TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ highest court has upheld the death sentence of the first prisoner condemned in the state in more than three decades.
The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday let stand 61-year-old Gary Kleypas’ death sentence in the 1996 rape and stabbing death of 20-year-old Pittsburg State University student Carrie Williams. The high court did throw out Kleypas’ conviction of attempted rape.
After that court overturned Kleypas’ death sentence in 2001, another jury restored it in 2008.
At the time of Williams’ death, Kleypas was on parole for a 1977 slaying in Missouri.
Justice Lee Johnson dissented Friday, reiterating his view that the death penalty is unconstitutionally cruel and unusual.
Kleypas was the first person condemned in Kansas after it reinstated the death penalty in 1994.
The Casper J. Middlekauff American Legion Post No. 173, in Hays will conduct a series of activities on Saturday, starting at 9 a.m.
The first event is a Veterans Health Benefit and Jobs Fair that will go until 3 p.m. The Kansas Enhanced Mobile Veteran Service Van will be available to provide information and assistance to veterans and their family members.
The Kansas Works Department also will be there to help veterans and their families find jobs. They are also working to provide health screenings will be available as well.
The different veteran organizations also will have tables available for people to find out information and join or update their memberships.
Immediately following the Veterans health fair, the American Legion Post No 173 Riders will be having a Soup for the Soul cooking competition. The event is open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend from 4 to 7 p.m. to taste the different soups and desserts brought in by some of the best cooks in the area.
The cost of the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children to get in and get tickets for voting for the favorite soup or desert. Winners will be announced at 7 p.m.
All proceeds go to helping the American Legion Riders provide honor guards to fallen veterans in the area and to help pay for educating the public on the proper ways to pay respect to the flag. They also help with other causes such as the annual turkey run at Fort Riley Kansas, which provides food for families of soldiers from the post that need help as well as visits each year to Old Fort Dodge, a Kansas Veteran Retirement Home, to provide help with both financial and material needs.
Concluding the day at 7 p.m. is the second annual Honor Your Veteran Care and Share Event. This event is designed as a forum for families, with veterans both past and present to come and share their stories. Veterans don’t like to talk about themselves and their experiences in war-time, but family members know the veteran and are proud of their service. The event provides a forum for those family members to come share their story, whether it is about the veteran’s service in the military or what he has done in the community since.
People can bring scrapbooks to share pictures and stories of veterans, or they can stand up and share with the group or both. This isn’t limited to the veterans that served in the wars of our parents’ lifetime but all wars.
There will be music provided by a DJ, and the bar will be open for drinks and snacks throughout the evening. The event will go until 11 p.m.
If you ask youngsters to name a wizard, they’ll immediately offer Harry Potter’s name. I have news for HP fans. The real wizard lives in Wyoming, and he wears a cowboy hat. His wand happens to be a paintbrush. This is all true—I and nine other artists worked with him for a week to improve our understanding painting using light and shadow.
What, you say! Yes, a real cowboy early in his eighth decade uses a paintbrush and earth-tone pigments to turn a flat canvas into a vision of soft buckskin baby shoes that look as though you could pick them up and place them in your palm. This magic takes less than seven hours when he’s not wrangling livestock or riding into the Wind River Mountains after this year’s elk. The man takes props such as his son’s worn, beaded moccasins and an old brass bell, puts them in a lightbox, and tugs his spectacles down to get a closer look at the combination. Within an hour, he’s roughed in a sketch that directs his efforts.
Native Kansan Karen Madorin is a local writer and retired teacher who loves sharing stories about places, people, critters, plants, food, and history of the High Plains.
Students of varying abilities hang on every word as he narrates the conception of a painting to its finish. They focus on the back of a well-worn dark felt cowboy hat that amplifies the wisdom of 70 some years. Every now and then, this man of a thousand talents turns to his audience, who note his crinkled eyes and his sly grin. He loves to get the group laughing whether it’s through his imitation “Golleeeee,” that reminds them of Gomer Pyle or his audacious chuckle that states outright, “It’s a good day to be alive.”
Tom Lucas started painting his senior year of high school during his first art class. At that time, he determined he’d master using a limited palette. From the looks of his finished paintings, his sales, and awards, he’s succeeded. Now he shares his how to’s with others who want to breathe life into their art with a few well-directed strokes of color.
