DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State and Fort Hays State are discussing opening a specialized school for medical training in Dodge City.
The talks are in the early stages but representatives of both schools have met with Dodge City officials. The Dodge City Daily Globe reports (https://bit.ly/1RlE9jr ) the universities are considering the former St. Mary of the Plains complex for a school to train physician assistants, nurses and physical therapy.
State Rep. Bud Estes of Dodge City says the two universities are only exploring the possibility. He says the new school would partner with the city, Ford County and the local hospital in a separate facility that would be a branch of the Wichita State and Fort Hays State.
St. Mary of the Plains College closed in the late 1990s because of declining enrollment.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Former Miss Kansas who hosted an adventure TV show has pleaded guilty to killing an Alaska grizzly bear without a state tag.
The sentence for Theresa Vail, issued Wednesday, includes one year of probation and a $750 fine.
A charging document says Vail, on a guided hunt, held a single bear tag and shot a bear. When she attempted to kill it with a second shot, it says, she killed a second bear.
It says the master guide was contacted and a collective decision was made to fly out another tag, which Vail said she signed but backdated at the master guide’s request.
Vail hosted the Outdoor Channel series “Limitless with Theresa Vail.”
NEMAHA- A Kansas woman died and four others were injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. on Thursday in Nemaha County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy van driven by Rebecca Lynne Crismas, 37, Wetmore, was southbound on W Road four miles south of Sabetha.
The driver failed to yield at the stop sign. A Freightliner semi driven by Wayne E. Mowery, 63, LaCygne, which was westbound on U.S. 36 hit the van.
Crismas was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Frontier Forensics.
Two children in the van Juliana Crismas, 11, and Jedediah Crismas, 1, both of Wetmore were transported to Children’s Mercy.
Another child in the van Joshua Crismas, 3, Wetmore, was transported to the Sabetha Hospital.
Mowery was transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka. nd two children in the van
All were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
Wildlife photographer David Slater- courtesy photo
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge in San Francisco has ruled that a macaque monkey who took now-famous selfie photographs cannot be declared the copyright owner of the photos.
U.S. District Judge William Orrick said in a tentative opinion Wednesday that while Congress and the president can extend the protection of law to animals as well as humans, there is no indication that they did so in the Copyright Act.
The lawsuit filed last year by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sought a court order allowing PETA to administer all proceeds from the photos for the benefit of the monkey, which it identified as 6-year-old Naruto.
The photos were taken during a 2011 trip to Sulawesi, Indonesia, by British nature photographer David Slater, who asked the court to dismiss the case. He says the British copyright obtained for the photos by his company, Wildlife Personalities Ltd., should be honored worldwide.
“Desperate and lengthy arguments by a fraudulent 6 yr old male monkey falsely impersonating the one in my photos finally led to Judge Orrick giving the monkeys at PETA one last chance to come up with something valid. The case was almost dismissed outright, but Orrick, I believe, wanted more fun and for PETA to waste more of it’s donations on expensive attorneys. PETA now get another chance to make their case,” Slater wrote Thursday via social media.
Charles C. Haynes is director of the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute.
The New Year begins, mass killings continue, and the United States government has yet to declare what is happening in Iraq and Syria “genocide.”
By now, the evidence is overwhelming: ISIS is systematically eradicating Yazidis, Christians, Shia Muslims and other ethnic and religious minorities in territories controlled by the terrorist group.
What’s at stake is more than a question of semantics: A declaration of genocide has significant legal and moral implications that would require the United States — and likeminded countries — to do whatever it takes to rescue the refugees and end the killing.
At this point in human history, we should know genocide when we see it. In the aftermath of the Holocaust — and in the idealistic hope of preventing another one — the United Nations adopted the Genocide Convention, defining genocide as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.”
Last November, a report issued by the Holocaust Museum documented the attempt by ISIS to exterminate the Yazidis, describing in detail the mass killings and sexual slavery inflicted on that community as well as on Christians and other religious minorities.
