Volunteers from Celebration Community Church will be collecting non perishable food items on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Dillons East, Dillons West and Walmart from 9am-5pm. The food collected will be bagged and handed out at the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance’s Thanksgiving Day Feast on Thursday, Nov. 24, at noon at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall on East Eighth.
Celebration Pastor Kyle Ermoian said that, with the cooperation of a generous public, last year ECMA provided over 400 grocery bags of food for people in need not only on Thanksgiving Day, but for the weeks ahead.
To contribute financially, make your tax-deductible donations payable to E.C.M.A., P.O. Box 173, Hays, KS 67601. Please memo your checks “Thanksgiving Dinner.” Any extra proceeds will go into E.C.M.A.’s Second Mile Fund, which assists Ellis County needy people with food and shelter throughout the year.
Over 100 volunteers are needed to sack groceries on Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. and serve at the meal at noon on Thursday. To volunteer to help with the event, call First Call For Help at (785) 623-2800
Lee Francis Billinger, age 48, of Hutchinson, KS formerly of Ellis, KS passed away Friday, November 11, 2016 in Reno County. He was born July 24, 1968 in Hays, Kansas to Leo Francis “Red” and Rose Ann (Windholz) Billinger.
He attended Ellis Public Schools and had worked at Wal-Mart. Lee was an avid fisherman especially fishing with his grandpa and sister. He was also an excellent woodworker and craftsman.
He is survived by his mother Rose Ann Billinger and companion Pat Weilert of Hays; a sister, Melisa Parson of Hays; two nieces Katlyn Parson of Hays and Kara Parson of Wichita as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leo; his maternal grandparents, Rudolph and Catherine Windholz and his paternal grandparents, Gilbert and Alma Billinger.
Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, November 17, 2016 with family present at 10:00 AM until service time for visitation all at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637
Memorial contributions are suggested to donor’s choice in Lee’s memory.
Condolences may be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]
Honesty Sanders-photo courtesy Duane E Harvey Funeral Home
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say the death of a 4-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, girl has been classified as a homicide.
Police said in a news release that officers responding to call about an unresponsive juvenile found Honesty Sanders in May on the floor of an apartment. She was rushed to a hospital, where she later died.
The release says the suspect isn’t in custody. No other information was immediately released, including how the girl died.
This is a new column and let me explain what the title means.
About three years ago, a group of attorneys and I from across the nation, decided to write a book about the unique legal, health, and financial issues facing older adults — those 50 years old and above. Each of us picked a topic dear to us. Mine was something called life care planning, a type of practice that focuses on assisting families who are dealing with chronic care or aging issues. We submitted chapters to each other for review and editing.
It was a bruising process, some chapters were rejected, but we finished. Then, we were faced with the challenge of a good descriptive title for the book. Numerous ideas were suggested and finally the title “What You need to Know for the Second Half of Life” won the day.
So, this new column is based in part on the idea and title of that book. It will focus on issues that may be of importance to you in the second half of your life.
I am there. I am in the second half of life. I know more than ever that my decisions for planning must take into account not only legal questions, but must also coordinate and temper those decisions with a balance of my financial and health goals and conditions.
This column is intended to discuss that balance. Many times, this column may sound like a diary, or a blog. It will certainly contain stories of actual experiences along the way. Other times, it may address technical changes that I feel you should know about.
Regardless, I hope you will find it informative and sometimes fun.
Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To contact him, please send an email to [email protected]. Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.
The 86th Annual 4-H Achievement Banquet was recently held at the Ellis Co. Fairgrounds in Hays to honor Ellis Co. Heroes. 4-H recognized local law enforcement and veterans for their service to the community and country. They also recognized 4-H members, leaders and supporters.
More than 150 4-H members, their families, and special guests attended the annual awards banquet sponsored by the Ellis County 4-H Council.
Nominated as outstanding 4-H members from the 4-H clubs were:
The Senior winners were Lane Fischer and Emily George and the Junior winners were Ean Dexter and Maggie James.
Receiving several special honors for outstanding leadership in the Ellis Co. 4-H program was senior member, Lane Pfannenstiel.
Lane was awarded the Kansas 4-H Key Award, awarded to only 10% of members across Kansas for their leadership contributions. Lane was also awarded the “I Dare You” leadership award. His letter of recommendation stated “Lane’s greatest quality is his willingness to lead through service. He is always eager to lend a helping hand and volunteer. His leadership is evident, not only in his achievements, but in his character and day to day actions.” Lane was also awarded the 2016 Rosemary Smith 4-H Scholarship given by her family in memory of long time 4-H Leader Rosemary Smith.
