Hays, Kansas -Twila Mae Befort, age 78, died Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at her home in Hays, Kansas.
She was born October 2, 1938, in Gorham, Kansas to Harry and Clara (Hoffman) Goetz. She married Marvin F. Befort on October 6, 1956, at Gorham, Kansas. He died June 6, 2012.
She and her husband owned and operated M & V Flooring in Hays until they retired. She was raised in Gorham and attended Gorham High School. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, V.F.W. Auxiliary and past president all of Hays.
Survivors include two sons, Douglas Befort and wife, Sydney, Morrison, CO; Daryl Befort, Hays, KS; one granddaughter, Dannique Duran; one great granddaughter, Eve Duran; one sister, Paulette Goetz, Las Vegas, NV.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Mary Stafford and Harriet “Herby” Goetz.
Services are 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 21, 2016, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas. Inurnment will be in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery Munjor, Kansas at a later date.
A Daughters of Isabella Rosary and a V.F.W. Auxiliary memorial services will be at 6:00 P.M. Sunday, followed by a vigil service is at 7:30 P.M. Sunday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Visitation is from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Monday, at the church.
Memorials to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery.
Condolences and be left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via
e-mail to [email protected].
PITTSBURG – Following an intensive four-day investigation and search, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Linn County Sheriff’s office found two bodies late Tuesday night buried on a rural property west of Pittsburg, Kansas.
The bodies recovered are believed to be Pleasanton residents, Betty Mcnabb, 87, and Kenneth Mcnabb, 65.
Autopsies and official identification are pending.
David Mcnabb, 31, Pittsburg was arrested Monday for second-degree murder, criminal desecration of a body, and interference with a law enforcement officer.
The agencies assisting with this investigation were the Crawford County Sheriff’s office, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Overland Park Police Department Dive Team, the Missouri Search and Rescue K-9 Unit, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.
By RANDY GONZALES FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Music lovers will be in for a treat Thursday when an accomplished musician — and Fort Hays State University graduate — is in Hays to perform. Doug Miller, a tenor saxophonist, will perform as a guest soloist with both of FHSU’s jazz ensembles at a 7:30 p.m. concert at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall.
Miller was in Hays in March with the Count Basie Orchestra as part of FHSU’s Encore Series. While in town, he reconnected with Brad Dawson, who was a student at Fort Hays State at the same time as Miller, a 1974 graduate in music education. Dawson, assistant professor of music at FHSU, organizes the concert performances on campus. He asked Miller to come back and perform with the jazz ensembles.
“It’s exciting for me; being back there in March was really exciting,” said Miller, who now lives in Virginia Beach, Va. “I hadn’t been back to Fort Hays State since the early 1980s. When I was back in March, that was a real treat.
“Now, to come back again and interact with some of the music students there is pretty important for me,” he added. “I remember when I was a student in the music department. Being able to talk to and interact musically with professional musicians was a rare treat.”
Miller will get a chance to interact with FHSU students in rehearsal for the concert.
“He will get along fine with the students,” Dawson said. “They will really enjoy his playing and enjoy visiting with him.”
Miller, who grew up in Grambling, La., followed his older brother, Clarence, to Hays. Clarence went to boarding school at St. Joseph’s Military Academy, now known as Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. Miller saw his older brother returning home for the holidays in his uniform with shiny ribbons and decided he wanted to go to school there, too.
While in high school, the Miller brothers formed a band called “The Soulful Seven.” The band gained notoriety, winning a contest to go to Hollywood to record some songs. After graduating from SUMA, Doug Miller decided to go to college at Fort Hays State so he could stay in the band.
Miller remembers being pushed to become better by Lyle Dilley, a longtime professor of music at Fort Hays State.
“He saw some potential in me (and) he was motivated to single me out sometimes, push me harder,” Miller said.
Miller said his time in Hays led him to understand what career path to take.
“My whole involvement in music, that was a pivotal point in my life,” he said. “When I made the decision I wanted to become a professional musician, it was there.”
Miller has been a member of the Count Basie Orchestra since 1989, traveling the world performing for jazz aficionados.
“Playing with the Count Basie Orchestra is a thrill because the level of musicianship is very, very high,” Miller said. “The band has such a legacy of being one of the greatest jazz bands ever.
“Even after Count Basie’s death, we still have a responsibility that our performances keep a high standard,” he added. “It’s a challenge and a responsibility to continue the legacy.”
Dawson said jazz “is purely American music, the place where it all started.”
“I think it’s important that this music be part of the culture here in Hays and western Kansas, so people can experience it live,” Dawson said.
Miller first played the clarinet growing up, and didn’t switch to the saxophone until he was in junior high school. There’s just something about the sax and jazz, Miller said.
“The sound of the saxophone is a very exciting sound,” Miller said. “It’s very intense and has a wide range of musical expression.”
Tickets for the concert are on sale at the door on Thursday. They are $6 for adults, $4 for senior citizens. Students of all ages will be admitted free.
GEARY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Geary County are investigating the driver of a truck involved in Tuesday’s fatal Interstate 70 accident.
Steven Johnson, 42, Houston, Texas, has been arrested on two counts of suspicion of Involuntary Manslaughter while Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, plus one count each of Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, and Improper Driving on Laned Roadway, according to the Geary County Sheriff’s Department booking report.
Johnson is expected to have a first appearance in Geary County District Court on Wednesday.
A Kansas woman and her daughter died in the accident.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 International Truck driven by Johnson was eastbound on Interstate 70 six miles east of U.S. 77 when it entered the median and onto westbound lanes and struck a 2006 Ford 500 driven by Jessica Michelle Thompson Junction City.