After the report was released, the U.S. State Department indicated that a genocide designation for ISIS was imminent. But as the New Year begins, it remains unclear when that will happen — and if the designation will be confined to the attacks on Yazidis or will include Christians and other groups.
Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging passage of a House resolution expressing the sense of Congress that by targeting Christians, Yazidis and other religious and ethnic groups and committing atrocities against these groups, ISIS is committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
The “sense of Congress” resolution should be the official policy of the United States government. As a country founded on the principles of religious freedom — as defined by the First Amendment to the Constitution — America has a moral responsibility to lead the world by making every effort to stop genocide and rescue the victims.
During World War II, the U.S. government was slow to act — a delay with tragic consequences. Although the War Refugee Board created by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1944 is credited with saving 200,000 lives, for many Jews it was too little, too late: Thousands more who might have been saved were exterminated by the Nazis.
Genocide is the “crime of all crimes” and should only be designated after careful deliberation. But we now know that Christians, Yazidis and other groups are not simply victims of war; they are targets of eradication much like the Jews during the Holocaust.
We have numerous first hand accounts and images of beheadings, kidnappings, rape, torture and enslavement — more than enough evidence to declare ISIS guilty of genocide under international law.
Of course, a declaration of genocide will not, in and of itself, do much to end the killing. But genocide is a call to action unlike any other, obligating the world to make every effort to save those facing extermination. First and foremost, the U.S. and other countries must immediately ramp up efforts to rescue the thousands of people fleeing religious persecution.
Other strategies, including additional military and diplomatic options for ending the genocide, will be hotly debated, especially in this election year. But given the magnitude and urgency of the crisis, we should at least agree that more can and must be done.
Past declarations of genocide by the international community have served to stir the conscience of the civilized world. Now, once again, it is time to call genocide “genocide” — and remind the world that “never again” must truly mean never again.
Time is running out for thousands of Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. In the blunt words of Pope Francis, “genocide is taking place and it must end.”
Charles C. Haynes is vice president of the Newseum Institute and founding director of the Religious Freedom Center. [email protected]
RUSSELL — Russell Community Theater has announced its 2016 slate of plays. ”Old Ringers”, written by Joe Simonelli and directed by Bob Roe, will open the season March 8-12, 2016, at the RCT Playhouse located at 5th and Kansas in Russell.
No one feels the pain of tough economic times like senior citizens living on fixed incomes. When the recession hits a group of senior women in the suburbs, they’re desperate to find a way to pay the bills. An improper phone call from a wrong number inspires these sassy seniors to establish an at-home phone hotline. What’s for sale? Well, it’s definitely not Tupperware! Who says social security can’t be sexy? This semi-sequel to “Men Are Dogs” is a riotous adult comedy. Although two characters are reprised from “Men Are Dogs”, this production stands on its own. ”The Senator Wore Pantyhose” written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore will be directed by Erik Eaton and presented as the annual Dinner Theater production at the Russell Elks Lodge this summer. The Sluckup Inn is overflowing with political and religious scandals as Senator Sandalson arrives to judge the chili cook-off. According to his campaign manager, the Senator’s bid for the White House needs a bit of “excitement”. Unfortunately, the publicity gimmick he dreams up goes seriously awry.
Also stepping in and out of the action are a less-than-pure evangelist, and escaped felon, a television reporter and a gangster. Characters swap beds, identities and jabs in this hilarious comedy.
The season will wrap up in October with “Election Day” written by Josh Tobiessen and directed by Mitchell B. Hunsley. It’s Election Day and Adam knows his over-zealous girlfriend will never forgive him if he fails to vote. What starts out as a quick trip to the polls ends up derailed thanks to Adam’s sex-starved sister, an eco-terrorist and a mayoral candidate willing to do anything for a vote. This riotous dark comedy exposes the sometimes ugly truths about political (and personal) campaigns.
Like all classic tales of conflict and quarrels, this one features Molotov cocktails, handcuffs, eggplants and the occasional dismemberment.
Season tickets will be available soon. For more information, contact 785-483-4057.
Forsyth Library at Fort Hays State University recently purchased 12 books on the Kansas Notable Books List using a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Books published within the previous year, all by Kansas authors, are nominated for the Kansas Notable Books List by a committee of Kansas Center for the Book affiliates and fellows and authors of previous Kansas Notable Books. The selected titles are then sent to the state librarian, who creates the final list of 15 books.
Books are named at an awards ceremony and reception, which recognizes the author and illustrator of each book.
“It’s the only honor for Kansas books by Kansans, highlighting our lively contemporary writing community and encouraging readers to enjoy some of the best writing of the authors among us,” said the state library website.
The titles purchased by Forsyth are:
• “999 Kansas Characters,” by Terry Romebeck, Beccy Tanner and Dave Webb, is a collection of biographical articles about characters with Kansas connections.
• “A Carol Dickens Christmas,” by Thomas Fox Averill, is a novel about a woman named Carol Dickens who seeks refuge during a hectic period of transition in her life.
• “Chasing Weather,” by Stephen Locke and Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, combines Mirriam-Goldberg’s poetry with Locke’s photography of the changing sky to create powerful imagery of weather and change.
• “The Darkest Period,” by Ronald D. Parks, documents the Kanza Indians’ perseverance to maintain autonomy and culture during a time of upheaval and struggle.
• “The Devil’s Workshop,” by Alex Grecian, is a novel about Scotland Yard’s murder squad hunting escaped murderers, including Jack the Ripper, across 1890 London.
• “Field Guide to the Common Grasses of Oklahoma, Kansas _and Nebraska,” by Iralee Barnard, profiles the unique grasses that grow throughout the heartland.
• “The Kansas Relays,” by Joe D. Schrag, recounts the history of the celebrations of track and field that make up the Kansas Relays.
• “Michael Pearce’s Taste of the Kansas Outdoors Cookbook,” by Michael Pearce, is a collection of more than 50 recipes that celebrate the unique flavors of the Kansas outdoors.
• “Music I Once Could Dance To,” by Roy J. Beckemeyer, is a book of musically themed poetry that allows the reader to visualize traveling through Kansas and around the globe.
• “Railroad Empire Across the Heartland,” by James E. Sherow, with photography by John R. Charlton depicts the effects of the railroad industry across Kansas.
• “Soldiers in the Army of Freedom,” by Ian Michael Spurgeon, details the experiences of the First Kansas Colored, the Civil War’s first African American combat unit.
• “Waiting on the Sky,” by Cheryl Unruh, is a collection of 72 essays about growing up in Kansas and what it’s like to live in the heart of America.
Forsyth Library also received “The Ogallala Road,” by Julene Bair, an additional Kansas Notable Book, as a gift.
WAMEGO – Officials with the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners has issued an alert to veterinarians and their clients across the state.
Danny Russell Thomas, using the alias Chase McKnight, is alleged to be portraying himself as a veterinarian, to have treated horses on several occasions, and to have done no cost spay and neutering services in Cowley County, according to a social media report from the Wichita Animal Action League.
Thomas has been convicted for numerous computer and theft crimes, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Anyone with information related to Thomas or these activities is asked to contact the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners at (785) 564-6614.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The health care repeal bill passed Wednesday by the GOP-led House now awaits President Barack Obama’s veto. It’s no surprise that the president will reject another effort to dismantle his signature health care law. But this is the first time such legislation has passed both the House and Senate.
Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin says, “We are confronting the president with the hard, honest truth” that “Obamacare doesn’t work.” Democrats called the vote pointless political theater.
Congressman Tim Huelskamp (KS-01) voted for H.R. 3762, Restoring American’s Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act. The bill, which passed in the House 240 to 181, would repeal Obamacare funding, eliminate individual and employer mandates, and very importantly, stop taxpaying funding of mega abortion provider Planned Parenthood.
Watch Congressman Huelskamp speak on the House floor about his vote for HR 3762here.
“Putting this bill on Obama’s desk is five years overdue. It is time to hold this President responsible not only for his failed, unpopular D.C. takeover of Americans’ health care system, but also gruesome Planned Parenthood. An organization that is plagued with scandal and profits from the barbaric harvesting and sale of baby body parts should not receive a dime in federal funding, according to Huelskamp in a media release.
“Americans have felt the wrath of Obamacare for far too long. It’s bad, broken policy that hurts families and small businesses. This is an important first step today; it’s my hope that this year we continue our progress in doing away with the failed Obama initiative and work toward a patient-centered replacement,” he said.
Downs — Walker Franklin Rexroat, 97, passed away January 6, 2016 in Osborne, Kansas.
He was born December 21, 1918 in Covert, Kansas, the son of Jordan and Alice (Barber) Rexroat. He was a retired farmer/rancher.
He is preceded in death by his wife Oletha in 2014, infant son, Robert, granddaughter, Kimberly Rexroat, grandson, Josh Rexroat, a brother, Jordan Junior, and two sisters, Naida Arasmith and Marjorie Gates.
He is survived by children:
Richard (Opal) Rexroat-Downs
Judy (Terry) Walker-Duncan, Ok
Linda (Gary) Jordan-Osborne
Dan (Sharron) Rexroat–Argyle, TX
Bruce (Darcel) Rexroat–Downs
Rita (Chad) Swank–Pocatello, Idaho
Brother Bill (Nedra) Rexroat of Salina, KS
13 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Downs. Visitation will be Friday, January 8 from 7-8:30 at the church.
Memorials may be given to the church and Osborne County Memorial Hospital in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been arrested in his wife’s stabbing death in Mississippi.
Riley County police took 34-year-old Edward Alexander Broom, of Manhattan, into custody Tuesday on a warrant for extradition to Leflore County, Mississippi. He was indicted there Monday on a capital murder charge in the death of his wife, 29-year-old Lakeyla Broom.
It wasn’t immediately known if he had an attorney.
Lakeyla Broom was found dead in her Greenwood, Mississippi, home after a man called 911 saying he had been tied up and stabbed.
Police found Edward Broom tied up on a bed and his wife’s body on the floor next to the bed according to Greenwood Police Chief Ray Moore.
Moore said authorities believe the crime scene was staged. Broom moved to Kansas after his wife’s death.
Downs — Beth M. Sellers-Buikstra passed away Monday, January 4, 2016 in Osborne, Kansas. She was born October 18, 1927 in Smith County to Benjamin Tunis and Edith (Stark) Kuiken.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, “Cobb” Sellers in 1998, a son, William Sellers in 1999, 2 sisters, and a brother.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Henry Buikstra of Downs; daughter, Patricia (Jim) Scott of Hays; a son, Richard (Teresa) Sellers of Anchor Point, Alaska; step-daughters, Leah Buikstra of Downs, Norah Buikstra-Spoden of Nashville, TN., daughter-in-law Barbara (Rick) Beard of Garden City, MO.; 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Downs United Methodist Church. No Visitation. Memorials may be given to the Downs Senior Center and the church in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437.
MANHATTAN – The Kansas PRIDE program has honored 11 communities across the state with its Community of Excellence award for their ongoing accomplishments in community development.
The Kansas PRIDE program is a partnership of K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas PRIDE, Inc.
This year’s recipients include Alton, Ashland, Grinnell, Humboldt, Iola, Lakin, Leonardville, Lenora, Lucas, Potwin and Rossville.
The award is given to local PRIDE volunteer groups that continuously work to improve their communities through activities such as determining the community’s needs, establishing goals, creating projects and celebrating successes, said Jaime Menon, program manager with Kansas PRIDE. Volunteers form a local PRIDE organization that works with K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Commerce to accomplish its goals.
Community of Excellence award winners are eligible to apply for Partners in PRIDE matching grants of up to $2,000 to fund future community improvements. The Community of Excellence designation is awarded to a community for a set period of three years.
“Kansas PRIDE is a volunteer-led organization,” Menon said. “These awards highlight the hard work the volunteers provide for communities in the state. Each community has its own unique structure, culture, and assets, and Kansas PRIDE volunteers work to bring out the best in their communities and promote what they have to offer. It is through the work of these volunteers that Kansas communities continue to thrive and be a great place to live and raise a family.”
