TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A key question in Tuesday’s election in Kansas is how angry voters are with Republican Gov. Sam Brownback over the state’s budget woes.
The backlash could hurt Brownback’s fellow GOP conservatives in legislative races. It also could save Kansas Supreme Court justices who have been targeted for ouster by conservative Republicans and abortion opponents.
Brownback is term-limited but is a big target for both Democrats and moderate Republicans.
ARC
The high schools in Hays and Ellis will sponsor blood drives next month for the American Red Cross.
Hays High School, 2300 E. 13th, Hays, will host its blood drive Tue., Nov. 8 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Ellis High School, 1706 Monroe, Ellis, will be the site of a blood drive Thu., Nov. 10 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Blood donations may also be made at the ARC Blood Donation Center in Hays, 208 E. 8th, 1 800-733-2767.
At age 16-17 depending on state, individuals in generally good health who meet weight and height requirements may become eligible to donate blood. Please review our eligibility requirements as some states require parental consent.
In Kansas, 16-year-olds may donate with signed parental consent.
When donating, bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of ID.
Blood drive locations and hours are subject to change. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
RENO COUNTY – While investigating an October robbery, a Kansas woman was busted for distribution of marijuana.
On Thursday, Megan Drach, 27, Hutchinson, appeared at the Reno County Law Enforcement Center for an interview.
During that interview, police asked permission to search her vehicle and she declined.
But, she did indicate that she had a grinder and also a small amount of marijuana in her vehicle.
Police obtained a search warrant and found the grinder and a pipe as well as small amount of marijuana in the vehicle. But, when they searched the trunk, they found two duffel bags that contained approximately five pounds of pot.
She was arrested for distribution of marijuana, personal use drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.
Police Lt. Marty Robertson says they believe she had been dealing drugs and purchased the marijuana in Colorado from a dealer there.
As each of us ponders the choices we are about to make between now and next Tuesday, I feel compelled to offer my perspective on a few issues before us.
Dishonest and Misleading Campaign Tactics: Deception has become the norm in political campaigns these days, and that is unlikely to change. But the recent push by Kansas Democrat party operatives to paint responsible, independent-thinking Republican incumbents as close allies and lackeys of our present governor is really uncalled for. They are employing that tactic in a number of races statewide. They obviously are attempting to take advantage of multiple polls which indicate Governor Brownback is the least popular governor in the country, with favorability ratings hovering around 25%. When I learned that they were targeting my good friend and colleague Rick Billinger with their nonsense I decided I could remain silent no longer. The Democrats postcards attempt to make an issue of how frequently Rick supported the same issues as Governor Brownback. That is a gross misrepresentation of the closeness of his ties to the governor.
The plain truth is that the vast majority of legislation adopted is uncontroversial and is supported by most all legislators as well as the governor. Consider this: Democrat Senate Majority Leader Anthony Hensley voted with the Republican majority (and hence Governor Brownback) 81% of the time from 2011 to 2016. It would certainly be a stretch to characterize Senator Hensley as a close ally of the governor, and yet that is exactly the absurd charge they are attempting to make regarding Republican incumbents like Rick Billinger, who have made responsibility, independence, and responsiveness to constituents the hallmarks of their public service.
Take a quick look at the record regarding some of the key initiatives which Governor Brownback has advanced. Representative Billinger voted against the overly aggressive income tax cut which the governor pushed through in 2012. Billinger voted against the block grant school finance bill, recognizing the negative effects it would have on rural western Kansas schools. He worked diligently in 2015 and 2016 to repeal the income tax exemption for pass-through business entities such as LLCs and sole proprietorships.
Rick Billinger has served as an excellent state representative, and I am confident he will continue that record of service in the Kansas Senate. Although I am unable to vote for Rick because Lane County is in another Senatorial district, much of my House district is in the 40th Senate District, in which Rick is a candidate. For those of you who reside in Logan, Gove, Trego, Thomas, Sheridan and Graham counties, I strongly urge you to sift through the muck and reject the misinformation coming from Ricks democrat opponent and his supporters. In short: vote for Rick!
Judicial Retention: I see the same TV ads you do, so I know how difficult it is to make sense of the controversy over whether to retain appellate court judges and supreme court justices. Several high-profile murder cases are featured prominently in the ads calling for a no vote on retention. But here is a critically important point that the ads omit in an attempt to mislead. The convictions of these murderers have never been overturned! The controversy has been solely over legal issues regarding sentencing. That is much different than having their convictions overturned.
