December 2015 – Page 8 – Hays Post Archive

Kansas’ governor defends state’s new guns-on-campus law

Posted on December 28, 2015December 29, 2015

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says he’s not second-guessing a new state law that would require the state’s college campuses to allow concealed weapons.

The Republican told the Lawrence Journal-World that the law is in accordance with the Constitution’s Second Amendment’s right to bear arms.

In 2013, Kansas lawmakers passed and Brownback signed a bill mandating that concealed weapons be allowed in nearly all public buildings unless adequate security is in place to prevent anyone from bringing in a weapon.

Public colleges and universities were given until 2017 to come into compliance with that law.

The University of Kansas’ chancellor and 70 of that school’s distinguished professors publicly have spoken out against the law.

3 Kansas men held after traffic stop, drug arrest

Posted on December 28, 2015

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Pottawatomie and Riley County are investigating three suspects on drug charges.

Just after 3:45 a.m., on Sunday, Pottawatomie County Sheriff Deputy William Cline stopped a green 1994 Chevrolet Camaro near Enoch Lane and Frontage Road in Manhattan, Pottawatomie County, according to a sheriff’s department media release.

During this traffic stop an occupant of the vehicle fled on foot.

Sheriff Deputies later captured this suspect identified as Joseph Luven Pham-Gardner, 28, Onaga, along with the assistance of the Riley County Police Department.

Pham-Gardner was taken into custody for criminal possession of a firearm, interference with law enforcement, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a stimulant drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The driver of the Camaro, Patrick Arrow, 22, Louisville, Kan., was taken into custody for possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a stimulant drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hallucinogenic drug with intent to distribute, possession of a stimulant drug with intent to distribute, possession of medication with intent to distribute, criminal use of a firearm and transporting an open container. Arrow remains at the Pottawatomie County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

The third occupant of the Camaro, Seth Lightfoot, 21, Blaine, was taken into custody for possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a stimulant drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Pham-Gardner, Arrow, and Lightfoot remain at the Pottawatomie County Jail on a $25,000 bond each.

During this stop a quantity of marijuana and methamphetamine were also seized as well as the vehicle.

Generous Gift from PMCA will strengthen taxpayers dollars during the holidays

Posted on December 28, 2015December 28, 2015

Kansas Highway Patrol

For the 25th consecutive year, the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas (PMCA) donated gasoline to the Kansas Highway Patrol to fill up patrol cars during the holidays. Through the Holiday Highways Safety Program, the PMCA donates fuel to the Patrol to fill up patrol cars from December 24 through January 1. The donation will be of great assistance at a time when budgets continue to be tight.

“For many years now, PMCA’s Holiday Highways Safety Program has worked to help motorists in Kansas make it safely to their holiday destinations,” said Tom Palace, Executive Director of PMCA of Kansas. “Through their participation in this one-of-a-kind program, fuel distributors and convenience stores are voluntarily partnering with the Kansas Highway Patrol to ensure the safety of their customers, their families, and the many visitors traveling to and through Kansas over the holidays.”

“For the 25th consecutive year, PMCA of Kansas has graciously provided tanks of fuel to the Kansas Highway Patrol. This fuel will go towards our personnel who are working the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, and who are committed to keeping Kansas roadways safe,” said Lieutenant Adam Winters, KHP public information officer. “One of the most important things during the holiday season is getting the opportunity to spend time with friends and loved ones. The donation received from the PMCA of Kansas has definitely helped us to assist motorists in those efforts. As always, we want to thank PMCA for their continued support of our agency.”

The PMCA of Kansas is a nonprofit organization for independent petroleum distributors, gasoline retailers, and convenience store owners. This year, participating members of the PMCA graciously provided vouchers for 70 tanks of fuel for troopers to use as they patrol the highways this holiday season.

Last year, during the 2014 Christmas and 2015 New Year’s reporting periods, the provided fuel allowed the Patrol to assist 2,140 motorists, remove 43 impaired drivers from the roadways, and issue 253 citations for occupant protection violations. The donation last year no doubt contributed to the Patrol’s efforts to keep the roadways safe during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. This year, it will help further safety efforts during the holiday season.

