WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita television station says one of its reporters has been defamed by a county commissioner who refused to be interviewed by her because he believes she is an advocate for people living in the country illegally.
The Wichita Eagle reports Beatriz Parres is a bilingual television reporter who covers news for both Spanish-language KDCU and English-language KWCH. On Monday she approached Sedgwick County Commission chairman Richard Ranzau to ask him about a recall effort in which a pro-immigrant group and others want him removed from office.
Ranzau told her he wouldn’t talk to her but would allow a reporter who works only for KWCH to interview him.
KWCH news director Brian Gregory said Parres is a reporter and it is unfortunate an elected official would make such baseless comments.
An afternoon spike in the temperature sent the mercury up to 93 degrees Tuesday afternoon.
That tied the record high for Oct. 21, last set in 1947, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.
A cool front that moved through the region Tuesday evening sent thermometers diving the other way — down to a low of 56, a 37-degree swing in just a couple of hours.
The record low for Oct. 21 is 24 degrees, set in 1976.
VICTORIA — Before a standing-room-only audience, the Victoria City Council met Tuesday night to craft a letter explaining why a local couple just outside the city limits had been continually denied access to the city water supply.
While the meeting was tense — with lawyers, the couple that has fought for months to get clean drinking water to their home, reporters, and a large contingent of both supporters and opponents — one item remains conspicuously absent at the end of the meeting: the explanation.
As the council worked through talking points for the letter, they found most issues had been resolved, but never gave a reason as to the council’s lack of a decision on the matter.
Nancy Piatt, Victoria Utilities Clerk, works with the City Council to craft a response to the city about the situation involving Kevin and Laura McCarter’s water supply.
When asked by Nancy Piatt, Victoria utilities clerk, if the council would like to address concerns that the reason Kevin and Laura McCarter have been denied city water was due to them being “outsiders,” the council declined.
The meeting was held “to inform our citizens who have water to inform them of the concerns as we’re going through the entire process, trying to decide if we want to provide water and or island annexation,” said Jerry Brungardt, city council member. “That’s what the purpose was.”
Despite the intention, attendees were not allowed to speak at the meeting, causing emotions to run high as the letter was being crafted, with several outbursts heard through the room.
“I don’t feel it should have went to this point,” said Kevin McCarter, who felt his position at the meeting was ignored. “It was supposed to be heard at this meeting, and it was silenced.”
While the council denied audience participation, the complexity of the issue was addressed at several points during the meeting, with the hope of the letter explaining to Victoria residents the steps the council has gone through to this point.
“This is very complex and when you sit on the over side of the desk over there that’s a whole different ball game than getting on the Hays Post and putting something on,” Brungardt said. “We’re going to lay out the information to the people and let them make their decision.”
“It’s their side, however twisted it is. I don’t agree with it. There were some things that were right on, some things I don’t agree with, and I’m sure they feel the same way,” McCarter said.
Several people in the audience, on both sides of the issue, said the situation is more about city leaders at this point than about water rights — something McCarter agreed with.
“It seems like it’s nothing about water anymore. It’s about the council and the mayor. They are not getting along. They’re never going to get anything accomplished fighting amongst themselves,” McCarter said. “That’s the true story behind it. Both of us have lost in this whole deal. Everybody’s went backwards and neither one of us are better for it.”
Tony “Red” Pfeifer Jr., 83, Hays, died Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at his home following a lengthy illness of Parkinson’s disease.
He was born December 1, 1931 in Hays to Tony and Regina (Beilman) Pfeifer. He married Geraldine Brull September 10, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Church in Hays. He graduated from Hays High School in 1951 and from Fort Hays State University with a Masters and a Specialist degree.
He was drafted into the United States Army S.C.A.R.W.A.F. in October of 1952 from Tifton, Georgia, where he was playing professional baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals farm club. After completing basic training and constructional engineer training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was shipped overseas and spent one year with Company B, 840th Engineer Battalion on an inspection team and traveled all over Korea and Japan. Corporal (E-4) Pfeifer received the United States Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, with Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In August 1954, he received a medal and honorable discharge at Camp Carson, Colorado, and was transferred into the Army Reserve until 1959.
He taught and coached in the Victoria Schools 32 years and 1 year at Hays Middle School. In addition to his family and students, he loved baseball and music. He played baseball for the Hays Larks and the Victoria Eagles. He played the accordion and founded The Pfeifer Dance Band, entertaining at many weddings and parties. After retiring, he and his father-in-law provided musical entertainment for senior citizens.
He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion and the NEA.
He is survived by his wife of the home and five sons: Anthony (Karla Reed), Tim (Karen) Terry(Cathy), Danny, Dave (Kristen); nine grandchildren: Nathan, Nicholas, Samie, Abby (Ryan), Ryan J., Anna, Isabelle, Tanner, Caleb; and one great-granddaughter, Ella Rose Pfeifer; two brothers: Norman “Raschi”, Hays, Ken (Sharon), Phoenix; two sisters: Harriet (Wes) Nicholson, Topeka and Betty Lou Rife, Denver and a special caregiver Sister Rita.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Agnes (Hilly) Schumacher and Mary (Ed) Geist.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 on Friday, October 23, 2015 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 E. 13th, Hays. Burial with military honors will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and from 9 am until service time Friday, all at the church. A parish vigil service will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday at the church.
Memorials are suggested to the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center Home Based Primary Care, Hospice of Hays Medical Center, or St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has had surgery to repair the torn ACL in his right knee, the first step toward what he hopes is a return to the field by the start of next season.
The surgery was performed Tuesday by orthopedist Dr. James Andrews.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that everything went according to plan and that “all reports are good.” Charles also posted a photo of him in the hospital on Instagram with a caption that read, “Surgery went well (and) now the road to recovery begins.”
Charles was hurt early in the third quarter of a loss to Chicago on Oct. 11. Charcandrick West and Knile Davis split the bulk of his carries last week in Minnesota.
St. Mary’s CYO will be hosting its Pan Fried Chicken Dinner on Sunday, Oct.25. Buffet Style Dinner includes Pan Fried Chicken, Homemade mashed potatoes & Gravy, corn, green beans, coleslaw, dinner rolls and dessert. Will be serving from 10:00 until 1:00 or until food runs out but have ordered extra supplies. Dinner is held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ellis. Price is $5.00 for kids 5 to 9 and 10 and above $10.00. Everyone Welcome!!!!! We also have 10, 16 & 24 piece buckets of chicken with sides or no sides to go. Call 785-259-3992 to place your order
Free flu shots will once again be available to local residents Sunday, Oct. 25, courtesy of the HaysMed Foundation.
HaysMed pharmacist James Meier, who is also a Hays City commissioner, said he “knows a lot of hospitals and pharmacists throughout the state, and I can tell you there is no other community in the state of Kansas that does this.”
“It’s a great thing that the HaysMed Foundation does. It’s a great benefit to the community,” Meier said.
Mayor Eber Phelps said he’s participated in the drive-through flu clinic each year since it started. “Traffic used to get backed up on Canterbury Drive. Now, they have it down to an art. You’re literally constantly moving as you snake through the hospital parking lot, and are out of there in minutes.”
“It’s a wonderful program,” Phelps agreed.
There will be 5,000 flu shots available at the annual drive-through clinic which runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at HaysMed. Participants should wear a short-sleeved shirt, and drive into the hospital’s north entrance at 2220 Canterbury Drive.
“Last year, they also purchased 5,000 shots,” Meier recalled.
“All the people who will be out there–giving the flu shots, organizing the lines, setting up everything so people can drive through, drawing up the shots and putting the syringes on–they all do that for free. The hospital isn’t paying them to be out there,” he added.
Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Community Assistance Center.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An immigrant who changed the legal name of his identity theft victim to his own was spared from federal prison in a case even the federal judge called remarkable.
U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren sentenced 82-year-old Ramon Perez-Rivera on Wednesday to the one night in jail he had already spent when arrested.
Prosecutors say Perez-Rivera also changed the victim’s birth record to his own name and used the identity to obtain food stamps and Medicaid, a U.S. passport and a driver’s license.
His defense attorney says his client is uneducated and received some very bad advice from a California notary about changing the victim’s name.
Perez-Rivera told the court that he thought he was legal.
He pleaded guilty in August to possession of unlawfully obtained documents and other charges.
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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An immigrant living illegally in the United States for decades faces sentencing in an identity theft scheme so ingenious that prosecutors say a California court unwittingly changed the name of the U.S. citizen whose identity he assumed to his own real name.
Wednesday’s hearing for 82-year-old Ramon Perez-Rivera brings to a close one of the most unusual identity theft cases in the country.
Prosecutors say that armed with that court order, Perez-Rivera then also changed the victim’s California birth record to his own name. He was indicted in December with using the identity to obtain food stamps and Medicaid, a U.S. passport and a driver’s license.
He pleaded guilty in August to charges including possession of unlawfully obtained documents and illegal re-entry under a deal sparing him from federal prison.
Vice President Biden during a White House Rose Garden statement on Wednesday
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden says he won’t run for president in 2016.
His decision finalizes the Democratic Party’s field of White House candidates and sets Biden on a glide path toward the end of his decades-long political career.
Biden spent months deliberating with his family and political advisers about a potential late entry to the Democratic primary.
.@VP is a good friend and a great man. Today and always, inspired by his optimism and commitment to change the world for the better. -H
SCOTT CITY, Kan. (AP) — A committee has been formed to help preserve and develop Lake Scott State Park in western Kansas.
The Hutchinson News reports that Gov. Sam Brownback and and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Robin Jennison announced the formation of the Scott State Park Historic Preservation and Development Committee earlier this week.
The remains of the northernmost Native American pueblo are a defining feature of the park, which is located north of Scott City.
Authorities say that funding challenges have constrained efforts to preserve and interpret the site. One of the goals of the committee will be to raise funds to build an interpretive center over the ruins to help preserve them.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State has been selected sixth in the MIAA Preseason Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, released on Wednesday (Oct. 21). The Tigers look to make a return to the upper half of the standings after finishing ninth last year.
Fort Hays State finished at 16-13 overall and 9-10 in the MIAA last year. All-American point guard Craig Nicholson went down with a season-ending injury 16 games into the season. FHSU went 6-7 overall following the injury and fell in the first round of the MIAA Tournament to Washburn.
The Tigers are only two years removed from an appearance in the NCAA Tournament and three years removed from their last MIAA title, when they tied Central Missouri for the regular season crown in 2012-13. Fort Hays State has enjoyed eight 20-win seasons and six NCAA Tournament appearances under head coach Mark Johnson, who enters his 15th year at the helm.
Nicholson is the top returning scorer for FHSU. He was averaged 14.9 points and 6.1 assists per game. Dom Samac emerged as a solid offensive threat for the Tigers in the post, averaging 10.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. The Tigers have their top rebounder back, Jake Stoppel, who averaged 5.8 per game and contributed 7.4 points per game. Drew Kite returns in the post, while Hadley Gillum and Kade Spresser also return after seeing limited action last year. Grant Holmes redshirted his first year with the program.
The Tigers have nine new faces on the roster this year, including three transfers and six true freshmen.
Northwest Missouri State has been selected as the favorite to win the conference title, earning nine first-place votes. The Bearcats were the regular season champion last year. Central Missouri, Nebraska-Kearney, Missouri Southern, and Pittsburg State all received first-place votes as well. Pittsburg State was the MIAA Tournament Champion in 2015.
2015-16 MIAA Preseason Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (9) 164
2. Central Missouri (1) 143
3. Nebraska-Kearney (1) 141
4. Missouri Southern (2) 140
5. Pittsburg State (1) 134 6. Fort Hays State 101
7. Lindenwood 91
8. Central Oklahoma 77
T9. Washburn 72
T9. Missouri Western 72
11. Emporia State 58
12. Southwest Baptist 38
13. Northeastern State 29
14. Lincoln 14
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men’s Soccer remained No. 24 in the latest NSCAA Division II Poll, released on Tuesday (Oct. 20). The Tigers were idle for a week and play two non-conference games this week, one home and one away.
Fort Hays State is joined by Northeastern State as MIAA representatives in the top 25. The RiverHawks moved up to No. 15 this week from No. 17. NSU has an overall record of 9-4. The Tigers enter the week at 8-3-1 overall. Lindenwood continues to receive votes in the poll.
Fort Hays State plays a non-conference match against Oklahoma Baptist at home on Thursday night before playing at West Texas A&M on Saturday.
Below is the NSCAA Division II Poll for October 20, 2015.
1
Pfeiffer University
1
13-0-0
2
Southern New Hampshire University
3
12-0-0
3
Midwestern State University
2
10-0-1
4
Palm Beach Atlantic University
4
12-0-1
5
University Of Charleston
5
12-1-0
6
California State University-Dominguez Hills
6
11-1-2
7
Colorado School Of Mines
8
12-0-2
8
Northwood University (Mich.)
10
12-1-0
9
Seattle Pacific University
12
10-1-2
10
LIU Post
11
9-1-2
11
Lee University
15
10-1-1
12
Rockhurst University
14
10-1-2
13
Carson-Newman University
NR
10-2-1
14
Millersville University
9
11-1-1
15
Northeastern State University
17
9-4-0
16
St. Edward’s University
13
9-2-2
17
Cal Poly Pomona
22
8-1-3
18
Saginaw Valley State University
19
12-2-0
19
Wingate University
7
10-2-2
20
Urbana University
18
10-2-1
21
Lynn University
NR
6-2-3
22
Wilmington University
20
11-2-0
23
Young Harris College
16
10-2-0
24
Fort Hays State University
24
8-3-1
25
Fort Lewis College
RV
10-3-1
Also receiving votes: Notre Dame College (18), Fresno Pacific University (17), University Of Tampa (10), Bloomsburg University (7), Lindenwood University (2), Lander University (1), California State University-Los Angeles (1), Merrimack College (1), Barry University (1)