So here is what everyone needs to understand: Each of these individuals committed heinous crimes and was found guilty. They have not been released into society and they never will be. They remain locked up in prison, where some of them could once again face the death penalty. If that doesnt happen then they will rot there for the rest of their lives. They will never, ever be a threat to any Kansan again.
So why the big push to replace the judges and justices? I think I know. In fact I can use the very words of some of the supporters of nonretention to cast light on the issue. The remarks were made by some political leaders in response to the courts mandate last spring that the legislature must find the resources to address the issue of inequity of funding for public schools. The following two paragraphs are excerpted from my May 31 newsletter in which I discussed that issue:
Consider statements made by Governor Brownback and legislative leaders following release of the ruling. Governor Brownback: The court is engaging in political brinksmanship with this ruling. House Speaker Ray Merrick: The court has yet again demonstrated it is the most political body in the state of Kansas Frankly, I find their actions disgraceful and hope Kansas voters will remember this in November when deciding whether these justices should be retained. Senate President Susan Wagle: Certainly this unconstitutional overreach, and making students the collateral damage of judicial activism, should weigh heavily on the minds of all Kansas voters when many of these justices are up for retention in November.”
These statements appear to confirm what I have long suspected. The constitutional crisis has been purposely crafted by Governor Brownback and legislative leadership in an attempt to discredit the judiciary. They hope to turn the Kansas voting public against the judiciary prior to the November election when five of the justices must stand for retention vote. The future of Kansas school children and everyone associated with K-12 education has been placed at risk as a result of the crass political scheming of these individuals and not through actions of the court. Certainly it took a great amount of courage for the justices to ignore the reality that their decision might lead to their removal from office and instead to perform what they perceived as their constitutional duty.
I understand how emotional this issue has been for the family and friends of the victims of these despicable individuals. That is very unfortunate. But it is equally unfortunate, and frankly disgusting, that some parties would use the misery of these families for crass political gain. Please do not be deceived. This is not about the sentencing of a handful of societal misfits; it is instead about continued adequate and equitable funding for our schools. In my opinion all five Supreme Court justices deserve to be retained, including Justice Caleb Stegall, the lone appointee of Governor Brownback. I know Justice Stegall well enough to know he possesses a keen legal mind. I believe he brings important philosophical balance to the bench, and I urge the retention of him and all four of his colleagues.
Constitutional Amendment Protecting the Right to Hunt and Fish: This issue has been flying under the radar somewhat, but there is some confusion about the issue, and I believe it is important that we get it right. It started last session when the National Rifle Association requested introduction of a resolution to place before the voters of Kansas the question of whether the right to hunt and fish should be made part of the Kansas Constitution.
It first appeared before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, of which I am a member. We passed the proposal out overwhelmingly, and it was subsequently passed by a large majority in both the House and Senate and now is before the people of Kansas to decide.
So is such an amendment really necessary? Not today, no. But we know that Kansas continues to grow more urbanized, and that the numbers of citizens who hunt and fish are not growing. That presents the possibility that some future Kansas legislature may one day decide to outlaw one or both activities. This amendment is designed to prevent that eventuality, and a number of states have already adopted just such an amendment.
Nothing changes if the amendment passes. Every hunter or fisher will still have to abide by regulations adopted by the legislature and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. All laws regarding trespass and access to state waters must still be respected. But adoption of the amendment will ensure that future generations of Kansas hunters and fishers will enjoy the same access to their hobby that we do today. For those of us eagerly anticipating the opening of pheasant season on November 12, that is a pretty big deal.
Unopposed: My own quest for re-election to the Kansas House of Representatives is pretty much assured, as I was unopposed in the August primary and am also unopposed for the general election next Tuesday. I would like to think the lack of opposition indicates support by the voters of the 118th district, and with some that is no doubt true. But perhaps some would-be challengers were simply deterred by the daunting task of campaigning in a nine-county district which is larger than the entire state of Connecticut! At any rate, I am thankful to serve the citizens of the 118th for two more years, and I am eager to get back to Topeka and begin working on the many challenges our state is facing. I would be grateful for your vote on Tuesday.
Video by Harrison Brent, Eagle Communications
Scattered light showers are possible today through tonight and will bring only modest rainfall totals of half an inch or less. By Monday evening, any lingering rain should be departing off to the southeast, paving the way for a dry rest of the week.
