We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Year: 2016

LETTER: Setting the record straight in 40th District race

Posted on

Billinger, R-Goodland
Billinger, R-Goodland
I just read the negative mailer sent out by my Democrat opponent attacking me. It saddens me that someone would send these types of mailers based on misinformation and fear.  My campaign will not go down this road, and I will continue to put out my positive message.

I am a common sense, conservative with a solid record of support for Western Kansas. Many of you are familiar with my record in the House of Representatives and remember my weekly information articles, which are provided to all newspapers within my district explaining issues and the process of the legislature. I believe it’s my duty to explain the issues and their importance to Western Kansas and our entire state.

To set the record straight, in 2012, I voted against the Brownback tax cuts, which went too far too fast and led to the State’s credit downgrades and a deficit and shortfall in revenues.

I voted twice to fix the income tax and LLC loopholes the last two sessions. I voted no on the budget last year due to the fact it was not balanced. I voted yes to fix KPERS. KPERS was on the verge of bankruptcy. I did vote no against the block grants for our schools. I even voted twice to override Gov. Brownback’s vetoes. Some of my yes votes were to keep schools open, funds for K-12 and higher education, raises for prison guards, and yes to outlaw dismemberment of the unborn.

Some of these votes were the same as Republicans, some the same as Democrats, and some were signed into law by the Governor. But I consider every vote taken seriously. My rapport with my colleagues in the House is respected and seen as a strong, honest voice for Western Kansas. I am able to work with the different factions within the legislature.

You can rest assured that 100% of the time I will vote for my constituents in Western Kansas.

Please remember when you hear or read these negative ads they do not tell the entire story or may not be telling the true story at all. If you have any questions on my voting record please feel free to contact me by email or telephone and I would be more than happy to discuss the issues with you.

Thank you for taking the time to find out the truth. It would be an honor and pleasure to serve the 40th District.

Thank you and God Bless You.

Richard (Rick) Billinger

FHSU women’s soccer uses thrilling shootout victory to advance in MIAA Tournament

Posted on

HAYS, Kan. – The 21st-ranked Fort Hays State women’s soccer team advanced to the semifinal round of the MIAA Tournament after a nail-biting shootout victory over Missouri Western on Wednesday. The game officially goes down as a 0-0 draw, but the shootout determined the advancing team. That being the case, Fort Hays State is now 14-3-2 overall, while MWSU moved to 11-7-1 overall.

It was a defensive battle all night for both teams. In regulation, both teams managed to get off nine shots but neither could produce a goal. Both goalkeepers were outstanding as FHSU’s Abbie Flax was able to stop five shots and MWSU’s Lexie Martin stopped four.

The match-saving play for the Tigers came late in the second half when a Griffon forward took a one touch and sent it to the bottom right corner of the Tiger goal from about ten yards out. Flax reacted quickly diving to her left to barely get her fingertips on the ball and push it to the outside the post.

After a scoreless 90 minutes the Tiger faithful at FHSU Soccer Stadium were treated to free soccer. In the first overtime period, the Tigers managed to outshoot the Griffons 3-0. Neither team could get anything going after 110 minutes and the shootout ensued.

The Tigers took the first kick of the night and Silvana Romero set the tone. She rifled a shot in the upper part of the goal the Griffon keeper had no chance on. After the equalizer from the Griffons, Dani Harris took to the line for the Tigers and she delivered going to the left side just inside the post past the diving keeper. Once again Missouri Western kept the pressure on and knotted the count at 2-2. Hannah Smith stepped to the line and fooled the keeper, who dove the opposite direction, sending her try inside the right post. With the Tigers leading 3-2 Abbie Flax stepped up and made a save to give the Tigers an edge. The Missouri Western shooter Ahslyn Powers sent a ball to Flax’s right side and did not get enough angle on it as Flax caught and controlled it. With the one-point lead, freshman Darby Hirsch showed maturity sending a shot inside the right post extending the FHSU lead to 4-2. After the Griffons pulled within one, Thayla Dwyer stepped to the line. Dwyer showed no signs of nerves and buried the fifth attempt to advance the Tigers by the score of 5-3 in the shootout.

Next up for the Tigers is No. 3 seed Central Oklahoma as they handled Emporia State earlier in the day by the score of 2-0. The final two rounds of the tournament will be held at top-seeded Central Missouri  on Friday. The Jennies blanked Washburn 4-0.

FHSU Sports Information

Sunny, mild Thursday

Posted on


screen-shot-2016-11-03-at-5-52-58-amA dry end to the work week will give way to improving chances for precipitation over the weekend.

Today Sunny, with a high near 72. North northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph after midnight.

FridaySunny, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 44. South southwest wind around 6 mph.

SaturdayA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. South wind 6 to 13 mph.

Saturday NightA 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

SundayA 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 66.

Sunday NightA 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 49.

