tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price serving the people of Kansas.”
The name of Topeka Police Corporal Jason Harwood will be added to the memorial and honored this year. Corporal Harwood was shot and killed on Sept. 7, 2014. While conducting a car stop on the city’s east side, one of the vehicle’s occupants drew a weapon and fired several times at Corporal Harwood, fatally wounding him.
With the addition of Corporal Harwood the names of 272 law enforcement officers are on the Kansas Law Enforcement Officers Memorial located on the northeast corner of the capitol grounds.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act by a vote of 98 to 1:
“As the U.S. government seeks to limit the risk of a nuclear Iran, the safety and security of America and our allies are on the line. It has been troubling to see President Obama seek to act unilaterally on an issue of such importance and with such lasting consequence.
“This legislation’s core objectives are not negotiable; Congress must impose oversight and prevent the president from committing the United States to a dangerous nuclear deal. While I believe the Senate should have done more to strengthen the bill and demand accountability from Iran, this legislation provides the only opportunity for Americans to review the nuclear agreement and have their voices heard.”
Kansas Department of Children and Families
TOPEKA – More than 6,000 Kansas children are in foster care for a variety of reasons. The most prevalent reason is physical abuse. Drug abuse is often a factor in these homes. For many of these children, being removed from their home is a frightening and traumatic experience. But for one Kansas man, he says it was the best thing that could have happened to him. Dr. Jaime Schwandt, Cheney, is now inspiring others in care to embrace their experience and build the life they deserve.
“Foster care saved my life, in little Kensington, Kansas,” said Schwandt, who also is a contributor to HaysPost.com. “I can’t thank all the people of that town enough. If it wasn’t for foster care, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Foster care in Kansas should be a model to the nation.”
Schwandt, author of “Succeeding as a Foster Child: A Roadmap to Overcoming Obstacles” and “Achieving Success,” was one of several speakers who addressed a crowd this week, at the State Capitol Building in Topeka. The Kansas Department for Children and Families hosted an annual informational event on foster care, in honor of Foster Care Month. The afternoon included a news conference, nearly a dozen booths on foster care services, a lunch provided by DCF’s foster care contractors, KVC and Saint Francis Community Services, and music from the Topeka High School jazz band.
RELATED: Schwandt appears on The Forum, hosted by Eagle’s Gary Shorman.
Other speakers at the event included Eugene (Gene) and Joy Rothfuss, Colby, who since 2011, have fostered approximately 60 children. The pastor and his wife encourage others to consider becoming foster parents.
“Foster parenting is very rewarding, though not always easy,” Gene Rothfuss said. “We have chosen to be foster parents because it makes a difference in the world. It takes a lot of people working together to care for these children, and the foster parents are the boots on the ground. When that child takes your hand and puts their trust in you, then it’s worth it.”
Gov. Sam Brownback applauded those who give their time, attention and love to children in foster care.
“Being a foster parent is one of the most selfless things a person can do,” Governor Brownback said. “We have too many children coming from homes where their parents cannot or choose not to care for their sons and daughters. We are fortunate to have foster parents ready and willing to provide them a safe and loving home.”
Informational booths and tables were sponsored by stakeholder groups including KVC, Saint Francis Community Services, Children’s Alliance, DCCCA, Ember Hope, Global Orphan Project, KCSL, KFAPA, KYAC, Project Belong, Safe Families, TFI and Wichita Children’s Home.
Brownback officially designated May as Foster Care Month at a proclamation signing on April 21, at the State Capitol Building.
FOSTER CARE STATISTICS:
• There are currently 6,337 children in foster care in Kansas (as of March 31, 2015).
• Approximately 2,500 family foster homes are licensed in Kansas.
• Approximately 360 children are available for adoption in the state.
• 95 percent of children in foster care are placed in a family-like setting.
• The average age of a foster child is eight.
• 32 percent of children are placed with a relative.
• Of the children in out-of-home placement 57 percent have a case plan goal of reintegration (returning home).
To be a foster parent you must:
• Be at least 21
• Pass background checks
• Have sufficient income
• Participate in a family assessment
• Complete training
• Obtain sponsorship
• Complete first aid training
• Be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Learn more about foster care in Kansas by contacting KVC in the DCF East and Kansas City regions and St. Francis Community Services in DCF’s Wichita and West regions. Contract information is available at www.dcf.ks.gov.
Learn more about Schwandt at www.jaimeschwandt.com.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The seniors at Arkansas City High School thinks the high school building will be unnecessary after they graduate.
The Winfield Daily Courier reports that as a senior prank, the class listed the Arkansas City High School building for sale on Craigslist. The ad says the class doesn’t need the building anymore but does need money for college. It notes the school offers a lot of parking space or even room for the buyer’s cattle.
The ad lists a price of $2015 but says all offers will be considered.
District spokeswoman Alisha Call gave the seniors credit for being clever. But she says the building is not for sale and the district has asked Craigslist to remove the ad.
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas veterinarian has kept a dog from going out with a bang after the animal ate 23 live rifle rounds.
The Baxter Bulletin reports that 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, Benno, had surgery last week to remove the .308 caliber ammunition from his stomach.
Owner Larry Brassfield says Benno has eaten socks, magnets and marbles but he didn’t expect the animal would bother a bag of bullets by his bed. Brassfield and his wife realized Benno needed medical attention after the pet vomited up four rounds.
The vet removed 17 rounds from Benno’s stomach but left two in his esophagus, which the dog was allowed to discharge on his own.
Brassfield says he won’t leave ammo lying around anymore but isn’t optimistic that Benno will stick to dog food.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The national letter carriers food drive is Saturday, May 9, and it comes at the perfect time for the Community Assistance Center in Hays.
