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Month: May 2016

Museum designed to honor unsung heroes to open in Kansas

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courtesy photo
courtesy photo

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) — A new southeast Kansas museum is designed to honor people who have taken extraordinary actions to help others.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes opens Tuesday in Fort Scott. The 6,000-square-foot museum replaces a smaller exhibit gallery that opened in 2007 in the city’s downtown. The new high-tech facility includes a 48-seat theater and a conference room.

People honored in the museum have been the subjects of student research projects. They include Irena Sendler, who rescued more than 2,500 Jewish children during WWII. Also honored are a white man and woman who were teens when they befriended black students who were integrating a Little Rock, Arkansas, high school at the height of the civil rights movement.

The Milken Family Foundation also is known for honoring educators with $25,000 checks.

Hays High has seven qualify for state track meet

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HOLCOMB – The Hays High Indian boys track team had four individuals, in six events qualify and the Indian girls had three individuals qualify for the weekend’s state track and field championships in Wichita after performing well at the 4A regional in Holcomb.

Senior Keith Dryden qualified in both the 400 and the 100 meters. Dryden turned in the best time, among qualifiers in the 400 at the Holcomb meet and will have the top time in 4A of 49.97 second heading into the state meet. Dryden’s 100 meter time was 10.99 seconds.

Junior Shane Berens also qualified for Wichita in a pair of events. Berens has the third best throw in the discus at 168’11 and the fourth best distance in the shot put at 52’8.

Sophomore Ethan Nunnery qualified in the triple jump and has the fourth best distance in 4A at 43’11. Maddux Winter also qualified in the 100 meter hurdles with the third best time of 14.99 seconds.

The Hays High girls will have three individuals taking part in the state meet in Wichita.

Junior Marie Reveles qualified in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:27.10. Senior Haley George has the fifth best jump heading into the state meet clearing a height of 5’2.

Audra Schmeidler, also a senior, qualified for the state meet in the shot put with a throw of 37’3.25.

TMP qualifies 13 for state track meet

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LYONS – The TMP-Marian track and field teams had 13 individuals qualify for the State Track and Field Championships in Wichita this coming weekend.

The Monarch boys had three individuals and the 4×800 meter relay team all qualify after the 3A regional meet in Lyons.

Senior Andrew Hess qualified in both the 1600 meters, with a time of 4:44.35 and the 3200 meters with a time of 10:33.14. Hess’ 1600 time is the fourth best among qualifiers and his 3200 time is fifth best.

Junior Hayden Lowe cleared a height of 6’2 in the high jump at Lyons to qualify for state.

The Monarchs 4×800 meter relay team will have the sixth best time heading into the state meet at 8:34.76. The team is made up of Lowe, freshman Ethan Lang, junior Trevor Pfeifer, and Hess.

The TMP girls had three individuals and a relay team qualify in six events.

Senior Melissa Pfeifer qualified in three events for TMP. Pfeifer has the fourth best time, 2:28.85 in the 800 meters, the second best time in the 1600 at 5:25.03 and the third best time in the 3200 meter at 12:25.09.

Sophomore Savannah Yost cleared a height of 5’2 in the high jump which is tied for the third best height.

Junior Kendra Werth qualified in the 300 hurdles with a time of 48.60 seconds.

The Monarch 4×800 meter relay team has the sixth best time heading into the state meet at 10:28.95. The team is made up of freshman Kiara Urban, sophomore Taylor Teel, junior Alison Schibi, and Pfeifer.

Ellis girls win region track title; area 2A athletes qualify for state

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HILL CITY – The Ellis girls won the 2A Hill City regional track and field meet and qualified 11 individuals and one relay team for the State Track and Field meet in Wichita.

Alexia Deutscher qualified with the top throw of the state qualifiers in the javelin at 144’1 and in the 100 meter dash and long jump.

Ashley Mattheyer qualified in both the high jump and the 200 meter dash. Cassie Waldschmidt qualified in the 400 meters.

Kelsey Brack qualified in both the long jump and triple jump. Abby Burton also qualified in the triple jump and Haley Reiter in the discus.

The Ellis 4×100 meter relay team has the second best time at 51.35 seconds and the 4×400 meter relay team also qualified for state.

Plainville’s Shania Werner was the lone qualifier for the Cardinal girls qualifying in the long jump, 100 and 200 meter dash.

