May 2016 – Page 52 – Hays Post Archive

Mother of bus assault victim files lawsuit against school district

Posted on May 12, 2016May 12, 2016

GREAT BEND-Ellsworth County Attorney Joe Shepack filed charges against two Great Bend teenagers for their involvement in an assault case that occurred on a Great Bend High School activities bus.

The assault allegedly happened on February 6 as the high school swim team was traveling back from a swim meet in Manhattan.

One teenager entered a not guilty plea and the other entered a no contest plea.

The mother of the assault victim is now filing a lawsuit against everyone that may have let the attack happen.

Michele O’Neil says she wants justice in a case she feels was mishandled.

“What I want is justice for my son and for other kids,” she said.

O’Neil’s son has not returned to school since the alleged incident.

The lawsuit filed in Ellsworth County is against the school district, USD 428 Superintendent Brad Reed, and school board members.

It states the school district did not take proper steps to provide a safe environment for her son and other students.

O’Neil is asking for roughly $400,000 in claims. The Barton County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of distributing the subpoenas to the Barton County residents.

Young and Medlen put on DL by Royals with arm injuries

Posted on May 12, 2016May 12, 2016

NEW YORK (AP) – Struggling pitchers Chris Young and Kris Medlen have been put on the disabled list by the Kansas City Royals.

An MRI Wednesday determined Young has a strained right forearm, and Medlen has right rotator cuff inflammation. Young’s stint is retroactive to Tuesday and Medlen’s to Wednesday.

Young is 1-5 with a 6.68 ERA in seven starts and Melden 1-3 with a 7.77 ERA in six.

Kansas City selected the contract of right-hander Peter Moylan from Omaha before Thursday’s series finale at the New York Yankees and recalled left-hander Scott Alexander from the Triple-A team.

Moylan is 1-1 with a five saves and a 0.71 ERA in 12 relief appearances with the Storm Chasers, and Alexander is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in 14 innings.

Woman arrested in California in 2007 Kansas killing

Posted on May 12, 2016

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Federal officials say a woman has been arrested in California in a 2007 Kansas killing.

The suspect Michelle Antoinette Filby, 44, was arrested Wednesday in Torrance, California, in the shooting death of 16-year-old Michael Torneden in Topeka, according to Deputy U.S. Marshal Jerry Viera

She is jailed in California on $250,000 bond.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that several people were inside the house when Torneden was shot. His death was originally reported as a possible suicide but was ruled a homicide after an autopsy.

In 2013, three other people were found fatally shot inside the same house where Torneden died. A fourth victim of the 2013 shooting died after she was found in a nearby parking lot. No arrests have been made in that case.

Tougher water reporting requirements begin in Kansas

Posted on May 12, 2016

By ANDY MARSO

Gov. Sam Brownback has signed into law a bill allowing the executive branch to suspend indefinitely the water rights of Kansans who fail to file annual water use reports.

Gov. Sam Brownback’s office announced Tuesday he has signed into law a bill allowing the executive branch to suspend indefinitely the water rights of Kansans who fail to file annual water use reports.

The legislation, House Substitute for Senate Bill 337, passed the House 95-21 and the Senate 39-1. It’s an amended version of a measure that Brownback administration officials sought to crack down on a small number of groundwater users who routinely flout the reporting requirement.

Tracy Streeter, director of the Kansas Water Office, supported the change.

“It’s a fairness issue in my book,” Streeter said. Streeter called knowingly failing to file a water report “an injustice to everybody else that’s abiding within the law.”

Tracking water use helps determine whether Kansans have pumped more than their appropriated amount. It also provides data useful to determining the sustainability of the underground Ogallala Aquifer that supplies irrigation water for much of the western Kansas farm economy.

The Ogallala has been in decline for decades. Slowing the decline is a main goal of a 50-year water vision Brownback has promoted since his first few years in office. The new reporting law enhances the powers of the chief engineer within the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources.

It raises the maximum fine the chief engineer can levy on those who fail to file their annual report from $250 to $1,000.

But during committee hearings on the bill, state officials said the more powerful deterrent would be the ability to suspend water rights.

Legislators amended the original proposal to also allow the chief engineer to require a telemetry unit — which would report water use automatically — be installed on the wells of those who fail to report.

Administration officials told legislators considering the bill in January that about 60 Kansans fail to file their water use report in any given year, and about 10 of those 60 are serial offenders. “This bill will make it a little more of a difficult decision for them to do that,” Streeter said. Zack Pistora, a lobbyist for the Kansas Sierra Club, said the Legislature’s vote to hold people more accountable for reporting their water use was a good step.

