SHPTV
GORHAM–Third grader Christian Miller, of Gorham, received a trophy and gift bag for placing in the Smoky Hills Public Television PBS Kids Writers Contest.
Miller won first place in his age group with his story “Winston’s Great Adventure.”
The SHPTV PBS Kids Writers contest encouraged children ages kindergarten through third grade to write and illustrate original stories. Smoky Hills Public Television received 201 entries for the 2016 contest.
You can read Christian’s story here.
THOMAS COUNTY— Authorities are investigating the death of a teen who was electrocuted by a high-voltage line in northwest Kansas.
The 19-year-old man died Saturday after climbing a utility pole and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a media release from the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office.
The name of the victim or other additional details were not released.
ELLIS–Several Fort Hays State University Leadership students spent their spring semester working on various projects for the city of Ellis. Mayor David McDaniel recognized their efforts and thanked the students during the May 2 Ellis city council meeting.
In other business, the council approved a motion for Sargent Drilling to install test wells on two sites permitted by the Kansas Division of Water Resources to explore as potential new water sources for Ellis.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 2, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Buck Driggs, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Glen Keller, Nancy Patel, Kristine Tippin, Charlene Weber, Janeen Cox, Windy McClung, Charles Dick, Casey Thomlinson, Ty McCulloch, Amy Varner, and Taylor Swarts
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on April 18, 2016, Bills Ordinance #1996, and the December 2015 manual journal entries. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Personnel: Special Project
Mayor David McDaniel presented a Citizenship Award to Nancy Patel, Fort Hays State University student, for her senior project of performing a Human Resource Audit for the City. Her project focused on employee recruitment, on-boarding, and termination.
Mayor McDaniel also presented a Citizenship Award to Kristine Tippin, Fort Hays State University student, for her senior project of developing a Wellness Program for the City. Ms. Tippin explained the benefits of a Wellness Program and how to implement and evaluate such a program.
SPECIAL ORDER
Water: Special Project
The Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 Team consisting of Amy Varner, Charles Dick, Casey Thomlinson, and Ty McCulluch, presented their semester project on educating Ellis residents about the sales tax election. They also were tasked with developing a mission statement for the City Clerk’s office and Public Work’s Department. Mayor David McDaniel presented each of the team members with a Citizenship Award recognizing their efforts.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, gave an update on the Waterline Improvement Project. The preconstruction meeting was held on April 18th and work should begin in early May. APAC has requested a no-cost change order on Cottonwood Street. The order would allow APAC to bore, rather than trench, the utility line which could disrupt the root system of the trees lining the high school track. Boring the utility line would also be less disruptive to residents. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the change order requested by APAC to bore the utility lines on Cottonwood Street at no additional cost to the City. The motion carried 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Licenses/Permits
Council member John Walz moved to approve the Fireworks Permit Application from the Ellis Baptist Youth Group and Ellis Soccer Group to sell fireworks at 812 Washington Street. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Gary Luea noted that it didn’t make sense to allow the sale of fireworks when Council could decide later to prohibit the discharge of fireworks. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 5-1, with Mr. Luea voting opposed.
General Government: Financial
City Attorney Olavee Raub presented the proposed ordinance levying the one cent sales tax approved at the special election on April 5th. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1403 levying a one cent sales tax effective October 1, 2016. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Contracts
Council member John Walz moved to approve the 2017 Budget Contract with Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chtd. in the amount of $4,100. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Contracts
City Clerk Amy Burton presented a proposed agreement with Standard & Poor’s for credit rating services for the 2016 Refunding Bonds. The service was estimated at $12,000 in the Preliminary Refinancing Analysis. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the agreement with Standard & Poor’s for bond credit rating services in the amount of $10,750. The motion carried 6-0.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented two bids for a sludge auger tube at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to accept the low bid from Conveyor Engineering & Manufacturing for the sludge auger tube in the amount of $1,930, with funds to come from the Sewer Depreciation Fund. The motion carried 6-0.
Personnel: Benefits
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the renewal rates for the City’s dental insurance for employees. The dental rates have actually decreased approximately 5.4%. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to approve the Blue Cross Blue Shield dental insurance plan for employees for the 2016-2017 plan year. The motion carried 6-0.
