September 2015 – Page 60

Arrest made, linked to K-State Campus lockdown

Posted on September 10, 2015

Early morning hours of Friday Sept. 4 on the KSU campus

Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN— Law enforcement authorities in Riley County have made an arrest in connection with the Friday lockdown on the Kansas State University campus.

Police reported in a media release that during the early morning hours of September 4th, a series of robberies and a theft were reported in the central portion of Manhattan.

In two of these incidents the suspects were armed with a handgun. Riley County Police Officers set up a perimeter in the area and subsequently became involved in a foot pursuit of a suspect who was last seen running onto the KSU campus.

On Wednesday night, detectives with the Riley County Police Department identified a suspect and arrested Sean Johnson, 20, Manhattan, on two counts of Aggravated Robbery, Robbery, Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct and for Theft.

He is being held on a $150,000 bond.

Dole to Lead Private Fundraising for Eisenhower Memorial

Posted on September 10, 2015

Eisenhower Square is a four-acre urban park located at the base of Capitol Hill. The memorial at the center of the square will represent Eisenhower’s accomplishments as both President and Supreme Allied Commander- courtesy photo

WASHINGTON – Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), Chairman of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission, today announced that Senator Bob Dole will serve as Finance Chairman of the Campaign for the Eisenhower Memorial. In this role he will oversee the private fundraising effort to support the National Eisenhower Memorial. In making the announcement, Senator Roberts commented:

Bob Dole has been tireless in his support of the Eisenhower National Memorial. His passionate belief that the memorial should be constructed before Ike’s troops are gone has struck a chord in the hearts of all Americans. With this same enthusiasm and commitment, he led the effort to fund the National World War II Memorial over a decade ago, raising over $170 million from individuals, businesses and organizations. And now he has again stepped up to the plate and is willing to lead the private fundraising effort in support of Ike’s memorial.
Senator Dole responded:

Ike’s memorial is a unique partnership in which private donations will supplement the federal funds traditionally appropriated for national presidential memorials. Supporting the National Eisenhower Memorial gives us all an opportunity to play an important role in the creation of this memorial to one of the greatest leaders in America’s history. A memorial at the base of Capitol Hill that will be visited by millions of people each year.
I want the country I fought for — the country that has benefitted from Ike’s leadership, resolve and vision — to honor Ike. Now. There are about a million of us left who served in World War II. That’s a million American heroes who revere Ike and want to honor him before we are gone. I hope you’ll join me in supporting the National Eisenhower Memorial. For Ike; for his legacy; for the Greatest Generation, let’s get Ike’s memorial built while we can still pay our respects and honor our lead

King’s Gate, E. 27th Frontage Road changes on city commission agenda

Posted on September 10, 2015

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Four agenda items scheduled for tonight’s Hays City Commission meeting were moved forward from last week’s work session with little comment.

Commissioners will consider authorizing a contract with APAC in the amount of $639,403.83 for construction of street, water, storm water and sanitary sewer improvements within the King’s Gate Addition, Phase 2. The project will be paid by the developer, Covenant Land and Development, Inc., and Special Assessment to the Benefit District.

This project follows the plan that has been set forth and constructed in phases over the last five years and would complete the connection of King’s Gate Drive to 41st Street.

A request for placement of a proposed island median and sign at the entrance to King’s Gate Dr. will also be considered. The sign would be similar to the Sternberg Museum entrance sign at 27th and Sternberg Drive. Covenant would maintain the sign.

The owner of 1601 E. 27th Frontage Road, Carol J. Purdy, is requesting to rezone the property from single-family residential to multi-family dwelling district. The change was recommended by the Planning Commission following a Aug. 17 public hearing.

The other agenda item involves “heavy” sewer cleaning by the company already contracted to do normal cleaning and videoing of the city sewer system. Commissioners will consider a proposal from Mayer Specialty Services, LLC not to exceed $121,383.40, to be funded from Water and Sewer Capital Reserves.

Utilities Department Director Bernie Kitten estimated there is about 14,000 feet of potential heavy cleaning in the 10 to 24-inch sewer lines.

