October 2015 – Page 53

Kan. man hospitalized after SUV rollover accident

Posted on October 14, 2015October 14, 2015

The driver is treated at the scene of Wednesday's SUV accident in Reno County — The driver is treated at the scene of Wednesday’s SUV accident in Reno County

HUTCHINSON- Law enforcement authorities in Reno County are investigating an SUV accident on Wednesday afternoon.

Bruce M. Stoecklein, 45, Arlington, escaped serious injury after he crashed his SUV following a long erratic drive down US-50 Wednesday.

Reno County 911 reported they were receiving calls over the noon hour of a vehicle driving the wrong way down on U.S. 50 and forcing vehicles, including a semi near Partridge, off the road.

The SUV eventually got on the four-lane section of U.S. 50 and Kansas 61 near Pleasantview and continued east at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle left the road, vaulted over two fences before coming to rest in a farm field near Whiteside.

Stoecklein was treated at the scene by EMS and was then escorted to an ambulance for a trip to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Cargill plans $50 million expansion at Kan. soybean plant

Posted on October 14, 2015

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Cargill has announced plans to spend about $50 million on upgrades at its Wichita soybean processing plant.

The Wichita Eagle reports the company’s planned upgrade project is expected to be completed in 2017. The company also expects to increase production by 30 percent.

Cargill has operated the plant since the 1960s and also recently completed a $10 million product line expansion its oil dressing refinery plant, which processes most of the soybean oil produced on the site.

Hays model train show on track to draw hundreds of enthusiasts

Posted on October 14, 2015October 14, 2015

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

The eighth annual Western Kansas Train Show is set again for this weekend at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1343 Fairground Road, where enthusiasts will have the opportunity to buy and sell model trains, with over 100 tables of trains being presented.

The event will cover the entire weekend, running 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5, and children under 10 will be admitted free.

“It’s kind of fun for the whole family. It’s not only buy and sale, but it’s kind of a walk down memory lane,” said Justin Keeler, show promoter.

Even though the show focuses on small trains, the turnout is quite the opposite.

“Over the years, we keep increasing in attendance,” Keeler said. Last year, the show had about 780, and Keeler is hoping to have a few more weekend. “I figure if we can get 1,000 people, that’s a pretty good showing for Hays, Kansas.”

People come from all across the country to attend this event — from Florida to California and points between.

“It’s kind of fascinating how far people will drive to come to these things,” Keeler said.

One of the reasons these train shows remain popular is the lack of available hobby shops that stock model trains.

“Anymore with the Internet being so busy, it has actually taken a lot of the hobby shops out of business,” Keeler said.

While Hays has had a rich history of model trains and hobby shops, it is now a long drive to the closest shop.

“Really the closest one to us would be Spring Creek Model Trains up in Deshler, Nebr., but it to is also supported by model train shows,” Keeler said. “It’s pretty much a thing of the past, as far a hobby shop that supports model trains, so the shows are the best way to find model trains today.”

For attendees, Keeler said the two-day event is usually split into to camps, but both days are open to everyone. Saturday is the more serious day with dealers and sellers working on moving products, whereas “Sunday traditionally seems to be more of a family day.”

The show will feature 120 tables of model trains, both new and used, with vendors coming in from all over the Midwest, including Iowa and Texas. A food vendor will also be on site, door prizes will be offered and a big feature of the show will be eight operating layouts for participants to enjoy.

Both Polar Express and Thomas the Train will be featured, with both being some of the most popular attractions, bringing a big variety of people, young and old, Keeler said to enjoy some “good clean family fun.”

FHSU Women’s Basketball Picked No. 5 in DII Bulletin Preseason Top 25

Posted on October 14, 2015

FHSU Sports Information
Fort Hays State Women’s Basketball was picked No. 5 in the Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25 for the 2015-16 season. The Tigers join Emporia State as teams selected to the Top 25.

Coming off the program’s best season in its NCAA Division II history, the FHSU women finished at 30-4 overall and ranked No. 8 in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Final Poll. The Tigers enjoyed a ranking as high as No. 2 in the nation during the regular season and the long-time rivalry with Emporia State went to another level last season. The Tigers were receiving votes in the national poll for about half the season until finally entering the top 25 in late January. Following a convincing win over No. 4 Pittsburg State, the Tigers leaped into the top 10 and remained there the rest of the season.

Fort Hays State and Emporia State met four times during the 2014-15 season. As the No. 6 ranked team in the nation, FHSU knocked off No. 2 Emporia State by 10 points in Emporia and then won by the same margin just over a week later in Hays as the No. 3 team in the nation, while ESU held the No. 6 ranking. FHSU went on to win the MIAA Regular Season Championship, but ESU would take both meetings in the postseason. The Hornets, ranked No. 10, defeated the No. 4 ranked Tigers by three points in the MIAA Tournament Final, then knocked the Tigers out of the NCAA Tournament in the Central Regional Final in Hays by five points. The Hornets were ranked No. 9 and the Tigers were No. 6 in the final epic battle of the season in front of nearly 5,000 fans at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

As two of the nation’s top programs last year, FHSU and ESU caught the attention of several media organizations nationwide. Emporia State has been tabbed as the No. 1 team in the Division II Bulletin Preseason Poll, while FHSU earned the No. 5 spot. Emporia State went on to make the national semifinals last year before bowing out of the NCAA Tournament.

Click HERE for a link to the release of the Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25.

KSU Introduces Polytechnic Campus

Posted on October 14, 2015

MANHATTAN — With a focus on national growth and an aim to meet the needs of tomorrow’s careers, Kansas State University Salina is changing its name to Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, according to a media release.

The Kansas Board of Regents approved the name change at its Oct. 14 meeting. The new name is effective immediately.

The polytechnic campus — which will focus on teaching theory through hands-on, interdisciplinary and applied learning — is the only campus of its kind in the state of Kansas. While the name is changing, the polytechnic campus still remains one of the four campuses in the Kansas State University system. The other three campuses include the Manhattan campus, Olathe campus and Global campus.

“A polytechnic identity not only provides a much-needed niche for Kansas State University in the immediate region, but also aligns with our teaching and research mission,” said Kirk Schulz, Kansas State University president. “The career-based learning and hands-on research at our polytechnic campus will play a vital role as we strive to become a Top 50 public research university by 2025.”

The name change reflects the Salina campus’ 50-year mission as a polytechnic campus, said Verna Fitzsimmons, CEO and dean of Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus.

“Since its inception 50 years ago, the campus has consistently provided an educational environment that focuses on applied learning, professional programs and connections to industry,” Fitzsimmons said. “We are ready to take that tradition into the next 50 years, and identifying ourselves as a polytechnic campus perfectly represents who we are and the experience our future students will have here.”

Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus will retain the College of Technology and Aviation, while merging the academic departments of aviation, engineering technology, and arts, sciences and business to create the School of Integrated Studies. The creation of a school will build on the diverse student and faculty population and better manage resources, Fitzsimmons said.

Through a polytechnic campus transformation, Kansas State University will continue contributing to the revitalization of Salina and the surrounding community.

“The Salina community has invested into the growth and success of this campus and we are grateful to have such loyal support,” said Fitzsimmons. “We believe this transformation will greatly increase our value within Salina and we’re proud to be able to give back to our neighbors and friends as well as contribute to the current revitalization of the city.”

Staff and faculty at the Salina campus have worked for the past 18 months to develop a proposal for an academic realignment of the campus. Wednesday’s approved proposal reflects the work of the College Committee on Planning for the College of Technology and Aviation and the College Advisory and Planning Committee. These committees led a series of campus discussions during the 2013-14 academic year, which culminated in the presentation of the draft proposal to faculty and staff in January 2015.

The name change request was reviewed by the Council of Chief Academic Officers and the Council of Presidents at the September Kansas Board of Regents meeting. Both councils approved the recommendation to be placed on the board’s agenda for October.

For more information, visit the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus website.

