Month: June 2015
ECTV Forum: Shane Scranton; Intern with the Hays City Manager’s Office
Kan. legislator endured final stressful days of session despite diagnosis
By JIM MCLEAN
The last thing Rep. Pete DeGraaf needed last week was more stress in his life.
JIM MCLEAN HEARTLAND HEALTH MONITOR
But only a day after a doctor confirmed what DeGraaf had long suspected — that he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease — he was back at the Capitol for the final stress-filled stretch of the longest legislative session in Kansas history.
Asked why during an interview in his small Statehouse office with his wife, Karen, at his side, DeGraaf’s answer was simple.
“I enjoy being a legislator,” he said.
But if DeGraaf, a conservative Republican from Mulvane, wants to continue serving, he will need to work at managing the stress that is a byproduct of the job. A growing body of research suggests that it plays a role in causing Parkinson’s disease and exacerbates its debilitating symptoms.
“While we don’t know the exact mechanism for this, it does appear that many patients describe worsening of symptoms, including tremor, slowness and difficulty walking when in stressful situations,” says a resource document produced by the Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center, a California-based nonprofit organization focused on clinical care and research.
DeGraaf, a former Air Force helicopter pilot who lists his current occupation as director of a financial consulting ministry, said he believes that his faith and the support he receives from Karen, who doubles as a legislative aide, can help him manage his stress and remain an effective legislator.
“This is another battle that we get to fight together,” Karen DeGraaf said, adding that a new drug regimen recently has improved Pete’s energy, stamina and ability to stay focused.
“Especially since the medications have helped so much and people are saying, ‘The old Pete’s back,’ I say this is where we need to be,” she said. “I don’t see that anything has changed in the last week since the official diagnosis.”
Basil Dannebohm, another Kansas lawmaker and Parkinson’s sufferer, tried to serve but couldn’t. In February, the Republican from Ellinwood resigned the seat he had won in November, saying the pace of the Legislature was exhausting him and making him weaker.
“I thought I could serve in the Kansas Legislature with young-onset Parkinson’s disease,” Dannebohm said at that time. “The simple fact of the matter, however, is that with each day that passes, I compromise my health more and more. While the disease has abruptly ended this chapter in my life, I hope to continue my fight for increased awareness and research.”
The symptoms of young-onset Parkinson’s disease from which Dannebohm suffers can be different — sometimes more debilitating — than those experienced by people diagnosed when they’re older.
Dannebohm was 33 when he stepped down. DeGraaf is 58 but said he now realizes that he started experiencing symptoms long before his official diagnosis.
“My sense of smell diminished 10 or 15 years ago. I had no idea that was related to Parkinson’s,” DeGraaf said, speaking slowly and deliberately to make sure the words loaded up in sequence. “That was an indicator that perhaps I was dealing with a loss of dopamine.”
Dopamine is a chemical messenger that transmits signals in the brain. Parkinson’s kills or impairs the neurons that produce dopamine, interrupting brain signals that control movement and sense of smell, among other things.
DeGraaf’s conservative views on abortion and other social issues occasionally have made him a controversial figure. In 2011, he sponsored legislation to remove abortion coverage from standard health insurance policies except when the procedure was necessary to save a woman’s life. He said women who believed they might need such coverage should purchase abortion-only policies.
During the final days of the just-completed session, he was one of the conservative legislators who ignored pleas from Gov. Sam Brownback and refused to vote for a tax increase to balance the state budget, enduring long votes that kept him up into the early-morning hours on successive days.
Despite what some might think, DeGraaf said his conservatism doesn’t mean he is insensitive to the circumstances some Kansans face to make ends meet or deal with other challenges. He said his Parkinson’s diagnosis has reinforced his belief that people can largely control their lives by the choices they make.
“It’s easy to move into depression, discouragement and despondency. But those again for a lot of us are choices,” he said, quickly adding that he recognizes there are exceptions.
CREDIT JIM MCLEAN / HEARTLAND HEALTH MONITOR
In his case, DeGraaf said, he’s chosen to confront his affliction, work through the grief and loss, and move on the best that he can.
“There is a time to hug each other and mourn the visions and dreams and things on your bucket list that may not be doable. But there are hundreds of other things that are,” he said. “Yes, there is grief. But then you begin to move through that grief and through that pain and realize, ‘You know what, there is life after diagnosis.’”
And if voters of the 82nd House District are willing, DeGraaf said, he’s made the choice to continue serving for as long as he is able.
Despite differences that have created wide, perhaps historic divisions in the Legislature, DeGraaf said colleagues of all political philosophies have reached out to support him upon learning of his diagnosis.
That support and the relationships he is starting to form with other Parkinson’s sufferers have contributed to his determination to continue to serve in the Legislature.
“We’re not afraid of death, but at the same time we’re afraid of dying daily by not living life fully,” he said. “It’s not fun embracing the long-term picture and not easy looking at the way many people with Parkinson’s have to struggle. And yet at the same time we recognize there is still life to be lived.”
Jim McLean is executive editor of KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team.