Receiving a Gold Certificates for their Kansas Award Portfolios were Anna Kuhn – Jr. Beef; John Stremel – Jr. Bucket Calf; Kylie Dreiling – Jr Cat; Taegan Shannon – Jr. Clothing; Devlyn Jochum – Jr. Dog; Isabelle Jones – Jr. Foods; Kaleb Neher – Jr. Meat Goat; Quentin Rupp – Jr. Photography; Cyrus Vajnar – Jr. Swine; Haley Rees – Jr. Visual Arts; Lane Pfannenstiel – Sr. Beef; Ethan Jensen – Sr. Entomology; Tanner Haselhorst – Sr. Leadership; Laura Montgomery – Sr. Poultry; Jacob Schmeidler – Sr. SpaceTech; and Conrad Vajnar – Sr. Swine. Senior KAP winners will advance to the NW Area competition in January.
Wade Pfannenstiel and Victoria Lumber were recognized as the “Friends of 4-H” for their support of the Ellis County 4-H program during this past year.
Each 4-H Club in the county has the opportunity to nominate a business and an individual who they feel have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help Ellis Co. 4-H. The Ellis Co. 4-H Council makes the final decision on who to recognize as a “Friend of 4-H”.
Wade Pfannenstiel is this year’s individual Friend of 4-H. Wade has given his time and talents to improvements at the fairgrounds for many years. The nomination says “Wade has more heart and care for our county fair than most. Year after year he has dedicated his time not only to the livestock portion of the fair, but other events as well.” He was nominated by the Ellis Sunflowers and Gemini Jrs. 4-H clubs.
Jim and Becky Scheck, owners of Victoria Lumber, are this year’s business Friend of 4-H. They have supported the Fair Livestock Sale for the past few years, receiving the Top Buyer traveling trophy a number of times. They also worked to help build the new bathroom facility on the Ellis Co. Fairgrounds that will be used by many of the 4-H members. They were nominated by the Bits N Spurs and Victoria Viking 4-H clubs. The clubs wrote on their nomination forms, “Victoria Lumber and the Scheck family gave a great deal to building the new bathroom facility. It will be appreciated by all 4-H families.” Another club wrote “over the past several years, very few businesses and families have contributed as much time, effort and financial support to the betterment of 4-H in this community. They deserve a huge thank you for their generosity.”
Ellis Co. 4-H members present received their certificate of completion and were awarded their membership pins based on the number of years and level of involvement in the local and statewide 4-H program activities.
The evening concluded with the 4-H Scholarship & Development Fund holding their silent and live auctions to raise money for 4-H camp and graduating senior scholarships.
The City of Hays Utilities Department has contracted ProPipe to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the maps. Cleaning began Thursday, October 13, 2016 and will continue through November 22, 2016. The date may change due to breakdowns, weather or other problems.
On Wednesday, November 16, 2016, crews will continue working in the area from 13th St. and General Custer Rd., moving south. The area of 8th St. and Vine St. and Highway 40 Bypass and finally the area of 4th and Milner.
The Hays Area Children’s Center is having its biggest fundraiser of the year on Saturday, Nov. 19. Mike Cooper visits with executive director, Susan Bowles about the event.
With Trump winning the election some say it was a miracle, others say a nightmare.
The good news as of Wednesday, Nov. 9, far and away outweighs the bad. I will get to the bad later, but first, let’s celebrate the good. The bad is not about the election itself, but what follows.
November 9 went something like this – most incredible upset of our time, a dream come true, biggest political upset ever, stunning victory, etc.
Just before the final count early Wednesday morning declaring Trump the winner, I saw two different Americas flashing before my eyes. It was a surreal moment for me. I asked myself which America is it going to be? Is it going to be an America in further decline or an America that has the potential of being great again? It’s difficult to put into words what I was feeling living in that moment.
I will remember Tuesday, November 8 and 9, 2016, as two of the greatest days in modern American history. My grandchildren and great grandchildren may have a chance for the good life I have been blessed with.
The outcome of the election should not have been shock and awe as was the case. If mainstream media had done their job about the real issues Americans care about instead of tabloid sexual groping, Trump’s victory would have been a foregone conclusion, not a surprise.
Hillary was her own worst enemy with scandals, lies, criminal activity, etc. She wasn’t likeable, trustworthy, nor even competent, nor any major accomplishments.
Besides Hillary being her own worst enemy, Barack Obama didn’t help one bit. How does eight years of one failure after another help any presidential candidate and his non-presidential tirades just before D-Day didn’t help either.
All the negatives of Hillary and Obama and their political party became positives for Trump that put him over the top. Rural America and all the adorable deplorables like you and me had a whole lot to say about the outcome.
