NASHVILLE (AP) – Moe Bandy and Gene Watson will film a TV pilot next week. They plan to perform their hits as part of a concert at Joey + Rory’s Farmhouse Concert Hall in Columbia, Tennessee, next Tuesday. The nature of the TV show and the network where it will run were not revealed.
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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The final Eggs & Issues forum hosted by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce will be held Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 a. m. in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main in the basement conference center.
State Reps. Sue Boldra, R-Hays, Travis Couture-Lovelady, R-Palco, and Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer, R-Grinnell, are expected to attend and review highlights of the 2015 Kansas legislative session.
A light breakfast will be served. RSVP by calling (785) 628-8201 or emailing [email protected].
By ANDY MARSO
Advocates of raising Kansas’ tobacco tax made one last push Monday during a rally at the Statehouse, with a prominent physician saying cancer will overwhelm the state’s health care system if the tax isn’t raised.
Legislators will look this week at options for raising $400 million to $500 million to close a budget gap and end the 2015 session.
Gov. Sam Brownback’s proposal to bring in almost $100 million by raising the tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products had little support early in the session but appears to be back in play — along with a host of other tax options.
Dr. Roy Jensen, director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, said the tobacco tax has an advantage over the others: It is projected to prevent 15,000 premature deaths due to tobacco-related illness.
“People tried to cast this initiative solely as a budget Band-Aid,” Jensen said. “I would like to march 15,000 people into this Capitol and show them this is not just a budget Band-Aid. This is, I think, the one initiative that is before the Legislature this year that shows vision, that shows forethought, that shows we are working as a state to improve the health of people of the state of Kansas.”
During the rally, Jensen said it’s critical for Kansas to begin to reduce its tobacco use rate immediately.
Jensen said almost one-third of the 6,200 cases of cancer his hospital treats annually can be directly attributed to tobacco use. Reducing tobacco use is the clearest route to reducing cancer, he said, and if no action is taken, the state’s health care system will be overwhelmed as rates of cancer from all causes increase as the baby boomer generation ages.
Jensen said the state should expect a 45 percent increase in cancer cases between now and 2030.
“We don’t have the resources, we don’t have the facilities and we don’t have the manpower to deal with this,” he said. “And I’m talking collectively across the state.”
At the beginning of the session, the governor proposed a $1.50-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax and a 25 percent increase on smokeless tobacco products. The proposals have been stalled for months.
Some 10 legislators were on hand for Monday’s rally, including a pair of House members who said they’re frustrated that they won’t get to vote on the tobacco tax alone.
“The (news) conference today highlights everything I believe about it,” said Rep. Melissa Rooker, a Republican from Fairway. “But if it comes wrapped up in the middle of a package that otherwise I can’t support, I’m not going to commit to voting based on one element.”
Rep. Barbara Bollier, a Republican from Mission Hills, agreed. “This needs to be separate,” she said.
Instead, the House is likely to get a “mega” tax bill formed and passed by the Senate and be forced to take an up-or-down vote on it.
Sen. Les Donovan, a Republican from Wichita who chairs the tax committee, said last week that if the governor’s proposal can’t get enough votes there to pass, he has prepared amendments for lesser tobacco tax increases.
Jodi Radke, director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ Rocky Mountain/Great Plains Region, said her organization thinks the governor’s tobacco tax proposal does the most good for Kansans’ health, and the budget crisis offers a window for getting it done.
“The higher amount obviously yields the greatest benefit — not in terms of revenue, but reduction of youth use rates,” Radke said. “We know in years to come the likelihood of revisiting this conversation once it happens is pretty marginal.”
Andy Marso is a reporter for Heartland Health Monitor, a news collaboration focusing on health issues and their impact in Missouri and Kansas.
Submitted
Hays High School won the Class 4A Sweepstakes Award for garnering the most overall points at the state journalism contest on May 2 in Lawrence.
The state championship performance was a result of 15 students placing in the top six spots at the event, which is sponsored by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association.
Hays scored 46 points to beat out Chanute and Holton with 27 points apiece. Other team scores are listed below. Scoring is based on individual placing. Five points is award for first; four points for second; three for third, and one point for honorable mention. Only six placers are awarded for each individual contest.
“I am so proud of these students and what they have accomplished this year,” adviser Bill Gasper said. “As far as I know, this is the first time that Hays has won a state journalism championship. It’s a great achievement and these students deserve a ton of recognition.”
During the competition, Gasper said students compete in three different divisions – 5A-6A, 3A-4A, and 1A-2A. A Sweepstakes winner is then awarded to each of the six different classes.
“I’ve been involved in the journalism field for nearly 35 years, both as a teacher and a working journalist, and this ranks right at the top of one of my career highlights,” Gasper said. “One of my goals has always been to win the Sweepstakes, and these students went out and got it. I am so grateful to them for their hard work and their dedication. Their support of me and the journalism program is something I will always remember and always cherish.”