It’s ‘American Eagle Day’
KS Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
PRATT–June 20, 2015, has been proclaimed “American Eagle Day” as a way to celebrate America’s living symbol of freedom, the bald eagle, and to bring attention to this magnificent species’ dramatic recovery.
For over 230 years, the bald eagle has served as the living symbol of all that America stands for: freedom, courage, strength, spirit, independence, and excellence. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism encourages outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts to take some time June 20 to celebrate this holiday by sharing these bald eagle facts with others:
-In the early 1960’s, the bald eagle population dropped to less than 500 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states.
-Thanks to the conservation efforts nationwide, there are an estimated 14-15,000 bald eagle pairs in the contiguous United States today.
-The Bald Eagle was removed from Endangered Species Act protection in 2007.
-Bald eagles typically build nests in large trees 50 or more feet above ground.
-A female bald eagle can lay anywhere from one to three eggs, all of which will be pure white.
-Immature bald eagles can often be mistaken for immature golden eagles.
-A bald eagle’s diet mainly consists of dead or injured waterfowl, dead or dying fish, and carrion.
-The best time to view bald eagles in Kansas is during the month of January; however, sightings can occur anytime between mid-October and mid-March.
For information on annual eagle-viewing events, and to view photos of bald eagles, visit ksoutdoors.com.
1 hospitalized after I-70 crash, deer comes through windshield
LINCONLN COUNTY – A driver was injured in an accident just after 8:30 p.m. on Friday in Lincoln County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Nazir Al-Nimri, 39, Joplin, MO., was eastbound on Interstate 70 six miles east of the Kansas 156 Junction.
The vehicle struck a southbound deer that came partially through windshield.
Al-Nimri was transported to Salina Regional Medical Center.
He was properly restrained at the time of the accident according to the KHP.
U.S. Attorney’s Kansas Civil Rights symposium at historic site
TOPEKA–The annual U.S. Attorney’s Statewide Civil Rights Symposium is moving to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said in a news release.
The symposium is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 14, in the auditorium of the Brown site at 1515 SE Monroe in Topeka. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
“The Brown historic site is a landmark on this nation’s road to justice,” Grissom said. “What better setting is there for a frank and open conversation about civil rights than the Kansas school building where one of the most important Supreme Court cases in our history originated?”
Grissom urged anyone who wants to attend to register early because space is limited to 100 participants. The symposium annually attracts law enforcement officers and civil rights leaders from across Kansas. This year’s topics will include fighting human trafficking and building trust between police and the communities they serve.
To register, download the registration form at:
https://trncal.kletc.net/RegForms/RegForm2008.pdf and email the completed form to [email protected].
For more information, contact Heather Buller at (620) 694-1537 or Jim Cross at (316) 269-6552.
Sunny, hot and dry Saturday
Very warm conditions will continue through the weekend. An upper level high pressure system will bring mostly sunny skies with dry weather. Hot temperatures are expected today with highs in the mid to upper 90s. Even hotter temperatures are expected Sunday with highs near 100.
Looking ahead into next week, temperatures will remain near normal for late June, with a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms mid-week.
Today: Sunny, with a high near 98. South wind 7 to 16 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. North northeast wind 8 to 16 mph becoming east after midnight.
Sunday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 99. Breezy, with an east southeast wind 8 to 13 mph becoming south southwest 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 23 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 99. Windy, with a south southwest wind 17 to 25 mph.
KDA photo contest now open
KS Department of Agriculture
Manhattan–As agriculture in Kansas flourishes this summer, pull out a camera, capture the moment, and submit your photos to 2015 Kansas Department of Agriculture’s photo contest, beginning June 15, 2015.
Nearly every aspect of daily life can be tied to agriculture. Be creative with entries; agriculture can be more than the typical pasture, tractor and wheat field. Agriculture is the look in a farmer’s eye after a successful harvest, the lines of an irrigation system silhouetted by a sunset, shoots of soybeans breaking through the soil, the fullness of creeks and ponds after a much needed rain or the smile of young 4-H members as they care for a livestock project.
Photos showcasing Kansas agriculture, taken any time of the year, are eligible for entry.
KDA serves to advocate for and promote the agriculture industry, the state’s largest industry. Photos capturing the beauty of Kansas agriculture can be used to advocate for the state’s largest economic driver.
Contest guidelines can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/photocontest.
After submission, the Kansas Department of Agriculture is granted permission to use any photograph for publications, social media, websites, displays, etc. without payment or other consideration from the photographer.
Follow KDA on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more details on contest, including deadlines, divisions and prizes.
Savor the Season highlights local growing season in Kansas
KS Department of Agriculture
MANHATTAN–Does the bounty of Kansas-grown produce at the local farmers’ market seem overwhelming with its vast array of colors, unusual vegetables and wide assortment of varieties? The fresh asparagus and colorful peppers might be enticing, but how should they be prepared?
Without knowledge of selection, storage, and preparation tips, purchasing fresh ingredients can be intimidating. Put aside your fear and look for the Savor the Season recipe and preparation card when shopping at your favorite farmers market this summer.
From the Land of Kansas, has partnered with Kansas Farm Bureau, to spotlight the excitement of cooking with fresh Kansas grown ingredients. Savor the Season is a campaign designed to educate and motivate consumers to cook with Kansas specialty crops. The campaign highlights at least one fruit, vegetable or herb in each recipe. Each recipe card also provides tips on the selection, storage, nutrition and kitchen tips for the seasonal crop. A full nutrition panel, composed by the Kansas Value Added Center, housed at Kansas State University, will accompany each recipe from a registered dietician and chef. Kansas’ very own Chef Alli has created each individual recipe
“Savor the Season is an excellent way to help make Kansas-grown produce and herbs seem more approachable in farmers’ markets,” Stacy Mayo, From the Land of Kansas director said. “We understand many consumers want to put fresh fruits and vegetables on their tables. Our Savor the Season cards removes the consumer’s hesitancy to try new ingredients. Featured recipes are also versatile and easy; they are great for entertaining, family meals or on-the-go lunches.”
Savor the Season recipe cards are available at your local farmers’ market or from specialty crop growers in your area. The recipes are also available at: FromtheLandofKansas.com/SavortheSeason.
Providing support and assistance to help make Kansas businesses more successful, grow rural communities, expand markets for Kansas agricultural products, level the playing field, grow the agricultural workforce, and encourage more farms, ranches and other agriculture businesses to expand in Kansas is a core mission for the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Take charge of your shopping list and conquer the farmers’ market with confidence. Once you’ve put those new skills of cooking and preparing tasty dishes to use, show off the fruits of your labors. On Instagram, tag @FromtheLandof KS and use #showusyourdish, #cookingks and #savortheseason to share pictures of your creations. Weekly, one winner will be randomly selected each week from @FromtheLandofKS tagged posts. Search #winnerwednesday to see if your dish was selected as the winner of the random drawing.
For more information about the Savor the Season promotion, or to learn more about other From the Land of Kansas programs, visit: FromtheLandofKansas.com/SavortheSeason.
2 hospitalized after pickup collision in Ness County
RANSOM- Two people were injured in an accident just before 11 p.m. on Friday in Ness County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F150 driven by Scott W. Barton, Fairhope, AL., was westbound on Kansas 4 one mile east of Ransom.
The vehicle failed to yield to a 2005 Chevy Silverado that was southbound on U.S. 283 and they collided in the southbound lane of travel.
Barton and a passenger Cori L. Barton, 51, Fairhope, AL., were transported to the Ransom Hospital and transferred to Hays Medical Center.
The driver of the Silverado Manuel Castaneda-Sanchez, 44, Hooker. OK., and a passenger were not injured.
All were properly restrained at the time of the accident according to the KHP.
Kan. man, child hospitalized after truck overturns in Cheyenne Co.
ST. FRANCIS- Two people were injured in an accident just after 9:30 p.m. on Friday in Cheyenne County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Toyota Tacoma driven by Jose Choto, 43, Palmer, was westbound U.S. 36 eleven miles west of the Kansas 27 Junction.
The truck entered the north ditch. The driver over corrected onto the roadway and the truck overturned.
Choto and a seven-year old passenger were transported to the Cheyenne County Hospital.
Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident according to the KHP.
Larks hold off Dodge City for third straight win
The Hays Larks raced out to a 6-0 lead then held on the rest of the way for a 6-4 win over the Dodge City A’s Friday night at Cavalier Field in Dodge City. The victory is the Larks third straight and seventh in their last eight games as they improve to 11-7 and 8-5 in the Jayhawk League where they move within a half-game of first place El Dorado in the North Division.
RJ Williams hit a two-run double in the sixth then Evan Gruener highlighted a four-run seventh with a three-run homer.
The A’s scored two in the seventh and two more in the eighth.
Cam Roegner allowed two runs on seven hits over seven innings for the win. Allan Beer allowed two unearned runs on three hits over the final two innings for the save.
The Larks go for the series sweep of the Athletics Saturday night at 7pm at Larks Park. Admission is free courtesy of Astra Bank and McDonald’s. It’s also Pack the Park/Pack the Pantry Night with all fans encouraged to bring a canned food item to assist the Community Assistance Center.
Friday’s Jayhawk League results…
El Dorado 11, Liberal 0
Haysville 10, Bethany 9
Wellington 9, Derby 2
Hockett helps Hays Monarchs 18U to sweep of Hays Junior Legion
Ricky Hockett recorded the final four outs for the save in the Hays Monarchs 18U American Legion’s 10-9 game one win over the Hays Eagles Junior American Legion Friday night at Larks Park. Hockett then pitched a complete game one-hitter in the Monarchs 9-0 win in game two.
The Monarchs had a 10-2 lead going into the bottom of the sixth in the first game before the Eagles struck for six runs. Jared Vitztum allowed two runs on five hits over five innings and picks up the win. Liam Stults and Ryan Schippers both had three hits.
The Monarchs scored six in the first in the second game which was called after five innings by run-rule.
Schippers and Chase Romme both had two hits.