One of the most amazing things to me leading up to the election weeks before, was how everybody in Hays and Victoria (mostly Victoria where I live) knew the score on how to vote. Most were more informed than me. A prominent Victoria businessman and farmer said “people around here have a lot of common sense.” I say, amen, amen.
Three out of four voters in Ellis County voted Trump. Rooks County voted nine to one and the other surrounding counties also overwhelmingly voted for the Donald. 103 out of 105 counties voted the right way.
Trump’s fight to get this country back on track is just beginning. The election is over but the condemnation of our president elect by media will be worse than before November 8. Media is sharpening its knives to take him out regardless what he does for this country.
Hillary supporters will be right there with media to destroy a Trump presidency, after all the two collaborated to get her in the White House. The news I see coming from mainstream media since the election is so outrageous at times it is laughable, mostly deplorable, pun intended. Who believes that little children since the election can’t sleep at night?
I am blown away by the fact that the losers in this election are willing to shoot themselves in the foot to destroy Trump. For example, some people out of work, but wanting work, will be against Trump creating jobs. Pro lifers who voted for Hillary will be against Trump even if he reduces the number of unborn babies that are killed. Millions were completely out of touch before the election and will continue being out of touch.
Do not believe most of what you read, hear, or see coming from our not-so-free press.
Recent columns by the likes of racist Leonard Pitts and liberal Charles Haynes are prime examples. Another prime example was CBS Lesley Stahl hosting Trump on “60 Minutes” Sunday night as she came up with one negative and gotcha question after another – for 60 minutes. Thankfully, Trump stumped her time and again as he appeared to be very presidential.
There’s a whole lot of fixing that needs to take place in our government. Look at it this way. Our country has declined in the past eight years dramatically. If Trump runs this country as he campaigned on issues he could have a legacy of being a great president. Time will tell, but the potential of making America great again is there for his taking. There’s only one way to go and that is up!
The election was shock and awe and the months to come will be as well.
NEW YORK (AP) – Frank Mason III hit a short jumper with 1.3 seconds to play to give No. 7 Kansas a 77-75 victory over No. 1 Duke on Tuesday night in the State Farm Champions Classic.
The Jayhawks (1-1) beat a top-ranked team for the eighth time and this one looked a lot easier with 8 minutes to play and Kansas leading 62-50.
But the Blue Devils (2-1), despite a terrible shooting game by Grayson Allen, the leading vote-getter on The Associated Press’ preseason All-America team, managed to suddenly start hitting shots and they tied the game at 75 with 15 seconds left on a 3-pointer by Frank Jackson..
Kansas called a timeout with 8.2 seconds left and set up the game-winner.
Mason led Kansas with 21 points and freshman Josh Jackson added 15 and Devonte’ Graham had 13.
Luke Kennard led five Duke players in double figures with 22. Allen finished with 12 points on 4-for-15 shooting, including 1 of from 3-point range.
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) – After opening up the game going 1 for 6 from the field, Kansas State went on a 21-0 run to defeat Nebraska Omaha 81-68 victory on Tuesday night.
The Wildcats (2-0) were down 13-4 when the run came. DJ Johnson and Barry Brown capped the run with back-to-back 3-point plays for a 12 point lead at the 9 minute mark.
Kansas State led 42-31 at the half and ended up shooting 51 percent.
Brown finished with 15 points and Wesley Iwundu and Kamau Stokes had 14 apiece for K-State.
Stokes sandwiched a pair of 3-points around an Xavier Sneed 3 as the Wildcats opened the second half with nine quick points. Iwundu had a 3-point play at the 11:19 mark to push the lead to 20 points.
Tre-Deon Hollins led the Mavericks (1-2) with 12 points. Zach Jackson had 11 points and eight rebounds.
High fire danger is expected today with very warm temperatures, strong winds, and low relative humidities.
Today Sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy, with a south wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 20 mph.
Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. South southwest wind 5 to 11 mph becoming west in the morning.
Thursday Night A slight chance of rain after 7pm, mixing with snow after 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Breezy, with a southeast wind 6 to 11 mph becoming northwest 18 to 23 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday A slight chance of rain and snow before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Breezy, with a northwest wind 21 to 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
STANTON COUNTY – A Kansas man died in an accident just before 11p.m. on Tuesday in Stanton County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Ford Windstar driven by Edward L. Bezona, 56, Johnson, was northbound on County Road T two miles southwest of Manter.
The driver lost control of the van on the gravel road. It entered into the east ditch, rolled two times and the driver was ejected.
Bezona was pronounced dead at the scene and transported Garands Funeral Home.
He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
