MANHATTAN–In recognition of Kansas Farm to School programs across the state, Governor Brownback recently proclaimed October as Farm to School Month and the week of October 12 – 16 as Kansas Farm to School Week. National celebrations also occur during these times. Celebrations in Kansas will include efforts focused on showcasing the work producers, teachers and schools do to educate students about agriculture and bring locally grown food into schools.
The National Farm to School organization defines farm to school as any program that connects schools and child care settings with local farms and strives to serve healthful meals in school cafeterias, improve student nutrition, provide agricultural education opportunities and support local and regional farmers and ranchers.
To show support of Farm to School Month and Kansas programs, share information about Farm to School Month with your school or community and utilize Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Nutrition Education lesson plans.
Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey invites all Kansans during the month of October to engage with the department on social media to help promote Farm to School Month. Follow KDA on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to learn more about the celebration.
KDA is joined in this initiative by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Please visit the KDA Farm to School website for resources and more information about Kansas programs or contact Education and Events Coordinator Robin Blume at [email protected] or (7850 564-6756.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A surge in homicides involving women in abusive relationships and a rising number of women whose requests for shelter have been turned away are pushing some Wichita agencies to seek ways to expand capacity to help domestic violence victims.
A local convent will give those efforts a boost later this month when it starts accepting referrals from local shelters for what eventually will be more than 50 rooms by 2018.
The Wichita Eagle reports the 100-year-old Sisters of St. Joseph Convent has been rechristened The Mount and initially will have 14 rooms available. Twelve more are slated to open in January and a dozen more about three months after that.
Harbor House, a Wichita shelter for women, was forced to turn away 178 requests for shelter in August.
EDMOND, Okla. – The conference road swing in Oklahoma over the weekend was not kind to FHSU as it fell 1-0 at Central Oklahoma on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers dropped their second straight conference match and moved to 6-6 overall and 3-3 in the MIAA. UCO improved to 7-4-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the MIAA.
A goal by Katie Killion in the 76th minute was all Central Oklahoma needed to pick up the win. UCO outshot the Tigers 12-5 in the match. Fort Hays State was only able to put three shots on net, all saved by Lexie Bates who moved to 2-1 on the season.
Fort Hays State’s Kristen Thompson produced five saves, but took the loss moving to 5-5 on the season. All five shots for FHSU were distributed among five different players.
The Tigers hit the road again next weekend for conference matches at Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western. FHSU is currently in a tie for sixth place in the MIAA standings with Emporia State.
Despite the time and distance that separates Hays and the events in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, the legacy of the events that occurred remain fresh for many. But with tragedy comes honor, and last Thursday at Carpet One Floor and Home, 113 E. 13th, through the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a small piece of the tragic day was brought to Hays.
Vincent Doherty, former Fire Department of New York Captain, visited with area residents sharing the legacy of one hero of that tragic day and the foundation that was born from his tragic death and presented Carpet One with a piece of steel from the World Trade Center site in recognition to the company’s contributions to the Siller Foundation.
Vincent Doherty, volunteer with the Siller Foundation visits with Hays Emergency Responders after a presentation about the foundation, and presenting a piece of steel from the World Trade Center in recognition for Carpet One’s financial support.
Doherty shared with the audience who Siller was and the culture of service he was raised in that led him to join the NYFD and the heroic effort he made on 9/11 to help others.
“On September 11, 2001, Stephen had just gotten off the late shift at Squad 1, Park Slope, Brooklyn. He was on his way to play golf with his brothers when his scanner told of the first plane hitting the Twin Towers. When he heard the news, Stephen called his wife Sally and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later, and then returned to Squad 1 to get his gear,” according to the foundation’s website.
“Stephen drove his truck to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it was already closed. So he strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back, rushed on foot through gridlocked traffic and ran from the Tunnel to the Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.”
Following the tragedy friends and family of Siller’s worked to find a way to remember him and use his memory to do good and, with contributions from business such as Carpet One, the organization works to serve others, in the vein of service that Siller worked for during his life.
The foundation began with a memorial run, but quickly morphed into much more.
“The organization helped establish the Tunnel to Towers Run, a living, breathing tribute to all that died on 9/11 and to those who serve in the line of duty to protect our country. Participants of the Tunnel To Towers Run retrace the final footsteps of heroic Stephen Siller from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center site,” according to the foundation.
The run quickly turned into an effort to help veterans as a part of the same brotherhood of Americans that provide service to others.
“What began as a runner-led memorial for Siller eventually evolved into ensuring that honor and service is provided to the brave men and women serving in America’s recent wars, as well as our courageous first responders who serve domestically each and every day. In 2011, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation officially began the Building for America’s Bravest program to provide a specially adaptive home for the first ever quadruple amputee to survive, Army Specialist Brendan Marrocco. By the end of 2013, BFAB has the goal to have completed or broken ground on 23 Smart Homes for veterans across the country.”
Carpet One, is an active partner with the foundation, which boasts over a 90 percent rate of funds going directly to charitable activities, with less than 5 percent going toward administration costs.
For more information on the foundation visit their website at tunnel2towers.org.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Highway Patrol says a woman is dead after trying to cross Interstate 135 in southern Wichita and being hit by a pickup truck.
The Wichita Eagle reports troopers were dispatched after getting a call of a hitchiker walking north on the highway shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday.
Master Trooper Eric Molleker says the woman tried to cross the highway from the east to west side. He says a van in the right lane slowed to avoid hitting her but a pickup truck in the left lane slightly behind the van struck her when she entered that lane.
A Sedgwick County emergency dispatcher described the woman as being 50 to 60 years old. She was pronounced dead at 10:06 p.m.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state official says $2.5 million is needed to fix problems with the plumbing, windows, roof and security at a Topeka building that houses members of the Kansas Supreme Court and Kansas Court of Appeals.
Mark McGivern, of the Kansas Department of Administration, said Friday that judicial branch leaders and state building administrators intend to ask the 2016 Legislature for an appropriation to begin addressing maintenance shortcomings at the Kansas Judicial Center.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that McGivern says the $70,000 that the Kansas Legislature allots annually for upkeep isn’t enough to address the problems at the building. He says that without the work, the 37-year-old building risks becoming as poorly maintained as the Docking State Office Building, which is slated for demolition.
DOUGLAS COUNTY – A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. on Sunday in Douglas County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Dodge Stratus driven by Jeffery J. Johnson, 47, Bonner Springs, was eastbound in the 700 Block of U.S. 56 when it left roadway.
The vehicle entered south ditch hit an embankment and went airborne.
Johnson was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Interviews are underway as Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration searches for a new commerce secretary.
The Lawrence Journal World reports that Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley says the administration doesn’t have a time frame for announcing a nominee. She also didn’t disclose how many potential candidates have been interviewed so far.
The Department of Commerce has been without a permanent chief since former Secretary Pat George resigned in July to accept a job to become president and CEO of a nonprofit alcohol and substance abuse treatment center based in Norton.
Brownback initially nominated Leawood businessman George Hansen for the post. But he withdrew on the eve of his confirmation hearing before a Senate committee, citing potential conflicts of interest because a relative has had extensive business dealings with the Commerce Department.
Erika Nelson, the curator of the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things Roadside Attraction and Museum, will give a presentation on American myths at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Hays Public Library’s Schmidt Gallery, 1205 Main.
Nelson’s presentation, Jackalopes, Hodags and Other Larger than Life Myths from the American Road, will discuss legendary myths including Johnny Kaw and Sasquatch. Her presentation takes a look at the origins of legends and how those legends reflect on our culture.
Nelson will drive the latest version of the mobile museum she calls the jeep-a-lope and leave it parked outside the library. The jeep has horns and a jackalope attached to the roof, she said.
Items in the mobile museum are displayed through the window.
This event is free and open to the public.
For additional information, visit www.hayspublib.org or call 785-625-9014.
Vernon Paul “Vernie” Schmidt, age 76, of Catharine, KS passed away Friday, October 9, 2015 at Via Christi Village, Hays. He was born February 3, 1939 in Catharine, KS to Victor and Kathryn “Katy” (Meis) Schmidt. He graduated from Hays High in 1957. He married Kathryn “Kathy” Dinkel February 4, 1961 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church.
Vernie enjoyed living the simple life. He loved all animals, especially his three pugs, Porky, Helga and Barbie. They kept him company and brought joy to his life every day. He had a passion for his work in floor covering for 45 years. He was very gifted in so many areas and he enjoyed working. His kidneys failed but he was determined to live and went to his dialysis treatments faithfully for over 4 years. He continued until the last days of his life, he did not want to leave his family. He was a very giving, loving and caring father and grandfather. He had so many friends and knew just about everyone. Everyone loved him for his orneriness and his love for life. He made you laugh and comforted you when you were hurting. If you were in need of anything he was always willing to give. His comforting smile will never be forgotten. You will be forever missed. We love you dad and gramps.
He is survived by two sons, David Schmidt and wife Janet and Keith Schmidt all of Catharine, a daughter, Carla Callahan of Hays; two brothers, Robert L. Schmidt of Hays and Darrell Schmidt of Ajijic, Mexico; five grandsons, Joey Schmidt and wife Ashley, Ethan Schmidt, Kiefer Schmidt and wife Kelli, Kade Schmidt and Kameron Schmidt all of Hays as well as a great granddaughter, Ciara Schmidt daughter of Joey and Ashley.
He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn; his parents and a sister, Jacquelin.
Funeral services will be at 10 AM on Saturday. October 17, 2015 at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine, KS. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.
Arrangements in care of Brock’s Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].
Cheryl Jean Levin was born on June 25, 1951 in Great Falls, Montana. She passed away Friday, October 9, 2015 at Smith County Memorial Hospital at the age of 64.
Cheryl moved several times during her childhood with her family as her father was in the Air Force. She attended high school in St. Petersburg Florida. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University. It was also at Kansas State where she met her future husband, Otto Levin. They were married in the chapel on base at Ft. Riley, Kansas on December 30, 1972.
After their wedding and graduation from Kansas State they moved back to Kensington, Kansas where the family farming operation is located at. Cheryl worked as a lab technician at Smith County Memorial Hospital, and as secretary at Levin Farms. She also kept very busy raising her two sons, Travis and Joshua, and in later years, babysitting her grandson Landon Cash Levin. When she wasn’t working or helping her family, she enjoyed having coffee and conversation with her neighbors and friends, traveling abroad, and visiting her extended family in Kansas, Texas and Arizona.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her father, Dorsey Barker; her mother, Drusilla Barker; and a sister, Darcie Barker.
Survivors include her husband Otto Levin, Kensington, KS; mother-in-law Evelyn Levin, Kensington, KS; son Travis Levin, and his wife Carmen, Fairview, TX; son Joshua Levin, and his wife Lindsey, of Kensington, KS; sister Debra Brannon, and her husband Glenn of Cypress, TX; and five grandchildren, Keeten, Bella, Annalise, Joel, and Landon Levin.
Funeral services will be held at the First St. John Lutheran Church, Kensington, KS, at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2015, with Pastor Dave Hutson officiating. Burial will follow in the Germantown Cemetery, Smith County, KS.
Mrs. Levin will lie in state at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family will receive friends at the First St. John Lutheran Church, Kensington, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday evening.
The family wishes in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First St. John Lutheran Church.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661, is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.olliffboeve.com.
The lecture series named for one of Fort Hays State University’s most notable alumni, former U.S. Rep. Keith Sebelius, will feature an October appearance by his daughter-in-law, Kathleen Sebelius, former U.S. secretary of health and human services to President Barack Obama.
She will discuss her accomplishments and legacy during “An Evening with Kathleen Sebelius” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in the Sheridan Hall’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the FHSU campus. This is the first lecture of the 2015-2016 academic year.
To win FREE tickets to the event, email [email protected]. Enter “SEBELIUS” in the subject line and be sure to include your name and daytime phone number. Tickets must be picked up at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, before 3 p.m. Monday.
“We’re honored to have Secretary Sebelius at Fort Hays State University,” said Vincent Bowhay, chair of the Special Events Committee and assistant director of the Memorial Union. “Sebelius was at the center of every major health issue or event facing the nation and the world during her tenure in the Obama administration. It is only fitting to welcome her back to Kansas to celebrate her accomplishments and legacy.”
As the country’s former highest ranking health official, she led the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the historic health care law signed by President Obama in 2010. She also served as a leader during public health crises, coordinating the government response to the 2009 H1N1 virus and the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Sebelius was the second female governor of Kansas, serving from 2003 to 2009, and was the first daughter of a governor to be elected governor in American history. In 2005, Time Magazine recognized her achievements by naming her one of “Americas Top Five Governors,” praising her for eliminating a $1.1 billion debt she inherited, ferreting out waste in state government and strongly supporting public education — all without raising taxes.
She was the first Democrat to be elected Kansas Insurance Commissioner, serving from 1995 to 2003. Governing Magazine selected her as its Public Official of the Year for 2000. Prior to her service as insurance commissioner, she was a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995.
Sebelius holds a master of public administration degree from the University of Kansas and a bachelor of arts degree from Trinity Washington University.
Tickets are now available for purchase online at www.fhsu.edu/sebelius. Tickets for the general public are $10 per person; for FHSU students they are $5 per person.
Approximately 200 patrons help sponsor the Sebelius Lecture Series each year. Patrons donate $150 per person. These donations are tax deductible, less benefits received. Patrons will receive an exclusive invitation to a reception with the speaker on the day of the lecture, exclusive tickets to sit in rows A-C in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center for the lecture, and their names will be prominently placed in the event program. To become a Patron, visit www.fhsu.edu/sebelius and complete a ticket order form as a Patron.
For more information about the Sebelius Lecture Series, call Bowhay at 785-628-4664 or send email to [email protected].
About former U.S. Rep. Keith Sebelius
Sebelius graduated from FHSU in 1941. While at FHSU, he was one of the original Lewis Field Pioneers — young men who lived on campus while working a variety of jobs to pay their tuition, room and board.
Keith Sebelius
Sebelius was born in Norton. He earned a law degree and returned to Norton to practice law. He served on the city council and as mayor. He also served in the Kansas Senate. He became active in the Republican Party and ran for the U.S. House seat previously held by Bob Dole in 1968.
He served for 12 years and didn’t seek re-election in 1980. He died at age 66 and is buried in Norton. His son, Gary Sebelius, is a federal magistrate judge and the husband of Kathleen Sebelius. His son, R. Douglas Sebelius, is the Norton County attorney.
Kansas Department of Agriculture