To find out more about the PMCA of Kansas, visit them at https://www.pmcaofkansas.org/.

SCHLAGECK: Agriculture is up to the task

Posted on December 28, 2015December 28, 2015

By John Schlageck
Kansas Farm Bureau

The end of agriculture in America is near. American agriculture will soon lose its competitive edge.

The high costs of producing food in America, compared with the costs in other countries, are pushing American producers out of business as competitors around the world develop enough to serve the same markets. Overseas producers with lower input costs will increasingly be able to undersell American producers.

John Schlageck writes for the Kansas Farm Bureau.

Critics of American agriculture contend that crop yields will not keep up with population growth. Some predict by the year 2050, arable American farmland will decrease by nearly 200 million acres.

They also say water will become scarcer for agriculture, forcing a shift of farming to regions where rainfall is plentiful. Marginal rainfall regions like the western half of Kansas, eastern Colorado and the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas may be destined to revert back to grassland.

Should this happen, the United States will cease to be a food exporter. Our new diet will contain less meat and dairy products, more grains and beans and a sparser variety of vegetables.

Are these starling new revelations or are they predictions of those totally out of touch with the business of farming and ranching?

It is hard for farmers and ranchers to stomach such predictions especially at this point in history when American agriculture remains the envy of the world.

There is no doubt agriculture, like the rest of the U.S. economy, will continue to face challenges. True, this country is already impacted by higher input costs, dwindling avenues of trade and the constant wrath of Mother Nature.

In spite of these challenges, farmers and ranchers remain dedicated to staying on the land and continuing in their chosen vocation. They, better than anyone, understand the land they depend on for their livelihood is finite.

Care for this critical resource continues to improve. Today’s farmers are increasing their organic matter in the soil. With the continuing practice of no-till and reduced tillage farming, farmers continue to build organic matter and improve the soil tilth. There is no reason to consider this practice will be discontinued.

New and improved crop varieties are continually coming down the pike. Production practices continue to evolve and improve.

As for the question of scarce water, this is always a major concern in farm and ranch country. Producers constantly chart rainfall amounts and monitor weather conditions. In Kansas, farmers are aware of changes in the Ogallala Aquifer.

They are tuned into water and the conservation of this vital resource. Some, especially in the western half of the state are concerned about the potential of long-term climate change. If such a phenomenon should occur, there is the possibility Kansas could become more arid – more like New Mexico, for example.

Barring a major shift in our climate, crops will continue to be planted in western Kansas. Production could be less than now, but this land will be farmed and farmed wisely.

Without question, today’s crop of agricultural detractors raises some interesting possibilities. But American agriculture is up to the task. This country has the minds, machinery and dedication to continue producing for people around the globe.

John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas. Born and raised on a diversified farm in northwestern Kansas, his writing reflects a lifetime of experience, knowledge and passion.

3 from Hays hospitalized after I-70 crash

Posted on December 28, 2015December 28, 2015

RUSSELL –Four people, including three from Hays, were injured in an accident just after 12p.m. on Monday in Russell County.

Kansas Highway Patrol patrol reported a 2001 Dodge Durango driven by Pedro Siguar-Larez, 31, Houston, TX., was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile west of Bunker Hill.

The driver lost control of the SUV due to slick roads, crossed the median into the eastbound lanes, and collided with a 2015 Volkswagen Passat driven by Cory Munsch, 57, Hays.

Siguar-Larez, Munsch and passengers in the Volkswagen Joshua Munsch, 24, and Pamela Musch, 52, Hays,were transported to Russell County Hospital

All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Suspect in Kan. Christmas Eve hostage standoff appears in court

Posted on December 28, 2015December 28, 2015

Law enforcement on the scene of the Christmas Eve standoff in Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON — The man arrested after a domestic incident and nearly six-hour standoff with Hutchinson Police on Christmas Eve made a first court appearance on Monday.

Charles Mendenhall III faces charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, criminal threat and two counts of aggravated endangerment of a child.

He was taken into custody without incident Thursday following the standoff after the alleged woman victim inside the residence in the 700 Block of Pierce Street was released unharmed.

There were some children in the home when the violence started around 6:30 a.m., but they apparently left the home and the daughter contacted police.

She told police that she woke to the sound of dishes breaking and then saw the defendant pointing a gun to her mother’s head.

She said one the suspect threatened to blow her mother’s brains out. According to statements made in court, he may have also fired the weapon at least three times.

Mendenhall is jailed on a $113,000 bond and a request to have the bond lowered was denied. He’ll be back in court on January 5, to see if the state has filed formal charges.

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

Posted on December 28, 2015

KDOT

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is requesting comments on the amendment to the FFY 2016-2019 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects in the draft January Amendment to the STIP may be viewed at https://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp

The approval of the STIP requires a public comment period of 14 days, which concludes Jan. 6, 2016. To make comments on the STIP amendment, contact KDOT’s Bureau of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-2252.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Office of Public Affairs, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

FHSU’s MBA graduates are among best in the nation on national field test

Posted on December 28, 2015

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Students of Fort Hays State University’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship graduating with a Masters of Business Administration are ready for the challenges of an active business environment, according to results from a national test administered by the Educational Testing Service.

MBA graduates Eric Ladd, Topeka; Kristin Hines, Cimarron; and Alejandro Lopez, Miami, Fla.; scored in the top 10 percent, or 90th percentile, nationally on the ETS Major Field Test. MBA graduates Joseph Parra, Orange Park, Fla., and Clinton Goebel, Jetmore, scored in the top 20 percent, or 80th percentile. These scores place them among the top graduates in the nation.

“These scores demonstrate the quality of FHSU’s MBA graduates. They can compete and stand out when compared with graduates from anywhere in the country. We are extremely proud of them,” said Dr. Mark Bannister, dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Fort Hays State administers the Major Field Test in Business to graduating MBA students each semester. The Major Field Test was developed by leading educators, nationally, to assess the skills of graduating MBA students. In addition to factual knowledge, the test evaluates students’ abilities to analyze and solve problems, understand relationships and interpret material.

The Major Field Test provides an assessment of the students’ knowledge, faculty teaching effectiveness and areas of improvement in the MBA curriculum. The test consists of 124 multiple-choice questions, half of which are based on short case-study scenarios. Several skill sets are measured, including marketing, management, finance and managerial accounting. More than 130 colleges and universities in the U.S. administer this exam to their graduate business students.

For more information about the MBA program at FHSU, visit www.fhsu.edu/mba/ or contact Rachel Dolechek at [email protected].

KHP: 2 hospitalized after accidents on icy Kansas roads

Posted on December 28, 2015December 28, 2015

HARVEY COUNTY- Slick roads are responsible for numerous accident across the state on Monday.

One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. in Harvey County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy passenger car driven by Elizabeth Ann Ourecky, 28, Garland, TX., was southbound on Interstate 135 just north of the Kansas 15 Junction.

The driver lost control of the car due to the ice.

It traveled through the median into the northbound lane and was hit by a northbound Peterbilt semi.

Ourecky was transported to Wesley Medical Center. The semi driver Scott Alan Heslop, 50, Park City was not injured.

Just before 9 a.m., a 2003 Chevy Van driven by Marlon Amaya, 41,Wichita, was northbound on Interstate 35 four miles north of Waverly.

The driver lost control of vehicle on the ice-covered roadway,

It entered the ditch on the south shoulder and overturned.

A passenger in the van Ricardo Adan Garcia, 35, Honduras, was transported to Ransom Memorial Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Amaya and another passenger were not injured.

AG Schmidt: Eligible Verizon and Sprint customers in Kansas reminded to file for refund by December 31

Posted on December 28, 2015

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today reminded Verizon and Sprint customers in Kansas that they have until December 31 to seek refunds as part of two multi-state settlements reached in May.