Over decades, he’s built homes for family, worked numerous occupations, and earned scores of friends and acquaintances’ respect. Surprising even himself, he’s become a public speaker, filling in for the preacher when called upon. Modestly, Tom explains he never thought to fill a pulpit, but everyone sitting in church is glad he did. His message is obvious: God works through his humblest servants. It’s clear that’s true when you see a man who’s learned to speak effectively despite the cleft palate that troubled young Tom.
So where does Lucas’s paintbrush wizardry fit in. His students can explain that. Obviously, he uses a brush and a little paint to turn light and shadow into life-like drama in his own work. However, his most amazing gift is his ability to scan and analyze student paintings. In a flash, he instructs how to incorporate a delicate stroke of color to reveal what the mind perceives. That lucky learner will never see the world the same way again.
As one of his pupils, I marvel at his ability to zero in on exactly what needs improved with a deft stroke or two. Using the student’s palette to repair issues that troubled the aspiring painter, he swiftly transfers knowledge that took him decades to master.
If you told Tom he’s a wizard, he’d blush and give you a country boy, “Ah, shucks.” It’s obvious he feels blessed to earn his living painting and teaching. His students would tell you they’re lucky to learn the secrets of light and dark from a wizard in a cowboy hat whose paintbrush is his wand.
For those of who learn from him, we’re lucky to be in the presence of a master of both painting and good-heartedness.
Native Kansan Karen Madorin is a local writer and retired teacher who loves sharing stories about places, people, critters, plants, food, and history of the High Plains.
Leon Edwin Grizzle, 87, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at the Main Street Manor in the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Leon was born on June 01, 1929, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of Richard Theophilous and Venus Vivian (Patterson) Grizzle. He grew up in Oklahoma City and Enid, Oklahoma areas and attended local schools. Later he joined the United States Army and fought in the Korean war. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Ernestine M. Butler on August 30, 1952 in Enid, Oklahoma. From this union Leon and Ernestine were blessed with 3 sons Phillip, Robert and Richard; 2 daughters Patricia and Theresa. In 1958, Leon moved his family to Russell, Kansas. He went to work for Shields Oil Producers for 20 plus years. He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church and served as a deacon for many years. He was also a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. He enjoyed fishing and hunting but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his many grandchildren.
Surviving family include three sons, Phillip Grizzle (Kim) of Russell, Kansas, Robert Grizzle (Dorothy) of Eudora, Kansas and Richard Grizzle of Hays, Kansas; two daughters, Patricia Dillon of Russell, Kansas and Theresa Ehrlich (Ron) of Hays, Kansas; brother Paul Grizzle (Jeanne) of Shawnee Mission, Kansas; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ernestine on March 27, 2012, brothers Richard A. Grizzle and Bill Grizzle; daughter in-law Mary Grizzle and grandson, Christopher Ehrlich.
Celebration of Leon’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with Pastor David Jones officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM on Monday, October 24, 2016, at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM Monday evening. A memorial has been established with First Southern Baptist Church in Russell and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lost more than 2,000 private-sector jobs in September as the state’s unemployment rate ticked up for the fourth month in a row. See individual county unemployment reports here.
The Kansas Department of Labor attributes the rise in the jobless rate to a combination of fewer people in the workforce and a decline in the number of nonfarm jobs.
September’s unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, up from 4.3 percent in August and 4 percent in September 2015. The Labor Department says the state had 600 fewer nonfarm jobs than in August and 2,100 private-sector jobs overall.
The report issued Friday says Kansas has lost 6,300 jobs since last September, including 5,900 since the start of the year.
Officials say the state’s labor force has fallen by roughly 18,800 people in 2016, including 1,763 in September.
ELLIS — The community is invited to attend Hands-Only CPR training next month in Ellis. Hands-Only CPR is for people who want to learn CPR but do not need a CPR course completion card to meet a job requirement.
The course will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the VFW Post Home, 813 Jefferson. Training is open to anyone age 8 or older.
This course is ideal for community groups, new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in learning how to save a life.
RSVP is necessary to ensure adequate materials and instruction needed for this course. Respond to Chavonne Schmidt before Nov. 4 at (620) 874-1602.
Rolo S. Ewers Jr. passed away on Monday, October 3, 2016 at Sheridan County Health Complex in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 90. One of six children, he was born in Tasco, Kansas on August 24, 1926 to the late Rolo S. and Mary Louise (Carter) Ewers. He graduated from Glendale High School in Glendale, Arizona, and seven days after his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving as one of the youngest radar men at the time. On December 12, 1948 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia Ann Hobbs in Glendale, Arizona. Together, they raised their family of six children.