Water Exploration: Special Project
Council discussed the progress on exploring for additional water sources for the City. The new site has been approved by the Division of Water Resources, and the City is ready to revisit the two permitted sites to install test wells. Council directed Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to start soliciting engineering bids for the project. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to have Sargent Drilling install the 5” test wells on the two permitted sites with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Water Exploration Fund. The motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works: Training
Mr. Scheuerman updated Council on recent training he attended regarding building inspections and flood plain management.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for April and the staff calendar for May. Officer Smith will begin the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on June 20th and will graduate in September. Chief Yates noted the Honor Bell Foundation will stop in Ellis on May 7th. The Foundation hopes to place a 1,000 lb. brass bell in every national cemetery. Chief Yates hopes to return to full duty by June 1st.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the December 2015 financial statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Report, and the Security Deposit Worksheet.
Tourism: Special Project
The Tourism Task Force has requested donation items for the Ellis Get Away Basket as part of their promotional event All Aboard for Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to donate a one-night stay at the Lakeside Campground and four daily swim passes for the Ellis Get Away Basket. The motion carried 6-0.
Attorney
Council member Gary Luea inquired on the progress on property salvage yards around town. City Attorney Olavee Raub will provide an update from Cassy Ziegler, City Prosecutor, for the next Council meeting.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel reminded everyone of the June 1st filing deadline for City Council positions. Three Council member seats are up for election. Interested parties will need to file at the County Clerk’s office.
Mayor McDaniel and Council members Jolene Niernberger and John Walz provided an update from the Mayor’s Conference and Leadership Summit they recently attended in Junction City. One highlight of the conference was Mayor McDaniel’s nomination for Mayor of the Year. Mayor McDaniel was also elected as the Second Vice President for the Kansas Mayor’s Association.
Mayor McDaniel reported that the League of Kansas Municipalities will hold training on KOMA/KORA in Hays on August 5th.
Doug Shaw has been nominated Chairman of the Ellis PRIDE Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will fill the Schmidt Gallery with beautiful music on Saturday, May 14, at 2 PM. Fletcher is based out of New York city and has been playing the guitar since the age of seven. He often performs at the famed Carnegie Hall as well as venues across the United States.
This concert is part of a nationwide tour, to promote Fletcher’s new CD – which was released on Sept. 29.
Fletcher will perform selections from this new CD, which contains such classical masterworks as Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Simple Gifts (a Traditional shaker Hymn), Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and three pieces from Michael Praetorius’s Terpsichore.
This is Fletcher’s second visit to the Hays Public Library.
John Alfred Wallace, 87, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Luray, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
John was born on the family farm north of Luray on March 23, 1929, the son of William Smith and Jean Grace (Whiteley) Wallace. John grew up and attended school in the Luray area which is located between Paradise and the Garden of Eden. His father passed away when John was 15 years old leaving John to take over the family farm.
John married Louse Alice Verhage on August 19, 1951 in Osborne. They were blessed with three children; Patricia, Vicki and Roger. They made their home on the Wallace family farm where John grew up.
John was a lifelong farmer and rancher working side by side with his wife Louise. He lived on the family farm for over 80 years until he and Louise retired and moved to Russell in 2009. In his free time, John enjoyed playing cards and always had a newspaper close at hand. When he could, he attended farm auctions and enjoyed driving around the beautiful Kansas countryside.
John’s surviving family include his wife of 64 years, Louise; daughters, Patricia Colglazier of Rozel, Kansas and Vicki Hemmerling (Dwight) of Hutchinson, Kansas; son, Roger Wallace (Mara) of Elkhorn, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Derrick Colglazier (fiancée Miranda Walker), Roy Colglazier, Sarah Hemmerling, Zachary Hemmerling (Emily), Zane Hemmerling (Megan), Riley Wallace and Avery Wallace; and some nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Pearl and Ruby, and son-in-law Daniel Colglazier.
A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 19, 2016 at the Vincent Cemetery in Osborne County. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 18 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with the Luray City Library. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of these arrangements.
