March 2016 – Page 69 – Hays Post Archive

Trial set for Kan. inmate accused of attempted murder of another inmate

Posted on March 6, 2016March 6, 2016

HUTCHINSON- One of two Kansas Department of Corrections inmates charged with attempted capital murder, or in the alternative, aggravated battery will face trial on May 24.

Thirty-one-year-old Juan Garza is accused in a case where the victim was beaten in the recreation yard of the central unit. Miguel Garcia was first taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center then transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment. The incident occurred back in June of 2014.

During a pretrial hearing Friday, Judge Trish Rose set the trial date as well as a motion deadline of April 22. That means both sides have until that date to file any motions they want heard prior to trial.

The other defendant in this case, 22-year-old Jerrod Green entered a plea to two counts of aggravated battery, one for this case and the other for an incident inside the old Reno County Jail where he battered another inmate, Ross Chaney.

He was sentenced on December 18, and was given eight years and five months in prison added to his sentence.

Changes coming in times, procedures for FHSU Commencement May 13 and 14

Posted on March 6, 2016March 5, 2016

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Although it is still months away, officials at Fort Hays State University are alerting faculty and students to changes that will take place for Commencement in May.

The annual ceremony has undergone several adjustments over the past few years, necessitated by huge increases in the number of graduates. With the second-lowest in-state tuition in the nation and multiple academic programs of distinction, Fort Hays State has become an ever more popular destination of choice. Enrollment increased to an official count of 14,210 in the fall 2015 semester, up from about 5,800 in the year 2000. As a result, the number of graduates has also nearly tripled over the past decade.

To enable more family members and other well-wishers to attend, Commencement in May 2015 was divided into two separate ceremonies. Students who received undergraduate and graduate degrees from two of the four FHSU colleges participated in Commencement on a Friday evening, and students who received degrees from the other two colleges participated in Commencement on the following Saturday morning.

That same arrangement of two separate Commencement ceremonies will continue this year, but with the addition of a fifth college, there will be a different arrangement for participation.

Graduates from the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Education, and the College of Science, Technology and Mathematics will gather for Commencement at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 13. Graduates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences will gather for Commencement at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 14. With a 9 a.m. starting time, the Saturday ceremony will begin an hour earlier than last year. Both Commencement ceremonies will take place in Gross Memorial Coliseum, which is immediately adjacent to the U.S. 183 Bypass on the south side of the FHSU campus.

“By making this announcement at the start of the spring semester, we are providing ample time for our graduates and their families to make plans for Commencement,” said Dr. Graham Glynn, FHSU provost. “Hays has 950 hotel rooms, but the demand created by Commencement can quickly exhaust that supply of rooms. Those who will need accommodations would be wise to make their reservations early, ahead of the rush.”

The division into two Commencements is necessary to avoid overcrowding in Gross Memorial Coliseum. “This arrangement allows plenty of space at both ceremonies so that we do not have to limit the number of people who can attend,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, FHSU president. “Fort Hays State is a family, and the last thing we would do is tell some of the members of our graduates’ families that they cannot attend Commencement. This is a day of celebration. We invite everyone to join us in commemorating the success of our students.”

In recent years, the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall has been offered as an alternate viewing site for Commencement through a live video feed, but it is being discontinued this year because the number of people using that venue has dwindled to fewer than a dozen.

Up-to-date information about Commencement 2016 is available on the FHSU website at:
https://www.fhsu.edu/commencement/

Search for missing Kansas woman continues

Posted on March 6, 2016March 6, 2016

RICE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities spent Saturday searching for a missing Rice County woman, according to a social media report from Kansas Game Wardens.

The Wardens partnered with a number of other agencies to search along the Arkansas River for Megan Foglesong, 23, Alden, reported missing since November.

“We had planned this search based on a tip we received,” said Rice County Under Sheriff Brian Treaster.

Other agencies included Reno, and Barton County Sheriff’s Offices, Lyons Police Department, Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association.

photos Kan. Dpt. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

The search is to continue on Sunday. No additional details have been released.

Fred Glen Nimz

Posted on March 6, 2016

Fred Glen Nimz, 95, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, March 03, 2016, at the Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas.

Fred was born on December 02, 1920, in Trego County, Kansas, the son of William and Celia (Rufenacht) Nimz. He grew up in Trego County, attended local schools and graduated from Trego Community High School in the class of 1938. After high school, he served his country and joined the United States Army Air Corps and fought during World War II in Europe. After the war, he enrolled at Ft. Hays State University and graduated with a Masters Degree in Zoology. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Barbara Whisler on February 21, 1960, in Abilene, Kansas. He worked as a school teacher and taught at Healy High School in Healy, Kansas for 18 years. He retired on August 31, 1988. He was a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell. He enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, stamp collecting, gardening, reading, cooking, canning and making jelly,

Surviving family include his wife, of 56 years, Barbara of the home, son Timothy Nimz and wife Kathy of Littleton, Colorado, daughter Linda Bealby and husband Brad of Woodland Park, Colorado and son David Nimz and wife Nancy of Lewisville, Texas; brother Marvin Nimz and wife Frances of WaKeeney, Kansas; sister Marjorie Cotton of Hoisington, Kansas; grandkids: Ashley, Drew, Hannah, Mark, Brandon and Brittany and 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Leroy Nimz and Willie Nimz , and 2 sisters Emma Moody and Celia Nimz.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, March 08, 2016, at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Earl Haggard officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell. Military rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, March 07, 2016, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association and Otterbein UMC and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Donald D. ‘Don’ Deines

Posted on March 6, 2016

Donald D. “Don” Deines, 76, Hays, died Friday, March 4, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center.

He was born October 24, 1939 in Trego Center, Kansas the son of Herbert L. and Elma (Freidenberger) Deines. He was a 1957 graduate of Trego Community High School and attended electronics school in Denver. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army with the basic and advanced armored infantry and was stationed in Germany.

On August 4, 1963 he married Vera McCoy in Trego Center, and he was blessed with 52 years of marriage to the love of his life. He was a carpet layer for many years with Gordon’s Carpet and Sears and spent 32 years with the Hays Police Department, retiring as a Captain. He was member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays, was a church lector, and was very active in the church.

He was an outdoorsman, and loved gardening, yardwork, hunting, and fishing. He made pheasant feather crafts, and enjoyed cooking, bowling, horseshoes, and softball. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, friends, and family and cherished family occasions to get together.

Survivors include his wife, Vera, of the home in Hays, son Todd L. Deines and wife Roxanne of Shawnee, Kansas, daughter Tammy R. Dreiling and husband John of Hays, and Timothy D. Deines and wife Tabatha of Hays, four brothers; James “Jim” Deines and wife Linda of Hill City, Merlin “Mert” Deines and wife Barbara of WaKeeney, JayDean Ochs of Caldwell, Kansas, and Neil Ochs and wife Pat of Villa Rica, GA, a sister; Lanetta Kellogg and husband Everett of Hastings, NE, seven grandchildren; Curtis Gasper and wife Shelly, Jordan Wilson, Katelyn Deines, Rochelle Ralston and husband Cameron Haddad, Riane Ralston, Rosalie Ralston, and Makayla Deines, five great grandchildren; Skylar and Carter Ryan, Cash and Isadora Haddad, and Arlo Ralston, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother LeRoy Deines, a sister Vickie Mai, and a grandson Craig Gasper.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, March 7, 2016 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort Street, Hays. Inurnment with military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard and Hays American Legion Riders will be in Kansas Veterans Cemetery, WaKeeney, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine, and from 9:00 am until service time on Monday at the church.

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

Stephen Fenton

Posted on March 6, 2016

Stephen Fenton, age 64, of Ellis passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born August 5, 1951 in Denver, Colorado to Lloyd and Marymargaret (Dodge) Fenton.

He worked as a seamstress making tarps. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Vietnam era. He enjoyed gardening, pottery, gaming and he earned a black belt in Karate.

He is survived by two sisters, Linda garton of Denver and Theresa Tweedy of Lawton, OK; a granddaughter, Carly Anderson of Sara Sota, FL; as well as his best friend and caretaker, Terry Fisher of Plainville, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Stephanie Anderson.

Military services will be 10:15 AM Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Staging area C, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave. Denver, CO.

Condolences may be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS.

Marvin L. Ratts

Posted on March 6, 2016March 6, 2016

Marvin L. Ratts, 91, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, March 05, 2016, at Main Street Manor in Russell, Kansas.

Services are pending at this time, please check back later for a full obituary as well as funeral service dates and times.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Ernest Hoffman

Posted on March 6, 2016

Victoria, Kansas – Ernest Hoffman, age 86, died Friday, March 4, 2016, at The Pines Nursing Home Holton, Kansas.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

A vigil service will be at 6:30 P.M. Monday, followed by a Victoria V.F.W. and Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 P.M. Monday, both at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. Monday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays and from 8:30 to 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]

William Carroll Cheney

Posted on March 6, 2016

William Carroll Cheney, 69 , passed away on March 2, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. He was born on December 7, 1946 in Ransom, Kansas.

He was a farmer and stockman. He married Sherron (Musselman) on February 18th, 1968 in Ness City, Kansas.

Survivors include wife, Sherron Cheney; sons, C.W. Cheney and Cynthia Seiwert and son, Clay Cheney; brother, Robert Cheney; sister, Carrie Lee Fritts; parents, Carroll and Rosalie Cheney and 4 grandchildren, Isabella, Janessa, Sadie, and Avery.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no services.

Memorial contributions may be given to the William Cheney Memorial Fund in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home.

Geraldine Graves

Posted on March 6, 2016

Geraldine Graves, age 95, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2016 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on May 16, 1920 in Lane County, Kansas, the daughter of Thomas J. & Edna M. Stone Shull. She was a resident of Scott City, Kansas from 1939 to 1958 when she moved to Lane County, Kansas with her husband and then back to Scott City, Kansas in 1975 till present. She was a homemaker and farm wife.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas.

