May 2016 – Page 3 – Hays Post Archive

Velma E. Munyon

Posted on May 31, 2016

Phillipsburg resident Velma E. Munyon passed away Friday, May 27, 2016 at the Phillips County Retirement Center, Phillipsburg, at the age of 97. She was born October 18, 1918 in Phillips County, the daughter of Ralph & Mary (Schmid) Fouts.

Survivors include her sister, Kathyrn Matteson of Pocatello, ID and several nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wed. June 1 at 10:30 a.m. in the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating. Burial will follow in the Agra Cemetery, Agra.

Visitation will be from 12:00 to 9:00 Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church or Hospice Services.

Helen L. Rice

Posted on May 31, 2016

Helen L. Rice, age 100 years, 2 months and 10 days, passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Smith Center Health and Rehab, Smith Center, KS.

She was born March 14, 1916 South of Cedar, Kansas, the daughter of Isaac William and Etta May (Martin) Eller. She married William F. Rice on March 26, 1939 in Mankato, KS, by Rev. Rassie Conrad who was an uncle to the bride. To this union they were blessed with four sons, Kelly, Douglas, Stanley and Sidney.

Helen was a homemaker for most her life and fulltime mom raising her four sons but in 1963 she went to beauty school in Salina, KS and at the time she and her family lived there until she graduated. After graduation Helen and her family moved to Gaylord, KS and purchased a home, they then made a Beauty Shop for Helen in the basement of the house for her to work out of. Helen had a successful career as a beautician in Gaylord, KS, she opened her business on April 30, 1964 and retired on December 14, 1997. She worked for over 33 years and was 81 years old at the time she retired due to health reasons.

In June of 2004 she moved to Western Plains Village in Smith Center, KS, in June 2012 she moved to Smith Center Health and Rehab and lived her remaining 4 years of her life there.

Helen was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, Gaylord, KS. She attended faithfully until her health prevented her from doing so.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Bill on November 13, 1969, her parents, two brothers, Ross and Clyde Eller and two sisters, Furn Hamilton and Marple Cole.

She is survived by her four sons, Kelly (Joan) Rice of Emmett, ID, Doug (Connie) Rice of Smith Center, Stanley (Nanette) Rice of Lakin, Sid (Phyllis) Rice of Torrington, WY; eight grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, with Pastors Brian Loreg and Keith Sears officiating. Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2016 with family present to greet friends from 6-7 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Gaylord Cemetery, Gaylord, KS. Memorials may be given to Gaylord Church of the Nazarene and/or Hospice Services of Smith County, KS.

Central Kan. theater set for summer season in new home

Posted on May 31, 2016

ABILENE, Kan. (AP) — The only professional theater between Kansas City and Denver is ready for a summer season in its new home.

The Great Plains Theatre in Abilene has put on shows at various sites since a fire destroyed its building in July 2014. The Salina Journal reports the theater is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, as are most of the actors, who are paid to perform.

The new theater is in the former headquarters of ALCO Stores. It seats 150 and provides much more space for the former theater.

Besides finding a new home, Great Plains Theatre’s finances also are improving, thanks to a $25,000 donation from Astra Bank. And a new artistic director, Randy West, was hired.

The summer season starts June 10 with “Annie Get Your Gun.”

Edith L. Donecker

Posted on May 31, 2016

Edith L. Donecker, age 89, passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on May 29, 1926 in Gove County, Kansas, the daughter of Thomas G. and Mary E. Coe Russell. She was a homemaker and a school cook for over 20 years.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Healy and Scott City, Kansas. A past member of the EHU and a 4H Leader.

On December 24, 1943 she married Dale A. Donecker in Scott City, Kansas. He passed away on January 27, 2002 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Three Sons – Terry & Bonnie Donecker of Healy, Kansas, Jim & Cheryl Donecker of Wichita, Kansas, David & Grace Donecker of Garden City, Kansas, Three Daughters – Sue & Brent Rogers of Scott City, Kansas, Jana & Paul Bailey of Ark City, Kansas, Tammy & Mike Kniffin of Wichita, Kansas, Twenty One Grandchildren, Thirty Seven Great Grandchildren and Six Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, One Grandson, Two Brothers and Six Sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at the Healy United Methodist Church of Healy, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016 with the Rev. Bud Tuxhorn presiding.

Memorials In Lieu of Flowers may be given to the Scott County Library or Healy United Methodist Church or Park Lane Nursing Home % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Healy Cemetery in Healy, Kansas.

Visitation was from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday.

Edna Schulte

Posted on May 31, 2016May 31, 2016

Walker, Kansas – Edna Louise Schulte, age 87, died Monday, May 30, 2016, at Via Christi Village Care Center, Hays, Kansas.

