CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated Press
RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s health care law is approaching limits as its third sign-up season gets underway.
Enrollment on the federal and state exchanges began Sunday. President Barack Obama’s health overhaul already has reduced the uninsured rate to a historic low of about 9 percent, but the gains will be harder in 2016.
Costs are going up on the private, taxpayer-subsidized coverage sold through HealthCare.gov and state insurance exchanges. Also, many of the 10 million-plus eligible uninsured Americans tend to be younger people on tight budgets.
Others are trapped in what’s called the “Medicaid gap.” Across the South, Republican-led states have turned down the Medicaid option, leaving millions uninsured. That’s unlikely to change, with political divisions magnified in a presidential election year.
Norton resident Donald Johnson passed away Oct. 30, 2015 at his home in Norton at the age of 72. He was born August 1, 1943 in Colby, KS to Mandus & Evelyn (Mollerstrom) Johnson.
He is survived by his wife Connie of the home, his daughter Paige of Kansas City, MO, his son, Dan & wife Angela of Lees Summit, MO & his grandson Noah.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, November 3, at 1:00 p.m. in the Trinity Episcopal Church, Norton, with Rev. Jerry Jones officiating.
Inurnment will follow in the Norton Cemetery.
Memorials have been established to God’s Pantry.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Phillipsburg resident Sharlyn (Sherri) K. Hanchett passed away Oct. 29 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE at the age of 65. She was born July 10, 1950 in Phillipsburg, the daughter of Delvin & Delpha (Smith) Jennings. She owned and operated a floral shop in Phillipsburg for several years.
She is survived by her husband Dale of the home; 2 sons, Dale II and Lucas of Phillipsburg; her mother, Delpha Jennings of Phillipsburg; her brother, Dan Jennings of McPherson; her sister, Patricia Wisinger of Republican City, NE and 2 grandchildren, Trace & Brooke.
There will be a gathering of family and friends at 2:00 Wed at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with a graveside service to follow at 3:00 in the Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Phillipsburg City Library.
The casket will be closed. Friends may sign the book from 5:00 to 9:00 Monday & 9:00 to 9:00 Tuesday with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.
Online condolences to www.olliffboeve.com.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Logan resident Doris L. States passed away Saturday, Oct 31 at the Logan Manor, Logan at the age of 94. She was born Nov. 18, 1920, the daughter of Milton & Mary (Taylor) Keeten.
Survivors include her daughter, Deb Berg of Logan, 2 sisters: Bettie Bach of Hugoton, KS & Arleta Power of Phillipsburg, 3 grandchildren & 2 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wed. Nov. 4 at 10:00 a.m. in the Logan United Methodist Church with Rev. Ted Stapleton officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 Monday & 9:00 to 9:00 Tuesday at the Logan Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan United Methodist Church, Logan Manor or Hospice Services.
Shorts and sandals were Sunday’s attire for many Hays residents Sunday as the temperature soared to 80 degrees.
Not warm enough for a record, though.
According to the K-State Agriculture Research Center, the record high for Nov. 1 in Hays was 83 degrees in 1990. One year ago, the temperature reached just 56 degrees.
Saturday’s high was also above normal at 70 degrees.
The weekend’s balmy weather came after a high of just 45 degrees on a drizzly Friday, with 0.33 rain recorded for Hays at the Ag Research center south of town.
The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and 9 traffic stops Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Robbery–500 block W 8th St, Hays; 2:09 AM; 2:10 AM
Intoxicated Subject–700 block Main St, Hays; 5:39 AM
Credit Card Violations–200 block E 29th St, Hays; 8:26 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block Main St, Hays; 9:02 AM
Civil Dispute–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 10:50 AM
Animal At Large–3000 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 11:47 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 10/29 9 PM; 10/30 11:49 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–Hays; 12:01 AM; 11:49 AM
Intoxicated Subject–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 12:40 PM
Drug Offenses–3000 block New Way, Hays; 4:08 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–200 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:09 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–1700 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 4:30 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:25 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:46 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–1200 block Allen St, Hays; 12 AM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 9:02 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–12th and Main St, Hays; 9:43 PM
Unwanted Person–700 block Vine St, Hays; 9:58 PM
Disturbance – General–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:07 PM
Disturbance – Noise–3000 block Limestone Ct, Hays; 10:17 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:30 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and 17 traffic stops Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 1:38 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 9:04 AM
Theft (general)–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:09 AM; 11:11 AM
Computer Crime–2500 block Indian Trl, Hays; 12:44 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 10/30 10:15 PM; 10/31 1:15 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1900 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 1:25 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–7th and Ash St, Hays; 1:38 PM
Animal At Large–2800 block Barclay Dr, Hays; 3:05 PM
Animal At Large–400 block Ash St, Hays; 5:26 PM
Disturbance – General–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:43 PM
Animal Call–200 block W 15th St, Hays; 9:37 PM
Disturbance – Noise–300 block W 6th St, Hays; 10:27 PM
Battery – Domestic–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 11:34 PM
Intoxicated Subject–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:43 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and 19 traffic stops Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Urinating in Public–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:17 AM
Found/Lost Property–300 block W 7th, Hays; 12:37 AM
Intoxicated Subject–700 block Elm St, Hays; 1:10 AM
Disturbance – Noise–2600 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 1:14 AM
Obstruction of Legal Process–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:01 AM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:08 AM
Criminal Trespass–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:57 AM
Civil Dispute–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:09 AM
Driving Under the Influence–500 block Park St, Hays; 2:06 AM
Animal Call–2700 block Elm St, Hays; 2:06 AM
Drug Offenses–500 block Halladay St, Hays; 2:23 AM
Unattended Death–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10/31 8 PM; 11/1 2:59 AM
Burglary/residence–400 block W 14th St, Hays; 2:30 AM; 3:06 AM
Mental Health Call–600 block E 15th St, Hays; 5:39 AM
Found/Lost Property–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 9:39 AM
Found/Lost Property–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 11:10 AM
Found/Lost Property–7th and Ash, Hays; 10:59 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–300 block E 15th St, Hays; 1:01 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 1:53 PM
Found/Lost Property–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 2:35 PM
Animal At Large–1300 block W 44th St, Hays–4:30 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–13th and Vine St, Hays; 6:23 PM
Water Use Violation–3700 block Fairway Dr, Hays; 7:03 PM
Civil Dispute–1700 block Main St, Hays; 8:13 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–300 block W 6th St, Hays; 8:31 PM
Domestic Disturbance–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:45 PM; 11:37 PM
ELLIS–Continued discussion of several items face the Ellis City Council during their meeting this evening.
Engineering services for improvements to the city’s water supply and placement of cemetery monuments and decorations are in old business, along with the update to the Monroe Street sidewalk/crosswalk project.
In new business, several ordinances will be considered including re-zoning of property and an amendment to contractor licensing requirements.
The complete Nov. 2, 2015 agenda follows.
AGENDA November 2, 2015 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
1) CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on October 19, 2015
b) Bills Ordinance #1984
c) September 2015 Manual Journal Entries
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
3) SPECIAL ORDER
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Consider Proposals for Engineering Services for Improvements to City’s Water Supply
b) Consider Ordinance on Cemetery Monument Placement Specifications
c) Consider Amendments to Ordinance on Non-Compliant Cemetery Decorations
d) Update on Monroe Street Sidewalk/Crosswalk Project
e) Consider Amendments to Ordinance No. 1382 Allowing Work by Property Owners
f) Discussion on Semi-Truck Traffic on North Hill
g) Discussion on the Dredging of Big Creek
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval to Sell Cemetery Carillon
b) Consider Ordinance Amending Contractor Licensing Requirements
c) Consider Ordinance Approving Re-Zoning of Property
d) Consider Approval of Purchase of Utility Billing Forms
e) Consider Purchase of New Computer Server
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Department Update
2) Police
(1) October Monthly Activity Report
(2) November Staff Calendar
(3) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) September Financial Statements
(2) Department Update
4) Attorney
5) Mayor/Council
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT
Hays Area Children’s Center will host its annual holiday party and fundraiser, Bright Lights for Little Tykes holiday auction, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. The event will be at Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth.
A silent auction and dinner will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a live auction at 7 p.m. There also will be raffle items.
The event has been HACC’s main fundraiser for the last 30 years. All proceeds raised at the event exclusively benefit Hays-area children and families. In addition to quality childcare and early education, HACC offers free early intervention support services.
These services, provided by a registered nurse, early childhood special education teacher, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist and physical therapist, are for children between the ages of birth and 3 who have been diagnosed with a developmental delay or disability.
“Our early intervention team of specialists helps children with a wide range of diagnoses, including autism, physical disabilities and communication difficulties,” said Susan Bowles, executive director. “In addition, our team works with parents and caregivers to educate them about ways to help their child. This is a valuable service provided at no cost to local families who find themselves in a challenging and unexpected situation.”
Early detection and treatment of childhood disorders is critical, as 80 percent of brain development is complete by age three. HACC also offers free developmental screenings to help detect potential concerns as soon as possible.
“Multiple studies have shown a child’s outcomes improve significantly with early detection and proper early intervention services,” Bowles said. “The progress we help children make today can affect them for the rest of their lives as they enter school and society.”
A $50 ticket for the event includes a bidding number for silent and live auctions, an all-you-can-eat heavy hors d’ oeuvres buffet and complimentary wine. Tables can be reserved for parties of six or eight.
There will be more than 100 items sold at the event, including vacation packages, gift certificates, holiday gift baskets, electronics, jewelry and much more. The event, formerly known as Christmas Tree Auction, also will feature beautifully decorated Christmas trees for purchase.
To reserve your tickets today, contact Kaley Conner at Hays Area Children’s Center, (785) 625-3257 or [email protected]. Tickets also can be purchased at the center, located at 94 Lewis Drive in Hays. A limited amount of tickets will be available at the door the night of the event.
Halloween seems to be the unofficial start of the holiday retail season. (In fact, experts say Halloween is the third most expensive holiday, after Christmas and Valentine’s Day.)
Before long, stores everywhere will be decorated in evergreen and tinsel, vying for your holiday shopping dollars.
For too many families, the holidays and overspending go hand in hand. A financial counselor friend once told me her clients seldom think about budgeting BEFORE the holidays arrive.
While the idea seems simple; it’s the execution that’s the problem! With some planning and creativity, you can still have a joyous holiday season this year without busting your budget. Now is the time to plan ahead to fund holiday expenses without letting holiday debt dampen your spirits in the New Year.
Ideally, you have saved some money to spend over this year’s holidays. No? Don’t worry – it can still happen. If you’re looking for ways to save in the coming weeks, use the America Saves theme to help you save this holiday season: Set a Goal. Make a Plan. Save Automatically.
1. Set a Goal: Set a holiday budget and stick to it. Decide how much you want to spend on gifts for the people on your gift list, and stick to that amount. Remember, at holiday time it’s the thought that counts– and spending more than you plan means debt and stress in the New Year. (And that’s a crummy gift for your family!)
Some people enjoy giving gifts to non-family members, but they are often forgotten when setting a holiday budget. These include gifts for teachers, babysitters, hair stylists, pastors and others. Consider writing handwritten notes expressing thanks or appreciation rather than buying gifts when possible to reduce your spending costs.
Don’t forget to factor in all extra items that will cost money during the holiday season. Such extras include decorations, grab-bag gift exchanges, extra food and drink, greeting cards and postage, travel expenses, holiday donations, babysitter fees and shopping costs like gas and parking. Be sure to budget for these extras.
2. Make a Plan: Plan ways to save money now for your holiday expenses later. Put what you save aside into a savings account to fund your holiday budget goals.
You can save by skipping the takeout and/or restaurant meals from now until holiday time. Taking your lunch to work, buying quick frozen meals for dinner, and taking advantage of holiday parties can all save you a little cash during the holiday season.
Another way to slash costs is to limit your entertainment spending. Save money by renting movies or borrowing from the library, or even better, check out the many holiday movies that network and cable channels broadcast throughout November and December. Enjoy free holiday concerts at churches and community events, and look for cost-free ways to enjoy family time, such as raking and jumping in leaves, playing in the snow, caroling and spending time with friends.
Don’t overlook the value of small saving steps. Putting aside $1 a day of pocket money between November 1 and December 25 will add up to an extra $55 for holiday expenses.
3. Save Automatically: Pay yourself first. Each payday until the holidays end, set up an automatic savings transfer of 5-10 percent of your paycheck to use for holiday gifts, groceries and travel. If you don’t see it, you won’t be tempted to spend it! You may end up saving even more than you actually need for the holidays, and with money you save, you can start an emergency fund for the New Year.
The holidays can be a strain on every budget, but they don’t have to lead to a burden of debt. For more ideas, access the resources and tips of the America Saves program through the K-State Research and Extension portal at www.kansassaves.org.
Linda K. Beech is Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City officials have announced plans for the 2015 World Series parade and celebration for the champion Kansas City Royals. The city says in a release that the 2.3 mile-long parade starts at noon Tuesday in the Power & Light District in downtown and heads north before ending at Union Station, where the victory rally is planned.
The Royals on Sunday won their first World Series crown since 1985 with a 7-2 win in 12 innings in Game 5 against the New York Mets in New York.
Royals starter Edinson Volquez threw two-hit ball for six innings. He pitched a day after returning from his father’s funeral in the Dominican Republic.
The city also says free transportation to the celebration area will be provided from various locations around the city.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two men were arrested early Monday after a seven-minute police chase through East Topeka.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that officers received a call to check on a stationary car. Police officials say they were checking on two men passed out in the front seat of the vehicle as the driver took off.
Police followed as the car traveled about a mile and a half east on Interstate 70 and exited the highway.
When police stopped the chase, both men were booked into the Shawnee County Jail. The driver was booked for multiple traffic offenses, including fleeing and eluding from police officers. The passenger also was booked on several counts, including narcotics offenses.
A while back I wrote about the influx of hawks into Kansas this time of year. I told about watching hawks following combines through a soybean field, snatching up rodents kicked out of hiding by the machines as they lumbered through the fields.
The dictionary defines symbiotic (symbiosis) as “The living together of two kinds of organisms to their mutual advantage.” Maybe “symbiotic” is not quite the right word to describe the above scenario, but you have to admit there are times where animals and birds use human activities to their advantage.
For example, years ago I had some peacocks. Any of you who presently own or have ever owned peacocks will agree with me that they can be a real pain in the butt, but while I had those pesky fowl, I had gardens that were absolutely insect-free. They would follow me when I mowed the lawn; back a few feet and on the side of the mower where the grass was discharged, and would turn themselves inside out to be the first to snatch a bug shot out from the mower, especially those big green hoppers I called “katydids.”
Symbiotic or not, they knew that when the lawn mower was pushed across the yard, snacks would come their way.
Just this week we stopped to see a friend at a business on a side street smack in the middle of downtown Hutchinson. As we pulled into the parking lot, the large dumpster for the business sat straight ahead of us inside a four-sided enclosure, and perched on the back corner of the enclosure was what appeared to be a hawk decoy, put there to ward off pigeons I presumed.
As I stared at the decoy, it swiveled its head around and stared back at me; it was a mature red tailed hawk with a squirrel held firmly in its talons. I was slightly surprised to see a red tailed hawk in downtown Hutchinson, but since there were no houses or trees for several blocks around, I was really puzzled as to where the hawk had managed to snag the squirrel.
Our friend there was not surprised to hear about the hawk and added some details that explained where the hawk had likely found the squirrel. The business is very near the railroad, and this time of the year there always seems to be dabs of grain strewn along the tracks, evidently from rail cars moving wheat, soybeans, corn and milo.
Pigeons, squirrels and birds come from all over that part of town to feast on the grain, making for a virtual smorgasbord for stealthy predators like the hawk. He told us he once observed a hawk catch a pigeon nearby as it snacked on the grain. Again, maybe this is not really a true symbiotic relationship, but the squirrels and pigeons know the grain will be there, and the predators know the pigeons and squirrels will be there too, all thanks to man.
And speaking of hawks, November 8 – 13, the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) will have its annual convention/field meet at the Atrium Hotel in Hutchinson. They are expecting nearly 200 falconers to attend and who bring nearly 300 hawks and falcons. Falconers will come from all over North America, Canada and Mexico, and from as far away as the U.K., Austria, Germany and Australia.
Even though many falconers will be out hunting with their hawks and falcons, there will always be falconers at the hotel who will be glad to talk with you about their sport and show you their birds. So check out this get-together and check out the sport of falconry as yet another way to Explore Kansas Outdoors!
Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].
CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated Press