"Parks and Recreation" star surprises Kansas crew

Posted on October 14, 2015

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department employees got a surprise visit from a television “Parks and Recreation” star.

Garry/Jerry/Terry/Gary from “Parks & Rec” stopped by to say congrats to @lprdks for all their hard work! pic.twitter.com/KmWo9f08ML

— City of Lawrence KS (@lawrenceks) October 13, 2015

The Lawrence Journal-World reports the Lawrence parks employees gathered Tuesday to celebrate their recent recognition from a national parks group.

Actor Jim O’Heir, star of NBC’s ‘Parks and Recreation,” showed up to present the department with its Gold Medal Award finalist plaque from the National Recreation and Park Association. Lawrence Parks and Recreation was one of four 2015 finalists for the award, which recognizes excellence in parks and recreation management. The department ultimately lost to St. George Leisure Services in St. George, Utah.

O’Heir, who starred as Garry on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” for several seasons, has been performing in the Kansas City area in a local production.

Skip Murray Yowell

Posted on October 14, 2015October 14, 2015

Skip Murray Yowell, 69, of St. Peter passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015.

Services are pending.

Hays organization awarded grant for drug treatment, enforcement

Posted on October 14, 2015October 14, 2015

TOPEKA – A Hays-based organization was awarded a grant for a drug treatment and enforcement program, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced this week.

Northwest Kansas Community Corrections was awarded $90,678 to fund substance abuse, methamphetamine abuse, mental health, anger management, and drug testing and surveillance programs.

“Providing the best public safety services and victim support requires a dedicated staff of local officials,” Schmidt said. “This grant will help advance local priorities for improving public safety.”

The grant is part of the Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and was awarded by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Schmidt serves as the chair of the council.

Man in NW Kan. voter fraud case says charge surprised him

Posted on October 14, 2015October 14, 2015

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — One of the three people Kansas’ secretary of state has accused of voter fraud says he lives part time in two states and thought he could legally cast votes in both of them.

The Wichita Eagle reports 64-year-old Lincoln Wilson is charged in a felony complaint Kris Kobach filed on Friday in Sherman County on the Colorado border.

Kobach says Wilson perjured himself on voting forms and voted in 2010, 2012 and 2014 without being lawfully registered.

Wilson acknowledged voting in both states but says he thought he was restricted to voting in only one county in each.

Kobach also filed criminal charges against a Johnson County couple who are accused of voting in both Kansas and Arkansas in 2010.

All three of the defendants are Republicans.

1 hospitalized after crash into Salina buiness

Posted on October 14, 2015October 14, 2015

Salina Post

SALINA — Two employees of a south Salina chiropractic clinic suffered minor injuries, and one was transported to the hospital, after a vehicle struck the front of and went into the business Wednesday morning.

Connie Stewart, 71, Salina, was parking her vehicle just before 11 a.m. in front of Temple Chiropractic Clinic, 2100 S. Ninth, when she mistakenly hit the accelerator rather than the brake, causing the vehicle to go over a curb and into the front of the building, according to Salina Police Officer Kyle Jacobs.

The vehicle went through a small brick wall and into the business.

Jacobs said that two employees that were working inside the business sustained minor injuries. One was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for further treatment.

Damage to the front of Temple Chiropractic Clinic (Photo by Terry Tebrugge/Salina Post)

Stewart was not injured. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

KFIX Rock News: Journey Drummer Pleads Guilty To Domestic Violence

Posted on October 14, 2015October 14, 2015

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The drummer for the rock band Journey has pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges.

A judge in Salem, Oregon, sentenced Deen Castronovo on Monday to four years on probation. Castronovo will be required to undergo counseling for domestic violence offenders and drug abuse.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office says Castronovo faces more than five years in prison if he violates the terms of his probation.

Castronovo was arrested June 14. Proescutors said he knowingly caused physical injury to a woman.

He was arrested again two weeks later and ordered to stay behind bars when prosecutors said he texted the woman 122 times and called her 35 times despite a no-contact order.

Castronovo has been with Journey since 1998, when he replaced Steve Smith.

“Like” KFIX on Facebook.

LETTER: Brownback to poor: ‘If you get sick, quit your job’

Posted on October 14, 2015

For the working poor, Governor Brownback’s decision to not expand Medicaid sends them a real clear message, “if you get sick, quit your job.” That’s the only way to qualify for health care coverage under KanCare, our version of Medicaid. Most Kansans agree that work is necessary for someone to make the most of their lives. Gov. Brownback has actually removed the incentives that would encourage Medicaid recipients to work. It’s stunningly poor policy-making.

With renewed calls for Congressman Paul Ryan to be named Speaker of the United States House of Representatives I found myself remembering some things he said about his vision for the way America structures her incentives. As the Republican Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan said “we don’t want to turn the safety net into a hammock that lulls able-bodied people to lives of dependency and complacency, that drains them of their will and their incentive to make the most of their lives,” and just this past July at the Aspen Ideas Festival he elaborated by saying “The highest marginal tax rate is a single mom making $25,000 a year, who is losing $0.80 to $0.90 on the dollar when she tries to take a leap of faith and go work.”.

What Representative Ryan was implicitly acknowledging is that sometimes, in our rush to accountability, we create perverse incentives for people. This resonates with me. Tending to our livestock in the fields behind our home near Dodge City, I learned from my father what many southwest Kansans tell their sons, “haste makes waste”. Sitting in guard towers along the front lines of the war on terror as a young man I feared what complacency could do to a tired soldier, and worse, what it could do to those who depended on him. Serving on my local Board of Education I have witnessed what local government can do when thoughtful incentives are implemented and what state government can do when the opposite occurs. Government has a mixed track record when it intervenes in people’s lives, but one thing we know for sure, the way it structures incentives matters.

Remarkably, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback seems to have forgotten this lesson when it comes to Medicaid Expansion. For all the bad parts of the Affordable Care Act – and there are plenty of them – there are a few good ones. And Medicaid Expansion is actually one of the good parts – or at least it should be for Kansans. It allows states to expand access to Medicaid to fill gaps in coverage, covers 100% of costs of expanding coverage, and will cover 90% for the foreseeable future. But instead of taking that opportunity, Governor Brownback wants us to believe that expanding Medicaid will create a new class of dependent Kansans and calls it “morally reprehensible”. The reality is that not expanding Medicaid will also likely have that effect.

Other than Medicare for seniors, there are now two ways that the government helps Americans afford increasingly unaffordable healthcare coverage: Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Receiving Medicaid today is very difficult in Kansas, because our state has one of the lowest thresholds for Medicaid eligibility in America. For a family of three to qualify in 2014, total household income needed to be less than $618 per month. Adults without dependent children don’t qualify at all, regardless of their income level.

To receive Premium Assistance Credits through the Affordable Care Act, an individual or family must have a minimum income of at least 138% of the poverty level. That translates into just over $2,200 per month in household income. That leaves a significant coverage gap for the working poor – a mother, for instance, who is trying to go back to school to better her family’s life, while working a minimum wage job.

The question here is pretty simple: Do we encourage people to keep their job if they get sick, or do we maintain a system of perverse incentives that forces workers to quit their jobs to get health insurance, and potentially drags them into a life of dependency and complacency? We all know the answer to this, but does Governor Brownback?

Aaron Estabrook is a post 9/11 combat veteran and vice-president of the USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Board of Education.

‘Goodies for Good’ available at Arthur’s in Ellis

Posted on October 14, 2015October 5, 2015

Submitted

ELLIS–Cancer patients and survivors are invited for a free cup of coffee and cookie at Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods, 103 W. 9th in Ellis on Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17.

Arthur’s will also be selling “Goodies for Good.” Red velvet cookies, pink sugar honey knots and pink-glazed chocolate knots are available for $5 a dozen. All of the sales will go to the Cancer Council of Ellis County.

For more information call Arthur’s at (785) 726-4683.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.