She was born April 8, 1929, in Hays, Kansas, to Joseph and Frances (Kepka) Dauber. She married Elmer M. Schulte on November 20, 1950 at Russell. He died June 24, 1991.

She was a homemaker, farmer’s wife and a Tupperware dealer for many years. She was a 1947 graduate of Bunker Hill High School and attended Fort Hays Kansas State College for one year and was a teacher at the Cedar Creek School in rural Bunker Hill. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Christian Mothers both of Walker, a member of the Victoria Daughters of Isabella and served on the Ellis County Election Board for over 20 years. She enjoyed playing cards, dancing, quilting and in her early years she was active in the 4-H.

Survivors include one son, Matthew Schulte and wife, Anne, Hays, KS; five daughters, Jane Goodheart and husband, Mark, Bison, KS; Mary Jo Rome and husband, Mark, Victoria, KS; Diane Gottschalk and husband, Ken, Laure Gross and husband, Kraig, Annette Wooldridge and husband, Brian, all of Hays, KS; two sisters, Josephine Schulte, Hays, KS; Rosanna Gleason and husband, James, Kinsley, KS; 18 grandchildren; Jolene Peterson (Josh), Kristin Schurr (Craig), Leann Dalton (Kevin), Scott Goodheart (Carrie), Megan Goodheart and fiancé (B.J. Beiker), Aaron Rome (Shana), Andra Cunningham (Preston), Jason Rome (Jeanie), Garret Rome, Kara Denton (Shawn), Derick Gross (Colleen), Jenna Schulte, Michael Schulte, Emily Schulte, Ryan Wooldridge, Tyler Wooldridge, Amber Wooldridge, Brianna Wooldridge, two step grandchildren, Amy Casper (Scott) and Mark Gottschalk; 13 great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, Joe Dauber Jr. and wife, Kathleen; one brother-in-law, Louis J. Schulte and one infant brother, Richard Dauber.

Services are at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Walker, Kansas. Burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery Walker, Kansas.

A vigil service is a 7:15 P.M. Wednesday, and a Christian Mothers / Daughters of Isabella rosary is at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday, both at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Visitation is from 4:00 to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. Thursday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Walker, Kansas.

Memorials to St. Ann’s Cemetery Fund or St. Ann’s Christian Mothers Kitchen Project.

Road construction on Old U.S. 40 set to begin in June

Posted on May 31, 2016

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Road crews in Ellis County will begin an asphalt overlay project on Old U.S. 40 on Wednesday.

Ellis County Public Works Office Manager Rick Rupp said crews will begin work on an asphalt overlay project on Old U.S. 40 between Yocemento and Ellis on June 1.

According to Rupp, traffic in the construction zone will be reduced to one lane until the work is completed.

Those traveling in the area should allow extra time to arrive at the destination.

The Kansas Department of Transportation also announced last week that crews will work on a portion of U.S. 183 and a resurfacing project on Kansas 247 in June, as well.

Private Kansas cemetery vandalized during the weekend

Posted on May 31, 2016

Mount Vernon Cemetery photo Kingman Co. Economic Development

CHENEY, Kan. (AP) — Vandals hit a private cemetery in south-central Kansas with graves dating to the 1800s during the Memorial Day weekend.

Kingman County Deputy Amber Barratti says about 10 to 15 headstones were knocked down in the private cemetery in northeast Kingman County near Cheney.

Investigators believe the vandalism occurred late Saturday or early Sunday. No arrests have been made.

The Hutchinson News reports the cemetery is called Mount Vernon. Most of the graves there are from the 1880s to the early 1900s.

Kansas Senator Ostmeyer will not seek re-election UPDATE

Posted on May 31, 2016May 31, 2016

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

TOPEKA — Kansas Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer, R-Grinnell, will not seek re-election.

Ostmeyer, who has served in the Kansas Senate for 12 years, announced Monday that he is withdrawing from November’s election.

Ostmeyer said in a statement he would like to thank his constituents for all of their support during his years spent at the Kansas State Capitol.

He added, “This was not an easy decision,” but said he looks forward to being home more to spend time with his wife and children and “most importantly, support his grandkids.”

Kansas’ 40th Senate District covers the northwest corner of the state from Ellis to Cheyenne counties, including a portion of Phillips County.

Hosmer hits 3-run homer as Royals top Rays

Posted on May 31, 2016

Eric Hosmer hits an eighth inning home run in Kansas City's win over Tampa Bay Monday. (Courtesy Kansas City Royals/Chris Vleisides) — Eric Hosmer hits an eighth inning home run in Kansas City’s win over Tampa Bay Monday. (Courtesy Kansas City Royals/Chris Vleisides)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Eric Hosmer hit a three-run homer after Lorenzo Cain drove in the go-ahead run in a four-run eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 on Monday night.

The Royals have won four straight, matching their season best streak, and have scored 19 runs after the sixth innings in those victories.

Cain’s single scored Alcides Escobar with the first run of the inning before Hosmer took a pitch from Erasmo Ramirez (6-3) deep to right-center for his 10th home run.

Kelvin Herrera (1-1) blew the save, allowing a run in the eighth, but he picked up the victory. Steve Pearce scored from second on an infield single by Steven Souza Jr. to tie it at 2.

Investigation into alleged SW Kansas cattle theft continues

Posted on May 31, 2016May 31, 2016

HODGEMAN COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Hodgeman County continue to investigate suspects involved in alleged theft of cattle in Hodgeman County.

On Sunday, the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s office and an agent with the Kansas Attorney General’s office set up an operation attempting to capture a suspect stealing cattle in rural Hodgeman County, according to a news media release.

Officers were staged in multiple locations around the area as well as the assistance of the Ford County Sheriff’s Office watching the alleged location where the cattle were being delivered.

Shortly after the operation began the alleged suspect loaded approximately 12 head of cattle into a trailer and started driving southbound.

Hodgeman County Sheriff’s officers stopped the vehicle in southeast Hodgeman County and arrested the driver.

The trailer was loaded with the cattle from a location he did not have permission to possess. The Hodgeman County Sheriff’s office transported the subject to the Sheriff’s office and the Attorney General’s agent went to the location and off-loaded the cattle.

Names or locations have not been released due to the fact it is an active and open investigation, according to the sheriff’s department.

Creek search enters 5th day for a missing Kansas boy

Posted on May 31, 2016May 31, 2016

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The search for a Kansas boy who fell into a rain-swollen creek is continuing into its fifth day.

Fire and rescue teams returned to the Gypsum Creek in south Wichita Tuesday to search for 11-year-old Devon Dean Cooley.

Officials say witnesses told them Cooley was walking with three friends near the creek Friday when he tried to walk a path that normally crosses the creek but was swept away by high waters.

Devon’s family hosted a cookout Monday evening for the recovery and rescue teams. That was followed by a candlelight vigil.

The boy would have celebrated his 12th birthday on Thursday.

———

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The search for an 11-year-old Wichita boy who is missing after falling into a swollen creek has been suspended for the night.

Wichita Fire Department battalion chief Jim Wilson tells the Wichita Eagle crews will resume their search for the boy identified by relatives as Devon Dean Cooley at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Wilson says a couple of firefighters will rotate shifts walking along the creek’s banks late Monday night, “just in case.”

Devon disappeared Friday night in Gypsum Creek. Fire officials say he tried to cross but was swept away.

Devon’s family, in a statement Monday, thanked firefighters for their tireless efforts. The family planned a cookout Monday evening to feed the rescue crews, with a candlelight vigil scheduled later in the night.

————–

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The family of an 11-year-old Wichita, Kansas, boy who went missing after falling into a swollen creek is thanking searchers for their efforts.

Wichita Fire Department battalion chief Jim Wilson says a broadened search continued Monday for the boy identified by relatives as Devon Dean Cooley, who disappeared Friday night in Gypsum Creek.

Fire officials say Devon was walking with friends near the creek when boy tried to cross but was swept away with the current as his friends tried to grab him.

Devon’s family, in a statement Monday, thanked firefighters for their tireless efforts to find the boy. The family planned to hold a cookout Monday evening to feed the rescue crews, with a candlelight vigil scheduled for later that night.

——–

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The search has resumed in Wichita, Kansas, for an 11-year-old boy who went missing after falling into a swollen creek.

Wichita Fire Department battalion chief Scott Brown says the search continued at sunrise Monday for the boy who disappeared Friday night in Gypsum Creek.

Brown said Saturday night that searchers were more in a body-recovery mode than a rescue effort.

Cloudy, wet Tuesday

Posted on May 31, 2016

Today A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. North northeast wind 8 to 13 mph.

Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North northeast wind 6 to 13 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 77. North wind 9 to 11 mph.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North northeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming south after midnight.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 80.

Thursday NightClear, with a low around 56.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 85.

Accident temporarily blocks westbound traffic on I-70

Posted on May 31, 2016May 31, 2016

KDOT camera view early Tuesday in Gove County

Westbound lanes of traffic were opened to traffic just after 5:40 a.m.

Cause of the accident remains under investigation.

———–

GOVE COUNTY- First responders were on the scene of an accident on Interstate 70 early Tuesday morning in Gove County.

Two semis were involved in a collision that temporarily blocked westbound traffic, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

No injuries are reported.
Check Hays Post for additional details as they become available.