Phillipsburg resident Frances E. Cote passed away Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS at the age of 69.
She was born October 31, 1946 in Ottawa, Illinois the daughter of Leo & Josephine (Hanley) Kerrins.
Frances was united in marriage to Ralph J. Cote on April 15, 1967 in Kankakee, Illinois. He survives.
Other survivors include her two daughters, Shelly Cote & Kelly Cote, both of Phillipsburg, her son, Thomas Cote of Amarillo, TX; ½ sister, Kathy Deminsky of Sun City, AZ; 8 grandchildren; & 8 great grandchildren.
Cremation was planned. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 20, 2016 in the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating.
Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with family receiving friends for visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. that evening.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fresenius Dialysis Center of Hays.
Former Phillips County resident Alan R. Chestnut passed away October 15 at the Conway Regional Hospital in Conway, AR, at the age of 71. He was born Jan. 31, 1945 in Phillipsburg, the son of Roy & Norma (Hoover) Chestnut.
Survivors include his wife Shirley of Greenbrier, AR; his son Clint of Blanchard, OK; his daughter, Jennie Smith of Omaha, NE; 2 brothers, Larry of Glade & Dennis of Speed; 4 sisters, Connie Reese of Glade, Joyce Campbell, Joan Russo & Terri Chestnut Greer all of Speed; 1 grandchild & 2 great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Friday, October 21 at 11:00 a.m. in the Marvin Cemetery, Glade, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating.
Visitation will be from noon to 9:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Memorials have been established to his great grandchildren’s education fund.
SHAWNEE COUNTY -Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County are investigating a road rage shooting and report another suspect is in custody.
Just after 12:30 a.m. on October 8, police reported to a hospital in Topeka after gunshot victim, Michael Stadler, 28, arrived by personal vehicle, according to a media release. He died later that morning.
Police say Sadler was a passenger in a vehicle traveling near the intersection of SW 29th and SW Burlingame Road in Topeka, and became involved in a road rage argument.
On Thursday, the U.S. Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force and local law enforcement arrested a second suspect Andre Rhoiney, 22, Topeka, in Bluefield, West Virginia. He was taken into custody during a call for service at the local bus station, according to a media release. He faces first-degree murder charges.
On Tuesday, October 11, officers arrested Daniel Askew, 27, in connection with shooting.
Askew was booked into the Shawnee County jail for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
Hays city commissioners will look at plans tonight for the continued development of the Heart of America Industrial Park.
The preliminary plat for the development on south Commerce Parkway in east Hays was approved by the Planning Commission in 2008. The property is zoned into a mixture of light-industrial and heavy-industrial districts.
The developers of the Heart of America Second Addition have submitted a signed consent to annex the property and to allow for its development, including extension of and connection to city utilities and fire/police protection. The project would be financed through the creation of a special benefit district as requested by the developers.
The property is generally located at Commerce Parkway and 9th Street, requiring an extension of 9th Street to the east, according to Assistant Hays City Manager Jacob Wood.
The final plat was approved April 18, 2016 by the Hays Area Planning Commission. Heart of America Development Corporation owns the property and provides land for development to new or existing businesses wishing to relocate.
The complete Oct. 20 city commission work session agenda may be seen here.
RUSSELL – The Friday after Thanksgiving means Black Friday to most, but Encore Antiques & Collectables in Russell, Kansas, and other locally-owned, independent businesses across the country are urging citizens to celebrate Plaid Friday instead. Plaid Friday is a fun and enjoyable alternative to the chaos and dangers of Black Friday, and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.
Plaid Friday was first celebrated in 2009 in Oakland, Calif., a city known for strong “shop local” campaigns. The Plaid Friday movement is growing across the nation, and even more so in the Russell area. Starting in 2010, Encore Antiques & Collectables hosted Plaid Friday events and in 2014 Encore Antiques encouraged local businesses to become involved.
The Russell County Convention & Visitors Bureau also stepped in to support the local Plaid Friday efforts by providing a limited number of plaid shopping bags filled with goodies and local information. Once again, Encore Antiques & Collectables is serving as the headquarters for Plaid Friday efforts in Russell County. Shoppers are encouraged to start their Plaid Friday adventures at Encore where they can pick up their plaid shopping bag and the Russell Area Plaid Friday Shop Sheet. The Shop Sheet provides an overview of each local business that is participating in Plaid Friday activities. Encore Antiques & Collectables will promote the Russell Area Plaid Friday event utilizing social media, press releases, radio shows and personal presentations at local organizations.
Any locally-owned, independent business in Russell County is welcome to participate in Plaid Friday. Suggested activities for Plaid Friday retailers include discounts, refreshments, entertainment, give-aways or drawings. There is no cost associated with the Russell Area Plaid Friday event, other than costs associated with specials or activities offered by the retailer.
To be included on the Russell Area Plaid Friday Shop Sheet, retailers must contact Encore Antiques & Collectables no later than Friday, November 11. For additional information, contact Encore Antiques & Collectables at 785-445-8480 or stop by 590 S. Fossil in Russell.
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Pamela “Pam” Werth, 62, Hays, died Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at her home.
She was born December 25, 1953 in Hays, one of twin daughters to Austin and Edith (Smith) Dillon. She graduated from Hays High School in 1971. On December 19, 1972 she married Anthony “Andy” Werth in Hays. She was a homemaker and worked at the Alco store and at Tandy’s Hallmark. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was an excellent cook and baker, and she rarely needed to measure ingredients. She always had an extra plate in the oven for anyone who came over, and her cookies, burritos, and cheesecake were family favorites. She was the consummate caregiver, always putting others’ needs first. She loved to go shopping, was very punctual, and enjoyed traveling and decorating her home for the holidays. She loved her family, her husband, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and extended family.
Survivors include her husband, Andy, of the home, two sons; Kirk Werth and wife Gail of Hays, and Jared Werth of Hays, a daughter; Andrea Jensen and husband Luke of Hays, two brothers; Loren Dillon and wife Sharron of Wichita and Mitchell Dillon and wife Sherene of Orlando, FL, her twin sister; Pat Herl and husband Danny of Victoria, KS, her grandchildren Sheldon Niernberger and Hailey Jensen, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister; Marilyn Dillon in 1997.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, October 21, 2016 at the North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak Street. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 pm until 8:00 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, and on Friday from 9:00 am until service time at the church. A family rosary will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to North Oak Community Church or to the Cancer Council of Ellis County, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].
Robert A. “Bob” Ruder, 80, Hays, died Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at his home.
He was born May 13, 1936 in Hays to Anton and Anna (Wasinger) Ruder. He graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy in 1954. He was in the U.S. Army from 1957 until 1959. On May 18, 1959 he married Ila Mae Pfannenstiel in Hays. He attended Fort Hays State University for two years then worked for 28 years at the Farmers Co-Op first as an accountant then as department manager of feed and fertilizer. He was head custodian for USD 489 for 21 years and then custodian at Holy Family Elementary School for nearly 5 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Schoenchen.
Survivors include his wife, Ila Mae, of the home, a son; Tony Ruder and wife Janet of Wichita, three daughters; Cathy Hawley and husband Greg of Farmersville, TX, Barbara Flesher and husband Kevin of Broomfield, CO and Vicky Morton of Broomfield, CO, a brother; Earl Ruder and wife Mary of Edmond, OK, a sister; Diana Dome of Hays, a sister-in-law Norma Ruder of Liberal, KS, nine grandchildren; Nicole Hawley, Adam Hawley and wife Vanessa, Cecilia Welwood and husband Eric, Rachel Hawley and fiance Michael, Andrew Flesher, Abigail Flesher, Angela Flesher, Robert W. Ruder, and Aidan Morton, a great granddaughter; Bernadette Welwood, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother; LeRoy Ruder.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow in the St. Joseph cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 and on Saturday from 9:00 am until 9:45, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:00 followed by a parish vigil at 6:30, and a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00, all on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Holy Family Elementary School or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].
An Ellis man was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for child exploitation charges this week in Ellis County.
Michael Ray Anderson was sentenced Monday in Ellis County District Court to 94 months in prison on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
Assistant Ellis County Attorney Crystalyn Oswald said Anderson was sentenced to 47 months on the first count, 24 months on count two and, on count three, he was sentenced to 23 months. Counts four through 10 were for 32 months but will run concurrently.
Oswald said, under Kansas law, Anderson received the maximum punishment allowed.
District Court Judge Blake Bittel denied a motion by Anderson’s defense for lesser sentence.
As a result of the sentencing Anderson, once he is released from prison will be required to register as a sex offender for life. He will also be subjected to lifetime post-release supervision, according to Oswald.
The crimes were alleged to have happened on or about March 31, 2015, Oswald said.
A jury found Anderson guilty on all 10 counts in a trial in July.
Lawrence J. “Larry” Unrein, age 81, of Hays, passed away, Monday 17, 2016 at Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater, Kansas. He was born December 17, 1934 on the family farm in Rush County, Kansas to Peter and Agatha (Leikam) Unrein. He married Frances Claire Rohr in 1956.
He was a combination Journeyman and Service Tech for Midwest Energy retiring after 30 years of service. He was a US Marine veteran serving from 1950 – 1952 and he was a member of St. Joseph’s Church.
He is survived by a daughter, Joan Weber and husband Jerry of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two granddaughters, Bobbie Jo Fuentes and husband Francisco of Lees Summit, MO and Megan Dawn Sales and husband Jason of Manhattan, KS; great grandchildren, Nevaeh Phillips, Noah Weber and Isabella Fuentes. Two brothers, Clem Unrein and wife Viola of Hays, Kansas and Frank Unrein and wife Charlene of Gorham, Kansas and a sister-in-law, Wilma Unrein of Hays, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph Unrein; a sister, Josephine Quint; 9 half-brothers and 4 half-sisters.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Friday, October 21, 2016 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Inurnment will be at 2 PM Fridayat the Kansas State Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney with military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church or for Masses.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]
Gerald L. “Jerry” Wagner, age 67, of Hays, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at Hays Medical Center. He was born January 2, 1949 in Hays, Kansas to Marvin J. and RoseMary (Molleker) Wagner. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1967 and attended Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University. He married Vickie (Wagner) in Burlington, Colorado on May 30, 1975.