Tuesday’s fatal I-70 crash photo courtesy WIBW-TV
Thompson and her 5-year-old daughter Leah Michelle Thompson were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Penwell Gable Mortuary.
An emergency medical team flew the driver’s 6-year-old son Jaydon Allan Thompson to Wesley Medical Center.
Johnson, who was not wearing a seat belt, was not injured, according to the KHP.
The crash shut down westbound lanes of Interstate 70 at Grandview Plaza most of Tuesday afternoon.
WAKEENEY–This year marks the 25th anniversary of Worcester Wreath Company, Harrington, Maine, donating wreaths to adorn the headstones of our nation’s veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to wreaths destined for Virginia, Worcester Wreath will again donate seven ceremonial wreaths to more than 1,100 local, state, national and foreign cemeteries.
The 11th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney will be held Sat., Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.
We are not here to “decorate graves.” We’re here to remember not their deaths, but their lives.
—Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America
Donations are being accepted for the wreathes placed on individual graves. Each wreath is $15. Checks should be made payable to Wreaths Across America and mailed to Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, P.O. Box 185, WaKeeney, KS 67672. Donations will be accepted through Fri., Nov. 18.
We would like to thank all those who have so generously donated money to purchase wreaths for individual graves.
Last year our cemetery received enough donations to place a wreath on every grave. Our goal this yer is 390 wreaths.
The specially-made wreaths for Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA veterans will be placed during the Dec. 17 ceremony.
Family members have the opportunity following the ceremony to place a wreath on their loved one’s grave. If family members are unable to attend, the American Legion Riders and other volunteers will place the wreaths on those graves.
For more information, call Cemetery Manager Heidi Goff at (785) 743-5685.
GREENWOOD COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities in Greenwood County continue to search for two suspects after a Monday high-speed chase that left a deputy injured.
The suspects identified as Billy Dale Baker, 32, 5’10” 230 lbs and Kristen Hunter, 5’5″, dark brown hair and wearing a dark colored shirt, thin build ran on foot following a high-speed chase with a stolen vehicle near 210 and X Roads south of Hamilton, Kansas, according a media release.
Baker is also wanted in connection to violent crimes committed in Missouri and should be considered Armed and Dangerous.
The suspects have connections to Greenwood County, Johnson County, and the Coyville area of Wilson County Kansas.
Anyone with information is asked contact the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office at 620-583-5568 or dial 911
The injured deputy was transported for treatment at the hospital in Eureka and released.
Please be advised that beginning Wednesday, November 16, 2016, the intersection at 20th and Oak will be reopened to traffic while 21st & Oak intersection will be closed.
The intersection will be closed for an estimated two weeks. Oak Street will be closed during working hours with restricted traffic in the evening hours. The project is scheduled to be completed by April 1, 2017 (pending weather conditions).
Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. The traveling public should use caution and if at all possible avoid these areas.
The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Planning, Inspection, and Enforcement Division at (785) 628-7310 or the contractor, J-Corp, at (785) 628-8101.
TCHS students participate in Community Appreciation Day.
By STACIE MINSON WaKeeney
WAKEENEY–Community Appreciation Day was observed Tue., Oct. 26 in WaKeeney by Trego Community High School with 117 students and 25 adult sponsors participating.
Crews helped with 95 different projects in WaKeeney, including raking leaves, painting, doing fall yard work, picking up trash, washing windows and cleaning out basements.
The students also asked for donations to the local food pantry.
The WaKeeney VFW Post and WaKeeney VFW Auxiliary #3449 gave a monetary donation and the students were able to go the grocery store. The students did comparison shopping to get the most items for their money, all of which went to the food pantry.
TCHS students participate in Community Appreciation Day.
As much as I tried to stay off social media last week, I must admit, my efforts failed. The election results brought many strong, real, and diverse emotions to our nation. But underneath those emotions, I see us all seeking to find common ground in order to move forward and make progress.
Transition to alternative energy sources is now economically-driven and can be one of the unifiers we need. CEP’s newest initiative – the Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) forges the middle ground for growing advanced energy jobs by attracting and retaining businesses that seek affordable clean energy in KS and the Greater KC area. CEBC will help businesses capitalize on homegrown energy by making it easier for businesses to access alternative energy options.
Today’s businesses thrive through corporate stewardship and through a new, mutually-beneficial relationship between profit and environmental sustainability. Clean energy provides businesses the affordable, reliable, long-term energy sources they need to competitively satisfy their customers. The Clean Energy Business Council is a platform that ensures our region reaps the benefits of clean energy. The council will achieve its success through diverse educational materials, engaging events, networking opportunities and solution-oriented regulatory and policy work. Learn about joining the Council by clicking here!
Who can join CEBC:
Businesses who share our commitment to leading the advanced energy transformation
Renewable energy industry leaders
Energy efficiency industry leaders
Community groups and nonprofits
Local governments and policymakers
Researchers and educational institutions
Olga Khakova is Program Director for the Climate and Energy Project, Hutchinson.
SHAWNEE COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County are investigating a suspect after a Tuesday standoff at a home in Topeka.
Just after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, police responded to a home in the 3700 Block of Southeast Humboldt after report of a domestic dispute, according to a media release.
The suspect barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to come out.
After a few hours of negotiation, Kevin Roy Chandler, 58, was taken into custody and booked into the Shawnee County jail on charges of kidnapping, domestic battery, violation of a protection order, criminal threat, stalking and driving without a license.
Hays, Kansas -Twila Mae Befort, age 78, died Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at her home in Hays, Kansas.
We would like to thank all those who have so generously donated money to purchase wreaths for individual graves.
CITY OF HAYS
Who can join CEBC:
