March 2016 – Page 58 – Hays Post Archive

Adult charges sought against Kan. teen in grandmother’s death

Posted on March 10, 2016

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors are seeking to try a 17-year-old boy as an adult in the stabbing death of his grandmother.

When the teen appeared in court Wednesday, a judge scheduled a hearing for March 22 to consider the issue. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that the teen was 16 in December when police found his 67-year-old grandmother, Deborah Bretthauer, dead in the apartment they shared.

The teen has been charged with first-degree murder in juvenile court. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge and is in juvenile custody in Douglas County.

If Long is convicted of the juvenile first-degree murder charge, he could face up to 60 months in prison, or to the age of 22. In adult court, he could face more than 40 years in prison.

Hays High DECA students are winners at 2016 State Conference

Posted on March 10, 2016

HHS DECA Secretary Payton Ruder, Advisor Shaina Prough and President Brooks Barber await results of the state competition. (Photo courtesy Brooks Barber)

Submitted

Twenty-seven Hays High DECA students competed in the 2016 State Career Development Conference in Overland Park, March 5-8, 2016. Competition results are listed below:

*Maddie Keller and Brianna Brin – 1st Place, Business Services Operations Research

**Madison Prough and Brooke Forinash – 3rd Place, Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research

Gage Fischer and Flaubert Toulaboe – 8th Place, Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan

*Hannah Norris – 1st Place, Start-Up Business Plan

*Jonathan Springer – 2nd Place, Start-Up Business Plan

Jacob Alexander – 4th Place, Start-Up Business Plan

*Isys Bearley and Kaely McKinney – 1st Place – Independent Business Plan

*Emily Prine and Sylina Zhang – 1st Place – International Business Plan

*Jodi Veach, Payton Markley, and Sage Markley – 2nd Place – International Business Plan

*Brenden Koenigsman – 2nd Place – Franchise Business Plan

Adam O’Connor – 3rd Place – Advertising Campaign

*Kristen Nease and Marissa Dinkel – 1st Place – Community Service Project

Brooks Barber and Payton Ruder – 4th Place – Creative Marketing Project

*Caitlyn Scheck and Courtney Molleker – 1st Place – Public Relations Project

**Freddy Haines – Ignite Leadership Academy

*Denotes qualification for competition at the International Career Development Conference in Nashville, TN, April 22-27, 2016

**Denotes Leadership Academy selection at the International Career Development Conference in Nashville, TN, April 22-27, 2016

Hays USD 489 bond information session scheduled for tonight

Posted on March 10, 2016March 10, 2016

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

Another Hays USD 489 bond issue information session is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Wilson Elementary School, 101 E. 28th.

The sessions detail the scope of the bond and the impact it would have on taxation to district residents.

On Wednesday, the administration announced signatures collected had been verified that would allow a sales tax question to be included with bond election. The petition will be presented to the Hays City Commission at its next work session.

If passed, a half-cent sales tax would be used to pay a portion of the bond.

The $94 million bond would update facilities throughout the district, including secure entrances at each of the district’s schools, tornado shelters, increased classroom space and multi-purpose rooms. The bond would also address deferred maintenance.

Two more information sessions are planned before the bond election, currently being proposed for June 7.

Police recover stolen Kansas mail and packages

Posted on March 10, 2016March 10, 2016

TOPEKA – Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County are investigating a series of mail thefts in Topeka.

Police and U.S. Postal inspectors working on a tip from the Safe Streets organization recently used a search warrant in the 1100 Block of Southwest 16th Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Officers recovered a U.S. Postal Service plastic bin with over 150 pieces of stolen mail and packages.

The mail included checks worth over $90K dollars and lifesaving medical supplies.

Marijuana, meth and a stolen license plate were also recovered.

Police arrested Nina Ortiz, 35, Topeka, on various drug and possession of stolen property charges.

An unattended child in the home was taken into protective custody.

POLL: Which new Hays monument sign style do you like?

Posted on March 10, 2016

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners want you to vote for your favorite “Welcome to Hays” sign design. The monument markers will be installed along I-70.

The commission is considering 10 different styles with differing fonts, artwork and verbiage, including adding “Kansas,” or ” America.”

Feel free to make comments/suggestions about the designs when you vote in the poll. Results will be shared with commissioners.

Each sign will be 18 by 10 foot and made of limestone.

One sign will be placed just east of the Commerce Parkway exit for westbound traffic. The second sign will be placed between the U.S. Highway 183 bypass exit and the Hall Street overpass for traffic heading east.

[polldaddy poll=9341523]

Sponsored by World Pest Control

HPD Activity Log March 9

Posted on March 10, 2016March 10, 2016

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and 11 traffic stops Wed., March 9, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated Subject–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 1:16 AM
Driving Under the Influence–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 1:45 AM
Unwanted Person–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:10 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:05 AM; 8 AM
MV Accident-Pedestrian–900 block Elm St, Hays; 8:18 AM
Disturbance – Noise–1100 block Amhurst Dr, Hays; 8:39 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2000 block Hall St, Hays; 11:07 AM
Juvenile Complaint–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:57 PM
Theft (general)–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 3/8 11 PM; 3/9 7 AM
Animal At Large–200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 1:20 PM
Suspicious Activity–2300 block E 13th St, Hays; 1:33 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–2300 block E 13th St, Hays; 3:12 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:45 PM
Water Use Violation–2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 4:01 PM; 4:12 PM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–1000 block Fort St, Hays; 5:45 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–1300 block Allen St, Hays; 5:50 PM
Disturbance – General–300 block W 20th St, Hays; 7:46 PM

15 Hays High journalism students advance to state competition

Posted on March 10, 2016

Hays High School qualified 15 students for state after placing in 36 out of 38 event categories at regional journalism competition on Feb. 25 at Fort Hays State University.

The contest, which is sponsored by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, featured several area schools ranging from class 1A to 4A. It was one of five regional contests held throughout the state. Hays competed in the Class 3A/4A division.

To qualify for state, students must place either first, second or third or be awarded one of three honorable mentions. Because Hays had multiple qualifiers in numerous categories, the 15 students who qualified will account for 36 total entries at the state level.

State competition will take place on May 7 in Lawrence at which students will compete against other regional winners.

Individual and team qualifiers include:

INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES

Senior Morgan Klaus

Academics Photography – 1st

Sports Photography – 2nd

Sports Writing – 3rd

Yearbook Sports – 2nd

Junior Tiana Lawson

Infographics – 1st

Academics Photography—HM

Yearbook Theme and Graphics – 1st (with junior Sierra Eichman)

Senior Chelsey Augustine

Advertising – 3rd

Infographics – 3rd

Photo Illustration – 3rd

Editorial Cartoon – 3rd

Cutline Writing – 2nd

Senior Kylie Brown

Advertising – HM

Photo Illustration – HM

Sports Writing – 1st

Yearbook Sports – 1st

Senior Sylina Zhang

Editorial Cartoon – HM

Editorial Writing – 1st

Headline Writing and Design – 1st

News Page Design – 1st

Senior Nikki Vuong

News Page Design – 3rd

Copy Editing – 1st

News Writing – 1st

Senior Taylor DeBoer

Sports Photography – 3rd

Yearbook Layout – 1st

Junior Sierra Eichman

Yearbook Theme and Graphics (1st with Tiana Lawson)

Student Life Photography – 3rd

Senior Taylor Groen-Younger

Student Life Photography – HM

Junior Hannah Thomasson

Yearbook Layout – HM

Yearbook Theme and Graphics – (HM with Brianna Brin)

Junior Raina Basso

Copy Editing – 3rd

News Writing – 3rd

Senior Kirsten Prindle

Yearbook Copywriting – 1st

Junior Brianna Brin

Yearbook Copywriting – HM

Yearbook Theme and Graphics – HM (with junior Hannah Thomasson)

Senior Hannah Baxter

Feature Writing – 1st

Senior Brianna Mathias

Feature Writing – HM

Editorial Writing – HM

Top Kansas lawmakers hire lawyer for school funding lawsuit

Posted on March 10, 2016

Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Kansas lawmakers have hired a Kansas City-area attorney to represent the Legislature in a school funding lawsuit.

The Republican-dominated Legislature’s top seven leaders voted Thursday to hire Toby Crouse of Overland Park to help lawmakers collect evidence and build a record for the state Supreme Court.

The court ruled last month that a 2015 school funding law shorts poor school districts on their state aid. The justices threatened to shut down public schools unless lawmakers fix the problems before July.

Legislators approved spending $50,000 for an attorney, and Republicans began looking for a lawyer.

Senate President Susan Wagle of Wichita said legislative leaders needed to act quickly because lawmakers are already considering school funding proposals.

But the Legislature’s two Democratic leaders were wary of moving so quickly.

Police investigate additional social media threats at Kan. high school

Posted on March 10, 2016

HUTCHINSON – Law enforcement authorities and school officials in Hutchinson are investigating additional social media comments on possible threats at Hutchinson High School, according to USD 308 spokesman Ray Hemmen

The school district sent a message to parents on Thursday morning that indicated Hutchinson Police had become aware of a lot of social media chatter, relaying rumors of activities at the high school.

Police have interviewed almost a dozen students to determine the source of the rumor but have been unable to substantiate this as anything but a rumor.

Investigators do not believe there are any current, credible threats at the school.

The message to parents reminds them they will notice additional officers around school on Thursday as a precaution, but that classes will continue as scheduled.

Robert C. Deines

Posted on March 10, 2016

Robert C. Deines, age 67, of WaKeeney, passed away Sunday, February 21, 2016. He was born June 25, 1948, in WaKeeney, to Edward and Rosie (Norton) Deines.

Bob was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in WaKeeney, KS. He graduated from Trego Community High School in 1966 and served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970. After his military service, Bob spent an entire career in the grocery business, including about 10 years at the BestYet store in Hoxie, KS, and more than 20 years with Crest Foods in Oklahoma City, OK.

He recently retired in the summer of 2014 and moved back to WaKeeney, where, despite health challenges, he very much enjoyed reconnecting with family and friends and being of service to his neighbors at Keeney Village. We are grateful to have had time with him recently to reminisce about old memories and make new ones. His sudden passing leaves a void—we will miss his good-humored teasing and quiet, ornery sense of humor.

Bob is survived by three siblings, Gene (and wife Kim) of Hoxie, Richard (and wife Elizabeth) of WaKeeney, and Janelle Miller of WaKeeney; as well as many nieces & nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney, followed by burial at the Veteran’s Cemetery in WaKeeney. Military honors will be provided by the US Army.
There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Keeney Village. Contributions made payable to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

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

Thomas J. ‘Tom’ Younger

Posted on March 10, 2016

Longtime Ellis County resident, Thomas J. “Tom” Younger, died Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Hays Medical Center.

Tom was born February, 4, 1934 in Catharine, Kansas to Jacob P. and Catherine (Mader) Younger. He married Bernadette “Det” (Roth) August 19, 1963, in Victoria, KS.

He was a 1951 graduate of St. Joseph Military Academy. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958. He was a self-employed business man owning Tom’s Machine Shop in Plainville and Hays, T & D Oil, Das Younger Haus Bed and Breakfast and Tommy’s Place. He was a member of the Basilica of St. Fidelis Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree both of Victoria and a member of the Hays American Legion.

He was an avid KU sports fan and loved his Royals. He enjoyed cooking for others and spending time with family and friends. He was proud of his Golden Gloves championship while at St. Joseph Military Academy. He will be remembered for his homemade brauts, BBQ ribs and his ability to make others laugh.

Survivors include his wife, Det Younger, of the home; five children, Cathy Boos and husband, Don, Salina, KS; Amy Siebenmorgen and husband, Matt, Atchison, KS; David Younger and wife, Stacy, Windsor, CO; Blaine Younger and wife, Suzy, Olathe, KS; Beth Ricke and husband, Jonathan, Olathe, KS; twelve grandchildren, Blake, Grant, and Nate Dreiling, Ashley Herl (Clint), Cole and Abe Siebenmorgen, Madalyn and Emma Younger, Miles and Leo Younger, Henry and Harrison Ricke; one great granddaughter Scarlett Herl; three step grandchildren, Lauren, Joey and Bonnie Boos; one brother, John C. Younger and wife, Ethel, Victoria, KS; one sister, Nadine Pedersen, Rogers, MN; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Younger, Victoria, KS; LaVerna Younger, Hays, KS; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Richard Younger, Albert Younger, Jack Younger and Bernie Younger; and five sisters, Lucille Miller, Rita Desch, Lietta Niernberger, Catherine Bitterman and Sister Patricia Younger.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 12, 2016, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas with Military Honors by the Victoria V.F.W. Post No. 1751.
A vigil service is at 7:00 P.M. Friday, followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:30 P.M. Friday, both at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation is from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday, and from 8:30 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, all at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

Memorial to the Door Replacement Fund for The Basilica of St. Fidelis. Cline’s Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent via email to [email protected].

Arlene Bright Leikam

Posted on March 10, 2016

Arlene Bright Leikam, 91, Hays, died Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center.

She was born February 26, 1925 in rural Graham County the daughter of Charles W. and Ella (Veverka) Smith. She graduated from Palco High School and received her teaching degree from Fort Hays State University. On January 5, 1946 she married Billy T. Bright in Russell, Kansas. He died December 28, 1977. She later married Elmer L. Leikam on February 14, 1983 in Hays. He died July 10, 2005. She was a school teacher in Graham County for many years, worked in a fabric store, and worked at Gullivers Book Store in Hays for many years until her retirement. She was a member of North Oak Community Church in Hays. She loved to read, tend to her rose garden, and go for rides in the car. She was an excellent cook, rarely needing to measure or use a recipe. She was a gifted seamstress, sewing clothes for her sisters and herself, and she made dolls and doll clothes.

Survivors include a son, Terry T. Bright of Hays, a sister Alice Bowans of Palco, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, two brothers, William George Smith and Charles W. “Johnny” Smith, Jr., and two sisters, Edith Dillon and Veda M. Miller.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak Street in Hays. Burial will be in the Plainville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Friday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, and from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the church, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

UPDATE HPD investigating string of business burglaries in Hays; suspect in custody

Posted on March 10, 2016March 10, 2016

Officers from the Hays Police Department are investigating a series of business burglaries Thursday morning.

Reports indicate several businesses were burglarized in the area of 27th and Vine streets.

At least four businesses in the Northridge Plaza, 2707 Vine St. and one in the Oak Plaza, 107 E 27th St., had doors smashed in order to gain entry to the businesses. A business across from the Plaza on Vine St. was believed to have been broken into as well.

Businesses broken into appeared to include the local Girl Scout office, H&R block, and Koerner Chiropractic.

“It looked like your typical business burglary,” said Brian Dawson, HPD assistant chief.

One suspect is currently in custody according to Dawson and business in the area have been cleared.

HPD is expected to release more information about the investigation at a later time. The investigation is ongoing.

Check Hays Post for more as information becomes available.