The complete agenda can be seen here.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Debra Carolyn Bobbitt Elliott Sidey

Posted on September 10, 2015

Debra Carolyn Bobbitt Elliott Sidey, 63, of Bunker Hill, Kansas, died on Saturday, August 29, 2015, while working at the Post Office in Bunker Hill.

Debra was born in Stockton, Ks. on May 25, 1952 to Alvy P. Bobbitt, Sr. & Bettie Mae (DeBey) Bobbitt. She was raised in Stockton, graduated with her class in 1970 at Stockton Rural High School, was married to Ronald D. Elliott December 16, 1970, & lived for 5 years in Brush & Akron, Colorado. Debbie & Ron were blessed with 2 beautiful boys: Wesley Prentiss and Clinton Matthew. The family moved to Stockton & Wes started Kindergarten at Stockton Elementary that year. Debbie’s boys were the light of her life. She was always there to do for them as she was for everyone that knew her. Debbie was very close to her Dad, working alongside of him or taking medical training to be there for him if he would ever need it. She learned from the best & was a Jack of All Trades from what her Dad, Mom, and Grandma DeBey shared with her as well as all of the friends & family willing to share how they did something. Her strength was through them and she was always there to do for the ones she loved. Every year Debbie achieved a new “talent” and took it on with gusto to enable her to share with her family & friends. From cooking/baking, sewing, beading, knitting, wallpapering, fixing a tire or repairing machinery, working the land, or rocking a baby, Debbie could do it all. She loved life and loved sharing her life with everyone that knew her. Besides knitting hats, scarves & gloves for all family & friends she would knit hats for those dealing with cancer & loved being able to bring a smile to those that received what she had carefully made for them. Music was encapsulated within Debbie’s heart so that it was a strength as well as a comfort thru the years. Her boys, grandchildren, family & friends were to receive her love of music and will never forget her love she shared with them thru her voice, soft and sweet, always there to sooth. Debbie & Ron were divorced in 1988. In 1993 Debbie was married to John Jay Sidey and they settled in their home north of Bunker Hill where she took on the ranch & farming as well as working for the utilities in the area and later the Post Office. Debbie was at the Post Office in Bunker Hill when she passed away preparing to be with her family in Stockton once her days work was done there.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father Alvy Prentice Bobbitt, Sr. on August 27th, 2015, her husband’s parents Valentine D. “Red” & Pauline (Westhusin) Sidey, Ron’s parents Richard & Velma Elliott, the grandparents she learned from Tom & Lola DeBey, and John & Debbie’s son/dog Sam.

Debbie is survived by her mother Bettie Bobbitt of Stockton, husband John Sidey of Rural Bunker Hill, sons: Wesley Prentiss and wife Jennifer of Merino, Co., and Clinton Matthew of Otis, Co., their father Ron Elliott of Otis, Co., Grandchildren: Trace Wesley, Trevor Scott, & Trenton David of Merino and Kyler Richard & Aubrynn Carolyn of Denver, Brooklyn Jean of Otis, & Micah Dawn of Otis. Siblings: Sherylene Sue Gager & husband Jack, Kirwin, Alvy Prentice Jr. & wife Terry, K.C., Ks., Esper Lorraine “Lorrie” Baxter & husband Garry, near Cedar, Christine Lynn Polzin & husband Bill, Hoisington, & Randal Lee & wife Angie, Broken Arrow, Ok., & numerous special nieces, nephews, greats, family & friends, & her spoiled son/dog Bear. All were the recipients of Debbie’s love and devotion.

A Celebration of Debra’s life will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at the United Methodist Church in Stockton, Kansas. Cremation has preceded the services. Visitation will be from 9 A. M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, September 25, 2015, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with the family present to greet friends from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. Memorials may be given to Grandchildren’s Education Fund and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Debbie worried about her Dad through all of his illness and wanted to be there for him. Our only comfort at this time is that she is where she thought she needed to be & they are together watching over all of us.

Harold Ernest Nichols Jr.

Posted on September 10, 2015

Harold Ernest Nichols Jr. was born November 24, 1931, in Oberlin, Kansas, the eldest son of Harold Ernest Nichols Sr. and Eryline L. Robinson. He passed away Monday, September 7, 2015, at Decatur Health Systems in Oberlin at the age of 83.