The upcoming week involves a continuation of above-normal temperatures. Generally speaking, highs on most days, including today, will average in the 60’s, while overnight lows on most nights will average in the 30’s and 40’s with Tuesday night currently looking like the overall-coldest night of the week.
Today: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. South wind 8 to 18 mph.
Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind 6 to 11 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 64. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 41. North wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 7 to 11 mph.
Think pumpkins are only good for Halloween decorations? Think again! Pumpkins offer far more than seasonal decor. They are a delicious source of vitamins, minerals and great flavor. Consider preserving uncarved pumpkins for future recipes before a solid freeze reduces them to front-yard mush.
This is also the prime time to buy pumpkins at seasonal prices. For best preserved quality, look for sugar or pie pumpkins– better for cooking and baking– rather than the big jack-o-lantern pumpkins which produce a paler and more watery product.
Here are some ideas for preserving pumpkin from USDA and the National Center for Home Food Preservation:
1. Freeze- Rather Than Can- Pureed Pumpkin. Food preservation enthusiasts are advised to freeze, rather than can, mashed or pureed pumpkin and pumpkin butter. Home canning is NOT recommended for pumpkin butter or any mashed or pureed pumpkin due to the density and slow heat penetration of the thick puree. The only recommended directions from USDA for canning pumpkin (and any other winter squash) are for cubed pumpkin. In fact, the directions for preparing the product include the statement, “Caution: Do not mash or puree.”
2. Canning Cubed Pumpkin. Only pressure canning methods are recommended for canning cubed pumpkin. Pumpkins are low-acid vegetables capable of supporting growth of Clostridium botulinum bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illness (botulism) and death. To be safe, all low acid foods, including pumpkin, must be canned using tested pressure canning processes.
An average of 16 pounds of pumpkin is needed per canner load of 7 quarts; an average of 10 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints. Small size pumpkins (sugar or pie varieties) make better products. Wash; remove seeds, cut into 1-inch-wide slices, and peel. Cut flesh into 1-inch cubes. Boil 2 minutes in water. Caution: Do not mash or puree. Fill jars with hot cubes and cover with cooking liquid, leaving 1-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process following USDA recommendations at www.homefoodpreservation.com/how/can_04/pumpkin_winter_squash.html. At most Ellis County altitudes, process pints of cubed pumpkin 55 minutes at 12 pounds pressure; quarts are processed 90 minutes.
3. Freezing Pumpkin. Freezing is the easiest way to preserve pumpkin, and it yields the best quality product. Wash, cut into cooking-size sections and remove seeds. Cook until soft in boiling water, in steam, in a pressure cooker, or in an oven. Cool until able to handle. Remove pulp from rind and mash or puree. Pack into rigid containers leaving headspace, and freeze.
4. Pumpkin Preserves. Most fruits have natural acids so resulting sweet spreads can be safely canned in a boiling water bath process. Pumpkin, however, is a low acid vegetable and cannot be safely canned in the boiling water bath process. Consequently, USDA does NOT offer recommendations for safely canning pumpkin preserves (jams, jellies, conserves, or pumpkin butter) and storing them at room temperature. These pumpkin products must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and treated the same as fresh pumpkin products.
5. Think Safety. Think safety when planning to preserve pumpkins. As a low acid vegetable, pumpkin requires special attention for preparation and processing. Use excellent sanitation in handling the fresh or preserved pumpkin. Do not let cut pumpkin sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours during preparation. Preserve following only approved USDA guidelines.
For more information and step-by-step directions for preserving pumpkin, call the Ellis County Extension Office at 785-628-9430 and ask for the Extension publication “Preserve It Fresh, Preserve it Safe- Vegetables” or download from the K-State Research and Extension Bookstore at www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu. Use the search function to locate Extension publications of interest.
Linda K. Beech is Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.
The Fort Hays State University Small Business Development Center, Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development, along with Insurance Planning Inc. and the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting “Operating Under the Affordable Care Act; Business Owner Considerations” from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at FHSU’s Robbins Center.
Affordable Care Act regulations continue to impact both small and large companies as they plan for 2017 and look for ways to grow their businesses. This health care forum is an opportunity to educate business owners — big and small — on how recent legislation will affect them and their employees, and what options are out there for them.
Representatives from Allied Health, BCBS of Kansas and Brungardt Hower Ward Elliott and Pfeifer will serve as panelists.
While the forum is free, RSVPs are requested to https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/22398.
To learn more, contact Aaron White at (785) 628-3102 or [email protected].