Trego had two individuals and a relay team qualify in four events. Helen Geifer qualified in both the 1600 meter and 3200 meters. Geifer’s time in the 3200 is the second best in 2A.

Cheyenne Nickelson qualified in the pole vault and the 4×800 meter relay team is also headed to state.

The Hill City girls had four individuals qualify in six events. Allyssa Miller has the top throw in the discus at 147’ and she also qualified in the shot put.

Amanda Conway qualified with the second best time the in 300 hurdles with a time of 46.81 seconds.

Madalyn Nelson qualified in the 100 meter hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles. Lexie McDowell also qualified for state in the high jump.

Plainville boys finished third in Hill City
The Plainville boys had five individuals and a relay team qualify in eight events for the State Track and Field meet in Wichita. Plainville finished third at the Hill City Regional meet.

Hayden Friend qualified in both the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash at the 2A Hill City meet on Friday. Friend enters the state meet with the second best time, among qualifiers in the 200 meters at 23.72 seconds.

Sam Kaup also qualified in two events for the Cardinals. He has the fourth best time in the 400 meter dash at 51.87 and the 10th best time in the 200 meters.

Willie Wilkerson and Zach Pierson both qualified in the discus with the eighth and ninth best throws in 2A.

Ryan Buresh qualified in the 300 meter hurdles with the 10th best time.

The Cardinals 4×100 meter relay team will head to Wichita with the second best time in 2A at 44.87 seconds.

Hill City had four individuals qualify for the state meet.

Mike Pope in the high jump, Clay Money in the discus, Mekhai Bates in the shot put and Everett Brandyberry in the pole vault.

Area 1A state track and field qualifiers

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The Victoria boys had three individual qualifiers and the 4×100 meter relay team qualify for the state tournament in Wichita after Friday’s 1A regional meet in Phillipsburg.

Collin Kisner qualified in the 100 meter and 200 meter dash and Justin Giesbrecht in the 3200 meters.

La Crosse had two individuals and two relay teams qualify for state. Clayton Herdman qualified in the 400 meters and the javelin. La Crosse also had their 4×800 and 4×400 meter relay teams qualify for state.

Stockton had four individuals in six events and two relay teams all qualify for the state meet. Kylar Williams and Brayden Winters both qualified in the 100 meter dash. Williams and Kian Coffey in the long jump. Coffey also qualified in the triple jump. Has best jump at 44’8.25. Joel Green also qualified in the 110 hurdles. Stockton’s 4×400, 4×100 relay also qualified for the state meet.

The Victoria girls had two individuals and two relay teams qualify in five events. Kali Weber qualified in both the 100 and 200 meter dash. Jayden Newbold qualified in the pole vault and the 4×100 and 4×400 relay teams also qualified for the state meet.

La Crosse had three individuals and a relay team qualify in four events. Kacee Klozenbucher qualified in both the high jump and the triple jump. Emma Rues in the 800 meters and the 4×100 meter relay team are also headed to Wichita.

The Stockton girls 4×400 meter relay team also qualified for the state meet in Wichita.

Kan. man arrested for alleged DUI crash that killed a Salina woman

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Patrick Driscoll
Patrick Driscoll

SALINA – Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating a suspect in connection with a fatal car accident

According to Saline County Jail records Patrick Driscoll, 33, Great Bend, was arrested late Saturday morning on multiple charges including murder in the 2nd degree, driving under the influence, reckless driving, improper driving, speeding, and transporting an open container.

Just before 4:30 a.m. on April 27, a Chevy Silverado driven by Driscoll Salina was southbound on North Ohio Street at Stimmel Road in Saline County.

The pickup crossed the centerline and hit a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe head-on.

Driscoll and the driver of the Hyundai Song Horton, 55, Salina, were transported to Salina Regional Medical Center.

Horton was then transported to a hospital in Wichita, according to police.

The crash closed a portion of North Ohio from Pacific Avenue to Interstate 70 was closed for almost four hours.

Driscoll's pickup photo Salina Police
Driscoll’s pickup photo Salina Police

At the time of the accident, Saline County Undersheriff Roger Soldan said alcohol was found in Driscoll’s truck and was suspected to be a factor in the deadly crash.

KanCare renewal public meeting in Hays May 26

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kancare logoKDHE

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Health and the Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) have scheduled five public meetings in preparation for renewal of KanCare, the Kansas Medicaid program.

KanCare members, stakeholders and others who are interested in KanCare renewal are invited to attend. The meetings will include the updates on KanCare from state officials and staff, information on potential changes to the program and feedback sessions for public input.

“As we move toward renewal of KanCare in 2018, it is important for us to continue to meet with the people directly impacted. We want to listen to what they have to say and the ideas that they have to move KanCare forward,” said Dr. Susan Mosier. “These public sessions are part of our efforts to make KanCare even better and more effective for beneficiaries and their families.”

The public meetings are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, in Topeka at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center; at the same times on Wednesday, May 25, in Wichita at the Marriott Wichita and in Kansas City, KS at the Jack Reardon Civic Center (Hilton Garden Inn); and at the same times on Thursday, May 26, in Hays at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 230 E. 8th, and in Pittsburg at Pittsburg State University.

After these public sessions, the agencies plan on drafting the federal renewal application for KanCare and a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new managed care organization contracts. Public notice of the state’s intention to apply for renewal of KanCare, a comment period and two public hearings will be conducted on the renewal application this coming summer and fall. A final draft of the RFP and the renewal application, incorporating input from participants and stakeholders, will be submitted to CMS in October, 2016.

From November, 2016 through May, 2017, the agencies expect to evaluate the RFP responses, finalize the contracts, incorporate any CMS feedback and submit the contracts to CMS for approval. CMS approval of all elements of renewal is anticipated to be received by December, 2017, in anticipation of launch in January, 2018.

Please see the KanCare website, www.KanCare.KS.gov, for meeting location addresses and additional information on these meetings.

Individuals may request special accommodation by contacting Elizabeth Phelps at (785) 296-4552 or [email protected] and please make your accommodation requests by May 16, 2016.

Police: Search for 2 suspects in Barton Co. shooting continues

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Shooting

BARTON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Barton County are investigating a reported Saturday shooting and asking for help to locate suspects.

Phillip Pardo, 35, was shot around 10 p.m. Saturday night in an apartment complex at 3900 Forest Avenue, according to a media release.

The gunshot resulted from a confrontation that took place in the parking lot of the apartment complex. The shooter fled the scene prior to the arrival by police.

Pardo was transported to Great Bend Regional Hospital by Great Bend Fire/EMS, and was later transported to a Wichita hospital with unknown injuries.

Shortly after that report, officers were dispatched to a residence several blocks away where residents said they had found two men in their front yard. Believing that the men were attempting to break into their home, a man at the residence brought a gun out onto his porch to confront them.

The subjects fled southeast from the area along the railroad tracks. Police believe the incident was related to the shooting at 3900 Forest.

Detectives have identified a suspect and are in the process of following up on leads.

Great Bend Police Chief Cliff Couch says the shooting incident is disturbing. “Such reckless and dangerous behavior is obviously very concerning,” Couch said.

“This took place in a very residential area where a lot more people could have been hurt. I hope anyone in the community with any information about the incident will contact the Police Department, so that we can bring the suspect to justice and send a strong message that our community won’t tolerate such behavior.”

If you have any information regarding this case, you are encouraged to call the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-1920.

Mexican national, accused of killing 4 in Kansas, faces death penalty

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Serrano-Vitorino- photo Montgomery Co.
Serrano-Vitorino- photo Montgomery Co.

MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri prosecutors plan to pursue the death penalty for a Mexican national in the shooting death of a man a day after he allegedly killed four people in Kansas.

Prosecutors in Montgomery County west of St. Louis submitted court papers Friday saying they will seek capital punishment for Pablo Serrano-Vitorino if he’s convicted of first-degree murder in the March 8 shooting death of Randy Nordman at that man’s New Florence home.

A judge last week ordered Serrano-Vitorino to stand trial in that case. Arraignment is scheduled for June 1

Serrano-Vitorino also is accused in Kansas of killing a Kansas City, Kansas, neighbor and three other men at the neighbor’s home on March 7.

An attorney for Serrano-Vitorino did not return a phone call seeking comment Friday.

Ellis Co. residents elected as delegates for GOP National Convention

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TOPEKA — Four Ellis County residents were elected last week to serve as at-large delegates at the Republican National Convention.

The convention will be held in Cleveland from July 18 to 21.

John Pyle, Carly Couture, Ron Adams and Elaine Adams were elected as delegates.

The entire list of First District delegates and alternates:

Delegates
Elaine Adams
Robert Arnold
Celia Beymer
Bev Caley
Carly Couture
John Pyle
Carolyn Simms

Alternates
Ron Adams
Rob Fillion
Larry Lambert
Kathy Martin
Shawn Shipley
Ben Wilson

Rooks Co. nurses present at eighth annual Summit on Quality

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Submitted

PLAINVILLE — Four Rooks County health care professionals were invited to address the Kanas Healthcare Collaborative’s eighth annual Summit on Quality on May 6 in Wichita.

Rooks County Healthcare Center nurses Erin Stahl, Michele Hinger, Pam Harmon and Stockton EMS director Julie Cole delivered a presentation on early recognition and treatment of heart attacks and strokes.

The presentation focused on how RCH staff and county EMS personnel advance their performance improvement efforts concerning ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI heart attacks) and stroke care. They also shared their on-going focus on measurement, including review of their quarterly Kansas Heart and Stroke Collaborative (KHSC) quality reports through standing committee meetings.

“Kudos go out for the teamwork of all the providers and staff, who all work together to make this happen. We hold some state records on our quick and efficient treatment of our patients for stroke, STEMI and trauma. Other hospitals across the state are watching us and wanting to know how we are succeeding. It was quite an honor to be selected to present at the summit. As always, we are so proud of the commitment of RCH to raise the bar and continue to improve the care we provide,” said Harmon.

The establishment of a monthly meeting between RCH staff and county EMS personnel has led to significant improvements in timeliness of care. For example, a recent patient was identified in the field as having suffered a heart attack, transported to RCH emergency room where the patient was stabilized in 11 minutes, well below the KHSC protocols. With timely transport and coordination with the cardiologists, total time from arrival to RCH’s emergency room to the cardiac catheter lab at Hays Medical Center was under one hour.

Dr. Bob Moser, Executive Director of KHC said with regards to the work RCH is doing, “It was a good overview of how a critical access hospital adapted evidenced based guidelines to their local realities. It shows the value of performance improvement using time dependent measures in managing a time critical diagnosis.”

According to Harmon, the combined commitment of RCH administration, leadership and staff along with the county EMS staff all aid in improving the rapid identification, initial procedures, transport and proper interventions for STEMI and stroke patients.

HaysMed earns award for care of stroke patients

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Hays Medical Center

Back row: Robert Wickham, Dr. Troy Kerby, Carol Groen, Rhonda Klaus, Blakely Hillary, Brian Pfannenstiel Front Row: Jessica Pfeifer, Regina Borthwick, Dorothy Gideon, Lynette Pfannenstiel
Back row: Robert Wickham, Dr. Troy Kerby, Carol Groen, Rhonda Klaus, Blakely Hillary, Brian Pfannenstiel
Front Row: Jessica Pfeifer, Regina Borthwick, Dorothy Gideon, Lynette Pfannenstiel

HaysMed has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

To receive the Silver Plus Quality Achievement award, hospitals must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke achievement indicators for at least 12 consecutive months and during the same period achieve 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality measures.

These quality measures are designed to help hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. They focus on appropriate use of guideline-based care for stroke patients, including aggressive use of medications such as clot-busting and anti-clotting drugs, blood thinners and cholesterol-reducing drugs, preventive action for deep vein thrombosis and smoking cessation counseling.

“A stroke patient loses 1.9 million neurons each minute stroke treatment is delayed. This recognition further demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced stroke treatments to patients quickly and safely,” said Terry Siek, vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer. HaysMed continues to strive for excellence in the acute treatment of stroke patients. The recognition from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke further reinforces our team’s hard work.”

HaysMed has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.

“The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognize HaysMed for its commitment to stroke care,” said Paul Heidenreich, M.D., M.S., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines Steering Committee and professor of medicine at Stanford University. “Research has shown there are benefits to patients who are treated at hospitals that have adopted the Get With The Guidelines program.”

Get With The Guidelines®-S puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping hospital care teams ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal to save lives and improve recovery time, Get With The Guidelines®-S has impacted more than 3 million patients since 2003.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, someone dies of a stroke every four minutes, and nearly 800,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year

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