MondayA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.

2 Kansas suspects enter pleas in unusual burglary case

Posted on
Tooker-photo Kan. Dept. of Corrections
Tooker-photo Kan. Dept. of Corrections

HUTCHINSON — Two of four people found asleep on the floor of an apartment where they were not invited and allegedly took items from that apartment, entered pleas in the case Wednesday.

Shane Tooker, 43, and Michelle Mullins, 49, were both charged with burglary of a dwelling entered pleas to attempted burglary as well as a second charge of felony theft.

In early September, a Hutchinson woman says she came home found four people asleep in her apartment. She apparently told the four to get out of her apartment and then discovered items missing including a stereo, clothing and food.

She may have known at least one of the four, according to police.

The four were later found at a home in the 300 block of East B Street and arrested for burglary and theft.

That included 50-year-old Sherri Lemonds, 40-year-old Brenda Caylor and 49-year-old Michelle Mullins.

Sentencing in the case against Tooker and Mullins will be in December.

KHP: 2 adults, 5-year-old hospitalized after collision

Posted on

RENO COUNTY – Three people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. on Wednesday in Reno County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Journey driven by Emily Lynne Cavillo, 37, Hutchinson, was northbound on Kansas 14 in the right lane at Trail West Road.

The front of the vehicle struck the right front of a 2010 Chevy HHR driven by Robert M. Park, 85, Harper, that was eastbound on the crossover attempting to cross the lane.

Cavillo and a passenger in the Dodge Peyten J. Bennett-Calvillo, 5, Hutchinson, were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Park was transported to Wesley Medical Center.

All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

President Obama among those praising World Series Champs

Posted on

CHICAGO (AP) — Next year has finally arrived for long-suffering Chicago Cubs fans.

At exactly 11:47 p.m. local time Wednesday, the Cubs won the World Series title that had eluded them for 108 years.

As the game ended, the roar from inside the bars and the throng of fans on the streets was deafening, before the crowds both inside and out sang “go Cubs go” at the top of their lungs.

 

 

Thousands poured into the neighborhood around the ball park to celebrate in the shadows of the statues of Cubs greats Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo and legendary announcer Harry Caray.

Fans hugged each other, many of them crying.

For the first time in more than a century there was no need to say, “Wait until next year.”

Ben Zobrist, who won the title with the Kansas City Royals last season, was named the series MVP.

 

Police: 3rd suspect arrested for Kansas home invasion robbery

Posted on

Home-Invasion-jpgDOUGLAS COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities in Douglas County are investigating a home-invasion robbery and have arrested a third suspect.

Mike Logan, 21, Lawrence is being held in the Douglas County jail in connection with a residential robbery that occurred in the 700 block of Ash Street on October 19, according to a media release.

He is charge with aggravated robbery.

Two other suspects, 20-year-old Antonio A. Esparza and 21-year-old Joshua H. Fairbanks are also currently in custody.

Officers learned that three suspects entered the residence, each armed with a firearm and demanded money from occupants.

A physical struggle ensued between the victims and the suspects.

During the struggle, one of the suspects was injured. All three suspects fled the scene before officers arrived.

Logan is being held without bond.

Sheriff: Suspect wanted for questioning in Kan. triple-murder

Posted on
Nelson-photo Kan. Dept. of Corrections
Nelson-photo Kan. Dept. of Corrections

HARVEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are looking for a suspect in connection with Sunday’s triple murder in Harvey County.

Jeremy Lee Nelson, 34, is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Nelson has previous convictions for drugs, burglary and firearms charges in Sedgwick and Butler County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office continue the investigation into the murder of Travis Street, 33; Angela Graevs, 37, from a rural residence on North Springlake Road and Richard Prouty, 52, Newton.

Their bodies were found Sunday evening in the 8600 block of North Spring Lake Road, in the driveway of a rural Harvey County residence.

Windmill is FHSU Agribusiness Club’s final contribution

Posted on
fhsu-windmill-installation-web
Garrett Balsick installs the windmill at the FHSU University Farm.

By RANDY GONZALES
FHSU University Relations and Marketing

The iconic windmill dots the western Kansas prairie. Thanks to a student organization at Fort Hays State University, a new connection to the past is there for all to see at the University Farm.

In order to consolidate organizations with similar goals, the Agribusiness Club dissolved at the end of the spring semester of 2016. The club wanted its remaining $2,500 to go toward a worthwhile project. The members decided to have an antique windmill restored and place it on the University Farm.

“My family and I deal with windmills a lot,” said Garrett Balsick, who graduated in May and was the president of the Agribusiness Club. “I thought it would be a pretty neat memento to have an antique windmill at the farm.”

Old windmills have been part of the Balsick family for generations. Balsick’s grandfather started it all by buying windmills and now has 35 of them in his yard.