By MEGAN WINGERTER
Babies in midsize Kansas counties were more likely to die before their first birthdays than those in counties with larger or smaller populations, according to the 2016 Kids Count report.
The annual report, produced by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, compares states and counties on a variety of measures related to children’s health, financial well-being and educational prospects. In some cases, the most recent data was from 2015, while in others it was from 2014.
Statewide, infant mortality fell from 6.2 deaths for every 1,000 live births in 2011 to 5.9 deaths in 2015. Some areas continued to struggle with persistently high rates, however.
About 7.8 babies died for every 1,000 live births in “densely settled rural” counties in Kansas, which is more than 30 percent higher than the statewide average of 5.9 deaths, according to the report. Densely settled rural areas have 20 to 40 residents per square mile and include counties like Doniphan, Cherokee, Sumner and Finney.
Babies in “frontier” areas, which have fewer than six residents per square mile, were the most likely to survive until their first birthday. Urban-born babies were at higher risk than those born in frontier areas but still had lower risk than those in dense rural areas.
Christy Schunn, executive director of the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network, says the rate in dense rural areas could be higher because of the small number of births in those counties. It also could reflect higher poverty rates or a lack of health education and resources, she says.
“There are some places in southeast Kansas where they don’t have a place to go buy a crib,” she says. “Maybe they’re getting prenatal care, but there’s a barrier to us getting the Safe Sleep program there.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 15 percent of infant deaths result from an unsafe sleeping environment, such as sharing a bed with a parent or using a soft mattress. Babies also are at risk if mothers smoked or used other drugs during pregnancy. Some also die as the result of medical conditions, accidents or abuse.
Increasing access to early care
Infant mortality rates can vary dramatically from year to year, but some counties have tracked consistently in recent years. For example, the infant mortality rate was higher than the statewide rate in Ford County, a dense rural county, four of the last five years.
Angela Sowers, administrator at the Ford County Health Department, says while she isn’t certain why that rate is higher, the area’s large immigrant population may be a factor. Some women aren’t aware of prenatal care or aren’t sure where to get it, particularly if they don’t speak English fluently, she says.
“Some of the population we see might not even seek prenatal care until the last trimester,” she says.
The health department has outreach programs to try to find women who don’t know where to go for care and offers translation services and free visits to those who qualify, Sowers says. They also use other programs, like nutrition assistance, to keep the families connected to the health care system after a baby is born, she says.
Beth Brown, health officer for Jefferson County, another dense rural area, says the health department there noticed the infant mortality rate was rising and is working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to determine the reason.
The Jefferson County Health Department also has worked to provide information to pregnant women about the importance of early prenatal care and breastfeeding, Brown says. It also is helping low-income women to sign up for Medicaid coverage and the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program, she says.
“Obviously we’re concerned with the steady increase,” she says.
Different counties, different threats
Kansas teens face different health dangers based on where they live, according to the Kids Count report. Teens in rural and frontier areas were more likely to die as a result of traffic wrecks, suicide or homicide, according to the Kids Count data.
Overall, however, Kansas teens were less likely to die from violence or a wreck in 2014 than in 2010, possibly reflecting a nationwide downward trend in traffic deaths.
Urban children were the most likely to be hospitalized for mental health issues, though it isn’t clear if they were more likely to be ill or just treated more aggressively. The rate of mental health hospitalizations rose from 2011 to 2015.
Urban kids were less likely to be uninsured or live in poverty than children in less populated areas, but frontier children were the most likely to have all of their immunizations. All three measures — for insurance, poverty and immunization — improved over the previous four years.
About 17.2 percent of Kansas children were living below the poverty line in 2015, down from about 21 percent in 2011. The percentage of children without health insurance also fell from about 6.4 percent to 5.1 percent.
Meg Wingerter is a reporter for KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team. You can reach her on Twitter @meganhartMC
SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County are investigating an armed robbery and officer involved shooting.
Just after 6:30 p.m. on Saturday police responded to report of an armed robbery at a convenience store at 2518 NE Seward in Topeka, according to a media release.
Initial responding officers determined that a black male suspect, dressed in black had entered the store, displayed a handgun, demanded money from a store employee and fled the scene in a blue vehicle.
Officers located a vehicle matching the description near SE 2nd and SE Davies.
As officers approached, two suspects fled the vehicle. One 28-year-old suspect was arrested. Officers set up a perimeter to search for the second suspect.