In addition to the state championship, Hays High was awarded All-Kansas for last year’s yearbook and this year’s newspaper. All Kansas is the top award given by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association.
“As you can see, our students have the ability to excel as individuals as well as work successfully in a team environment to produce outstanding publications,” Gasper said. “It’s been a great year and I hope the Hays community is equally as proud of these kids as I am.”
Junior Fengxue (Sylina) Zhang is the co-editor-in-chief of the Guidon and contributed to the award by placing in two of her events.
“Us journalists are like a family,” Zhang said. “We yell at each other, we laugh with each other, we have fights, we have fun, but at the end of the day, we really do produce quality work.”
Zhang truly believes in the importance of this journalism program.
“We are often overlooked,” Zhang said. “But winning the state championship definitely proved to us and the community that incredible talent can be found here in Mr. Gasper’s program.”
Individual Results
Infographics – Jasmine Lawson, first
Yearbook Layout – Jasmine Lawson, second
Academic Photo – Cheyenne Schwab, second
Academic Photo – Tiana Lawson, HM (Honorable Mention)
Multimedia Storytelling – Sylina Zhang & Kara Brooks, third
Student Life Photography – Morgan Klaus, HM
Online Photo Gallery – Sierra Eichman, second
Online Photo Gallery – Amanda Dinkel, HM
Feature Writing – Brianna Mathias, HM
Editorial Writing – Sylina Zhang, first
Yearbook Copy Writing – Kirsten Prindle, HM
Cutline Writing – Kirsten Prindle, first
Cutline Writing – Chelsey Augustine, third
Yearbook Sports Writing – Morgan Klaus, first
Yearbook Sports Writing – Kylie Brown, third
Team Results
Hays High School 46
Chanute High School 27
Holton High School 27
Bonner Springs High School 19
Piper High School 16
De Soto High School 15
Girard High School 7
Augusta High School 6
Basehor-Linwood High School 6
Louisburg High School 6
Spring Hill High School 6
Rose Hill High School 5
Baldwin High School 5
Iola High School 4
Rock Creek High School 4
Ottawa High School 4
Paola High School 4
McPherson High School 3
Buhler High School 1
Circle High School 1
El Dorado High School 1
Jefferson West High 1
The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and 22 traffic stops Monday, May 4, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Mental Health Call–2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 12:05 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 1:34 AM
Animal Call–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 2:04AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–13th and Fort, Hays; 7:56 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–1500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 5/3 7 PM; 5/4 8 AM
Dangerous Animal–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 8:50 AM
Civil Dispute–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 9:13 AM
Water Use Violation–100 block E 16th St, Hays; 1:27 PM
Disorderly Conduct–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:01 PM
Disturbance – General–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 5:05 PM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:37 PM
Burglary/residence–300 block W 20th St, Hays; 3:45 PM; 4:05 PM
Animal Call–400 block W 8th St, Hays; 5:57 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:20 PM
Driving Under the Influence–1100 block of Oak St, Hays; 11:14 PM
Funeral services for longtime Kanorado, Kansas, resident Lou Taylor, 88, will be held Tuesday, May 5, 1:00 PM MT at Calvary Gospel Church in Goodland.
Interment will be at Kanorado Cemetery.
Friends may share respects one hour prior to the service.
Memorials to Hospice Services of Sherman County may be left at the services or mailed to Koons Funeral Home, 211 North Main, Goodland, KS 67735-1555.
Online condolences to www.koonsfuneralhome.com.
Andrew Leon Chambers, age 42, passed away at the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, Kansas on Sunday, May 3, 2015. He was born on October 22, 1972 in Wakeeney, Kansas, the son of James A. And Shirley J. Ziegler Chambers.
In 1993, Andrew graduated from Parsons Senior High School in Parsons, Kansas and moved to Wichita, Kansas where he was a vocational trainer for KETCH Community Living where he worked in electronics, binders and filters.
Andrew was a member of the Catholic faith and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a very active participant in Special Olympics. He participated in a Self-Advocacy Group and served as the group’s Vice President until March of 2004 and was very active in PUSH day in Topeka, Kansas from 2003 to 2007.
Survivors include his Parents – James & Shirley Chambers of Scott City, Kansas, One Sister – Shelly & Clinton Wiley of Scott City, Kansas, Two Brothers – Gregory & Angi Chambers of Kimball, Nebraska, James X. Chambers of Scott City, Kansas and Numerous nieces & nephews.
A celebration of Life service will be held for Andrew from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. On May 15, 2015 at 230 S. Ida in Wichita, Kansas.
Memorials In Lieu of Flowers may be given to KETCH in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at the St. Michael’s Cemetery in Collyer, Kansas.
There will be no calling times.
Donald Lee Farmer, age 90, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Greeley County Long Term Care in Tribune, Kansas.
Don was born July 14, 1924 in Horace, Kansas, the son of Charles Richardson & Nellie Rebecca (Davis) Farmer, Sr.. A lifetime resident of Greeley County, Kansas, and Don was an accountant and bookkeeper for several businesses in Greeley County. Don served his country during World War Two as a Liaison Pilot in the United States Army Air Corp earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Don was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tribune, Kansas
On February 12, 1947 he married Velma Baker in Tribune, Kansas. Velma passed away on April 22, 2004 at Tribune, Kansas.
Don’s surviving family includes-
Four Children-
Richard Barton Farmer- Overland Park, Kansas
Linda Kay Peterson- Tribune, Kansas
Kathleen Jo Durham- Tribune, Kansas
Christine Lee Johnson- Wichita, Kansas
One sister-
Laura Jean Rowton- Scott City, Kansas
8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchild
His parents and a brother, Charles Farmer, Jr., also precede him in death.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am (MST) Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Tribune, Kansas with Jeri Smith officiating.
Burial will be in Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas.
Friends may call from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm Tuesday at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Tribune, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to Greeley County Long Term Care or the First Presbyterian Church in care of the funeral home.
While it was no drought-buster, Monday evening brought a quenching rainfall to parched Ellis County.
A series of fronts resulted in accumulations ranging from 0.94 inches southwest of Hays to 0.25 inches near Ellis.
In-town totals hovered near the 0.65-inch range. Prior to Monday’s rain, the K-State Ag Research Center had recorded just 2.22 inches of precipitation in all of 2015.
In the region, Rush County had the most rain, according to early reports, with 2.1 inches in the southern portion of the county. Gove County also had a report of 1.5 inches in the southeast part of the county.
Russell received about a half-inch of rain, while less precipitation fell to the north, with Rooks County reporting accumulation ranging from 0.06 to 0.13 inches.
Saline County saw significant rain from the fronts, with more than 3 inches reported in some areas.
More rain is possible Tuesday, with a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms during the day and an increased chance of rain near midnight.
Click HERE for the forecast.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Attorney General Derek Schmidt says the state has received 100,000 applications for its concealed carry program.
Schmidt says there are currently 89,399 active licenses issued in Kansas.
Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill earlier this year eliminating the licensing requirement for citizens who want to carry a concealed firearm. That law takes affect July 1.
Although a license will not be required after July 1, Kansans with a license will be able carry a concealed handgun in the 36 states with concealed carry laws.
FHSU Athletics
Fort Hays State’s Trey Herman had a great start at the NCAA Midwest/Central Regional in Lemont, Ill. The tournament is being held on the Dubsdread Course at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, a par-72 layout. Herman shot a 4-under par 68 in the opening round to sit in a tie for third place individually, just one stroke back of the lead.
After a bogey to open the day on the first hole, Herman moved back to even with a birdie at the par-5 fifth hole. A bogey at the sixth dropped him to one-over par once again, but then he caught fire at the end of his first nine with birdies at the par-4 eighth and par-5 ninth. Herman was bogey free on the back nine, moving to two-under par with a birdie at the par-5 11th and then 4-under par with back-to-back birdies at the par-4 16th and 17th.
For the day, Herman carded 10 pars, six birdies, and two bogeys. He feasted on par fives with birdies at three of four on the course.
Herman sits just one stroke back of the two-time MIAA Player of the Year Travis Mays of Central Missouri and DJ Vogt of Bellarmine, who is playing as an individual in the tournament. Mays and Vogt each shot 67 (5-under par). Mays had six birdies and one bogey, while Vogt had four birdies, one bogey, and a hole-in-one on the par-3 second hole.
Herman is tied with Zach James of Southeastern Oklahoma State, who led his team to the top of the standings on Friday. Southeastern Oklahoma has the lead as a team at 288, while MIAA champion Central Missouri is three strokes back in second at 291. Southwestern Oklahoma State sits in third a stroke back of UCM.
Scoring conditions were good as 12 players shot under par in the opening round and seven others shot even. Herman will tee off at 8:30 am on the 10th hole for the second day of competition on Tuesday.
WINFIELD, Kan. (AP) — Winfield police say one person is dead and another critically injured after a shooting at a home.
KAKE-TV reports that Chief Danny Parker says he does not think the shooting was a domestic incident. He says witnesses told police someone walked into a home, fired shots and left about 9 p.m. Monday.
Parker says he does not think the shooting was random.
The names of the victims have not been released.
The suspect fled on food. He’s described as white, 5-feet-7-inches, wearing a black hoodie and cargo pants.
The Hays High softball team was held to one hit and is swept in a home doubleheader by Silver Lake, 2-0 and 12-0.
The Indians were no-hit in the opener. Madison Prough allowed just one earned run on six hits over five innings and takes the loss.
The Eagles score six in the second and four in the fourth to blow open the second game. Hope Aufdemberge allows all 12 runs on 13 hits and takes the loss. She also had the only hit of the day for Hays with a third inning single.
The Indians are now 3-13 on the season. They play at Liberal Tuesday.