Harold attended Oberlin Elementary School and Decatur Community High School, graduating in 1949. He then attended Kansas State University in Manhattan for two years before entering the military. Harold served during the Korean War with the US Army 12th Engineer Battalion.

His first wife was Kathlyne Canagg, and they were married January 31, 1954, in Oberlin. Two children were born to their union, Rick and Vicky.

On December 7, 1984, Harold married Glenva (Laidig) Tally in Oberlin, where they made their home. He became a second father to her three children, Gene, Gerry and Deb.

Over the years, Harold operated Nichols Construction and worked at the power plant and waste management facility for the City of Oberlin. He was a member of the Oberlin United Methodist Church, Mt. Slope Lodge No. 186 AF & AM and Decatur County Shrine Club. His hobbies and interests included remote control airplanes, ham radio and bowling. In addition, Harold really enjoyed Sunday morning “Songs of Faith” on the radio.

Survivors include his four children, Rick and Pam Nichols, of Lebanon, NE, Nick Nichols, Gene and Tonya Tally, of Oberlin, Gerry and Theresa Tally, of Oberlin, and Deb Farr and Monty Roof, of North Platte, NE; son-in-law, Bryan Bogner, of Wright; brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Shirley Nichols, of Oberlin; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and special family friend, Marie McKisson, of Oberlin.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Glenva on November 8, 2009; daughter, Vicky Bogner; grandson, Chris Bogner; and granddaughter, Charlie Bogner.

Funeral Service: Friday, September 11th at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home in Oberlin with Pastor Gordon Pettibone officiating and Masonic rites by Mt. Slope Lodge #186 AF & AM

Burial: Oberlin Cemetery with military rites by the Oberlin American Legion Post #70 and Oberlin Legion Riders.

Memorial Funds: Oberlin United Methodist Church and Mt. Slope Lodge No. 186 AF & AM.

Visitation: Thursday from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. and after 8 a.m. on Friday.

DATA: Drug and alcohol-related crimes spike since mid-August

Posted on September 10, 2015September 10, 2015

By RICKY KERR
Hays Post

Drug and alcohol crimes spiked at the beginning of this school year, while violent crime and theft remained low on the Hays Police Department tally, according to HPD arrest records from Aug. 2 to Sept. 2.

Ninety-three arrests were made last month for alleged drug and alcohol related crimes, with 37 of these arrests allegedly involving minors consuming or purchasing alcohol. One quarter of the 93 arrests were related driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Fifteen arrests were made for alleged violent crime and 19 arrests for alleged theft.

Out of the 29 arrests for drug possession or possession of paraphernalia, nine were made with suspicion of distribution.

Kansas regulators approve increase in KCP&L rates UPDATE

Posted on September 10, 2015September 10, 2015

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas regulators have approved a 9 percent increase in Kansas City Power & Light’s annual electric rates, raising them less than the utility sought.

But the three-member Kansas Corporation Commission split over how much profit KCP&L’s stockholders should be allowed to earn. The final rate is 9.3 percent.

The commission said KCP&L’s charges for its 247,000 customers in northeast Kansas will increase nearly $49 million a year. No figure was immediately available for the monthly increase in an average residential customer’s bill.

Missouri regulators last week approved an 11.7 percent rate increase for KCP&L customers there.

In Kansas, KCP&L proposed boosting annual revenues by $67 million, or 12.5 percent and $11.67 a month for an average residential customer.

KCP&L argued it needed additional revenues to pay for power plant upgrades.

————–

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas regulators are preparing to give their final approval to an increase in Kansas City Power & Light’s annual electric rates that’s likely to be less than the utility sought.

The Kansas Corporation Commission was meeting Tuesday to discuss KCP&L’s rates for its 247,000 customers in the state’s northeast corner. It was the last day the commission could issue a rate-setting order under state law.

KCP&L proposed boosting its annual revenues by $67 million and estimated its request would raise rates by 12.5 percent or $11.67 a month for an average residential customer.

But a state consumer advocacy agency says decisions already announced publicly by the commission suggest KCP&L’s rates will increase about $40 million annually.

The company contends it needs additional revenues to pay for power plant upgrades.