Just after 7:40 p.m., officers located the suspect near the 100 Block of NE Woodruff Avenue.
In an attempt to make an arrest, the suspect and the officer exchanged gunfire.
A detective from the Topeka police and the suspect were wounded. They were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The officer is reported in fair condition, according to police.
The officers involved were placed on administrative leave.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Skyler Howard threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more scores to lead No. 14 West Virginia to a 48-21 victory over Kansas on Saturday night, sending the Jayhawks to their 40th straight road loss.
Justin Crawford ran for 129 yards and a score, and freshman Kennedy McKoy had 127 yards for the Mountaineers (7-1, 4-1 Big 12, No. 20 CFP).
The pair shared the rushing load in place of Rushel Shell, who missed the game with an ankle injury sustained a week ago.
West Virginia bounced back from a 37-20 loss at Oklahoma State by piling up 605 yards of offense against the Jayhawks (1-8, 0-6), who lost their 18th straight conference game.
Howard completed 16 of 27 passes for 260 yards and helped restore the Mountaineers’ momentum heading into a tough four-week stretch that includes home games against No. 12 Oklahoma on Nov. 19 and No. 13 Baylor on Dec. 3.
Kansas hasn’t won on the road since beating UTEP in September 2009.
THE TAKEAWAY
Kansas: The Jayhawks didn’t get off to the fast start that coach David Beaty had hoped for. Kansas trailed 31-0 at halftime. The Jayhawks will have one more chance this season to break the road futility streak on Nov. 26 at Kansas State, which hasn’t lost to Kansas at home since 2007.
West Virginia: The Mountaineers kept pace with first-place Oklahoma by doing what they was expected to do against heavy-underdog Kansas — score early and often and play respectable defense. Rasul Douglas made two interceptions, but a late surge by Kansas halted the Mountaineers’ streak of four straight games of limiting opponents under 400 total yards.
UP NEXT
Kansas heads home to play Iowa State next Saturday. The teams are tied for last place in the Big 12.
West Virginia heads to Texas, which is coming off a 47-37 win at Texas Tech.
JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An aggressive push to unseat a majority of the Kansas Supreme Court in Tuesday’s election has increased scrutiny of the commission that would screen applicants bidding to replace ousted justices.
Supporters of the four targeted justices say it’s an attempt by conservatives to give Republican Gov. Sam Brownback control of the seven-member court.
The ouster effort’s leaders have countered by pointing to the Supreme Court Nominating Commission’s role in replacing any justice. The nine-member commission would screen applicants and name three finalists for each vacancy for the governor to consider.
Five commission members are lawyers elected by other lawyers.
The debate over removing the four targeted justices comes amid a backlash against the term-limited governor and his allies over the state’s ongoing budget problems
By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
Hays, Kan. – Fort Hays State held No. 1 Northwest Missouri State 205 yards and 24 points below their season average, but were held to a season low 197 yards and lost 28-7 Saturday afternoon at Lewis Field. It’s the fewest points and yards for Northwest (10-0) this season, but the Bearcats clinch at least a share of the MIAA title with their 25-straight win, the longest streak in all of college football. It’s also their 13th-straight win over the Tigers dating back to 1978.
Chris Brown Postgame Press Conference
Postgame Player Interviews (Alex Schmidtberber, Layne Bieberle, Mason Dickey)
Game Highlights
The Tigers (6-4) were 0-for-14 on third down and held to 74 rushing yards.
Northwest Missouri state scored on a pick-six on the Tigers first possession of the game. They added another touchdown following a short FHSU punt which gave them the ball as the Tigers 35. The Bearcats also blocked two field goal attempts and led 14-0 at the half.
The Tigers played most of the game without starting quarterback Jacob Mezera who injured his shoulder on the second possession of the game and never returned. Backup Brad Schencker completed 10-of-27 passes for 150 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
He engineered a five-play, 75-yard drive in the fourth quarter after Northwest had built a 21-0 lead. Schencker hit Bilal Salat on a 65-yard strike then found freshman Layne Bieberle in the corner of the end zone to pull the Tigers within 14 points.
Northwest quarterback Kyle Zimmerman, who came into the game with 31 touchdown passes and no interceptions, threw two picks, one by Raheeme Dumas and the other by Jose Delgado. Zimmerman threw one TD pass but never had a completion longer than 24 yards the entire game.
Alex Schmidtberger led the Tigers with 16 tackles to move into third place in the Division II era.