Jerry was the former owner of Maiwuer Tropical and Dog Grooming in Hays. He also worked as a computer programmer. He was a US Navy veteran. He volunteered his time coaching several recreation commission and traveling teams in all sports. He was named Hays Recreation Commission Coach of The Year. He was also the TMP-Marian Softball coach for two seasons. Jerry was an avid K-State, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals fan. Above all Jerry was a proud grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Vickie of Hays; two sons, Eian Wagner and fiance Kellie Stanley and Evan Wagner and fiance Kelli Riley all of Hays; a daughter, Erin Wagner and fiance Nathan Baczkowski of Hays; a brother, Terry Wagner and wife Shirley of Battlefield, Missouri; grandchildren, Colton Stanley, Emmie Wagner, Conor Wagner and Wyatt Gerald Wagner arriving in December.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Anton and Catherine Wagner and Jacob and Catherine Molleker.
Services will be 3:00 PM Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Flag presentation courtesy of the Hays VFW.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Gerald Wagner Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]
The lecture series named for one of Fort Hays State University’s most notable alumni, former representative Keith Sebelius, will feature a November appearance by Dr. Edward Larson, who holds the Hugh and Hazel Darling Chair in Law and is University Professor of History at Pepperdine University.
He is a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in history and numerous other awards for writing and teaching.
Larson will discuss “The Origins of Presidential Politics” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in FHSU’s Sheridan Hall. This is the first lecture of the 2016-2017 academic year.
The lecture will begin with the Electoral College. The Framers of the Constitution, who created the Electoral College system, envisioned a presidential selection system without national political parties. Larson will explore how the United States moved from a non-partisan system to the highly partisan system we have now in just 12 short years. For better or for worse, by 1800, presidential politics had become much as we experience it today.
“We’re honored to have Dr. Larson at Fort Hays State University,” said Jacob Ternes, chair of the Special Events Committee and assistant director of the Memorial Union. “As the author of 10 books and over a hundred published articles, he brings a wealth of knowledge in a variety of topics. It will be fascinating to hear his perspective on how presidential politics have been shaped over the course of American history.”
Larson’s books, which have been translated into over twenty languages, include “An Empire of Ice: Scott, Shackleton, and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Science”; “A Magnificent Catastrophe: The Tumultuous Election of 1800, America’s First Presidential Campaign”; “Evolution’s Workshop: God and Science in the Galapagos Islands”; and the Pulitzer Prize winning “Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion.” His latest book, “The Return of George Washington,” was on The New York Times bestseller list in 2015.
Larson has taught short courses at universities in China, Europe, and South America; been a featured speaker at book festivals and the Chautauqua Institute; and given addresses at more than 80 American universities. He is interviewed frequently for broadcast, print, cable, and internet media, including “The Daily Show,” “The Today Show” and multiple appearances on PBS, BBC, the History Channel, C-SPAN, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and NPR.
Larson earned a B.A. from Williams College (1974), a law degree from Harvard (1979), and a Ph.D. in the history of science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1984), and received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Ohio State University in 2004.
Tickets are available now for pre-order online at www.fhsu.edu/sebelius, will go on sale at the Student Service Center in the Memorial Union beginning Monday, Oct. 24, and can be purchased at the Beach/Schmidt box office the evening of the lecture. Tickets are free for Fort Hays State University students and $10 for the public.
Numerous patrons, who donate $150 per person, help sponsor the Sebelius Lecture Series each year. These donations are tax deductible, less benefits received. Patrons will receive an exclusive invitation to a reception with the speaker on the day of the lecture and exclusive tickets to sit in rows A-C for the lecture. To become a patron, visit www.fhsu.edu/sebelius and complete a ticket order form as a patron.
For more information about the Sebelius Lecture Series, call Jacob Ternes at (785) 628-4664 or send email to [email protected].
ABOUT FORMER U.S. REP. KEITH SEBELIUS:
Sebelius, who was born in Norton, graduated from FHSU in 1941. He became active in the Republican Party and in 1968 ran for the U.S. House seat previously held by Bob Dole. He served for 12 years and didn’t seek re-election in 1980. He died at age 66 and is buried in Norton. His son, Gary Sebelius, is a federal magistrate judge and the husband of Kathleen Sebelius, a former Democratic Kansas governor and former U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services. His son, R. Douglas Sebelius, is a Norton County attorney.
Phillipsburg resident Frances E. Cote passed away Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS at the age of 69.
