The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating clay jewelry, and visitors to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center on Sunday, Dec. 11, can explore their ideas in a free make-and-take jewelry workshop.
The fun begins at 2 p.m.
“We will be using polymer clay to create fun, chunky pendants,” said Jean Aycock, KWEC educator.
“Polymer clay is an inexpensive, safe, non-toxic material that can be baked in your own oven,” she said. “Once you learn how simple it is to create your own jewelry, you’ll be hooked.”
All materials will be provided. Call 1-877-243-9268 to register for this free craft workshop.
For more information, contact Aycock at the phone number above or email her at [email protected].
The KWEC, managed by Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History, is northeast of Great Bend on K-156 at the intersection with Cheyenne Bottoms Road.
Mike Cooper takes us on a tour of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center located at the southeast side of Cheyenne Bottoms which is considered a “starting point” to exploring the Bottoms.
Levi James Hackler, age 12, of rural WaKeeney, passed away Monday, November 21, 2016 at his home.He was born January 18, 2004, in Salina, Kansas, to William Ryan and Yvonne Gay (Popp) Hackler.
He was a seventh grader at Quinter Junior High School.Levi is survived by his parents, William and Yvonne; his grandparents, William D and Linda Hackler of Bogue, and Jim and Barb Popp of Quinter; brother, Brice Hackler of Wichita; sister, Brianna Hackler of the family home; uncle, Daryl (Carolyn) Popp of Hill City; and Aunts, Kris (Jerry) Davis of Nicodemus, and Garneita (Don) Davis of Tulsa, Oklahoma.He was preceded in death by and aunt, Joyce Popp.
Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 28, 2016 at Quinter Church of the Brethren.Inurnment will take place at Mt. Pleasant Community Cemetery, near Studley.
There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions are suggested to Levi Hackler Memorial Fund.Donations made to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS67752.
Condolences may be left for the family by online guest book at www.schmittfuneral.com.
MESA, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona woman who accidentally texted a stranger an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner has made good on her offer after it spread through social media.
The Arizona Republic reports (https://bit.ly/2fyThMx ) that Wanda Dench greeted 17-year-old Jamal Hinton with a hug before they sat down for dinner Thursday at her suburban Phoenix home.
The mix-up happened after Dench included what she thought was her grandson’s number on a group text last week, but he had changed his number and never told her.
Instead, the text went to 17-year-old Jamal Hinton. They realized the mistake after the two exchanged pictures, but Hinton asked if he could “still get a plate.” Dench responded, “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do.”
The exchange gained attention after Hinton posted it on Twitter.
VAIL, Colo. (AP) — More Colorado ski resorts are open for the season.
Vail and Beaver Creek opened Friday, a day after Snowmass, Wolf Creek and Crested Butte started their lifts.
This fall’s unseasonably warm weather has limited the terrain that’s open and forced several ski resorts to postpone their opening day Some are still offering other activities for visitors over the Thanksgiving weekend, including sledding and sightseeing gondola rides.
Aspen Mountain may not open until at least Monday. The Aspen Daily News (https://bit.ly/2fMIyeY ) reports that would be the first time the mountain hasn’t been open during the holiday weekend in decades.
Some more help is in store from Mother Nature. The National Weather Service says the central and San Juan mountains could get between 10 and 14 inches of snow between late Saturday and Monday.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City, Kansas, police officer and a Wyandotte County deputy are on unpaid leave after being accused of child endangerment and weapons counts.
Kansas City, Kansas, police Officer Patrick McCallop told The Associated Press on Thursday that Officer Colleen Radford of Bonner Springs was charged with distribution of a firearm to a felon, as well as with child endangerment.
KSHB-TV reports that Wyandotte County deputy Andrew O’Neal is charged with child endangerment and criminal possession of a firearm, a felony.
McCallop says the charges against Radford are connected to charges against the deputy.
Radford and O’Neal do not have listed home telephone numbers and could not be reached for comment Friday. Online court records don’t show whether they have an attorney.
MEDFORD, Okla. (AP) — No injuries or damage were reported after a 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Oklahoma on Friday morning.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake’s epicenter was near Medford, or about 95 miles north of Oklahoma City. The USGS says the earthquake was felt in northern Oklahoma and in parts of Kansas, including the Wichita area.
Earlier in the day, a 2.5 magnitude earthquake hit the same area, and a 2.6 magnitude quake also struck Cushing — the site of a major oil storage hub where a 5.0 magnitude temblor caused substantial damage on Nov. 7.
Oklahoma’s earthquakes have been linked to oil and gas production, and state regulators have shut down or imposed new restrictions on underground wells that are used for wastewater disposal.
HUTCHINSON (AP) — A Finney County businessman and farmer and the city of Garden City have been honored by the state for their work to extend the Ogallala Aquifer.
Tom Willis, who operates two southwest Kansas ethanol plants and has a farm in Finney County, and the city of Garden City were among those honored at the Governor’s Water Conference this month in Manhattan.
The Hutchinson News reports (https://j.mp/2fzcfmm) that more than 550 people attended the water conference.
A Kansas State University study says if nothing changes, 70 percent of the Ogallala will be depleted by 2064.
Other honorees included, Spirit AeroSystems, which was honored for its collaboration with the city of Wichita to build a 3-mile dedicated pipeline connecting the company’s manufacturing operations to a city water treatment facility.
By RANDY GONZALES FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Fort Hays State University’s International Student Services usually has its Study Abroad Fair earlier in a semester. This semester, however, Director Carol Solko-Olliff opted to have the fair later, as part of International Education Week 2016.
Tables were set up in the Sunset Lounge in the Memorial Union to take advantage of foot traffic around lunch time. There was a table where students could learn about studying in China. There was a table featuring a trip to Hawaii. Another one featured a visit to the cloud forest in Ecuador. And there were many, many more.
ISS has had a Study Abroad Fair for about six or seven years, Solko-Olliff said.
“I think it’s been very helpful,” she said. “A lot of time students will say they didn’t know they could study someplace else.”
Whether it’s another country for a summer or a year, or studying somewhere else in the United States, Solko-Olliff said most, if not all, programs allow students to pay FHSU tuition.
“Economically, it makes it affordable for students because they pay Fort Hays State tuition and fees,” she said. “They can use financial aid and scholarships. Even though they are studying someplace else, they’re still enrolled at Fort Hays State.”
Jay Lee, a Fort Hays State graduate student from Seoul, South Korea, was checking out a trip at the Hawaii table. A geosciences class will travel to the islands in late May to study their cultural geography.
“The curriculum looks really great,” Lee said. “It’s not expensive.
“I’m going to talk to the department chair, see if it can be counted towards my elective hours,” he added. “I’m really glad they have this opportunity and they tell us.”
As Lee found out, the recent fair was designed to let FHSU students know what was available.
“The fair is a great opportunity for Fort Hays State students to learn about some of the different opportunities that they have to get some international experiences,” said Karen McCullough, assistant director of ISS.
One such student was Ricardo Zamora, a junior business major from Kansas City, Kan. He has already traveled abroad, courtesy of FHSU. Zamora spent a month this past summer studying in China.
“I loved it,” Zamora said. “I really want to go back. We learned culture, history, we learned about music.
“In the evenings, we rode motor bikes around town,” he added. “We learned board games from over there. The food was amazing.”
Zamora said studying abroad can help American students when they return to Hays. They can better understand international students.
“I just wanted to go over there, see where they come from, be able to understand their culture,” Zamora said, “then come back and make the relationships stronger here with international students.”
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot is on the upswing again, growing to more than $400 million on the Thanksgiving holiday.
The jackpot was an estimated $403 million Thursday after no winning numbers were selected in a Wednesday night drawing. The next drawing is scheduled Saturday night, and the jackpot could grow in the meantime.
The prize is on the brink of becoming one of the largest jackpots in U.S. history if it keeps rolling with no lucky winners. A record-setting $1.6 billion jackpot was reached in January.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are one in 292.2 million. The popular game is played in 44 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With the holiday season comes and exciting time of shopping and time spent with family. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is lodged between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but is truly a day that stands on its own as one of the most important shopping days of the year.
Small Business Saturday is Nov. 26, the Saturday after Black Friday. “Shop small” has been a growing nationwide movement since 2010 as a chance to celebrate small businesses and help the communities those businesses reside in thrive.
On this day, Sara Bloom, executive director of Downtown Hays Development Corp., would like you to get up, get out and shop small.
Sara Bloom is the Downtown Hays Development Corporation Executive Director.
“When you shop local, your dollar means twice as much,” Bloom said. “Your dollar is paying for those who live in the community, it’s paying for the owners to shop at other small businesses, it’s keeping the sales tax dollars in town.”
Small Business Saturday focuses on bringing the money back to local businesses, which makes a big impact in the community.
“If you imagine our community without small businesses, it’s boring, it’s abandoned, it’s depressing. So we want to make sure that people are remembering to shop local, to shop small,” Bloom said.
While there are good deals on Black Friday, Bloom said, many shops in downtown Hays will wait until Saturday to launch their best deals.
Bloom said many merchants in downtown Hays say Friday is for the box stores, while their focus in on Small Business Saturday.
A look at the deals can be found at The Bricks in Downtown Hays Facebook.
Carol Ann (Mowry) Stephens passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at her home in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 81. She was born April 24, 1935 in rural Sheridan County, Kansas to the late Eugene and Pearl (Kreft) Mowry. Raised with four brothers and one sister, she attended Tasco Elementary School and graduated from Sheridan Community High School with the Class of 1952. She went on to attend one year of college. On January 24, 1956 she was united in marriage to Donald R. Stephens at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Seguin, Kansas. They were blessed with three children.
Carol was a loving housewife and mother. A life-long learner and student of “life,” she loved to read and study, especially history; she had the drive and curiosity to keep herself well educated. Always interested in traveling, she even became a certified travel agent. She also worked in Mrs. T’s and Mrs. D’s Dress Shops.
A hard worker, Carol found plenty to keep her busy, and of course knew how to find time to relax and enjoy life. From gardening and raising flowers to silk embroidery, she never had idle hands. No palooka, she was an avid bridge player. But the time she cherished most was when it was spent with family and friends, whether playing cards, visiting, or just relaxing together.
Carol is survived by her son Russell E. Stephens and wife Tyra of Merriam; daughters Kimberly A. Stephens of Roanoke, VA, and Suzann P. Demple and husband Paul of Sheridan, WY; brothers Richard Mowry and wife Donna of Morland, Robert Mowry of Brookline, MA and Ralph Mowry of Colby: sister Helen William and husband Don of Hoxie; 13 Grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Pearl Mowry, husband Donald Stephens, and brother Pat Mowry.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 28, 2016, at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home in Hoxie. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Visitation will be from Noon -7:00pm on Sunday at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Library and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com
Immensely interesting and lovable, Carol had a wonderful sense of humor that allowed her to see the laughable in life’s everyday absurdities. Never one to be bitter or whiny, she taught all of us how to have a good laugh, get through tough periods, and remain optimistic no matter what. Her love, smile, and encouragement will continue in our hearts forever.
Lawrence Anthony Schippers, 85, a retired accountant, died Saturday, November 19, 2016. Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Friday, November 25, 2016, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 26, 2016, at Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church.
Preceded in death by his Parents, John and Anna Schippers; Brothers, Herman Schippers, George Schippers, John Schippers, Art Schippers. Survived by his Wife, Joann Mary Schippers of Springfield, MO; Daughter, Lois (Dusty) Bobbett of Springfield, MO; Son, Dale (Caroline) Schippers of Olathe, KS; Brothers, Paul Schippers of Victoria, KS, Norman Schippers of The Woodlands, TX; Sisters, Sister Mary Ann Schippers of Fon du Lac, WI, Lucy Baier of Hays, KS, Estella Kuhn of Victoria, KS, Lillian Leiker of Hays, KS; Grandchildren, Grace Schippers, Stratton Schippers, and Bridget Schippers all of Olathe, KS, Emily Bobbett of Springfield, MO, Lacey Bobbett of Kansas City, MO; Sisters-In-Law, Armella Schippers of Olathe, KS, Marietta Schippers Lies of Wichita, KS, Lila Schippers of The Woodlands, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial has been established with: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Building Fund, 2200 W. Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65810; and Good Shepherd Hospice, 3250 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65807.
Dora Ann Boyd, 85, of Denver, CO, died Sunday, November 20, 2016, in Denver. She was born June 6, 1931, in Thomas County, KS, to Roscoe and Pearl (Mansfield) Boyd. She attended school in Monument and Page City, KS and graduated from Page City High School. She then attended business school in Denver. Following her graduation from business school, she was employed by several different banks in Denver, where she made her home and was active member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She was a favorite auntie to her many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed reading, traveling, attending musical performances and visiting with family and friends. As the oldest daughter in the family, Dora Ann helped rear many of her younger siblings. Dora Ann was the one who kept records of all the family members and was faithful in sending birthday cards to her siblings, their spouses and the many nieces and nephews and on down the line.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers, Francis, Thelbert, Maurice and Norman and a sister-in-law, Doris.
She is survived by her brother James (Terri); 4 sisters, Lenora (Bob) Mullen, Norma (George) Sturgeon, Agnes (Bob) Meier and Mary Boyd; sisters-in-law, Helen, Marion and Velma and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with burial to follow in the Monument Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 or to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 206 E 7th St, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
FHSU University Relations and Marketing 
VAIL, Colo. (AP) — More Colorado ski resorts are open for the season.
HUTCHINSON (AP) — A Finney County businessman and farmer and the city of Garden City have been honored by the state for their work to extend the Ogallala Aquifer.
