January 2016 – Page 54 – Hays Post Archive

Brownback to outline agenda in tonight’s State of State address

Posted on January 12, 2016

Brownback during the 2014 State of the State address

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is preparing to outline his legislative agenda during the annual State of the State address.

The speech is scheduled for Tuesday evening before a joint session of the Republican-dominated Legislature in the House chamber. The GOP governor has focused in his previous speeches on broad themes.

Brownback has said that the massive personal income tax cuts enacted at his urging in 2012 and 2013 are working and stimulating the economy. But the state has struggled to balance its budget since and must close a projected $190 million shortfall for the fiscal year that begins in July.

His address will be live-streamed on the state’s website here www.kansas.gov.

Brownback budget director Shawn Sullivan plans to release details of the governor’s spending recommendations Wednesday.

USD 489 BOE considers bypassing Hays City Commission for sales tax vote

Posted on January 12, 2016

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

After being informed the Hays City Commission would not support a public vote on a sales tax that would be used to offset the cost of a proposed $94 million bond, the Hays USD 489 Board of Education discussed taking the measure directly to the voters at Monday’s work session.

“That is not something the city commissioners are going to vote on,” Superintendent Dean Katt said.

If the board were to collect approximately 1,227 signatures from eligible voters, the measure could be put on the ballot, giving the proposed increase to the voters. Taking this action, however, could push the bond election from April to a later date.

“It’s going to take a lot of time to get those signatures,” said Bill Jeter, board attorney, warning the board if they proceed with that route they might not be able to put the bond measure to voters before May.

While the sales tax question is still under consideration, the board will still vote next week to begin the process to hold the special election in April at the board meeting next Monday.

As more information about the bond election is being shared with the public, the board has begun receiving questions about the necessity of the measure and why the full $94 million bond is needed at this time.

Josh Waddell told the board he felt positive, as questions to him are coming in about the specifics of the plan and its necessity.

“Our schools need this,” he said. “This is not a bailout. … This is a forward future-moving request.”

As the process continues, Katt said the administration is finalizing presentations for community and school groups and presentations will begin next month.

Ellis Co. Commission increases pay for some non-elected employees

Posted on January 12, 2016

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission approved a resolution increasing the salaries of some non-elected employees at Monday night’s commission meeting.

The resolution, effective Jan. 3, brings the salaries for all non-elected, union ineligible employees to the minimum set in the job study conducted last year by Evergreen Solutions.

Under the resolution, those employees also receive a 1-percent pay increase. Earlier this month, the commission approved the same 1-percent pay increase for non-elected union employees.

In other business, the commission:

• Approved reorganization for 2016. Commissioner Dean Haselhorst will serve as the commission chair and Commissioner Barb Wasinger the vice chair of the commission.

• Approved a noxious weed agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation allowing the county to treat noxious weeds in the state right-of-ways.

• Approved a cereal malt beverage license for RPM Speedway.

HPD Activity Log Jan. 11

Posted on January 12, 2016January 12, 2016

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and 18 traffic stops Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-Private Property–2000 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 7:53 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1200 block Cedar St, Hays; 9:38 AM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–1300 block E 22nd St, Hays; 9:48 AM
Civil Dispute–2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 10:44 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1300 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 11:37 AM
Civil Dispute–3000 block New Way, Hays; 1:39 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 2:53 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 3 PM; 3:12 PM
Animal Call–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 4:18 PM
Found/Lost Property–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 4:52 PM
Welfare Check–1200 block E 30th St, Hays; 6:16 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–300 block E 15th St, Hays; 9:07 PM
Animal At Large–15th and Main, Hays; 9:20 PM

HAWVER: Brownback campaign coffers and Mideast refugees

Posted on January 12, 2016January 12, 2016

No! Look over there, in the bushes!

It happened again last Friday, the masterful misdirection of the Kansas news media just a couple days before the opening of the Kansas Legislature’s 2016 session, and that misdirection was by Gov. Sam Brownback, who is giving his sixth State of the State address this week.

Presumably there won’t be much good news in the gubernatorial address that kicks off the session. The budget has crashed and it’s going to take cuts and shuffles because the governor isn’t interested in increasing taxes again this session.

So, what’s over there in the bushes to distract us?

Well, the governor was quick to release the campaign finance report for how he and Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer did at raising money during 2015. Didn’t do too badly, really, raising more than $500,000 in contributions to a campaign that will never face the voters again due to the two-term limit on Kansas governors.