But with approximately 32,000 water rights holders in the state, he questioned how much water the bill actually would preserve.

“We’ve got to come up with a serious answer for this water crisis,” Pistora said. “There’s a lot more to be done that we’re not seeing from our leadership in government.”

Pistora said wells already are running dry in some parts of the state, and some Kansas communities may have no groundwater available in 20 years.

Earlier this year Brownback also approved Senate Bill 330, authorizing a conservation reserve enhancement program that provides incentives for stabilization projects that prevent sediment from running off and filling the reservoirs that are eastern Kansas’ main water source.

A more controversial piece of legislation, Senate Substitute for House Bill 2059, did not pass this session. That bill would have created a regulatory mechanism to grant Kansans the right to use water that otherwise leaves the state.

It was brought by groundwater management district officials in southwest Kansas interested in exploring an aqueduct to transport Missouri River waters to their part of the state.

The administration, which is seeking a conference of governors to discuss appropriation of multi-state waters, opposed it.

Andy Marso is a reporter for KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team. You can reach him on Twitter @andymarso

School takes precaution as Kansas drug suspect arrested

Posted on May 12, 2016May 12, 2016

BARTON COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Barton County are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.

Just after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, a narcotics related search warrant was executed at a residence in the 300 block of West 2nd Street in Hoisington where drugs, drug paraphernalia and an amount of currency were seized, according to a media release from Hoisington Police.

Police arrested Oscar Usoro at the scene for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance within 1000’ of a school, unlawful felony possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Usoro was booked into the Barton County Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

Rosevelt Elementary School, approximately one block away, was notified because of proximity to the investigation.

The school took precautionary measures during the initial execution of the search warrant and was placed in a “type of lockdown” according to police.

Becoming an Emotionally Intelligent Leader

Posted on May 12, 2016May 10, 2016

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

The Management Development Center at Fort Hays State University will begin its summer workshop series with “The Emotionally Intelligent Leader: Understanding Personality and Conflict” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, in the Memorial Union’s Stouffer Lounge.

This workshop provides an opportunity to learn about the four components of emotional intelligence, including how to create better relationships with co-workers, subordinates and superiors.

Dr. Justin Greenleaf and Dr. Jeni McRay, both assistant professors of leadership studies at FHSU, will facilitate.

“Leadership is one of our most requested training topics,” said Sabrina William, director of the MDC. “I’m excited to see these facilitators take an interactive, hands-on approach with the participants.”

The workshop includes analyzing personality style models, theories and applications, completing self-assessments, and exploring additional components of leadership. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will have developed a personal action plan for relationship management and leadership development in their workplace.

Each person who completes the workshop will receive a completion certificate. The cost is $119. Registrations are requested prior to May 20.

Hays Area Chamber of Commerce members are eligible for a 15-percent discount on this workshop.

The Management Development Center at Fort Hays State University is recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM’s Certified Professional or Senior Certified Professional ratings. This program is valid for three PDCs. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit shrmcertification.org.

Registration is available online at www.fhsu.edu/mdc. To learn more about this workshop or receive discount codes, contact Conni Dreher by phone at (785) 628-4121 or by email at [email protected].

SELZER: Most teen driving fatalities happen during summer

Posted on May 12, 2016

Ken Selzer, Kansas Insurance Commissioner

Schools around Kansas will soon finish the spring semester, and that means young drivers will be on the roads more, traveling to jobs, social events and recreational activities. Unfortunately, more teenage motor vehicle fatalities happen in summer than any other time of year.

While teen driving statistics are troubling, research shows teens whose parents set rules are half as likely to get in an accident. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), of which the Kansas Insurance Department is a member, has compiled tips for parents and teens to make driving safer and more economical this summer.

Setting Expectations
Distracted driving, especially texting and driving; speeding; and drug/alcohol use are major contributors to teen-related vehicle crashes. One way to help your teens become safer drivers is to talk openly about your expectations when they are behind the wheel. Here are some discussion items.

Set a driving curfew. More than 40 percent of teen auto deaths occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Put a limit on the number of passengers allowed in your teen’s car. For teenagers, the relative risk of a fatal crash increases as the number of passengers increases.
Make the smartphone off limits while driving. Talking or texting can double the likelihood of an accident.
Encourage your teen to exercise his or her rights as a passenger. Only 44 percent of teens say they would speak up if someone were driving in a way that scared them.

Keeping Costs Down
Parents know, too, that vehicle insurance for teenagers is expensive. That’s why it pays to follow some useful advice from insurance experts in making sure you can keep premium costs as low as possible. Here are some of them.