Brownback deputy calls out editorial writers, attorney over school funding

Posted on September 10, 2015September 10, 2015

By MELIKA WILLOUGHBY
Deputy Communications Director
Office of Governor Sam Brownback

The rebuttal of critics to our previous message on school finance was, at best, flimsy and so easily refuted that a sequel was only appropriate. Their tired champions were the usual-suspect editorial writers and the litigation-prone attorney representing Schools for Fair funding, a taxpayer funded group demanding more than $1 billion in additional funding for schools.

In their response, they correctly point out that both bond and interest and capital outlay projects receive local funding. This is indeed the case. To finance new buildings, school districts turn to voters asking them to approve a defined bond package. Citizens assess the validity of the request and vote accordingly. But here’s the critical piece of information they left out: The State of Kansas contributes millions of dollars each year to support these efforts. The State Division of Budget reports that last school year alone the state gave $147 million to districts in bond and interest aid and $29 million in capital outlay equalization funding. It’s also worth noting that state contributions to these two funds have more than doubled since FY 2010.

Critics are often quick to dismiss KPERS funding, along with capital outlay and bond and interest aid, claiming it doesn’t count as education funding because it isn’t operating funds. The fact of the matter is this: if the state didn’t contribute $456 million in these three categories last school year, that money could have gone toward general operating funds. John Robb, attorney for the ever-litigating Schools for Fair Funding, asserted the state had “no hand” in bonds, and that local districts were able to increase teacher pay only by robbing “Peter to pay Paul.” $147 million certainly qualifies as “a hand.” While the state doesn’t designate funds specifically for teacher pay, it does contribute directly to bond packages, technology, and KPERS, freeing general operating funds to go toward teachers—the most important asset in any classroom. Furthermore, and quite ironically, Mr. Robb himself is taking money out of Kansas classrooms to fund his war on taxpayers. He is robbing Peter to pay Robb.

This conversation highlights one of the most significant flaws in the old funding formula—it prioritized and incentivized non-classroom spending. The state spends millions more on new schools, administrative facilities, and technology, while educators complain about the lack of operational funds. Many districts, however, still have enough additional operational funds to provide higher pay to their teachers. How can all of these things be true if state funding for schools is declining? Last spring, KCK purchased a $48,000 piano illustrating this exact problem. While admittedly an exorbitant expenditure, the old formula required the district to spend those funds on capital outlay items and prohibited the district from using the funding to hire a new teacher. The new formula Governor Brownback is working to craft along with legislators and educators will not include such absurd mandates. Instead, funding should be flexible, giving local districts the ability to determine what will best serve their students.

As always, thanks for remaining informed and engaged.

Heavier overnight rain falls far west of Ellis County

Posted on September 10, 2015September 10, 2015

Hays received a sprinkle overnight Wednesday, with the bulk of precipitation falling to the west.

Northeast Logan County had a report of 1.7 inches, while Trego County had a report of a tenth of an inch near WaKeeney.

Ness County had report of approximately a half-inch.

Just 0.03 inches fell in Hays.

The chance for additional rain or thunderstorms continues Thursday and Friday. Click HERE for the complete forecast.