After legal expenses and other spending needed to keep the office’s political side running, Colyer was repaid his last $100,000 in loans to the 2014 campaign. And, Brownback and his wife Mary got $100,000 of the $200,000 they lent to the campaign returned. The troupe wound up with about $50,000 in the campaign fund, probably enough to be sociable at GOP events and figure how to convince voters to chip in a little more in the next two years so that Brownback and spouse can be repaid.

You’d hate to see a governor’s office with a tip jar on the desk, wouldn’t you?

And, then there was that other diversion from the business of running a nearly broke state government…

Yes, it was expanding that gubernatorial order that discourages refugees from Mideast wars from entering Kansas.

Remember awhile back, when Brownback issued an order prohibiting any state agency—with Kansas money or even federal grant money—from doing anything to bring Syrian refugees to Kansas? After the Paris attack, and the San Bernardino, Calif., attack, well, it seemed like a time to toughen things up for refugee immigrants coming to Kansas.

So, last Friday seemed like a strategically good time to talk protection of Kansans from…well, not only Syrians, but how about their friends, maybe Canadians coming into Kansas where they represent a potential danger to Kansans.

At this point in the terrorism frenzy, we’d figure that anything that sounds like it keeps terrorists, or their friends, out of the Sunflower State is a good idea, never mind that many of those Middle Eastern refugees are fleeing their home countries to save their lives and the lives of their families.

Kansas, Brownback reminds us, is a warm-hearted state, willing to assist those in need, but we want someone presumably in the federal government to guarantee us that any refugees coming into the state—even those under-populated Rural Opportunity Zones—are safe as actuaries. Nobody, of course, wants terrorists slipping through the system, moving in and killing Kansans.

Nobody knows how anyone in the federal government can assure Kansas—or at least Brownback or the Kansas Department for Children and Families—that those refugees have nothing dangerous in mind. That’s probably impossible, but the Immigration and Naturalization Service does extensive background checks on the folks seeking refuge in the U.S. It hasn’t worked all the time.

In terms of specifically protecting the safety of Kansans, well, there’s no vetting of folks who cross the border from Missouri, but the international flavor of the latest executive order tends to divert our attention from dangers from Americans.

While Kansans are watching the governor’s bank account and terrorist immigration dangers, well, we have this 2016 legislative session starting, and while there are tax, budget, school, social welfare and other issues blazing, the distraction is a pretty good one for the purposes of the governor.

We’ll see how this works out…

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com

FHSU Dean’s Honor Roll released for fall 2015 semester

Posted on January 12, 2016January 12, 2016

FHSU Relations and Marketing

Local students are among the 1,239 named by Fort Hays State University to the Deans Honor Roll for the fall 2015 semester.

The list includes undergraduate students only. To be eligible, students must have enrolled in 12 or more credit hours and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60 for the semester. Full-time on-campus and FHSU Virtual College students are eligible.

Students are listed alphabetically by county and city with their classifications and, for those who have declared them, majors. Students without a classification are students seeking a second degree or are students who, though full time, are not seeking a degree.

Barton County
Claflin: Layne Charles Bieberle is a freshman majoring in technology studies (construction management).
Peyton D. Broeker is a sophomore majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Katie Lynn Hipp is a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Aubrey Lynn Kempke is a junior majoring in accounting (public).
Kevin William Klug is a senior majoring in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry track).
Shelby L. Letourneau is a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.
Ruth Anne Potter is a freshman majoring in art (graphic design).
Ellinwood: Kristi Lynn Dewerff is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Rachel Marie Doll is a freshman majoring in education.
Great Bend: Luke A. Abbott is a senior majoring in mathematics (teaching).
Brandon Michael Ball is a freshman majoring in technology studies (education).
Selam Caren Ball is a freshman majoring in chemistry (biochemistry).
Matthew L. Bruner is a sophomore majoring in accounting (public).
Morgan Michele Choitz is a junior majoring in social work.
Amy Lynn Christopher is a junior majoring in radiologic technology.
Abigail Joan Hammeke is a senior majoring in justice studies.
Katelyn Nicole Henning is a senior majoring in health and human performance (sport management).
Andrew Ballard Jacobs is a senior majoring in social work.
Anna L. Jones is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Cara Lynn Kaiser is a junior majoring in social work.
Jordan B. Klima is a senior majoring in finance (financial planning).
Krista Deann Palmer is a senior majoring in psychology.
Emilie Renee’ Regier is a sophomore majoring in nursing.
Elizabeth A. Swigart is a junior majoring in social work.
Nathan C. Towns is majoring in secondary education.
Grant Edward Unruh is a freshman majoring in agricultural business.
Lauren Elizabeth Wiebe is a senior majoring in social work.
Ashley Denise Wieland is a junior majoring in psychology.
Joanne Renee Wondra is a senior majoring in sociology.
Hoisington: Robyn Nichole Ashauer is a senior majoring in social work.
Mallory Jo Flagor is a senior majoring in health and human performance (health promotion).
Abiagail Jo Morrison is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Matraca Lane Ochs is a junior majoring in English (teaching).
Crista Marie Robinson is majoring in elementary education.
Odin: Kami Danae Maxwell is a junior majoring in psychology.