Encourage teen drivers to keep their driving records free of accidents and moving violations for at least three years. Many companies grant discounts to “safe drivers.”
Enroll new drivers in defensive driving courses. Some companies offer discounts for completion.
Some companies may offer driver awareness programs, either online or with a smartphone app for young drivers. Ask your insurance agent or company if there is a discount for using these programs.
Encourage teen drivers to keep their grades up. Many insurance companies offer discounts or preferred rates for teens at particular Grade Point Average levels.
Ask your insurance company about an “accident forgiveness” clause that guarantees premiums will not increase after one minor accident.
Consider a higher deductible and only allowing the teen to drive the family’s oldest, least expensive car. The type of vehicle also will affect the policy premium. SUVs, convertibles and performance vehicles typically cost more to insure than other cars.

While education and preparation can help, accidents still happen. If you or your teen are involved in one, make sure you know what steps to take to stay safe and protect your identity when exchanging information for a claim. The NAIC’s free WreckCheck app for smartphones guides users through what to do — and not do — after an accident. It helps drivers collect necessary information on the spot, then immediately emails a report to your home and your insurance agent.

For more teen driving tips and resources, check our Kansas Insurance Department’s booklet “Auto Insurance and Shopper’s Guide,” which you can print from our website, www.ksinsurance.org. Also, check out our YouTube video “Teens and Safe Driving.”

Staying safe on the road just makes good sense.

Ken Selzer, CPA, is the Kansas Commissioner of Insurance.

Hansen awards $100k grant to NCK Tech for non-traditional scholarships

Posted on May 12, 2016

NCK Tech

North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, to promote technical education to non-traditional students in its 26-county service area. This grant will fund scholarships for adult learners seeking to improve their career opportunities with additional education through NCK Tech.

The Dane G. Hansen Career Enhancement Scholarships will be awarded by NCK Tech to selected non-traditional applicants seeking to upgrade their skills, with the intent of starting a new career or advancing in their current profession. These individuals might face barriers preventing them from advancing the education, including: family and financial obligations, insufficient financial assistance, and lack of support services.

The number of scholarships awarded will vary based on the needs and number of applicants. Scholarship amounts will be determined by the financial need of the individual to successfully complete a selected technical program. In addition to tuition and fees directly associated with the cost of training, funds also might be available to help offset basic living and childcare expenses.

ericburks — Eric Burks, NCK Tech president

“These scholarships are intended for people with a financial need, typically over the age of 24, who are motivated to improve their situation, seeking technical training, and have a desire to work or start a business in northwest Kansas once they graduate,” said NCK Tech President Eric Burks. “For individuals who meet this description, this is an absolutely amazing opportunity.”

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. This scholarship is designed to identify individuals with a desire to live and work in northwest Kansas, but who need assistance to improve their opportunities for success. The scholarships will attempt to removes some of the barriers and provide rural Kansans with assistance to further their skills through education and ultimately secure or enhance their employment, leading to a better life for themselves and their dependents.

“The Hansen Foundation is committed to finding a variety of ways to support the workforce in northwest Kansas,” said Cy Moyer, president of the board of trustees. “We are eager to see how this partnership can make a difference for individuals who are already committed to living here and are looking to make northwest Kansas their home forever.”

NCK Tech is dedicated to being a leader in workforce development and trains individuals in many of the technical areas needed to support the quality of life and the economy in north-central and northwest Kansas. NCK Tech’s mission is to deliver applied, innovative, and personalized education to empower learners, enrich lives, develop skilled professionals and strengthen economic systems.

“With such similar aspirations, NCK Tech is proud to partner with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation,” said Burks. “Together we recognize that, unlike students entering college right after high school who often have multiple financial aid opportunities, resources for non-traditional students can be limited. Additionally, many times these individuals are further down life’s path with family and financial obligations that keep them from pursuing the education they need. We’re hopeful these scholarships can help these individuals gain access to the training they need and ultimately provide a more skilled workforce for the region.”

Individuals interested in learning more about this opportunity can visit the NCK Tech website at www.ncktc.edu or call the NCK Tech financial aid office at 1-800-658-4655.

New assistant dean for FHSU College of Education

Posted on May 12, 2016

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

The College of Education at Fort Hays State University has announced a new assistant dean, Dr. Jerri Haynes, previously an assistant professor and a coordinator for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Fla.

“I look forward to working with faculty members who are excellent academicians and practitioners,” said Haynes.

Haynes has worked in public and private education more than 26 years. She previously taught ESOL courses, coordinated the ESOL endorsement and field experience for pre-teacher education programs, and worked with school districts to improve teachers’ knowledge on how to integrate language and content using the inclusive model.