Even before the Navy, Rolo worked in construction, a trade he carried on for many years. He was an outstanding tennis player, gymnast, and diver. He enjoyed racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah and flying airplanes. Rolo never knew a stranger. Family and friends alike, remember his storytelling and silly jingles he insisted on sharing with everyone. He had the ability to make you smile and brighten your day no matter what.
Rolo is survived by his wife Patricia of the home, Hoxie; sons Randy Ewers and wife Karen of Phoenix, AZ, and Bruce Ewers and wife Shannon of Hoxie; daughters Cynthia Nielsen and husband Merlin of Goodyear, AZ, Sheri Ewers of Goodyear, AZ, Tina Miller and husband Paul of Carrollton, GA, and Laurie Farber and husband Rob of Hoxie; sister Delina Whithworth; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, and three sisters.
A private family inurnment will be held Monday, October 24, 2016, 10:00 A.M., at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney. Family will receive friends from 1:30-3:00pm on Monday, October 24, 2016 at the Hoxie 4-H Building. Memorials are suggested to the Rolo S. Ewers Jr. Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com
Rolo’s most cherished time was always spent with his loving wife and family. In honor of his memory, the family asks you to take a moment to hug your children, grandchildren, friends, or neighbors. Pause for a few minutes, or an hour, or a day to laugh and share a meal, a walk, or just sitting and visiting. After all, time waits for no one…
The annual Youth Upland Hunt is scheduled for this weekend in Hays.
Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife is hosting the 11th annual youth hunt this Saturday at the Hays City Sportsman Club.
Saturday’s event is held in memory of former volunteers Darrell Brown, La Vern Steiben, LeRoy Culbreath and Sid Carlile.
The hunt designed for youth between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age not only will give participants a chance to harvest at least 4 birds, but they also will learn how to hunt with dogs and how they are trained, field safety, gun handling, how to clean and prepare birds, and what type of habitat to look for when hunting upland birds.
Hunts like this one are part of the Kansas Hunter Recruitment and Retention Program called “PASS IT ON.” The program addresses the need to recruit new hunters and retain existing hunters in order to ensure the future of hunting.
For more information or to register, contact Shayne Wilson at (785) 628-1415 8am-5pm. Monday through Friday. There is no charge for the hunt.
Margaret “Joyce” Walters, 82, Hays, died Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center.
She was born November 21, 1933 on the family farm North of Walker, Kansas the daughter of Frank and Margaret (Frank) Copp. On May 10, 1954 she married Alexius “Lex” Walters in Hays. He died January 30, 1987. She was an RN at Hadley Hospital, worked at Travenol for many years, and was a Senior Companion for 18 years. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and needlepoint, and tending to her yard and flower garden.
She is survived by a son; Richard A. “Rich” Walters of Glendale, AZ, a granddaughter; Melissa Marie Wilson, a grandson; Alex-John Michael Wilson, and a great grandson; Alex-John Michael Wilson, Jr.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son David A. Walters in 2010, three brothers; Theodore F. Copp, Charles G. Copp, and an infant brother Paul Copp, and four sisters; Alma B. Long, Mildred A. Sundstrom, Edna M. Tickel, and Nadine H. Brungardt.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, October 24, 2016 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service will be at 6:00 pm on Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested in Joyce’s memory to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or to masses, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have arrested a second suspect in a Kansas City, Kansas, homicide and continue looking for a third.
Police said in a news release that 20-year-old D’Adrian Jones turned himself in Thursday. It wasn’t immediately known if he had an attorney. Police continue looking for his 19-year-old brother, Kavon Jones.
Homicide suspect from 43rd & State surrendered w/ his attorney present to detectives.
They have been charged in Wyandotte County with first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Clarence Buford, of Kansas City, Kansas. Buford was killed Sept. 26 in a strip mall parking lot, and police arrested the first suspect the next day.
Police said Kavon Jones should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to call police or a tips hotline.
The Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association will hold its November meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Thirsty’s Banquet Room, 2704 Vine. Registration is between 11:15am – 11:30am with a short business meeting starting at 11:30am.
The program for the November meeting will be “Strategic Trust Building” presented by Ruth Bealer, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Midwest Energy. The presentation counts for 1 hour of Strategic Credit under HRCI and SHRM.
If you are interested in attending the November meeting as a guest, please RSVP to [email protected] no later than noon Friday, Nov. 4.
WKHRMA is an affiliate chapter of Society for Human Resource Management, a local professional organization for persons engaged in personnel or human resource management. For more information on WKHRMA, visit www.wkhrma.org