Cheyenne County
St. Francis: Shayla Jean Hilt is a senior majoring in social work.
Jalyn Nicole McCauley is a senior majoring in general studies (general business).
Ashlee Nicole Orth is a freshman majoring in education.

Decatur County
Oberlin: Keithen Merle Fortin is a senior majoring in agriculture (animal science).
Baron Jon Green is a sophomore majoring in justice studies.
Brooklyn Taylor O’Hare is a senior majoring in social work.
McKenna Paige O’Hare is a freshman majoring in art.

Edwards County
Lewis: Daniel A. Saenz is a freshman majoring in political science.

Ellis County
Ellis: Kori Lea Clark is a freshman majoring in psychology.
Sidney Ann Gottschalk is a sophomore majoring in athletic training.
Heather Ann Hollingshead is a senior majoring in early childhood unified.
Wanda Paola Jimenez is a sophomore majoring in biology.
Jared Michael Knoll is a junior majoring in management.
Alicia Laurel Kroeger is a junior majoring in business.
Breanna Ashley Kroeger is a senior majoring in art (graphic design).
Jared Scott Mick is a junior majoring in finance.
Sarah Jane Mick is a freshman majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Jordan Michael Rohr is a junior majoring in business.
Jensen Nicole Scheele is a junior majoring in athletic training.
Tyler Gary Walters is a freshman majoring in geology.
Magdalen Anne Zody is a senior majoring in music.
Olivia Anne Zody is a junior majoring in elementary education.
Hays: Omar Almulhim is a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications (computer networking).
Jessica Renae Babyak is a freshman majoring in art (graphic design).
Jennafer D. Ball is a senior majoring in general science.
Megan Anita Balman is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Molly Ann Barnett is a sophomore majoring in art (graphic design).
Naomi Elizabeth Basgall is a junior majoring in general studies.
Laurie J. Beard is a junior majoring in health and human performance (health promotion).
Taran Nichole Becker is a senior majoring in English.
Dillon R. Bell is a senior majoring in applied technology.
Dina Benitez is a senior majoring in education.
Abby Marie Benoit is a junior majoring in psychology.
Megan Marie Bird is a junior majoring in psychology.
Macey Marie Brake is a senior majoring in health and human performance (K-12 teaching and coaching).
Rylee Michelle Broyles is a sophomore majoring in political science.
Christian J. Burd is a freshman majoring in philosophy.
Faith Christine Burdine is a junior majoring in psychology.
Shanna Kay Butel is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Ashley Rene Butler is a freshman majoring in education.
Tristan Martin Callis is a freshman majoring in chemistry.
Troy A. Carner is a freshman majoring in general studies.
Brett Christopher Chrisler is a senior majoring in physics.
Taissa T.V. DasilvaCarvalho is a freshman majoring in psychology.
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Dinges is a senior majoring in organizational leadership.
Ashli K. Dinkel is a junior majoring in geography.
Casey Lee Dinkel is a freshman majoring in nursing.
Megan Rose Dinkel is a sophomore majoring in biology.
Shelby Mae Dinkel is a junior majoring in accounting (public).
Candace Leigh Domann is majoring in nursing.
Nicholas Dean Dopita is a junior majoring in technology studies.
Nathan Laine Felton is a junior majoring in psychology.
Nicole Elizabeth Feyerherm is a sophomore majoring in English.
Arianne Lee Fisher is a senior majoring in psychology.
Adam Christopher Flax is a freshman majoring in music (music education).
Allyson Rachelle Flax is a freshman majoring in radiologic technology.
Jannik Flores-Panuco is a senior majoring in radiologic technology.
Zack Michael Gaughan is a senior majoring in physics.
Michelle Lea Geist is a senior majoring in social work.
Joseph Thomas Glassman is a senior majoring in technology studies (construction management).
Nicholas Isaac Glassman is a junior majoring in accounting.
Randy Lee Gonzales is majoring in communication (journalism).
Banner Malea Goolsby is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Megan Ann Gottschalk is a junior majoring in medical diagnostic imaging (ultrasound).
Chelsea Elaine Greenough is a sophomore majoring in organizational leadership.
Kellen Lynn Griffin is a junior majoring in mathematics (teaching).
Kirsten Renee Haas is a sophomore majoring in art.
Kyle L. Hadley is a senior majoring in history (secondary education).
James Robert Hahn is a senior majoring in art (studio).
Ryan Joseph Hammerschmidt is a sophomore majoring in information systems engineering.
Alexandria Rachelle Harm is a senior majoring in nursing.
Katelyn Nichole Hecker is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Trevor Allen Henningsen is a senior majoring in organizational leadership.
Bryan Matthew Hirsch is a sophomore majoring in history (secondary education).
Taylor Leigh Hodny is a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.
Aaron F. Hoffman is a senior majoring in physics.
Conrad Raymond Hoffman is a freshman majoring in information systems engineering.
Allison E. Hohmann is a sophomore majoring in education.
Parker Eugene Holterman is a junior majoring in management.
Kasey Mae Hoyt is a senior majoring in education.
Taylor Geneveve Hunt is a senior majoring in philosophy.
Brady Joseph Hutchison is a freshman majoring in technology studies.
Gracie Jobeth Jackson is majoring in social work.
Elizabeth Marie Jacques is a senior majoring in early childhood unified.
Joshua Allen Jecha is a freshman majoring in information networking and telecommunications (computer networking).
Michaela Marie Jochem is a junior majoring in technology studies.
Amy Kathleen Jordan is a junior majoring in psychology.
Courtney M. Keener is a sophomore majoring in social work.
Alyssa Grace Keil is a freshman majoring in health and human performance.
Hannah Leigh Keil is a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Adam J. Klaus is a freshman majoring in finance.
Austin Miles Knoll is a senior majoring in accounting.
Shante Alise Korbe is a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.
Russell William Krug is a freshman majoring in geology.
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Lammers is a senior majoring in art.
Alexyss L. Leiker is a senior majoring in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry track).
Bailee Renae Leiker is a freshman majoring in radiologic technology.
Emily Katherine Leiker is a junior majoring in tourism and hospitality management.
Valerie Renee Lindskog is a junior majoring in education.
Stephanie Jo Linenberger is a sophomore majoring in justice studies.
Eli J. Lohrmeyer is a freshman majoring in biology.
Rachel Megan Luedders is a freshman majoring in tourism and hospitality management.
Paige Nicole Lunsford is a senior majoring in health and human performance (recreation).
Hailey Marie Mandeville is a junior majoring in psychology.
Tara D. Marlett is a senior majoring in social work.
Courtney Shayanne Maska is a senior majoring in health and human performance.
Lisa Ellen McCormick is a senior majoring in sociology.
Jacob William McCoy is a senior majoring in technology studies (industrial).
Ethan Kane McKinney is a senior majoring in technology studies (construction management).
Kade Scott Megaffin is a junior majoring in accounting (public).
Monica Rose Michaud is a sophomore majoring in information systems engineering.
Ashley Renee Moore is a senior majoring in organizational leadership.
Rebekah L. Moritz is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Russell James Mortinger is a senior majoring in organizational leadership.
Sydney Shae Niernberger is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Payton L. Nowlin is a sophomore majoring in health and human performance (fitness programming).
Drew Anthony O’Brien is a senior majoring in marketing.
Cameron Joseph O’Connor is a junior majoring in health and human performance.
Jorge Ramon Olivas-Tena is a senior majoring in geology.
Aaron Michael Orth is a sophomore majoring in music (music technology).
Kara Lynn Paramore is a senior majoring in art (graphic design).
Taylor Marie Patzner is a senior majoring in social work.
Joshua Del Pemberton is a freshman majoring in history.
Jarred Alan Penton is a freshman majoring in physics.
Kaylie Sue Reeh is a sophomore majoring in nursing.
Curtis Alan Renz is a freshman majoring in management.
Daniel Lewis Rineberg is a senior majoring in management.
Amanda Micaela Rivera is a junior majoring in art education.
Monica Catherine Rome is a senior majoring in music (music education).
Kenny Allen Rounkles is a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.
Shaunna Marie Ruder is a senior majoring in education.
Chandler Dalton Rule is a junior majoring in justice studies.
Leisha J. Sadler is a junior majoring in biology (botany).
Alexis Deann Schaben is a freshman majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Adam Robert Schibi is a sophomore majoring in accounting (public).
Mattison Lynn Schlaefli is a freshman majoring in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry track).
Shelby Katherine Schumacher is a sophomore majoring in psychology.
Jeanne M. Schwartz is a freshman majoring in art (graphic design).
Christopher Glenn Simmons is a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications (computer networking).
Joelle Marion Spotswood is majoring in nursing.
Bethany Ellen Staab is a freshman majoring in social work.
Candace Mae Staab is a senior majoring in art (graphic design).
Spencer Joseph Staab is a senior majoring in geology.
Shelby David Steffen is majoring in education.
Rebecca Lynn Stegman is a freshman majoring in organizational leadership.
Garrett C. Stoecklein is a sophomore majoring in chemistry.
Kaelea Nikol Stoney is a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Courtney Jo Storer is a junior majoring in radiologic technology.
Arin Elizabeth Straub is a junior majoring in nursing.
Alexis Marie Summers is a freshman majoring in nursing.
Kayla D. Swob is a senior majoring in general studies.
Anna Rose Taylor is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Rebecca Ann Urban is a senior majoring in music.
Aislinn Walters is a sophomore majoring in music (music education).
Alexis Kay Wasinger is a freshman majoring in information networking and telecommunications.
Austin James Werth is a junior majoring in radiologic technology.
Braiden Joseph Werth is a freshman majoring in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry track).
Britney Lynn Werth is a freshman majoring in education.
Hannah Marie Werth is majoring in art.
Lakin Marie Werth is a senior majoring in mathematics (teaching).
Chelsea Wheeler is a senior majoring in justice studies.
Rebecca Rose Whitmer is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Jared Wickham is a freshman majoring in information networking and telecommunications (computer networking).
Olivia Rose Wiesner is a sophomore majoring in tourism and hospitality management.
Mackenzie Kay Wiley is a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Janna Lanae Wilkinson is a senior majoring in organizational leadership.
Brianna L. Witchey is a sophomore majoring in sociology.
Amber Frances Wooldridge is a junior majoring in elementary education.
Brianna Marie Wooldridge is a junior majoring in mathematics (teaching).
Ryan James Wooldridge is a senior majoring in general science.
Aubrey Lauren Woolf is a senior majoring in early childhood unified.
Lauren Kelsey Wright is a senior majoring in art.
Tanner Scott Younie is a senior majoring in political science.
Corinne Elizabeth Ziegler is a junior majoring in accounting.
Ethan John Ziegler is majoring in agriculture (agronomy).
Drew M. Zimmerman is a senior majoring in biology (cellular-molecular).
Shane Michael Zimmerman is a junior majoring in geology.
Schoenchen: Christopher L. Zeman is a freshman majoring in international business and economics.
Victoria: Melanie Marie Burton is a junior majoring in radiologic technology.
Ashley Marie Dome is a junior majoring in education.
Maegan Marie Karlin is a freshman majoring in nursing.
Audra Katelynn Nowak is a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.
Sam Lincoln Ottley is a sophomore majoring in management (human resource management).
Rebecca Ann Stewart is a sophomore majoring in agriculture (animal science).
Tara Whipple is a junior majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).

Ellsworth County
Ellsworth: Haley Nicole Koralek is a junior majoring in social work.
Stacia M. Martin is a junior majoring in general studies (massage therapy).
Wilson: Molly Elizabeth Morgan is a senior majoring in political science.
Ashley Maree Templeton is a junior majoring in organizational leadership.
Mckenzie Alexa Thrasher is a freshman majoring in nursing.

Gove County
Gove: Taylor Lynn Tustin is a freshman majoring in athletic training.
Grainfield: Tuker John Gillespie is a sophomore majoring in agricultural business.
Grinnell: Will Henry Bixenman is a senior majoring in health and human performance (K-12 teaching and coaching).
Anthony Leo Dinkel is a sophomore majoring in justice studies.
Brooke Elizabeth Ostmeyer is a junior majoring in biology (pre-occupational therapy).
Alysia Rose Schwarz is a senior majoring in biology (education).
Quinter: Stephanie Kay Albin is a senior majoring in early childhood unified.
Heather Lynn Kuntz is a senior majoring in art (graphic design).
Logan T. Reed is a senior majoring in computer science.
Hayley Kaylen Shoemaker is a senior majoring in music (performance).
Blaine Thomas Wertz is a freshman majoring in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry track).

Graham County
Hill City: Shelby K. Stewart is a junior majoring in organizational leadership.
Ness City: Nichole R. Dearinger is a freshman majoring in general studies (massage therapy).

Ness County
Brownell: Andrew J. Flax is a junior majoring in agricultural business.
Ness City: Kaitlyn Dinges is a freshman majoring in agricultural business.
Pedro A. Flores is a freshman majoring in nursing.
Matthew Wade Frank is a junior majoring in accounting.
Thomas William Frusher is a junior majoring in agricultural business.
Ransom: Logan Blake Jansonius is a sophomore majoring in biology (pre-physical therapy).
Lauren T. Sargent is a sophomore majoring in art (graphic design).

Norton County
Almena: Melissa Mae Hawks is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Clayton: Diedre Linn Kramer is a junior majoring in biology (botany).
Lenora: Carson Colby Kaiser is a senior majoring in art (graphic design).
Norton: Darcy Ann Bainter is a sophomore majoring in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry track).
Todd Alan Boller is a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.
Jade Oceanna Braun is a senior majoring in social work.
Ashley Ann Hildebrand is a sophomore majoring in art (graphic design).
Julia Elise Kent is a sophomore majoring in art.
Rosemary Lea Vannatta is a junior majoring in general studies.

Pawnee County
Burdett: Raylinn Grace Nuckolls is a senior majoring in social work.
Garfield: Paul Marcus Kirkwood is a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications (media studies).
Larned: Jeret Charles Johnson is a senior majoring in health and human performance.
Jessica Mick Johnson is a sophomore majoring in general studies.
Alexis Nicole Langdon is a freshman majoring in education.
Kelsey Anne Milhon is a junior majoring in radiologic technology.
Christine Renee Orr is a senior majoring in geography.
Easton Jon Palmer is a sophomore majoring in nursing.
Marley M. Palmer is a freshman majoring in communication.
Larry Deane Peterson is a senior majoring in management information systems.
Shyann Dawn Robison is a freshman majoring in education.
Lauren May Zerr is a freshman majoring in social work.
Rozel: Christina Marie Duncan is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Tristen Kyle Galliart is a junior majoring in organizational leadership.

Rooks County
Damar: Kiley Paige Marcotte is a junior majoring in elementary education.
Plainville: Cheyenne Leray Armbruster is a junior majoring in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry track ).
Dalton John Brown is a senior majoring in technology studies (construction management).
Brianna Christine Casey is a freshman majoring in health and human performance.
Aaron Dean Fisher is a freshman majoring in chemistry.
Craig A. Garvert is a freshman majoring in computer science.
Samantha Marie Reif is a sophomore majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).
Dylan Robert Wiesner is a sophomore majoring in technology studies (construction management).
Stockton: Ethan Lee Kriley is a senior majoring in technology studies (industrial).
Kacey Renee Scott is a senior majoring in political science.
Natalie Skylar Thomas is a freshman majoring in music (performance).

Rush County
Alexander: Katherine Nicole Showalter is a senior majoring in biology (education).
Bison: Benjamin Thomas Cornwell is a sophomore majoring in art (studio).
Eleanor Astrid Cornwell is a freshman majoring in art.
Matthew Shaun Crotinger is a junior majoring in agriculture (agronomy).
La Crosse: Rebecca Marie Barnett is a sophomore majoring in chemistry.
Sarah Lynn Holzmeister is a senior majoring in English (writing).
Nicholas Christopher Schmidt is a senior majoring in communication (organizational).
Kyle Joe Sramek is a senior majoring in organizational leadership.
Kristy Lee Tweed is a senior majoring in chemistry (teacher education).
Liebenthal: Renee Christine Legleiter is a senior majoring in management (human resource management).
McCracken: Stephanie Leanne Greenway is a freshman majoring in accounting (public).
Otis: Hunter Ian Macdonald is a junior majoring in technology studies (industrial).
Dalton Wayne Steinert is a junior majoring in accounting.
Timken: Kimberly Rose Pechanec is a junior majoring in athletic training.
Shawna Rae Serpan is a freshman majoring in biology (education).

Russell County

Bunker Hill: Sarah Paige Leatherman is a sophomore majoring in social work.
Gorham: Kayce Nicole Dreiling is a senior majoring in organizational leadership.
Lucas: Michaela J. Merchant is a freshman majoring in psychology.
Luray: Garrett Fredrick Keith is a junior majoring in health and human performance (recreation).
Russell: Alicia Lorraine Gibson is a sophomore majoring in biology (wildlife).
Savanna Rae Huff is a sophomore majoring in finance.
Jordan Alexander Kaufman is a senior majoring in management.
Jared K. Lawler is a sophomore majoring in history.
Kaci Lynn Nuss is a junior majoring in radiologic technology.
Michael Brady Vonfeldt is a senior majoring in marketing.
Waldo: Payton Bradley Zweifel is a freshman majoring in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry track).

Scott County
Scott City: Zachery Earl Glass is a sophomore majoring in computer science.
Riley Jane Hawker is a sophomore majoring in general studies (massage therapy).
Dakota Allen Hayes is a senior majoring in health and human performance.
Warren Dean Kropp is a sophomore majoring in biology (pre-physical therapy).
Callan Lynn Rice is a junior majoring in early childhood unified.
Megan Alexis Thornburg is a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.