Haynes has a doctorate in child and youth studies, specializing in curriculum development and systemic change, and an educational specialist degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages with a minor in educational leadership, from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She has Master of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees in elementary education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee.

Quinter man hospitalized after cattle truck overturns

Posted on May 12, 2016

CLARK COUNTY – A man from Quinter was injured in an accident just after 8 a.m. on Thursday in Clark County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Kenworth semi driven by Kirk W. Zerr, 50, Quinter, was northbound on U.S. 34 six miles south of Bucklin.

The truck left the roadway to the right and the load of cattle to shifted.

The driver was unable to gain control of the truck and it overturned.

Zerr was transported to the hospital in Ashland.

Several animals died in the accident, according to the KHP in Garden City.

Transgender advocates decry Kansas proposal on birth records

Posted on May 12, 2016

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Transgender rights advocates have called on Kansas’ health department to abandon a proposal to make it far more difficult for people to change the gender on their birth certificates.

Topeka resident Stephanie Mott said during a Department of Health and Environment hearing Thursday that regulatory changes under consideration will lead more transgender youth to attempt suicide. She sued the department earlier this year because it hasn’t allowed her to change her birth certificate to show she is a woman.

The changes would repeal a regulation allowing someone to change the gender listed on a birth certificate by submitting medical records.

Department spokeswoman Cassie Sparks said the regulation conflicts with a 2002 state Supreme Court decision, making it contrary to state law.

The changes could take effect within six weeks.

TMP-Marian alum named school’s new athletic director

Posted on May 12, 2016

TMP-Marian release

HAYS, Kan. – Troy Schulte, athletic director for Archie R-V school district located south of Lee’s Summit, Mo., has been named the next athletic director for Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School. Schulte, who will take over for long-time AD Gene Flax, spent nine years as the athletic director and 20 years teaching for Archie R-V school district.

“Being an alumnus, I have a lot of pride in TMP-Marian,” said Schulte, “I’ll bring a competitive desire to excel to the school. I have a vision to see the entire program succeed through building relationships with students, coaches, staff, and the community.”

Schulte and his wife, Sharon, are both 1989 graduates of Thomas More Prep-Marian. They have three children: Jordan, Jackson, and Jaden. Jordan is currently running track at Fort Hays State University after landing herself a state championship in Missouri. Schulte also attended Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1994 with a BS in Physical Education. While working on his degree, Schulte was the TMP-M assistant basketball coach under Coach Joe Hertel from 1992 to 1994. He received his M.Ed. in Athletic/Activities Administration from William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. in 2007.

Schulte is excited to return home to Hays and TMP-M.

“I always talk about TMP when I’m coaching kids. The lessons I learned at TMP: striving for excellence, dedication, and having a belief that you can do things, have carried with me throughout life.”

Schulte will officially begin his athletic director responsibilities this summer.

Seven Tigers named to the All-MIAA baseball team

Posted on May 12, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Seven members of the Fort Hays State baseball team have been named to the All-MIAA baseball team announced Thursday before the start of the conference tournament in St. Charles, Missouri.

Senior Connor Ross, who led the Tigers in slugging percentage, runs scored and triples, was named to the second team as an outfielder. Fellow senior Austin Unrein, who led the team in hits, RBIs and doubles, was named a third team Utility Player.

Five Tigers were honorable mention selections. Senior relief pitcher Giles, Fox, junior shortstop Nick Hammeke, junior third baseman Alex Weiss, senior outfielder Caleb Cherryholmes and senior designated hitter Joe Mapes.

Player of the Year: David Gauntt, Sr, C, Washburn
Pitcher of the Year: Nick Silva, Jr., P, Washburn
Freshman of the Year: Zach Parish, P, Northeastern State
Coach of the Year: Kyle Crookes, Central Missouri

First Team All-MIAA
Pitcher: Ethan Westphal, Jr., Central Missouri^
Pitcher: Tyler Stubblefield, Jr., Emporia State^$
Pitcher: Payton Walker, Sr., Missouri Southern^
Pitcher: Nick Silva, Jr., Washburn^
Relief Pitcher: Grant Gavin, Jr., Central Missouri
Catcher: David Gauntt, Sr., Washburn
First Base: Evan Koehler, Sr., Emporia State$
Second Base: David Glaude, Jr., Missouri Western
Shortstop: Landon Mason, Jr., Missouri Western
Third Base: Kyle Carnahan, Sr., Washburn
Outfield: Landon Eason, Jr., Central Oklahoma
Outfield: Dalton Wheat, Sr., Emporia State
Outfield: Wes Degener, So., Lindenwood
Designated Hitter: Jesse Rall, Sr., Missouri Southern$
Utility: Jon Kamies, Jr., Central Oklahoma
^=Four pitchers due to tie in the voting
$=Repeat first team selection