Carol J. Keil-Sawyer, 79, of WaKeeney, Kansas, and former Russell resident died on Monday, May 09, 2016, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
Carol was born on December 01, 1936, in rural Barton County, Kansas, the daughter of Gerhard and Elma (Galliart) Keil. She grew up in the Barton County and Russell area and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1953. She was united in marriage to Leon A. Keil on August 14, 1955 in Russell, Kansas and from this union Carol and Leon had a son they named Bradley. Leon preceded her in death on February 09, 2003. Bradley also preceded her in death in 2005.
For many years she worked at the city of Russell as the secretary to the city manager. She also worked with UMB Bank as a customer representative and also worked as a secretary with Sprint. She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. Later, she found love again and was united in marriage to Lionel B. Sawyer on December 01, 2005, in Wichita, Kansas. Carol and Lionel spent the rest of Carol’s life living in WaKeeney, Kansas. Throughout her life she was also a member of the Trego County-Lemke Hospital Auxiliary and gift shop, V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary and the Red Cross Blood Drive. She enjoyed playing bridge, flower gardening, fishing, traveling, Friday night dinners with family and friends and watching baseball, especially the Kansas City Royals. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Surviving family include her husband Lionel Sawyer of the home; sisters Deloris Nuss of Russell, Kansas and Geraldine Counts of Lawrence, Kansas; 3 step children and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leon A. Keil and son Bradley L. Keil.
A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, May 13, 2016, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at the mortuary. Family will be present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
BY DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
John Mason put in a lot of miles on the oval track inside the limestone walls of historic Lewis Field Stadium during his college days at Fort Hays State University. And he loved running for legendary coach Alex Francis.
But that was nearly 50 years ago, Mason noted, and it’s time for a change.
Mason, one of the Tigers’ all-time greats who earned All-American status 14 times in long distance races during his college career, was back home Wednesday afternoon to help celebrate new beginnings for the track and field teams at his beloved university.
The 70-year-old Mason, who might be best remembered for beating eventual 1968 Olympic champion Kip Keino from Kenya in the 1,500 meters in the World Games, drove from his home in Phillipsburg to take part in a record-breaking activity of a different kind.
Mason was one of nine to turn over some dirt at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $3 million track and field complex just south of the FHSU soccer complex on the far west side of campus.
“This is a big day for our department and for our track and field program,” FHSU Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke said on a pleasant — but of course windy — spring afternoon at the site of FHSU’s newest construction adjacent to the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex.
“There will never be any wind problems out here,” Hammeke quipped as a backdrop for photo opportunities blew over.
“Any time you building something new on open land, of course wind will be a challenge,” he added. “But we’ll plant some trees; futuristically, it will be a fantastic sight.”
The need for a new place to run and jump and throw for FHSU athletes spawns from more construction surrounding land-locked Lewis Field Stadium, a Works Progress Administration project from the late 1930s.
Construction of a 31,000 square-foot, three-story Themed Housing residential building, along with additional parking, is underway in the area directly north of the Lewis Field Stadium, the former site of most of the field events for track meets.
Rather than being nostalgic about leaving the site of so many good memories, Mason said he is excited for current and future Tiger athletes.
“Back then, our facilities were very primitive; we ran on a cinder track,” Mason said.
“We had to scoop snow out of the first two lanes to practice in the winter. No indoor facility,” he added, reminiscing. “No weight room. We had one barbell with two sets of weights on it. We changed clothes in the training room. They have some great facilities here now at Fort Hays State.”
FHSU’s track and field facilities are going to get even greater for the 2016-17 school year.
The new 500-seat grandstand will feature a nine-lane rubber track with space for all field events inside the stadium, with the exception of throwing events.
However, Hammeke stressed, even the throwing events will be visible from within the stands. Completion for the facility is slated for fall 2016.
The area also includes locker rooms, restrooms, concession stands, as well as enough expansion space for tennis courts and softball and baseball fields if the need arises for those fields in the future.
“What you’re experiencing here is a historical occasion,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, FHSU president. “This marks the beginning of a new era. We’re creating a place where our athletes can showcase their talents. It’s time to give the track and field athletes a home.”
The Tigers will take a piece of their old home with them. Hammeke said that Francis, the long-time coach for whom the track at Lewis Field Stadium was named several years ago, will be honored in some fashion at the complex, as will other former Tiger greats.
Fundraising is ongoing for extra amenities for the facility, and various naming options are available, either on a donor wall or for field events areas. More information about donations can be found by contacting the FHSU Foundation by email at [email protected] or by phone at 785-628-5620.
“It’s a sign of growth,” Hammeke said. “It’s a sign of vision, moving into the future.
“That’s what we’re here to do, to keep a futuristic vision at the forefront of all that we do,” he added. “When you get idle, you’re going backwards.”
There’s no going backwards with Hammeke and Martin in charge.
“This is our commitment to the economic engine of Hays, America,” Martin said. “This will provide tremendous opportunities for our community and for us. It’s an opportunity to continue to create the 21st century destination of choice for the 21st century student-athlete.”
SHAWNEE— Authorities are looking for Gregory P. Wright II, 53, a person of interest in the death of a suburban Kansas City woman.
The Kansas City Star reports that the 53-year-old man may have been living with 44-year-old Monica Lee. Her body was found Monday in her Shawnee apartment, and her car is missing.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
FORD COUNTY – The Kansas Fire Marshal’s office has assigned two agents to investigate a fatal fire in Dodge City.
Just after 3p.m. on Wednesday, fire crews responded to a report of a grass fire at residence in the 1100 Block of Avenue H, according to the Dodge City Fire Department.
They found a backyard shed was on fire.
After the blaze was extinguished, fire crews found the body of a victim.
The Dodge City Police Department is also helping with the investigation.
Name of the victim has not been released.
HODGEMAN COUNTY -The Silver Alert issued for Ruby Williams has been cancelled.
She was found safe, according to the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Department.
The Jetmore Fire Department, Jetmore EMS, Kansas Highway Patrol, KHP Aircraft, Ford County Sheriff’s Office, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Ford County Fire Department, Ness County Fire District 1, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and many area citizens dropped everything to help in the search or donated food and coffee, according to the sheriff.
Others donated ATV’s to assist in the search.
“We would like to lift up prayers for Ruby, that she can heal quickly, according to the Sheriff.
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HODGEMAN COUNTY -A silver alert has been issued for a missing Hodgeman County woman, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Ruby Williams is describe as 5 foot 6inches tall, approximately 120 pounds and was last seen wearing light pink pants and a white sweater with a Christmas tree on it.
Ruby wondered away from her residence on Wednesday between 2-4 p.m.
She suffers from Alzheimer’s. Ruby should still be in possession of two dogs Izzy and Daisy.
If located contact 911 or the Hodgeman County Sheriff.
The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and 29 traffic stops Wed., May 11, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Animal At Large–1800 block E 26th St, Hays; 12:02 AM; 1:03 AM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–700 block E 7th St, Hays; 12:24 PM
Disorderly Conduct–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 6:06 AM
Animal At Large–22nd and Canterbury, Hays; 6:49 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1300 block Main St, Hays; 8 AM
Credit Card Violations–700 block Main St, Hays; 5/10 1:30 PM; 9 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:30 PM; 1:37 PM
Welfare Check, Hays; 2:53 PM
Fraud–1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 5/9 3 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley; 600 block E 13th St, Hays; 4:48 PM; 4:47 PM
Disturbance – General–500 block E 16th St, Hays; 7:11 PM
Water Use Violation–2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 8:09 PM
Bob Davis, recently retired Voice of Kansas Athletics, and former KU basketball standout Mark Randall will be the featured guests at this year’s Smoky Hill Alumni Network Golf Tournament and Pig Roast.
The event is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. Friday, May 13, at Smoky Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall.
Proceeds from the event support the KU Alumni Association fund, which strengthens student recruitment, legislative advocacy, networks and online programs, all in an effort to connect alumni and friends and make a stronger KU. All Jayhawk fans, friends and alumni are welcome to attend.
For pricing, registration and a complete schedule, click HERE.
For more information, contact Kelsey Hill, coordinator of alumni programs, at [email protected] or (785) 864-4760.