The national settlements announced May 12 were reached between Verizon, Sprint and the attorneys general of Kansas and 49 other states and the District of Columbia, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Communications Commission. They resolved allegations that Verizon and Sprint placed charges on consumers’ mobile phone bills for third-party services that had not been authorized by the consumer, a practice known as “mobile cramming.” These settlements follow similar settlements reached with AT&T and T Mobile last year.

Under the terms of the settlements, Sprint and Verizon are required to provide $50 million and $70 million, respectively, in refunds to consumers who were victims of cramming.

Consumers who are uncertain whether or not they are owed a refund can file a request with the mobile carrier to identify any third party charges they may have been unaware of. For information on how to do this or to file a claim, Kansas consumers should visit the attorney general’s consumer protection website at www.InYourCornerKansas.org or call (800) 432-2310.

Edwin Francis Weigel

Posted on December 28, 2015December 28, 2015

Edwin Francis Weigel, age 86, died Saturday, December 26, 2015, at Hays Medical Center Hays, Kansas.

He was born March 3, 1929, in Victoria, Kansas, to John I. and Margaret (Braun) Weigel. He married Shirley (Cole) Walters on June 15, 1953 at Catharine, Kansas.

He was the manager at C.O. Mammel’s Food Store in Plainville for 23 years and retired in 1984.

He also worked at Safeway’s in Russell and C.O. Mammel’s in Great Bend for a few years. He moved to Hays in 1984, and worked ten years for USD # 489 as a janitor at Munjor and Washington Schools. After his second retirement in 1994, he helped his wife with her day care. He was a 1947 graduate of Victoria High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus No. 1325 and American Legion Post No. 173 all of Hays.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Weigel, of the home; two sons, Randy Weigel and wife, Lora, Plainville, KS; Rick Weigel and wife, Janel, LaCrosse, KS; three daughters, Janice Skeen; Joan Rozean and husband, Paul; Jolene Leiker and husband, Ric, all of Hays, KS; one sister-in-law, Elaine Weigel, Ogallah, KS; 19 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers, Harold, Alfred, Alvin, John, Leroy, Norbert, Leo and Earl Weigel; four sisters, Sabina Jones, Eleanor Wenger, Amelia Collins and Irene Rohleder; and one infant sister, Lioba Weigel.

Services are at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 31, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Plainville, Kansas. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery Plainville, Kansas with military honors by the Hays V.F.W. and American Legion.

A vigil service is at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday, both at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays and from 8:30 to 10:00 A.M. Thursday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Plainville, Kansas.

Memorial to the Dreiling-Schmidt Cancer Center Hays, Kansas. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]

Lonnie Ray Barnhart

Posted on December 28, 2015

Lonnie Ray Barnhart, age 56, of Dewey, Oklahoma, died Tuesday, December 15, 2015, in Trego County, as the result of an automobile accident. He was born May 28, 1959, in Atwood, Kansas, to Merlin Lee and Shirley May (Koeppen) Barnhart.

Lonnie was a 1977 graduate of Batlesville College High School. He and his family owned and operated Barnhart Specialty Contracting; a drywall and flooring business. He was known for his skill and dedication to his trade. He will be dearly missed by many friends and family.

Survivors include his parents, Lee and Shirley of Dewey, Oklahoma; two brothers, Ronald (Vicki); and Richard (Connie), all of Topeka, Kansas; a sister, Debra (Nathan) Richardson of Winter Haven, Florida; and nieces and nephews, Michael Barnhart of Topeka, Leah (Mike) Sawyer of Topeka, Lydia (Ted) Christensen of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Lindsey Barnhart of Topeka, Lacey Barnhart of Topeka, and Lauren Barnhart of Topeka. He was preceded in death by a niece, Tori Barnhart-Hoskins.

Memorial services will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 2, 2015 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bison and Adams, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Worldwide Construction Fund for Kingdom Halls, c/o Kingdom Hall, 6720 SE Adams Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for City of Gaylord in Smith Co.

Posted on December 28, 2015December 28, 2015

Topeka – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded the boil water advisory for the City of Gaylord located in Smith County Ks. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Inadequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residual and bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Gaylord in Smith County, KS indicate no evidence of contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.