HPD Activity Log Sept. 8 and 9

Posted on September 10, 2015September 10, 2015

The Hays Police Department responded to 14 animal calls and 15 traffic stops Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–1300 block Montgomery St, Hays; 6:40 AM; 7:08 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–2300 block E 13th St, Hays; 9:26 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–2400 block Main St Terr, Hays; 9:24 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–1300 block Macarthur Rd, Hays; 9:33 AM
Animal At Large–5200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:59 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–300 block E 16th St, Hays; 9/7 10 PM; 9/8 10 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1300 block Dechant St, Hays; 10:15 AM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–2400 block Vine St, Hays; 10:57 AM
Welfare Check–1200 block Ash St, Hays; 11:26 AM
Domestic Disturbance–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:38 AM; 12:55 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:48 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2500 block General Hays Rd, Hays; 12:19 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays Area, Hays; 12:57 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–22nd and Canterbury, Hays; 3:10 PM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–200 block E 17th St, Hays; 4:23 PM
Animal At Large–700 block E 8th St, Hays; 5:41 PM
Animal At Large–27th and Oak, Hays–7:15 PM
Animal Call–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 7:47 PM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–1400 block Ash St, Hays; 7 AM; 8:19 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1200 block Tamarac Cir, Hays; 9:06 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and 13 traffic stops Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Welfare Check–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:18 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–400 block W 3rd St, Hays; 3:53 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2000 block Pershing Dr, Hays; 6:21 AM
Civil Dispute–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 7:09 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1300 block Main St, Hays; 8 AM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–3000 block New Way, Hays; 7/9 5 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–3000 block New Way, Hays; 7/31 5 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–3000 block New Way, Hays; 7/1 5 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–3000 block New Way, Hays; 7/15 5 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–3000 block New Way, Hays; 7/25 5 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–3000 block New Way, Hays; 8/2 5 PM
Animal At Large–100 block W 17th St, Hays; 8:53 AM
Theft (general)–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 8/15 9:30 PM; 9:35 PM
Theft (general)–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 9/8 10:10 AM; 10:13 AM
Theft (general)–200 block W 20th St, Hays; 8/1 12 PM; 8/3 12 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 10:39 AM
Welfare Check–2400 block E 8th St, Ellis County; 11:04 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E 32nd St, Hays; 11:17 AM
Animal Bite Investigation–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 12:08 PM
Driving Under the Influence–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 12:13 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:18 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:07 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:35 PM; 1:38 PM
Juvenile Complaint–1400 block Hall St, Hays; 3:35 PM
Civil Dispute–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 4:17 PM
Found/Lost Property–2700 block Fort St, Hays; 4:35 PM
Suspicious Person–12th and Allen, Hays; 5:41 PM
Animal Call–1800 block Frontier Rd, Hays; 6:40 PM

Verlin G. Stramel

Posted on September 10, 2015

Hays, Kansas – Verlin G. Stramel, age 80, died Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at Hays Medical Center Hays, Kansas.

He was born May 21, 1935, in Salina, Kansas to Stephen M. and Pauline (Wittman) Stramel. He married Delphine (Urban) on September 25, 1954 at Pfeifer, Kansas.

He worked at S & W Supply for 49 years and retired as a Credit Manager and also was a farmer most of his life. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Hays, Kansas and a board member for Holy Cross Charities INC. for over 20 years. He also served on the board of the Farmers Credit Union in Hays. He enjoyed driving cars for the auto dealers in Hays, traveling, gardening, the Royals and his grandchildren’s activities.

Survivors include his wife, Delphine Stramel, of the home; three sons, Glenn Stramel and wife, Rhonda, Munjor, KS; Kevin Stramel and wife, Lynette, Hays, KS; Wes Stramel and wife, Marie, Hays, KS; two daughters, Eileen Dreher and husband, Terry, Hays, KS; Cindy Weigel and husband, Bob, Hays, KS; one brother-in-law, LaVern Meier, Wichita, KS; 16 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and one step great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wilbert Stramel; one grandson Brian Stramel and one sister-in-law, Geraldine Meier.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Holy Cross Catholic Church Pfeifer, Kansas. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery Pfeifer, Kansas.

A vigil service is at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Visitation is from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at Holy Cross Catholic Church Pfeifer, Kansas.

Memorials can be made to Holy Cross Charities Inc. Condolences can be sent via email to
[email protected].

You and Your Young Child: Joan Dunn, Early Childhood Connections

Posted on September 10, 2015September 10, 2015

Think Big, Start Small

KU Hospital Authority Board elects new chairman

Posted on September 10, 2015September 10, 2015

By Dan Margolies

Greg Graves, chairman and chief executive officer of the Kansas City, Mo.-based engineering and architecture firm Burns and McDonnell, has been elected the new chairman of the University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board.

Graves, who was vice chairman of the authority board and leads the hospital’s fundraising drive for its new patient tower, succeeds Bob Honse, the former president of Farmland Industries.

The hospital authority is the public overseer of KU Hospital and its operations. “Greg Graves brings a national and local track record for leadership in business and civic affairs,” Bob Page, president and CEO of the hospital, said in a statement.

“He will help us further our success in the metropolitan area and across the country.” David Dillon, former CEO of the Kroger supermarket chain, was elected vice chairman of the authority board.

Dan Margolies is a reporter for Heartland Health Monitor, a news collaboration focusing on health issues and their impact in Missouri and Kansas.