A California man faces federal drug charges for an incident that occurred last month in Ellis County.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Ignacio Vazquez, 25, Pomona, Calif., has been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 30 in Ellis County.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on the possession charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count.
The Kansas Highway Patrol investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
Gov. Sam Brownback declared April to be Financial Literacy Month in Kansas. Yes, that’s true, although unbelievably ironic given the state’s current financial condition.
But don’t fault the governor for making such a declaration.
Duane Goossen is a Senior Fellow at the Kansas Center for Economic Growth and formerly served 12 years as Kansas Budget Director.
The purpose, to encourage Kansans to be well-prepared to manage money, credit, investments, and debt, is a fine idea. The concept of a financial literacy month has been promoted nationally, and other governors made similar declarations.
Kansas even has a website, KansasMoney.gov, devoted to improving financial literacy. During April, Kansans had the opportunity to win an I-pad mini by registering on the site, and filling out five learning modules “designed to increase your financial IQ.”
Do fault the governor, though, and the legislators backing his policies, for ignoring the very principles they believe the rest of us should use in our own personal financial management.
Take stock of what happened in Kansas during our April financial literacy month. The official revenue estimate was revised downward, plainly showing that Kansas does not have enough income to pay bills. But that’s no surprise. The Kansas budget has been upside down ever since the governor’s “fiscal experiment” kicked in three years ago, dramatically lowering income to the general fund.
The state has survived financially only by using up every dollar in the state savings account, by raiding other funds to shore up the general fund, and by borrowing. Now the governor proposes more of the same.
Here’s one of his solutions: Make only three quarterly payments into the retirement system this year, but promise to make the fourth payment next year, or the year after. Kansans, try that kind of maneuver with your personal finances and see what happens. Call your mortgage company and say you just can’t make 12 house payments this year, so you’ll do 11, but promise, promise, promise that next year you’ll do 13. Don’t expect to win an iPad Mini.
Or get this: The governor’s preferred option would sell future income that Kansas receives from the nationwide tobacco settlement, income that currently pays for early childhood programs. That amounts to a giant payday loan with a terrible interest rate. Kansas would receive a lump sum payment to plug the budget hole this year, but would pledge a much greater sum in future paychecks to pay off the loan.
And this: The governor has announced the cancellation of many planned road projects. Highway maintenance and bridge repair efforts have already been zapped. All so that even more money can be taken from the highway fund to pay general fund bills.
The governor’s “solutions” leave Kansas poorer and less flexible while insuring that the state’s budget problems will repeat the very next year. If you do not have enough money to pay your bills, cleaning out your savings account or taking out a high-interest payday loan or no longer maintaining your house and car will not fix your problem. That’s financial literacy 101.
The governor and lawmakers are flunking state financial literacy, and Standard and Poor’s essentially told them so at the end of April by putting Kansas on a negative credit watch. Kansas already has one of the least favorable credit ratings for U.S. state governments. S&P warned that if Kansas opted for more gimmicks over real solutions, the state’s credit rating, its financial report card, would notch down again.
Election season looms with every Kansas House and Senate seat on the ballot. It’s nice that April was designated for citizens to improve their financial literacy, but it seems most Kansans already have a better grasp than their lawmakers. Before voting, check out legislative candidates carefully. If a candidate supported Brownback’s fiscal experiment and wants to stay the course, being a financially literate voter requires marking your ballot for somebody else.
Duane Goossen is a Senior Fellow at the Kansas Center for Economic Growth and formerly served 12 years as Kansas Budget Director.
Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America’s 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. This year, the American Nurses Association has selected “Culture of Safety: It starts with you ” as the theme for 2016. The ANA supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district nurses associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions.
Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession. During this week, registered nurses at HaysMed will be honored by a breakfast on May 6 at the hospital. There will be a reception that same day and the Lanita Smith, LPN of the year, Deb Boeken, Customer Care Representative of the year and Healing Hands Patient Care Technician of the year awards will be announced. Notes of professionalism and thanks will be distributed throughout the week along with prize drawings.
ANA, through its state and constituent member associations, advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting economic and general welfare, promoting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and the regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, who comprise the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.
Many of us are doing what we can to be healthier, and some have determined that eliminating gluten from their diet is part of that new lifestyle, but K-State Research and Extension wants people to educate themselves before making that leap.
The Ellis County Extension Office will host the program “Gluten and Your Good Health” on Tuesday, May 10 at noon at the Extension Office meeting room, 601 Main Street in Hays.
Those who attend will learn the research-based health benefits of avoiding gluten for people with specific health conditions and the nutritional consequences of this restrictive diet. Also learn why gluten avoidance is not the solution for many of today’s diet questions.
This program is presented by Erin Petersilie, Walnut Creek Extension District agent.
There is no charge for this noon-hour class. Bring a lunch to enjoy during the program, if desired. Register at the Extension Office, 785-628-9430.
What is gluten? Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, barley, and some related grains that provides the elastic, chewy properties in breads and other baked products. The word “gluten” comes from a Latin origin meaning “glue.” This glue-like characteristic allows bread dough to stretch, but not break, as it rises.
Bakers and food producers select flours for the amount of gluten they contain. For example, high-protein flour works well for pasta and bread, while low-protein flour is used for tender cakes and pastries.
Gluten has long been considered part of a sound diet for healthy people; however, it isn’t essential.
“The body doesn’t need gluten to be healthy,” said Sandy Procter, nutrition specialist for K-State Research and Extension. “Products have been developed that contain alternative ingredients and can accomplish many of the same characteristics we attribute to gluten, without the negative effects that some people experience when they eat gluten-containing foods.”
For some people, good health depends on the elimination of gluten and wheat foods from the diet, she said. People diagnosed with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders must adopt a gluten-free diet to control symptoms.
“The recent popularity of gluten-free diets is due in part to increased diagnosis of such conditions,”Procter said, “and also because of the dramatic health benefits noted by some who eliminate gluten from their diet in a personal effort to relieve symptoms. Still, others consider adopting a gluten-free diet for reasons unrelated to celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as they believe it to be a healthful eating plan that helps them to lose weight and improve their nutrition.”
While it is not considered dangerous to eat gluten-free, Procter warns consumers to not omit any entire food group from their meals unless advised by their health care provider. Gluten-free diets have not been shown to be effective weight-loss programs. But, if gluten avoidance is needed, she encourages including other grains that don’t contain gluten so important nutrients such as iron, folic acid and other B vitamins are not limited in the diet.
“There are many gluten-free grain foods available,” she said, “and many of the choices are enriched with important nutrients and good sources or fiber.”
If you or a loved one is has been told to follow a gluten-free diet, or are considering making gluten-free changes in your lifestyle, the May 10th Extension program will provide helpful, factual information. The program is free, but advance registration is helpful to ensure adequate materials. Call the Ellis County Extension Office, 785-628-9430, to let us know that you plan to attend.
Linda K. Beech is Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.
TRIBUNE, Kan. (AP) — Federal officials have cited a national agricultural marketing firm based in Omaha, Nebraska, with exposing workers to grain dust and fall hazards in western Kansas.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed penalties of $47,300 for The Scoular Company after identifying one repeat and four serious violations. An OSHA news release says the citations stem from a December 2015 investigation of a facility in Tribune in Greeley County.
OSHA described platforms that lacked guardrails and open-sided work platforms in a news release. The release also said that employees were exposed to grain dust explosion hazards.
A company spokeswoman didn’t immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is announcing a set of new financial regulations aimed at forcing companies to disclose more information about their owners to the IRS.
A rule finalized Thursday will require banks to keep more detailed records on who owns companies that use their services. Another proposed rule would close a loophole that allows some foreign-owned companies to avoid reporting to the IRS.
Treasury Department officials announced the regulations Thursday as part of a package of financial proposals. They say the goal is to help crack down on money laundering and tax evasion, and choke off terrorist financial networks.
The administration also is submitting legislation to Congress that would require companies to disclosure their owners. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew is urging senators to ratify a series of tax treaties.
HUTCHINSON -A Kansas woman made a first appearance in court on Thursday on four charges after an incident involving the alleged theft of a vehicle owned by the city of Hutchinson.
Tawny Lochmann, 28, faces potential charges of felony theft, burglary, criminal trespass and criminal damage.
Authorities say she was driving south of Hutchinson, in the 3900 block of South Halstead Street, on Wednesday night and somehow ended up in a field and her vehicle became stuck.
She was unable to get any cell phone reception, so she began walking toward the city of Hutchinson sewage treatment plant.
The gates to the facility were locked, but she managed to find a space where she could squeeze through. She walked building to building, but couldn’t find anyone. She was able to get inside a garage and found a city truck with the keys left inside.
She drove the truck from the garage and rammed a gate, breaking the padlock and drove toward where her vehicle was stuck.
She couldn’t figure out how to get the truck into four-wheel drive and got the truck stuck as well.
The Sheriff’s Office was called and she was arrested and taken to the Reno County Correctional Facility.
In court, she asked for a bond reduction and Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen granted that. It was reduced from $7,000 to $1,500.
Lochmann has a drug conviction for the manufacture of methamphetamine and also being in possession of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine for a case from 2008, and is required to register as a drug offender.
Above average high temps today into the mid to upper 80s. Average highs are mid 70s.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 61. South wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Saturday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Saturday NightA 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South southeast wind 13 to 18 mph.
SundayA 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9am. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 10 to 16 mph.
Sunday NightA 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
MondayA 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
A motorcycle was one of at least three vehicles involved in a Thursday afternoon accident. Photo Salina Police Dept.
SALINA- Three people were injured in an accident just after 3 p.m. on Thursday in Saline County.
Salina Police reported a 1981 Chevy pickup driven by Austin Holt, 19, of Atlanta, Kansas, was traveling in the 2200 block of South 9th Street.
He was forced to brake sharply due to heavy traffic.
A 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Dennis Carroll, 53, Salina was directly behind and also immediately applied his brakes.
A 2013 Ford Focus driven by Kaitlynn Baker, 16, was unable to stop in time and rear-ended Carroll’s motorcycle, pushing it into the rear-end of Holt’s truck.
Carroll and a passenger Christina Barlow, 48, Salina were both ejected from the motorcycle.
They were transported to Salina Regional Health Center .
Baker was also transported by EMS for treatment of minor injuries.
Baker was cited for following too closely, according to police.
TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback today signed the following 13 bills into law.
Senate Substitute for House Bill 2008: Enacts the Student Online Personal Protection Act to protect student privacy.
House Bill 2164: Increases the threshold at which sewer districts have to request a competitive bid for services.
House Bill 2436: Changes requirements for boater safety education certifications.
House Bill 2480: Modernizes the livestock branding laws.
House Bill 2558: Prohibits cities and counties from regulating or restricting certain campaign activities.
House Bill 2563: Amends the definition of salvaged vehicles for purposes of titling travel trailers.
Senate Bill 390: Updates the Kansas banking code.
Senate Bill 387: Recognizes the Pooled Investment Management Board as a separate agency within the Treasurer’s Office for budgeting purposes.
Senate Bill 373: Requires registered owners of vehicles owing more than $100 in unpaid toll road fees to pay those fees before they can renew vehicle registration.
Senate Bill 318: Abolishes the Kansas Electric Transition Authority and suspends activities by state agencies to comply with the clean power plan currently under litigation.
Senate Bill 408: Increases reporting requirements for suspected or substantiated abuse of a child or adult and provides the Office of Attorney General to reorganize and reprioritize its Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Unit.
Senate Bill 321: Amends provisions for filing of wills under protective status.
Senate Bill 319: Updates processes on appeals to vacate convictions. Changes the definition of harassment to include any course of conduct carried out through the use of a drone. Enacts the Public Speech Protection Act to help better defend the exercise of free speech rights from frivolous law suits.
The Governor has now signed 59 bills into law this session and vetoed two. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign the bill into law, veto the bill or allow the bill to become law without his or her signature.
HAYS, Kan. – Connor Ross had four hits and Kyle Vogt was two outs shy of a complete game as Fort Hays State beat Northwest Missouri State 7-3 Thursday night in the first game of their three-game series at Larks Park.
Steve Johnson Postgame Interview
Game Highlights
The Tigers (21-26, 15-21 MIAA) scored all of their runs in six consecutive innings for their fourth win in the last five games. They used two-out singles in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth to build a 4-2 lead.
Austin Unrein and Caleb Cherryholmes both had three of the Tigers 15 hits, the first five of which never left the infield.
Vogt (5-6) allowed three runs on seven hits over 8 1/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. He left with two on and one out in the ninth. Giles Fox issued a two-out walk to load the bases but got a strikeout to end the game and pick up his sixth save.
The Bearcats scored two in the first on a Garrett Fort double down the right field line then added another run in the sixth on a two-out triple from Kevin Handzlik.
The two teams play at 5 pm Friday the close out the series with a 1 pm game on Saturday.
The Hays High Indian baseball team opened up the 34th Annual Western Plains Diamond Classic Baseball Tournament with two wins on Thursday.
Hays 10 – Life Prep Academy 0 (6 Innings)
Hays got six innings of five hit ball from Marcus Altman as the Indians run-ruled the Life Prep Fire 10-0. Hays scored three in the first and third innings to build their lead to 6-0, then capped the game with a two runs in each the fifth and sixth innings. Altman struck out seven and walked just two in his fourth win of the season and is now 4-2 in six appearances.
Marcus Altman helped his own cause by collecting three hits and driving in two runs at the plate. Brayden Delzeit added two hits in the 11 hit attack from the Indians. Eight different Indians scored runs in the 10-0 victory.
Highlights v Life Prep Academy
Hays 8 – Great Bend 6
On their way to the Western Athletic conference baseball title, Great Bend swept Hays just one week ago 15-6 and 8-5. In both games the Panthers scored four runs in the first inning. Their third meeting eight days had an similar start.
Great Bend sent eight to the plate in the first inning score two runs with two outs but left the bases loaded leading 2-0. The Panthers then added another run in the second inning to go up 3-0. Hays starter Jarett Pfannenstiel was still facing the Panthers in the second inning with the bases loaded and nobody out when he caught a head high line drive and completed the double play to third base. It would the first of five double plays completed by the Indians on the evening.
Despite allowing eight hits and committing three errors in the first three innings, Hays trailed by just 3-0 entering the bottom half of the inning. With the first two batter retired, Indians Jace Armstrong and Cole Schumacher were both hit by pitches. Dalton Stout collected the second of his four hits with a deep line drive off the bottom of the 320′ fence. The hit gave the Indians just a single run as Armstrong scored but Schumacher was thrown out at the plate on a strong relay from the fence.
After turning another double play in the fourth inning, the Hays offense grabbed the lead in the home half. Jarett Pfannenstiel drove in a run on a single with a throwing error leaded to the tying run to cross. Hays took their first lead of the game on a Drew Young sacrifice fly and lead 4-3 after the fourth inning.
Hays plated three more runs in the fifth inning two off a double from Brayden Dezleit and one from single off of Jared Haynes bat. Leading 7-3 after five innings the Hays defense again would shine.
Highlights v Great Bend
Hays thought they had turned a double play in the sixth inning only to have player interference called leaving runners at first and second with no outs instead of two outs and nobody on. Pfannenstiel wlked in a run after loading the bases, cutting the Indian’s lead down to 7-4. Dalton Stout moved from second base to pitcher with the bases loaded and no out when he induced a ground ball double play to freshman third baseman Palmer Hutchison, stepping on third and getting the runner at first. Great Bend added run on the double play but added no other runs and Hays escaped the sixth inning still leading 7-5.
Hays got back one of the runs in the bottom of the sixth on a Connor Rule single that scored Cole Schumacher. It was the Hays defense that again came up big, this time with their fifth double play of the game. Great Bend scored a run cutting the Hays lead to 8-6 and had runners at second and third with no outs. Drew Young fielded a line drive and touched second base for a double play and Marcus Altman caught a lazy fly ball to left field to seal the victory.
Coach Frank Leo
Jarett Pfannenstiel picks up the victory going five innings, allowing twelve hits but only five runs. He struck out one but walked only two. Dalton Stout picks up his second save of the season working two innings of one run ball. Pfannenstiel is 2-0 on the season and Hays High improves to 10-4 with the two wins. Great Bend falls to 9-4. Hays tallied ten hits in the victory, four of the coming from Dalton Stout and two each from Connor Rule and Brayden Delzeit. Great Bend recorded 14 hits and left 10 on base.
Hays will play two more games at the Diamond Classic. The Indians take on Salina Central at 7:15 on Friday and Goddard at 2:30 on Saturday.
Salina Central 14 – Life Prep Academy 1 (5 Innings)
Salina Central scored six runs in the second and four in the third to open their play at the Diamond Classic versus Life Prep Academy. The Mustangs pounded out 14 hits, stole nine bases and played 18 different players in the game. Ethan Kickhaefer takes the win pitching three innings.
