LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The mayor of Lawrence has resigned his position leading a local food bank that owes $50,000 in federal payroll taxes.
The Lawrence Journal World reports Mayor Jeremy Farmer has stepped down from his position as executive director of Just Food.
Farmer says Just Food recently discovered that several payroll tax payments had not been made, and the missed payroll taxes are part of the reason for his resignation. He denies any intentional wrongdoing.
Kristi Henderson, president of Just Food’s board of directors, says the nonprofit has about a $50,000 federal tax liability, and Just Food leaders are investigating whether there’s any tax liability due to the state of Kansas.
Henderson says there’s no indication money was misappropriated, and the problem appears to be a lack of attention to detail.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas parole board will consider parole for a 40-year-old inmate convicted in the death of a 2 1/2-year-old boy.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Glenn Allen Heath Jr. was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1995 beating death in Topeka of his fiancee’s son.
The Kansas Parole Board is scheduled to hear public comments Aug. 21 about the potential parole of 28 inmates, including Heath, who was sentenced to consecutive terms of life and five years, eight months in prison after a jury convicted him of child abuse and first-degree murder.
An autopsy indicated the child died of bleeding from abdominal punctures.
In the months before the boy died, a state agency had been called twice on reports of the child suffering bruises and a broken leg bone.
Kim Rupp, Finance Director, and Bernie Kitten, Utilities Director, discuss sewer rate increases with the Hays City Commission.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Sewer rates in Hays will start going up soon.
City commissioners are scheduled to pick one of two options during their Aug. 13 meeting.
The city plans a $30 million rebuild of the wastewater treatment plant as well as replacement of aging sewer lines. The upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant are mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and must be in place by Jan. 1, 2018.
Option 1 was presented and recommended July 16 by Patty Kettles of Springsted, Inc., a company hired by the city to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the rate increases. Springsted recommended the monthly sewer base and volumetric user rates be increased 17 percent August 1, 2015, 15.5 percent annually during 2016-2020, and 12 percent in 2021.
“The governing body, understandably so, thought those were pretty high adjustments,” said City Manager Toby Dougherty.
Commissioners asked for “other options to achieve the same thing.” After another round of research, city staff presented four other options during the Aug. 6 work session. Staff recommended Option 2 with the monthly sewer base and volumetric user rates increasing 15 percent September 1, 2015, another 15 percent annually during 2016-2020, and finally, another 12 percent hike in 2021.
Option 2 for sewer rate increases
Option 2 would allow the city’s sewer fund to drop below $500,000, something Springsted advised against. After other discussions, Dougherty, City Finance Director Kim Rupp and the city’s financial advisor felt comfortable about it. “We do have discretionary monies available if it dips down. We can supplement that on a one-time basis,” Dougherty said.
After Rupp presented Option 2 last Thursday, commissioners started re-thinking Option 1. “Option 2 is cumulatively 10 percent less (highest monthly fee) than Option 1,” Rupp explained, “from $36.44 a month to $35.05 a month.”
Option 1 for sewer rate increases
Commissioners Shaun Musil and Lance Jones both said they now favor Option 1.
“I can go for a little higher increase overall,” Jones said. “You’re talking about a $1.50 higher more or less and we have a million dollars in the bank at the end of it (rate hikes).” Jones also pointed out the Option 1 hikes are still lower than those in Options 3 and 4.
Vice-mayor Shaun Musil asked that Options 1 and 2 be presented at the Thursday, Aug. 20 city commission meeting, with the expectation that one or the other will be approved and set into motion. Commissioner Henry Schwaller was absent from last week’s work session.
Hays residential users currently pay $13.53 a month for an average 500 cubic feet sewer usage, one of the lowest rates in the state. Click here to see the four rate options.
After five years of operation, Styles Dance Centre is ready to expand, and they are set to do just that in a big way, with work currently occurring on a new studio at 1501 Main.
The building has housed many different business over the years, having been an True Value hardware and most recently a Chinese grocery. But the space – around 9,000 square feet – is an ideal space for a dance studio, said owner Alyssa Dechant. And the upgrade couldn’t come at a better time for Styles, as she has quickly outgrown her current location at 2101 E. 13th.
“We are just out of space,” Dechant said. “We have just outgrown it.”
In the last few years, the number of students in her studio has exploded, something she attributes to the popularity of dance in Hays.
“It’s huge in Hays,” she said. “For as small as (Hays) is, I think it really big. It’s a really popular thing.”
Dechant has 90 competitive students and well over 150 in her recreation program.
While the need to expand is not new – she has been looking for over a year – Dechant said waiting for the right location was more important than moving quickly.
“We weren’t going and seeking it out, but if one came along, we were definitely going to do it,” she said.
The new studio fit the criteria Dechant was looking for with adequate space, good location and a good price.
The new building was purchased for around $250,000, she said, but she believes it is money well spent as many students view the studio as “their second home.”
Remodeling is currently taking place that will convert the open area within the new building into a lobby, break room and four studios.
The 13th Street location had only two studios.
The increase in size will also allow Dechant to expand the number of students, with a plan to hire more instructors as well.
With so many variables in play, Dechant is unsure when the move to the new space will occur, but is hopeful to be moving by Christmas.
For Dechant, dance is more than just a business opportunity, it is a way of life.
“I just loved it my whole life. I’ve danced my whole life since I was 3 years old, and it’s always been a passion of mine,” Dechant said. “Not a whole lot get to live out their dreams, but I’ve been fortunate enough and blessed enough to do that.”
After being identified by the Hays Police Department Friday, Tiffany Cannaday, 25, was arrested that day in a string of burglaries in Hays.
At least one of the incidents was allegedly caught on camera in front of the former Home Party Club, in the 200 block of West 10th.
Cannaday was arrested Friday on suspicion of four alleged incidents of burglary, three alleged misdemeanor theft incidents, one alleged felony theft incident and one alleged felony criminal damage, according to Brian Dawson, HDP assistant chief of police.
While four incidents are known, Dawson said other stolen items have been recovered that have not yet been claimed and asks area resident to call the HPD if they believe they may be a victim at (785) 625-1030.
DODGE CITY – Law enforcement officials in Dodge City have released additional details on Sunday’s double homicide and abduction.
Police Chief Craig Mellecker reported in a media release that on Sunday 9th at just before 10:25 officers were dispatched to 310 W. Frontview for a reported shooting.
Upon the officers arrival they found Jesus Ochoa-Morales, 55, Dodge City, suffering from gunshot wounds. Ochoa-Morales was transported to Western Plains Regional Hospital where he later died.
Just before 10:34 a reported abduction occurred from 1905 N. 14th. Upon the officers arrival they were told a male suspect removed Maria Monreal, 48, Dodge City, from the location at gunpoint.
Just before noon, officers found the suspect’s vehicle in the abduction was located in the 400 block of Crawford in Dodge City.
The vehicle was occupied by Maria Monreal and the suspect Isaias Monreal, 58, Dodge City.
As officers attempted to make contact with the subjects Isaias Monreal shot Maria Monreal and then turned the gun on himself.
Maria Monreal later died at the hospital and Isaias Monreal remains in critical condition in a Wichita hospital.
In a message released Monday, Hays USD 489 Superintendent Dean Katt offered an open message highlighting facility and technology upgrades that have been occurring over the summer.
Dean Katt, 489 Superintendent
“The Windows Surface Pro 3s and Windows Surface Pro devices are currently being set up for students and teachers at Hays High School,” Katt said. “The IT Department has been working diligently over the summer to ensure the kindergarten through 12th grade 1:1 initiative kicks off within the first several weeks after the first day of school on Aug. 13, 2015. iPads are being tagged for students and staff.”
With the new hardware comes training and USD 489 has been providing that as well over the summer.
“Numerous teachers have participated in trainings over the summer,” Katt said. “Victoria hosted an iPad Academy for area teachers this summer. Multiple USD 489 teachers took advantage of the opportunity to learn the many functions of iPads in the classroom setting. The district’s Instructional Technology Specialist has been offering trainings on Canvas, the district’s Learning Management System, as well as how to utilize technology in the classroom. Several teachers also participated in writing and reading workshops over the summer. The district is grateful for the commitment of the teachers and staff that have put extra time in over the summer.”
While the technological innovations are progressing, facilities throughout the district are receiving some much-needed care, as well.
“The maintenance and custodial staff began working feverishly doing deep cleans in all of the district facilities this summer,” Katt said. “Hays High School’s floors were completely stripped and waxed, giving new life to the building. O’Loughlin, Roosevelt and Wilson received partial stripping and waxing over the summer. Hays High School also received new seating in the little theater as well as a new surface on the running track. Washington Elementary was officially converted into the Early Childhood Connections – Washington Site (ECC-WS) over the summer, allowing most of the ECC to run out of one facility. The district would like to commend the custodial and maintenance staff for all of their hard work over the summer and every day.”
The August 27 Hays City Commission meeting will start an hour later than usual–at 7:30 p.m.–allowing commissioners to participate in the annual Core to Campus event in downtown Hays.