Second Team All-MIAA
Pitcher: Carlos D’Armas, Sr., Central Missouri
Pitcher: Connor Law, Jr., Lindenwood
Pitcher: Zach Parish, Fr., Northeastern State
Relief Pitcher: Garrett Brummett, Sr., Emporia State
Catcher: Eric Kirkpatrick, Sr., Northeastern State
First Base: Bennett Oliver, Sr., Central Missouri
Second Base: Christian Binger, Sr., Southwest Baptist
Shortstop: Nathan Prindle, Sr., Lindenwood
Third Base: Caleb Sneed, So., Southwest Baptist
Outfield: Connor Ross, Sr., Fort Hays State
Outfield: Chris Hoffman, Sr., Missouri Southern
Outfield: Nick Gawley, Jr., Missouri Western
Designated Hitter: Jake Alexander, Sr., Central Missouri*
Designated Hitter: Isaac Hellbusch, Sr., Central Oklahoma*
Utility: Richie Gorski, Jr., Missouri Southern
*=Two designated hitters due to tie in the voting

Third Team All-MIAA
Pitcher: Daulton Leiker, Sr., Central Oklahoma
Pitcher: Richard Peoples, Jr., Missouri Western
Pitcher: Anthony Caenepeel, Jr., Northwest Missouri
Relief Pitcher: Nikko Pablo, Jr., Northwest Missouri
Catcher: Matt Smith, Jr., Missouri Southern
First Base: Andrew Vogelbaugh, So., Pittsburg State
Second Base: Jake Dyer, So., Central Oklahoma
Shortstop: Riley Krane, Jr., Washburn
Third Base: Jeremy Alvarado, Jr., Missouri Western
Outfield: Wade Hanna, Jr., Emporia State
Outfield: Tyler Sutherland, Jr., Missouri Southern
Outfield: Parker Gibson, Sr., Washburn
Designated Hitter: Derek Francis, Sr., Emporia State
Utility: Austin Unrein, Sr., Fort Hays State

Honorable Mention
Pitcher: Tyler House, Central Missouri; Jordan Plank, Emporia State; Brendan Feldmann, Lindenwood; Brendan Kleekamp, Lindenwood; Cody Hutchinson, Missouri Southern; Evan Jones, Missouri Western; Alex Clavet, Missouri Western; George Brandecker, Pittsburg State.
Relief Pitcher: Lucas Williams, Central Missouri; Gibson Russ, Central Oklahoma; Giles Fox, Fort Hays State; Preston Bailey, Missouri Western; John Watson, Nebraska-Kearney; Zack Hammock, Northeastern State; Carson Smith, Northwest Missouri; Greg Mason, Washburn; Jaren Kutzke, Washburn.
Catcher: Ryan Sosnowski, Lindenwood; Hunter Hisky, Southwest Baptist.
First Base: Mike Ehrhard, Lindenwood; Kyle Honeycutt, Nebraska-Kearney; Bryce Davenport, Northeastern State; Kevin Handzlik, Northwest Missouri.
Second Base: Jacob Bryant, Missouri Southern; Matt Salamon, Nebraska-Kearney; Charles Sims, Northeastern State; Ozzie Adams, Northwest Missouri
Shortstop: Levi Ashmore, Emporia State; Nick Hammeke, Fort Hays State; Shane Sharkey, Nebraska-Kearney; Sean Murley, Southwest Baptist.
Third Base: Daniel LaMunyon, Emporia State; Alex Weiss, Fort Hays State; Jacob Boylan, Pittsburg State.
Outfield: Dylan Farrell, Central Missouri; Derek Cornell, Central Missouri; Matt Elliott, Central Missouri; Caleb Cherryholmes, Fort Hays State; Mike Million, Lincoln; Mason Price, Lincoln; Drew Quinones, Lindenwood; Kody Matthews, Missouri Western; Pate Katechis, Nebraska-Kearney; Cody Begovich, Northeastern State; Christian Arnold, Pittsburg State; Jeff Bouchard, Southwest Baptist.
Designated Hitter: Joe Mapes, Fort Hays State; Brandon Downs, Missouri Western; Dallas Schramm, Nebraska-Kearney.
Utility: Orencio Fisher, Missouri Western; Lance Barkley, Washburn.