Sheridan County
Hoxie: Samantha Leigh Brown is a freshman majoring in art (studio).
Carly Marie Heim is a freshman majoring in education.
Brandie Lynette Irby is a senior majoring in education.
Kayla Ann Meurisse is a junior majoring in nursing.
Selden: Leea Marie Juenemann is a junior majoring in psychology.
Jalyn Marie Shaw is a sophomore majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Studley: Cody Heskett is a sophomore majoring in agriculture (animal science).

Sherman County
Goodland: Kirsten M. Dutton-Lamb is a senior majoring in geology.
Michaela Y. Garrett is a senior majoring in justice studies.
Allison Caitlin Giersch is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Paige Phillips is a junior majoring in English (teaching).
Bracelyn Victoria Redlin is a junior majoring in accounting.
Hannah Arinne Sanderson is a freshman majoring in information networking and telecommunications (media studies).
Audrey R. Titus is a senior majoring in art (graphic design).
Raquel Tomsic is a freshman majoring in biology (education).

Smith County
Gaylord: Michaela Jenae Sasse is a senior majoring in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry track).
Kensington: Daniel Stephen Hill is a senior majoring in music (music education).
Amber Noel Schmid is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Lebanon: Joshua Michael McDowell is a senior majoring in justice studies.
Smith Center: Saige Marie Blue is a senior majoring in early childhood unified.
Morgan Lynn Lorenzen is a senior majoring in elementary education.

Thomas County
Brewster: Layton Wayne Werth is a freshman majoring in agriculture (agronomy).
Colby: Skylar Barrett is a junior majoring in justice studies.
Barbara Lee Bickner is a senior majoring in music (music education).
Aaron Russell Faber is a freshman majoring in international business and economics.
Jessi K. Kriss is a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Connor Michael Mountford is a freshman majoring in political science.
Jessica Marie Wilson is majoring in accounting (public).
Brook Ziegelmeier is a freshman majoring in health and human performance (sport management).
Gem: Hailee Anne Spresser is a junior majoring in tourism and hospitality management.
Jay Thomas Ziegelmeier is a freshman majoring in agricultural business.
Rexford: Jordan Leigh Christensen is a junior majoring in nursing.
Kylie Kay Jones is a junior majoring in agriculture (animal science).

Trego County
WaKeeney: Shaylee Jo Flax is a freshman majoring in agriculture (animal science).
Blake Wayne Fritts is a senior majoring in technology studies (construction management).
Nicole Jean Hendrix is a freshman majoring in psychology.
Larissa Antionette Howard is a freshman majoring in geology.
William Woodrow Papes is a senior majoring in radiologic technology.
Ella Anna Sherwood is a sophomore majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Cameron Michael Staples is a junior majoring in technology studies (construction management).

Wallace County
Sharon Springs: Nick Bradford Smith is a junior majoring in agricultural business.
Wallace: April Marie Mays is a sophomore majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Weskan: Kelsey Anne Hale is a junior majoring in nursing.

Washington County
Clifton: Nathan Preston Schaefer is a sophomore majoring in history (secondary education).
Linn: Jessica Lynn Bryant is a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.
Palmer: Kendra Dawn Bargman is a freshman majoring in business.
Alison Sue Wohler is a senior majoring in agricultural business.
Washington: Jordanna Marie Beikman is a freshman majoring in nursing.

Wichita County
Leoti: Kassandra Marie Baker is a senior majoring in tourism and hospitality management.
Jesus Alberto Gallegos-Ornelas is a junior majoring in accounting (public).
Clancy Lea Masterson is a senior majoring in elementary education.
Teneille Marie Whitham is a junior majoring in nursing.
Marienthal: Tracey Lee Baker is a senior majoring in education.

Sunny, mild Tuesday

Posted on January 12, 2016

Mild temperatures in the 40s today…to around 50 degrees Wednesday and Thursday. Cooler with a slight chance for snow by Sunday and Monday.

Today Sunny, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 21. South southwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 54. West wind around 9 mph.

Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 25. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph.

ThursdaySunny, with a high near 51. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon.

Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 28.

FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Friday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 21.

SaturdayPartly sunny, with a high near 34.

Western Kan. man sentenced in fatal drunk driving crash

Posted on January 12, 2016

DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Dodge City man has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, which led to the death of a woman.