Hundreds of students and faculty from Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech and Hays Academy of Hair Design, will be introduced to the unique variety of shopping, eating and entertainment available in downtown Hays.
Rick Rekoske, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Director, said everyone is invited for the fun.
The Downtown Hays Development Corporation, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, TGOF Committee (Tiger Gold on Friday) and Eagle Communications are hosting Core to Campus. More than 35 downtown businesses will participate.
Free dinners from the Taco Shop will be provided to the first 500 students presenting the IDs. The event will also feature music, games and more.
Core to Campus will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Hays.
RUSSELL — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran hosted an open forum with local residents in the area at Russell Regional Hospital Friday, answering questions on a wide range of topics from immigration, the Iran deal, defunding Planned Parenthood, and the conservation of Wilson Lake.
But reforming the Department of Veteran Affairs appeared to be the most important thing on Moran’s to-do list. This was the only topic he chose to speak on, while the other topics were prompted by the audience.
“In my view, the VA is letting too many veterans slip through the cracks,” Moran said.
Watch the full meeting here, story continues below.
The 61-year-old senator also noted that while he is not a veteran, he remembers his high school years in Plainville during the Vietnam War.
“One of the things I took from that experience of Vietnam was the realization that our country was making a terrible mistake in not supporting its men and women who served and the lack of care, treatment and, in some cases, respect that those individuals received when they returned home,” he said.
Moran called the VA “bureaucratic” and said that while it is providing quality service for many of its older veterans, it is currently overwhelmed by new veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Republican senator has also been pushing the VA to allow veterans to access care from their hometown hospitals and physicians.
The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center located at 207-B E. 7th in Hays provides some medical services. Veterans within 40 miles that require additional medical care would have to travel hours away to another facility under current VA policy.
The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, commonly referred to as the Choice Act, states that if a veteran is unable to receive care within 30 days or if they live more than 40 miles away from a VA facility, the VA is required to provide those services at home. While Moran says the Choice Act is a benefit toward veterans, it doesn’t go far enough.
“Going back to Russell, they’re saying if there is a VA facility within 40 miles, you don’t qualify even though the facility doesn’t provide the service that the veteran needs,” Moran said. While there is a facility within 40 miles – a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic center located in Hays – it may not provide services veterans need. For local residents, this means the VA would not provide service unless they traveled to a VA facility that does.
“We’ve now passed a law last week that says [the VA] can only define a facility if there is a full-time physician… and almost none of our CBOCS’s in Kansas have a full-time facility, so it should open the doors for better treatment at home,” Moran said.
Moran said $15 billion is currently appropriated to the VA to give veterans better care, with $5 billion to hire more VA physicians and $10 billion to pay local hospitals for service at Medicare rates.
There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms today and tonight across parts of southwestern Kansas. Highs will top out in the mid 80s today and mainly upper 80s on Wednesday. Slight warmer temperatures can be expected starting Thursday and the next chance for thunderstorms will be late Sunday into Monday.
TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 5 to 8 mph.
TonightA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. East southeast wind 5 to 9 mph.
WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 6 to 13 mph.
Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 66. South southeast wind 6 to 11 mph.
ThursdaySunny, with a high near 91. South wind 7 to 14 mph.
RAYTOWN, Mo. (AP) — Another suspect has been arrested in Missouri in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman just hours after her wedding in Topeka in 2014.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports a 38-year-old man was arrested Monday afternoon in Raytown, Missouri. He is set to appear in extradition court Tuesday morning.
According to police, the suspect and Awnterio Dwan Lowery were in an SUV May 24, 2014, from which gunshots were fired at another vehicle that 42-year-old Tiffany Davenport-Ray was riding in. Davenport-Ray’s husband was driving.
Prosecutors say Davenport-Ray’s husband returned shots, and she was killed in the ensuing gunfight.
Lowery was found guilty of several charges including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
WAMEGO, Kan. (AP) — Former U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Milton Wolf says he won’t publicly release a letter from Kansas’ medical board closing an investigation over his past Facebook postings of X-ray images.
Wolf said Monday that he doesn’t want the board to declare that he’s given up privacy rights. By law, early stages of board investigations are confidential.
Wolf is a Leawood radiologist with tea party backing in a stronger-than-expected primary challenge to Republican Sen. Pat Roberts last year.
The board investigated Wolf for posting X-ray images of serious medical injuries on Facebook in 2010. Wolf says it found no wrongdoing.
Weeks before the August 2014 primary, a board attorney asked the Topeka Capital-Journal by letter to turn over its information about the postings. The board has declined to release the letter.