“We have a lot of kids who will be out of school for the summer soon and our pantry is really low right now,” said Laurie Mortinger, CAC co-director.
“We’re looking for all kinds of things–macaroni and cheese is always a good one, peanut butter, tuna, Hamburger Helper mixes–things like that.
“I tell people to see what (non-perishable) things are on sale–get a good buy and get more food for us,” she suggested.
Josh Robben has taken over the project at the Hays post office from his father Lester Robben, who was in charge of the event for many years.
“It’s a neat feeling when we come in in the afternoon with our trucks loaded with food,” Robben said. “It’s almost like a contest to see who collected the most donations.”
Last year, the Hays letter carriers collected 6,800 pounds of food for the CAC, according to Robben.
“We average between 6,000 and 7,000 pounds each year,” he said.
Food donations may be left at your mailbox Saturday morning to be picked up by the Hays letter carriers during their regular routes.
“Be sure to wrap everything in two or three plastic bags,” Mortinger urged. “It’s supposed to rain and I feel like it’s a sin if I have to throw out a boxed food that got wet.”
If you miss Saturday’s drive, you can bring your food donations directly to the CAC next week. The center, located at the corner of 12th and Oak Streets, is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We’ll be including all the donations during the week after Saturday’s event in the mail carriers’ count,” Mortinger said.
The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and 6 traffic stops Thursday, May 7, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Civil Dispute–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 8:36 AM
Theft (general)–300 block E 9th St, Hays; 1:54 AM; 2:16 AM
Criminal Trespass–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 10:01 AM
Found/Lost Property–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:01 AM
Animal Call–1700 block Elm St, Hays; 12:36 PM
Drug Offenses–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 12:46 PM
Welfare Check–1200 block Fort St, Hays; 2:48 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–Hays; 3:26 PM
Unwanted Person–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 3:31 PM
Animal At Large–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:35 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley; 1000 block E 13th St, Hays; 3:38 PM; 3:41 AM
Suicidal Subject–1200 block Fort St, Hays; 4:40 PM
Civil Dispute–1300 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 4:58 PM
MV Accident-Private Property; 300 block Milner St, Hays; 6:29 PM
Criminal Damage to Property; 1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 6 PM; 6:33 PM
Civil Dispute–100 block E 15th St, Hays; 6:43 PM
Civil Dispute–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 6:57 PM
Aggravated Assault–200 block E 5th St, Hays; 7:30 PM; 8:51 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–3800 block Vine St, Hays; 9:14 PM
Disturbance – Noise–1100 block E 15th St, Hays; 11:24 PM
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON – Law enforcement authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the armed robbery of the LoanMax Title Loans business in Hutchinson on May 4.
According to Police Jerry Allen Anderson Jr., 29, was arrested at his home on Keast Street Thursday morning
He is jailed on a 25-thousand dollar bond for one count of aggravated robbery.
Police say Anderson walked into the business around 12:15 p.m. and demanded money at gunpoint.
He got away with an undetermined amount of cash and left in a black four-door automobile. The vehicle was found according to police.
Authorities now believe there was another person driving the vehicle and that they have some idea who that person is, but have not located that individual.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hutchinson Police department at 694-2816 of Crime Stoppers at 694-2666.
Anderson was paroled in January for a conviction of aggravated robbery from 2007.
He also has a conviction for felony flee and elude. Both convictions were in Leavenworth County.
By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
The annual Children’s Miracle Network Fundraiser hosted by Walmart is “amazing” according to Campaign Champion and Hays Walmart associate Dawn Mallot, who said all donations go back to the local community.
“I can’t give you the names of the people that (the fundraiser) has helped right here in this town, but these funds helped out a lot of people in Hays and local area,” she said. “It’s amazing what (the funds) will do. … We have bought seizure helmets for the little ones … have had teens who have needed wheelchairs so they can still participate and be a regular teenager. … These things are happening in this area and are the kind of things these funds will go toward.”
Mallot said the Children’s Miracle Fundraiser helped local families with medical expenses due to travel and even modified houses so children with specific medical needs could live more comfortably.
This year’s goal is to raise $25,000 by June 14.
“Every penny, every nickle counts,” Mallot said. “We can round up your total at the checkout counter to the nearest dollar. It’s amazing how fast the donations rise.”
She said the Hays Walmart also will host several activities to help raise funds, such as a bake sale May 22 and a sidewalk carnival with hot dogs, cotton candy and games for the kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 31.
Donations can be made at the Hays Walmart, 4301 Vine.
For more information on how to donate, contact Mallot or fellow campaign organizers April Bird and Jeff Crispin at (785) 625-0001.
By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
The sixth-grade class at Hays Middle School is planting a tree Friday morning in memory of the daughter of a longtime custodian. Frank Medina’s daughter, Chloe, died of leukemia in September at age 2.
Hays Middle School sixth-grade social studies teacher Karen Nowak said students asked for donations and participated in a walk-athon in October raising an “amazing” $6,000 dollars in a short amount of time.
“I think (the fundraiser) helped the kids learn compassion … how they can help people and the understanding of what it means to lose a loved one,” she said. “Because (Chloe) is just a child … they were so motivated and willing to help her and her family.”
Nowak said some of the funds were given to the Medina family to help with medical expenses and funeral costs and the rest of the funds bought the tree to be planted in Chloe’s memory.
“It is a flowering pear tree,” Nowak said. “We talked to (Frank) about what kind of tree he wanted, and he picked a tree with flowers for his daughter.”
Nowak said Frank Medina most likely will not be able to attend the tree-planting ceremony but is “overwhelmed” with the support from the school and the community.
The tree will be planted on in front of Hays Middle School, 201 W. 29th, at 9:15 a.m. Friday.