The Dodge City Daily Globe reports that 23-year-old Nicholas Andrew Rodriguez was sentenced to 42 months in prison for an involuntary manslaughter charge and an additional 6 months for a criminal trespassing charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

Rodriguez was arrested in October 2014 after an incident in which he drove under the influence of alcohol, leading to the death of 24-year-old Diana Soto.

Court documents say Rodriguez will be required to register as a violent offender upon release.

Kansas lawmakers to hear consultant’s report on efficiencies

Posted on January 12, 2016

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are preparing to review proposals from a consultant for making state government more efficient.

The House Appropriations Committee was convening Tuesday morning to review the report from Kansas City-based Alvarez & Marsal.

The consulting firm also was presenting its report later to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Legislative leaders hired the firm on a $2.6 million contract to review state government’s operations. It also is examining local school districts.

The firm already has suggested that the Department of Revenue fill dozens of vacant positions to help with tax collections. It also proposed centralizing the leasing of state office space and selling little-used Department of Transportation equipment.

The state is facing a projected $190 million deficit in its budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

KHP: Highway in McPherson County now open after gas leak UPDATE

Posted on January 11, 2016January 12, 2016

MCPHERSON COUNTY- Officials reopened U.S. 56 just before 7 a.m. on Tuesday. The investigation into the gas leak at Williams Energy was completed overnight.

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MCPHERSON COUNTY- Law enforcement officials kept a portion of U.S. 56 highway in McPherson County closed to traffic overnight due to the investigation of a gas leak at Williams Energy Service west of McPherson. The road is shut down between 4th and 8th Avenue.

The company reported in a media release that they have isolated the area and there have been no evacuations because there is no danger to the public.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area or expect significant delays.

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MCPHERSON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities and first responders are near the scene of a reported gas leak running across U.S. 56 highway in McPherson County.

Just after 11:30 on Monday a section of pipe associated with an underground storage cavern at the Williams Energy operated Conway complex began to vent an unknown quantity of butane, according to a company media release.

Official with Williams notified emergency responders and isolated a 2-mile perimeter around the complex.

Williams shut down the system and isolated the cavern, which ended the gas leak. No injuries have been reported.

The immediate area around the complex remains closed as an investigation continues. Highway 56 in McPherson County near the Williams complex remains closed.

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MCPHERSON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are reported a gas leak running across US-56 highway in McPherson County..

The road is temporarily shutdown between 4th and 8th avenue, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Check Salina Post for additional details as they become available.

Man charged in deadly Kan. crash; victim’s baby survived delivery

Posted on January 11, 2016

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A fleeing motorist is charged with causing a suburban Kansas City crash that injured a pregnant woman so severely that she died soon after her baby was delivered.

Twenty-one-year-old Raphael Sherman was charged Monday in Johnson County District Court with involuntary manslaughter in the death of 25-year-old Denise Lopez of Kansas City, Kansas. Bond is set at $250,000. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.

Police say the crash happened Sunday night in Overland Park soon after police in nearby Prairie Village attempted to stop a driver. Police say three vehicles were involved in the crash.

The woman who died was 39 weeks pregnant. Police say her baby is doing well. Five other people were taken to hospitals with injuries that police said weren’t life-threatening.

Inmate who raped, murdered 2 Kansas girls has died

Posted on January 11, 2016

LARNED, Kan. (AP) — An inmate who raped and killed two young sisters in Topeka nearly 30 years ago has died.

The Kansas Department of Corrections said Monday it was investigating the death of 66-year-old Nolan D. Prewett. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that he died Sunday night at the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.

Corrections department spokesman Adam Pfannenstiel says no additional information is available.

Prewett was serving time for the 1986 deaths of the 3- and 6-year-old sisters. Their nude bodies were found in his basement, wedged between a furnace and a wall.

Beforehand, Prewett had been in and out of Veterans Affairs medical centers. The slain girls’ mother alleged the VA was negligent and received an undisclosed settlement.

Prewett would have become parole eligible for the first time in November 2017.

State to consider tightening limits on your local property taxes

Posted on January 11, 2016

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers will consider new limits on local property taxes this year.

The Republican-controlled Legislature opened its annual session Monday.

It enacted a law last year aimed at lessening annual increases in the property tax levies cities and counties rely heavily upon to finance local services. The restrictions take effect in 2018.

But Republican Sen. Jake LaTurner of Pittsburg has a new bill to tighten the restrictions and have them take effect in July.

The Kansas Association of Realtors said imposing the restrictions earlier than planned is its top legislative priority.

The idea also is supported by Americans for Prosperity. The anti-tax group is backed by billionaire political donors Charles and David Koch.

Groups representing cities and counties plan to ask legislators to repeal the restrictions before they take effect.