“He just wanted a retirement project,” Balsick said. “He couldn’t afford tractors, so he went with windmills.”

The family has one of the biggest windmill collections in Colorado, and family members travel to the annual International Windmiller’s Trade Fair every year.

“It’s just been a part of my life, ever since I’ve been little,” Balsick said. “Every year that’s been our vacation, go to the International Windmiller’s Trade Fair.”

Balsick bought several windmills at Hill City and took them to the family farm outside Calhan, Colo. He worked on restoring one of them on and off all summer before finally completing the project in late September. He then moved the windmill to the University Farm in October. Balsick figured he put in about 250 man-hours restoring the decorative windmill.

A plaque is planned to be installed next to the windmill, noting it was donated by the Agribusiness Club.

“We thought it was an excellent way to show our heritage,” said Dr. Craig Smith, associate professor of agriculture, who was the advisor for Agribusiness Club. “Here in western Kansas, windmills still dot the landscape and are a very important part of our agricultural heritage. What better way to show that?”

Members of the Agribusiness Club serviced lawnmowers every spring for the last five years as a fundraiser. Most of that money went to the windmill project.

“It’s really the students who put in the work, the effort over the years to build up our fund to have these funds available for a project like this,” Smith said.

Balsick thinks it’s important to remember the contribution made by the windmill for early settlers.

“At one time in America’s history there were over 250 different windmill manufacturers,” Balsick said. “Everyone wanted to be a part of it because it was the way to the west. If you didn’t have a windmill, you didn’t have water. Without water, you didn’t move out west.

“I don’t want that history to get lost,” he added. “I want to try to preserve it the best I can.”

The windmill is visible at the farm entrance on the west side of the U.S. Highway 183 Bypass.

Sheriff: 2 Kan. suspects jailed after deputies find 12 pounds of pot

Posted on
Randy C Clark and Melody L Graves. Pictures from Dickinson County Sheriff's Office.
Randy C Clark and Melody L Graves. Pictures from Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office.

DICKINSON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Dickinson County are investigating two suspects on drug charges.

On Tuesday a search sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at 3170 Daisy Road in Dickinson County, according to Sheriff Gareth Hoffman.

During a search of the residence and adjacent outbuildings, law enforcement officers seized in excess of 12 pounds of processed marijuana that was packaged for sale and storage.

Also located were items of drug paraphernalia consistent with the use and sales. The marijuana that was seized is believed to have been recently harvested from an outdoor grow operation.

Shortly after the search warrant was executed, two residents of 3170 Daisy Road were taken into custody in two separate traffic stops. They are 59-year-old Randy Charles Clark and 38-year-old Melody Lynn Graves.

Graves and Clark were booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to obtain a Kansas drug tax stamp.

Clark faces an additional requested charge of criminal use of a weapon.

Thursday’s sewer cleaning continues in east Hays

Posted on

sewer-cleaning-map-nov-3-cu

sewer-cleaning-map-nov-3CITY OF HAYS

The city of Hays Utilities Department has contracted ProPipe to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations described 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 Thursday, November 3, 2016, crews will be working in the area from East 25th St. down to East 22nd St. from Felten Dr. to Henry Dr.

Door hanger notices will be placed on homes affected before the cleaning.

Campaign cash from payday loan industry under scrutiny in Kan. 3rd district race

Posted on
3rd District Congressional Candidate Jay Sidie-courtesy photo
3rd District Congressional Candidate Jay Sidie-courtesy photo

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Contributions from payday lenders are generating attention in a Kansas congressional race amid campaign records showing that incumbent Rep. Kevin Yoder is a major beneficiary.

The Kansas City Star reports that the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics found that Yoder has taken nearly $250,000 in donations from people and groups associated with the industry during his career. That’s more than any other member of the House or Senate.

The payday loan contributions include $48,200 for his race this year against Democrat challenger Jay Sidie, who has no record of accepting such donations. Democrats say Yoder has worked to weaken industry oversight.

Yoder said in a recent interview with The Associated Press that across the board, he favors less federal regulation of financial services businesses in favor of state oversight.

Group: New evidence in death of Kansas native Amelia Earhart

Posted on
Image from the forensic report
Image from the forensic report

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A group investigating the mystery of what happened to Amelia Earhart says it’s uncovered another similarity between the pioneering pilot and a body found 76 years ago on a remote Pacific island.

But The International Group for Historic Aircraft Discovery says its finding doesn’t prove the body is Earhart’s.

See the forensic examiner’s report here.

The group says a forensic analysis of a photo of Earhart shows a match between the size of her bones and those of the skeleton found in 1940 on Gardner Island in Kirbati. A 1998 analysis found a general similarity between the bones and a female of Earhart’s type.

Some critics insist the Pennsylvania-based group hasn’t found anything tied to Earhart.

Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas. Her plane vanished over the Pacific while she was attempting to fly around the world in 1937.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File