In February of 1940 she married Blaine Sheley. He passed away in 1996. In June of 1958 she married Johnny Graves. He passed away on March 22, 2001 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her One Son – Howard & Phyllis Sheley of Hastings, Nebraska, One Granddaughter – Jill & Mark Terrell of Chesapeake,Virginia, Two Great Grandsons – Drake Terrell of Chesapeake,Virginia, Zane Terrell of Chesapeake,Virginia, Two Great Granddaughters – Aryonna Terrell of Chesapeake,Virginia, Willow Terrell of Chesapeake,Virginia and Numerous Nieces & Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Husbands, Two Brothers and Two Sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2016 with Steve Payne presiding.

Memorials In Lieu of flowers may be given to Park Lane Nursing Home % Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday @ Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Hope through art: The Emerald Ball

Posted on March 6, 2016June 20, 2019

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

The goal was clear: Help people with Parkinson’s disease live more robustly. The solution was simple: Give them access to projects and people in the art community. Recent research has shown a connection between managing the disease and participation in creative projects.

The Emerald Ball was a bridge between the two. Held last November and led by J. Basil Dannebohm, the Ball was a big step in helping the Emerald Foundation spread its mission, bringing over 300 guests together to help raise funds and learn more about the debilitating disease. The video above is a short film about the event and the Foundation.

Since the Ball, the Foundation is working to become more streamlined.

“We’re coming out with an easier brand,” Dannebohm said.

The Foundation’s website is being rebuilt to make it easier to find desired activities and services, according to Dannebohm, and the young nonprofit is evaluating operations and preparing projects.

As the evaluation continues, the Foundation is setting up a network to help allow patients access to creative projects.

While Dannebohm said awareness is important, the goal of the organization is to give Parkinson’s patients access to art therapy.

“We’re working with the Parkinson’s support groups around the state,” Dannebohm said. “It’s interesting, we know this is healing. … The nice part of it is that we are able to do that now, and really try to get our footprint out.”

Planning is also underway for the next Emerald Ball.

“We’re going to keep plugging along. We have to, because we know it is so valuable to so many people,” Dannebohm said.

Senate debates changes to Kan. high school size classifications for sports

Posted on March 6, 2016

By Miranda Davis

KU Statehouse Wire Service

TOPEKA – The Senate Education Committee on Thursday debated a bill that would change the high school size classification system for sporting events.

Senate Bill 464 would strike the portion of current law that requires the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) to classify schools based on student attendance.

Jeff Hines, athletic director at Paola High School and proponent of the bill, said the change would allow KSHSAA to create a more flexible system. Hines said that the current system is too rigid and doesn’t allow for a competitive athletic postseason for many schools. The bill does not offer a replacement to the current system.

“A large school with a high percentage of low socioeconomic status students cannot move down a division to face more appropriate competition,” Hines said. “Likewise, a school that excels cannot be forced to move up into a higher division, nor can they appeal to move up a classification.”

The bill was introduced Wednesday and referred to the Education Committee.

KSHSAA, the nonprofit organization that administers interscholastic programs for school members, including sporting and nonsporting activities, such as debate, remained neutral toward the legislation. The association has organized its own committee to study the classification system in use.

Sen. Vicki Schmidt, R-Topeka, expressed concerns about the lack of KSHSAA support for the bill.

“KSHSAA has certainly come before this body, and certainly this committee, multiple times and asked for tweaks and changes,” Schmidt said. “Certainly they’re not foreign to this process. So why didn’t they go the next step and say: ‘This is an impediment, we would like to consider some other things and here’s maybe a few things we should ask for?’”

Hines said he believed that it would be redundant for KSHSAA to endorse a plan at this stage because if approved by the legislature, member schools would still have to vote. Hines said SB 464 would allow KSHSAA to come up with a system and let member schools approve it, instead of the legislature.

“Simply put, I’m asking for less oversight from the legislature,” Hines said.

Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, asked Hines if he would be willing to relinquish state funding if the legislature agreed to relinquish oversight of how the KSHSAA classifies school.

“If we relinquished the funding behind it, (high school activities) would disappear,” Hines said.

Edited by Leah Sitz

Warm, windy Sunday

Posted on March 6, 2016March 6, 2016

Today will be windy and warm, with high temperatures between 75 and 80. A dryline will move across western Kansas today. West of this dryline, elevated to near critical fire danger levels are expected Outdoor burning is discouraged this afternoon.

Monday is expected to be similar to today, except a little warmer, with record, or near record highs in the 80s. Temperatures will turn cooler Tuesday and Wednesday, but remain warmer than normal for early March. Temperatures are then expected to be warmer again on Thursday and Friday.

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 23 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind 9 to 16 mph.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Very windy, with a south southwest wind 14 to 24 mph increasing to 24 to 34 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 24 mph becoming west northwest after midnight.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. West northwest wind 11 to 15 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon.