KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Tyler Skaggs pitched seven innings in his first big league start in two years and Yunel Escobar went 5 for 5 to help the Los Angeles Angels pound the Kansas City Royals 13-0 on Tuesday night.
Kole Calhoun drove in four runs and Carlos Perez had four hits, including a home run. Mike Trout drove in three runs, including a two-run double during the Angels’ seven-run ninth. Johnny Giavotella had three hits, including two doubles, and scored three runs.
Escobar matched a career high for hits and the Angels collected 22 overall, equaling their season best.
Contractors erect a 150-foot tall communications tower at the Hays office on July 19. The tower is one of nearly 60 system-wide to support new automated meters. Photo courtesy Midwest Energy.
Midwest Energy
Midwest Energy is in the process of building nearly 60 towers throughout Kansas, supporting the Automated Metering project.
The co-op is replacing all 92,000 electric and natural gas meters with automated meters over the next two years. Automated meters will help control operating costs, improve reliability, speed outage response and improve employee safety.
“These towers, typically around 200 feet high, are the backbone of the automated metering project,” said Tim Flax, Midwest Energy’s Vice President for Information Technology. “In addition to metering, these towers will also support our corporate network, phones, land mobile radio, video security and other functions.”
Flax said roughly five or six towers are being built each month.
Installation of the new meters began in Hays in early 2016, when 700 electric and 300 gas meters were deployed for testing. Installation of natural gas meters in southwest Kansas has started, and will run through the end of the year, with system-wide deployment following in 2017.
CLARK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Clark County have completed an investigation of fishing violations at Clark State Fishing Lake in southwest Kansas.
On July 3rd Game Wardens were checking anglers at the lake and noticed a boat they had received complaints about, according to a social media report.
Game wardens made contact with two anglers on the boat and found they were using eight poles to fish.
After a thorough investigation, game wardens discovered a gross over limit of catfish hidden in the boat.
The anglers were issued numerous citations and the boat and equipment were seized by game wardens.
On Monday, the subjects plead guilty to all charges and were ordered to pay $625 in fines and $216 in court costs.
The seized boat and equipment was forfeited. The boat will be auctioned off by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the proceeds will be used to purchase needed equipment for the game wardens involved.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A push for unity behind Hillary Clinton from Bernie Sanders is pulling his Kansas delegates at the Democratic National Convention into her camp, though not all of them.
The state’s delegation on Tuesday cast only 14 of its 37 votes for Clinton. It cast 23 votes for Sanders, in line with the results of state’s presidential caucuses in March.
Sanders delegate Sage TeBeest of Wamego said she is now “reinvigorated to continue the revolution.” She texted from the convention in Philadelphia that she is supporting Clinton as the Democratic nominee.
But Julie Perry, a Sanders delegate from Mission, said she’s not going to lower her expectations for real change and Clinton still must earn her vote. The registered nurse said she’ll continue fighting for universal health care coverag
Today A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming north northeast after midnight.
ThursdayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. North northeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Thursday NightShowers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
FridayA 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Friday NightA 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Jackie Creamer’s The Dance Studio
Now taking enrollment for fall dance classes beginning the week of August 22nd.
Classes offered in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical/theater.
Ages 3+
Call Jackie to enroll: 628-6468 or 623-1939
Email: [email protected]
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Russell Academy of Dance
Now taking enrollment for fall dance classes beginning the week of August 22nd.
Classes offered in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical/theater.
Ages 3+
Call Jackie to enroll: 628-6468 or 623-1939
Email: [email protected]
DERBY, Kan. (AP) — A south-central Kansas school district is letting students use bathrooms matching their gender identity as a local task force explores the issue.
The Wichita Eagle reports the governing board of the Derby school system made that decision Monday.
The Obama administration in May directed public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity. Derby officials have said they’d comply.
The state’s education board has voted to ignore the directive, arguing local schools are best suited to decide how to handle issues transgender students face.
The matter in Derby hasn’t generated a consensus. Parents and others have formed Facebook groups and circulated petitions to either support the district’s decision or urge them to reconsider. During Monday’s meeting, people spoke on both sides of the issue.
INDEPENDENCE, Kan. (AP) — A man was sentenced to life in prison without parole for 31 years for crimes he committed in Kansas while fleeing from Oklahoma.
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says Alejandro Arturo Garcia was sentenced Tuesday for attempted capital murder and other crimes. Authorities allege he and two other people fled after shooting a police officer in northern Oklahoma in May 2015. The officer survived his injuries.
The two other suspects were caught in South Coffeyville, Oklahoma. Garcia drove into Kansas, stole a pickup truck after firing at the driver and then shot at Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Grimes, who was not injured.
After a long standoff, officers found Garcia in a home near Liberty, Kansas.
Garcia still faces charges in Oklahoma in the shooting there.
SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County have arrested two additional suspects in the shooting death of a driver who crashed into a Topeka apartment building on Saturday.
Police arrested David Laeli Jr, 35, Topeka and Joseph Gerard Cooney and booked them into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for First Degree Murder, according to a media release.
On Monday, Shane Seibert, 24, was booked into jail on suspicion of first-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon.
First responders found the driver, Xavier McCullough, 28, Topeka, unresponsive early Saturday after report of a one-vehicle crash into a building.
McCullough, the only occupant of the vehicle was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to a media release.
Gerard- photo Shawnee Co
Police said the victim and suspect knew each other and had a dispute before the crash. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A group of atheists has sued Kansas City officials over the planned use of $65,000 in tourism tax dollars to aid an upcoming Baptist convention.
The Kansas City Star reports that American Atheists Inc. and two Kansas City members filed the lawsuit Friday against Kansas City Mayor Sly James, city manager Troy Schulte, the city council and the municipal government.
The lawsuit argues that using tax money to aid Modest Miles Ministries Inc. in preparing for the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. would advance a religious purpose in violation of American Atheists’ right to be free from compelled support of religious institutions.
BREAKING: We’ve just filed suit in federal court to stop a $65,000 handout from Kansas City to a church. Read more: https://t.co/hXNuGSm7Ir
— American Atheists (@AmericanAtheist) July 22, 2016
The city declined to comment on the lawsuit, but city spokesman Chris Hernandez says contract language would show that the money would be used for secular purposes.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas delegates at the Democratic National Convention have given most of their votes on the presidential nomination to Bernie Sanders in line with the state’s caucus results.
The state cast 23 votes for the Vermont senator and 14 votes for presidential nominee and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Clinton’s supporters included State Chairman Lee Kinch and three other party-leader superdelegates.
Thirty-three of the state’s 37 delegates were allocated to the candidates based on the results of caucuses in March that Sanders won handily. The four superdelegates could support whomever they wanted.
Party rules required the delegates allocated by the caucuses to vote for the candidates to which they were bound unless they were formally released.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — S&P Global Ratings says it’s downgraded the state’s credit rating because of its ongoing budget problems.
The rating agency said Tuesday it has dropped its rating for Kansas to “AA-,” from “AA.” The action comes three months after S&P put the state on a negative credit watch.
State Budget Director Shawn Sullivan says the S&P report cites a continued underfunding of the state’s pension system. He says Kansas is still being penalized for years of neglect before improvements made in 2012.
The report also cites the state’s continued diversion of funds from highway projects to general government programs.
The state has struggled to balance its budget since slashing income taxes in 2012 and 2013. S&P downgraded the state’s credit rating in 2014.
Numerous donors and supporters attended a news conference at FHSU, recognizing donors to the university’s entrepreneurial program. Photo by Mitch Weber.
FHSU University Relations
A $3.5 million donation from the foundation of a northwest Kansas philanthropist made possible the construction of the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall at Fort Hays State University.
Gifts and contributions from many other individuals will help support the university’s entrepreneurship program and the residence hall that will house 32 entrepreneur-minded students and a resident assistant. Those donors were recognized at a news conference in the FHSU Memorial Union, Tuesday, July 26.
The facility, set for completion for the fall 2016 semester, will create a nationally unique living and learning environment for students with a passion for entrepreneurship and starting their own businesses. Students of any major will be given the opportunity to develop the entrepreneurial
mindset and competencies necessary to compete in the global economy.
“This is an exciting time for Fort Hays State University,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, FHSU president. “The next Microsoft or Google could potentially be created at our university by a Fort Hays State graduate. This is an incredibly unique facility as it offers an opportunity unlike many others for interdisciplinary program participation.
“Because of the vision and investment of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and many other generous donors,” Martin added, “students from any degree program will have the opportunity to learn how to start and be successful in their own business. I talk about investment because this is not a donation. This is an investment in the future of this great state. And the future starts with our students.”
Several people spoke at the news conference, including Coleen Ellis, a 1987 graduate of FHSU who — inspired by her entrepreneurial experiences learned at Fort Hays State — created the first stand-alone pet funeral home in the country in Indianapolis, Ind., in 2003.
“Every one of us has our ‘whys’ for what we do in our entrepreneurial journey,” Ellis said, “as well as our individual decisions to support this amazing new program here at FHSU and help other budding entrepreneurs.”
“In today’s economy, entrepreneurship is a participant’s leg up to enter the business world,” said Jim Nokes, a retired FHSU alum who has contributed financially to the entrepreneurship program. “Just like aspirational athletes, if you aspire to be an entrepreneur it requires not only aspiration, but training and development.
“This program provides both formal development and peer interaction. Whether students start small, or obtain financing to start a larger business, there are many pitfalls along the way. This program will allow FHSU students to avoid some start-up pitfalls, so that they can accomplish their dream. And in the end, they will have challenging and satisfying careers,” he added.
Phyllis and Alan Slipke said: “FHSU provided us the tools to get where we are today. We cherish the experiences we have from FHSU and are very fortunate to be able to contribute back and help future generations of Tigers.”
Naming options are still available within the facility, in support of the entrepreneurship program. To learn more, contact the FHSU Foundation either by phone at 785-628-5620 or by emailing [email protected].
Donors have the opportunity for naming rights to the entrance to the building, the study lounge, patio, elevator tower, bedrooms and other areas of the building.
Mark Bannister, FHSU’s dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, thanked the donors, stressing how important “entrepreneurship is to northwest Kansas, to Kansas and to America.
“We at Fort Hays State University have found that many young people today want to control their own destinies and to have a positive impact on their communities through entrepreneurship,” Bannister said.
“We believe that by equipping students from across campus with entrepreneurial skills and experiences, we can inspire students and open doors to opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable,” he continued. “Through this effort, we can serve the people of Kansas by developing graduates with an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’ and abilities.”
Henry Schwaller IV, director of FHSU’s Entrepreneurship Center and instructor in the Management and Marketing Department, agreed.
“The investment and support of our donors has built one of the fastest growing entrepreneurship programs in the United States,” he said. “Our focus on hands-on entrepreneurship learning is unique to Kansas and the region, and with the scope of programs we offer today, FHSU is truly the innovation hub of western Kansas.”
“One of our jobs at FHSU is to attract Kansas’ bright minds and keep them here so they can become part of the economic engine of the state,” Martin said. “We now have an incredible facility to get those bright minds to Fort Hays State University.”
An open house and dedication of the scholarship hall is planned as part of FHSU’s 2016 Homecoming activities the first weekend of October, with an exact time still to be determined.
The completion of the scholarship hall is a fitting tribute to Dane G. Hansen and all that he represented.
“Dane Hansen was a strong believer in western Kansas, a promoter of education and was very much an entrepreneur himself,” said Don Bickle, a longtime FHSU supporter. “I knew Dane Hansen well, and I know he would be very proud and pleased with the Hansen Foundation for its ongoing partnership with Fort Hays State University and its investment in this program.
Bickle was impressed how the scholarship hall “combines all of (Hansen’s) greatest interests into one project.”
“What a great way to recognize an incredible Kansas citizen who has given so much,” Bickle said. “We’re just so pleased to be a part of this program. I know he would be very proud and pleased with this program as well.”
Many alumni, including Ken Griffin and Marcia Bannister, are excited about the opportunities that the Hansen Scholarship Hall will offer current students.
“Today, we give to Fort Hays State University for two reasons,” Griffin said. “First, the financial gift is a part of our desire to ‘pay it forward’ for the next generation. Second, we believe that the Hansen Foundation Entrepreneurial initiative is a wonderful idea. It will make a huge difference in facilitating students seeking to link innovative ideas with the practical realities of developing new business ventures.”
FHSU’s entrepreneurship initiatives range from business startup weekends to a lecture series to entrepreneurship internships.
Supporting the Hansen Scholarship Hall is another way for BOK Financial executive vice president Daryl Craft to support his alma mater, a place that had a big influence on his life.
“I give Fort Hays State much of the credit for providing me a very solid education, a taste for always wanting to know more and the confidence to break out and try new and different experiences,” Craft said. “I am a big supporter of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship at FHSU, and, of course, the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall, a place for budding entrepreneurs to live and to learn.”
Kevin Faulkner, vice president of investor relations at Apigee Corp. in San Jose, Calif., said he is “impressed with the programs that Fort Hays State has built to teach entrepreneurial skills.”
“Having spent my career in Silicon Valley, I appreciate the economic benefits and business challenges of entrepreneurship. FHSU gave me a wonderful opportunity and a world-ready education,” said Faulkner, who spoke at the news conference. “In paying it forward, I want to help students at Fort Hays State University gain the skills and the access to capital to help build businesses that will benefit not only those students, but also western Kansas communities.”
Jim Barry, chairman of GreenEarth Cleaning, Kansas City, Mo., said he believes “that entrepreneurship is a key building block that sets America apart from the rest of the world.”
“It gives me great pleasure to support such a worthwhile project,” he said. “FHSU is making a major commitment to our future generations of business leaders.”
“For those of you who invested generously in the future of this great state and the future of Fort Hays State University,” Martin said, “please accept my gratitude, as well the gratitude of the faculty, the staff, and, ultimately, the students of Fort Hays State University.”
Some donors made their contributions for naming rights in the Scholarship Hall in memory of others. One of those was Cy Moyer, Phillipsburg, president of the Hansen Foundation’s board of trustees. His friend, Doyle Rahjes, was a member of the Hansen Foundation who died last October after a brief illness.
“Doyle would have loved to have been alive to see the new Hansen Scholarship Hall,” Moyer said.
Listed alphabetically are those who have donated to the project thus far: Mark Bannister, Jim Barry, Don and Chris Bickle, Joseph and Jodi Boeckner, Tim and Mona Chapman, Daryl and Cindy Craft, Coleen Ellis, Ken Griffin and Marcia Bannister, Tom and Francine Hestermann, Van and Jeanne Hoisington, Denis and Sue Miller, Cy (Charles) Moyer, NetWork Kansas (Stephen Radley), Jim Nokes, Henry Schwaller IV, Alan and Phyllis Slipke, Jeff Seibel, Shaun Weaver and Peter and Pamela Werth.
ThursdayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. North northeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
