Susan Schlicting visits with Jaylinn Pfeifer about the 4-H program and what it has meant to her and her family.
Year: 2016
Kansas State policy would allow guns in all buildings
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University would allow concealed firearms in all building under guidelines it is developing for complying with a state law.
The Manhattan Mercury reports that a university work group is planning a Sept. 15 forum before submitting the guidelines to the Kansas Board of Regents for approval.
Beginning in July 2017, the state’s public universities must allow concealed weapons on campus in buildings that don’t have security measures including metal detectors. The Kansas Board of Regents has directed universities to develop more detailed policies by the fall.
Under Kansas State’s proposed policy, no residence hall, classroom or other campus location would have the security measures that would allow a complete concealed carry prohibition. But concealed carry could be prohibited when temporary security measures are in place.
Boy Scout signup nights underway throughout northwest Kansas schools
Hays Post
With school underway and fall just around the corner, it is time to get your child signed up for Boy Scouts.
The Coronado Area Council is holding signup nights across the area over the next few weeks for boys in grades first through fifth interested in scouting.
District Executive Matthew Wagner said the annual signup in Hays will be Thursday, Aug. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at all Hays elementary schools.
They will also have signup nights in Russell on Aug. 30, Ellis on Sept. 5 and Stockton on Sept. 14. Wagner said every elementary school in the area will have a signup night. He asked interested parents to go to their son’s elementary school for the signup night.
If you miss the signup night and would like to sign up your son for Scouts, you can also contact Wagner directly at (785) 301-2724 or visit Beascout.org.
Wagner said Boys Scouts are a great way for boys to be involved in a character building program reinforced by positive outdoor experiences. He said a recent study by Tufts University showed statistics boys who have been in scouting for three years scored “off the chart” in happiness, obedience and trustworthiness when compared to non-scouts.
“Scouting is a character building opportunity. It’s just reinforced by the outdoor activities we do,” said Wagner.
It costs just $12 per year for a child to take part in Boys Scouts, according to Wagner. They are also increasing their efforts to reach boys who may not have reached before.
Wagner said they are working to get a special needs unit together in Hays to offer an alternative for those boys interested in scouts who cannot get out and take part in certain events because of their limitations.
In Hays, Wagner said they are launching an after school program at the elementary schools that allow boys who come from broken homes or who are economically disadvantaged to take part in the program one day a week after school. Wagner said they will advance just like everyone else.
They have District Executive positions open and they are also looking for adult volunteers and two college interns.
If you have any questions please contact Coronado Area Council Field Office at (785) 301-2724 or visit beascout.org.
Hays man arrested after brief chase on minibike
By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
A 36-year-old Hays man was arrested after leading officers on a brief chase Tuesday night in Hays.
According to Lt. Brandon Wright with the Hays Police Department, at 10: 21 p.m., an officer observed a motorcycle traveling in the 300 block of East 27th without a tail light.
Wright said the officer followed the motorcycle, which turned out to be a minibike, and activated his lights and siren to stop the vehicle.
The driver, later identified as Lance A. Schmeidler, 36, Hays, did not stop.
Schmeidler reportedly led officers on a brief chase, lasting less than 2 minutes. He made a series of quick turns, ran several stop signs, and drove on sidewalks and in yards, Wright said.
The pursuit ended when Schmeidler voluntarily stopped and was taken into custody without further incident near 22nd and Pine.
According to Wright, Schmeidler committed nine traffic infractions during the pursuit, and is being held in the Ellis County jail on suspicion of felony fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license.
FHSU men’s cross country selected fifth in MIAA preseason coaches poll
FHSU Sports Information
HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State University men’s cross country team has been picked fifth in the 2016 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released by the league office Thursday morning (Aug. 25).
The Tigers picked up 51 points in the voting process, just three points behind third-place Northwest Missouri. Nebraska-Kearney tops the poll with 74 points after being listed atop six ballots. Pittsburg State was given three top selections, finishing just behind the Lopers with 71 points. After the two top squads, the next five teams are separated by just six points. Southwest Baptist picked up one more point than FHSU to finish fourth, while Missouri Southern and Central Missouri sit in a tie for sixth with 48 total points. Lindenwood has been picked to finish eighth with Emporia State and Washburn rounding out the top-10.
Head coach Jason McCullough returns three runners that finished in the top-five at the Central Region Championships last season, including seniors Troy Wineinger and Jacob Thomas and sophomore Israel Barco. Notable additions to the squad include junior transfer Oscar Carmona, a member of the 2015 NJCAA National Champion Iowa Central Tritons, and freshman Kaleb Crum, who broke Tiger great Cory Keehn’s freshman record at the team’s annual time trial.
The Tigers will to host the 30th Annual FHSU Alumni Run on Saturday, August 27 at the Sand Plum Nature Trail in Victoria, Kan. The race will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Intercollegiate competition will begin on Friday, September 2 when FHSU sends runners to the Border Classic in Johnson City, Kan. and the Trojan Invitational in Colby, Kan. The gun will go off in both races at 6 p.m.
Fort Hays State will host a pair of meets in 2016 at the Sand Plum Nature Trail, beginning with the Sand Plum Invite on Thursday, September 15 at 6 p.m. The regular season comes to a close with the FHSU Tiger Open on Saturday, October 8 beginning at 8:40 a.m. More information on the home meets is available HERE.
2016 MIAA Preseason Men’s Coaches Poll
1. Nebraska-Kearney (6) – 74
2. Pittsburg State (3) – 71
3. Northwest Missouri – 54
4. Southwest Baptist – 52
5. Fort Hays State – 51
T6. Missouri Southern – 48
T6. Central Missouri – 48
8. Lindenwood – 21
9. Emporia State – 18
10. Washburn – 13
FHSU women’s cross country picked second in preseason MIAA poll
FHSU Sports Information
HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women’s cross country team has been ranked in the 2016 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Thursday (Aug. 25) by the conference office.
The Tigers were listed atop four ballots, tied for the most first-place votes, earning 108 total points. Missouri Southern was picked to finish first in the league, also earning four first-place votes en route to 111 total points. Defending conference champion Southwest Baptist was picked to finish third, receiving three first-place selections, with Pittsburg State rounding out the top four and garnering the final top vote. The top four teams in the poll are separated by just 10 points.
After finishing fourth at the MIAA Championships in 2014, the Tigers earned a spot in the top-three in 2015, the highest finish in program history. Head coach Jason McCullough thinks this year’s team has a chance to climb in the standings once again, saying one of the team’s goals this season is to be one of the top two teams in the league.
This year’s team certainly has the credentials to attain that goal with four All-MIAA performers returning from a year ago. Included in that pack are junior Shea Bonine, senior Micki Krzesinski, junior Chelsea Jackson and sophomore Sophie Dalmasso, who all finished in the top-five for FHSU in each meet last season. Bonine added All-Region honors a year ago, finishing 25th at the Central Region Championships. Both Krzesinski and Jackson took home All-Conference honors for the second time after finishing in the top-20 at the league meet in 2014.
Also returning this season will be junior Amanda Morgan, sophomore Yessenia Gonzales and junior Keanu Bradley, who all finished in the top-seven for the Tigers at multiple meets last year.
The Tigers are set to host the 30th Annual FHSU Alumni Run on Saturday, August 27 at the Sand Plum Nature Trail in Victoria, Kan. The race will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Intercollegiate competition will begin a week later when FHSU sends runners to the Border Classic in Johnson City, Kan. and the Trojan Invitational in Colby, Kan. on Friday, September 2. The gun will go off in both races at 6 p.m.
Fort Hays State will host a pair of meets in 2016 at the Sand Plum Nature Trail, beginning with the Sand Plum Invite on Thursday, September 15 at 6 p.m. The regular season comes to a close with the FHSU Tiger Open on Saturday, October 8 beginning at 8:40 a.m. More information on the home meets is available HERE.
2016 MIAA Preseason Women’s Coaches Poll
1. Missouri Southern (4) – 111
2. Fort Hays State (4) – 108
3. Southwest Baptist (3) – 104
4. Pittsburg State (1) – 101
5. Nebraska-Kearney – 89
6. Northwest Missouri – 62
7. Central Oklahoma – 59
8. Central Missouri – 55
9. Lindenwood – 46
10. Emporia State – 32
11. Washburn – 17
12. Lincoln – 16
Kansas man charged with kidnapping teen he met on Facebook
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been charged with kidnapping a teenage girl from St. Louis after meeting her on Facebook.
The U.S. attorney’s office says 49-year-old Johnny Angel Vallejo, of Wichita, was charged Wednesday with kidnapping a minor and transporting a minor across state lines to engage in sexual activities. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.
Prosecutors say he traveled to St. Louis to meet the teen and picked her up from school Aug. 19. He is accused of making threats and forcing the teen to go with him to Wichita, where she was found at restaurant.
If convicted, Vallejo faces up to life in federal prison on the kidnapping charge, and not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the transportation charge.
Vallejo has previous convictions for rape, battery and aggravated robbery in Finney County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Police: Kansas shooting that wounds child reported as accidental
DOUGLAS COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Douglas County are investigating a shooting that injured a child.
Just after 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, officers with the Lawrence Police Department responded to a residence in the 500 block of Wisconsin Street in reference to a reported accidental shooting involving a 6-year-old child, according to a media release.
An ambulance transported the child to a regional hospital in stable condition, according to police.
No additional details were released early Thursday.
INSIGHT KANSAS: Careless Kansas
I’ve lived in the Midwest my entire adult life. By temperament, I’m a Midwesterner – relatively pragmatic, optimistic within reason, and generally kind (I hope). I’ve lived in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and – for the past 37 years – Kansas.
Traveling through this region I see both similarities and differences among the states and their cultures. The geography of the region reinforces the notion of space, whether in the rolling hills of Wisconsin or the flat expanses of downstate Illinois or Western Kansas. Small towns differ, to be sure, but there’s a similar struggle and pride that pops up, town after town.
Over time, Midwestern states have been reasonably well governed, although there is a range.
My initial intent for this column was to contrast Minnesota, a high-tax, high-service state with a Democratic governor to Kansas, a state with declining income taxes, declining services and a GOP governor. I expected Minnesota to shine, but while its economic performance has exceeded that of Kansas, the comparisons are more mixed than I anticipated.
Driving through Minneapolis, there is an overwhelming sense of energy and enterprise – lots of building and increasing high-tech investments. Indeed, overall a new economic assessment by Governing magazine ranked Minnesota 15th in the nation, while Kansas came in at 38th. But in terms of jobs created, the two states were similar, although recent Kansas losses may have pushed the state a bit farther behind.
More generally, across our region, economic conditions have generally muddled along, with no state ranking higher than Minnesota (tied with Nebraska) and the rest of our neighboring states coming in between 20th and 30th.
The weakest states in the recent rankings all have their own stories, often revolving around the decline in energy prices. The strongest reflected a mix of relatively high tax (Massachusetts) and low tax (Colorado) states, although in general higher taxes accompanied greater prosperity in our weak-oil economy.
What the most prosperous states have done, however, is to have vigorous discussions about tax and spending policies. And they have adjusted their policies when problems have emerged.
Minnesota income tax rates are relatively high and progressive, which have not kept high-income individuals from moving there. At the same time, Minnesotans pay no sales tax on food (compared to more than nine percent in many Kansas communities), nor on over-the-counter drugs. And most clothing is exempted. Thus, families spending $10,000 on food, drugs, and clothing over the course of a year pay around $900 less in Minnesota than in Kansas.
In short, Minnesota is a high-tax state, but its burdens fall disproportionately on the upper middle class and the wealthy. Equally significant, Minnesota legislators and its governor have had lengthy, substantive discussions about economic policy. For example, they are currently arguing about extending the Minneapolis light rail system, debating its prospective distribution of costs and benefits.
Conversely, since 2012 Kansas tax policy has been made willy-nilly. The governor and the Legislature bought the Laffernomics promise of low-tax prosperity, passed a jury-rigged bill in 2012, and then subsequently increased sales taxes that disproportionately affect the least affluent. Astoundingly, there has been little serious deliberation about tax policies; rather, they have been hastily packaged at the end of legislative sessions.
Likewise, spending cuts have been ad hoc and theme-less, as funds are sliced here or there, time and again, to avoid deficits.
States all do things differently and sometimes make poor policy decisions, but Kansas has been especially reckless and thoughtless. It’s time we elect legislators who can have actual policy discussions and produce sensible legislation that seeks to benefit all our citizens.
Is making careful decisions too much to ask?
Burdett Loomis is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.
Investigators determine cause of Kansas house fire
GREAT BEND – An electrical issue caused Tuesday’s house fire in Great Bend, according to Fire Chief Mike Napalitano.
The fire at a home in the 2500 block of 11th Street started in a back bedroom.
Upon arrival crews found heavy smoke coming from the front door of the residence, according to a social media report.
Fire crews made an interior attack and quickly knocked down the blaze. They were on the scene approximately two hours according to Napalitano.
Damage is estimated at a minimum of $10, 000.
The Kansas State Fire Marshal assisted with investigation of the fire.
There were no injuries.
Phyllis Audell Trexler Trembley
Phyllis Audell Trexler Trembley, age 81, passed away August 22, 2016 at the Park Lane Nursing Home, Scott City, Kansas. She was born in 1935 in Palco, KS to grocery store owners Edna Irene Rudman and Roland Winifred Trexler. At the age of 5 Phyllis, her two siblings Awyn and Allen, and her parents, moved to Hill City, KS where her parents established the “Trexler Store.”
Phyllis grew up working in the family store, visiting the family farm and traveling with her parents from Oregon to the big woods of Wisconsin.
After graduation from Hill City High School in 1953, Phyllis attended Fort Hays University and earned duel bachelor degrees in Child Speech Therapy, a new field at the time in Kansas, and Elementary Education.
In 1957 Phyllis married Joseph Andrew Trembley and the couple moved to Syracuse KS where Phyllis was employed as a speech therapist and teacher and Joe ran the local auto shop. In 1961 the couple bought land in northwest KS along the Prairie Dog creek where Joe began farming and Phyllis accepted a teaching position at Selden Elementary School.
In 1974 Joe and Phyllis welcomed a daughter, Andrea, and Phyllis took 10 years off from teaching to be a stay at home mom.
In 1984 Phyllis returned to education as a High School Librarian and Art teacher. She also returned to Fort Hays University to complete her Master’s Degree in Library Science.
Phyllis continued to teach until 1999 when she retired with Joe to Colby KS.
Phyllis enjoyed numerous clubs and activities in Colby including the Red Hat society, UMW, TOPS club, Art in the Park, volunteer at the Colby Museum of Art and History and other community projects.
Phyllis moved to Park Lane in Scott City in the fall of 2012 to be near her daughter Andie and son-in-law Greg Strong.
Her memory will continue to inspire those knew and loved her.
Private services will be held at a later date and time.
Memorials can be made to the Camp Lakeside Endowment Fund.
John Galli Jr.
John Galli Jr. was born on October 16, 1927 on the family farm west of Winona, Kansas. He passed away on August 20, 2016 at the age of 88. John was the second child born to John Galli and Caroline (Adolph) Galli. He was baptized in the Lutheran Faith on September 4, 1928. John attended school in Winona and graduated from Winona High School with the class of 1946.
John was united in marriage to Mary Ruth Woller on September 3, 1949 in Stratton, CO. They were married nearly 55 years and were blessed with three children: Karen Sue, Ronald John and Tracey Lynn.
John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a kind and gentle man and worked hard to provide for his family. He worked for various farmers before beginning his own excavation business. John served as the Morgan Township Trustee for many years and also worked for Morgan Township doing road maintenance, a job that he loved; however, his true calling was being a farmer. John loved the land and enjoyed every aspect of farming, especially harvest. He continued to drive a tractor and help with all of the various farming operations well into his late 80’s. As his health failed, he always looked forward and was always ready to go for a drive with Tracey to check the cattle, the crops or just to see the countryside. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
John is preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary (2004), sisters Imogene Sporing and Helen Hawkins and brother Paul ‘Bud’ Galli. He leaves to cherish his memory, daughter Karen (Charlie) Morris and sons Ron (Jennifer Sim) and Tracey (Relda); grandson Shane (Nicole) Morris and great-grandchildren Hailey and Landon Morris along with a host of relatives and friends.
Christian burial services for John were held August 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert Alexander officiating. Pallbearers were: Jim Deibert, L.J. O’Neal, Darrell Pabst, David Pabst, Chuck Saddler and Pete Ziegelmeier.
Services conducted by Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel with Internment in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Gem Fire Department.
Lawrence ‘Larry’ Keith Curtin
Larry Keith Curtin, 79, of Atwood, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2016 at his home.
He was born December 1, 1936 in Colby, Kansas to William J “Bill” and Bernice “Bo” (Reilley) Curtin. He attended Chardon Country School until moving to Boulder, CO in 1947 and attended Sacred Heart School, graduating in 1951.
His high school years took him to Holy Cross Abbey High School in Canon City, CO where he graduated in 1955. While attending the Abbey, Larry was a member of the Abbey’s horse club, “The Vaqueros”, with whom he competed in various gymkhana competitions with other schools and clubs in the Canon City and Colorado Springs area. After graduating high school, he worked at several construction sites in and around Boulder CO before taking up farming and ranching in Rawlins and Thomas counties, where he remained active until his death.
On his parent’s 30th anniversary, he married JoAnn “Jody” Sunley on October 1, 1960. Together they enjoyed farming and ranching on the family farm. He was a dedicated farmer his entire life and passed many farm values to his children. Take good care of the land and it will take care of you was his method of raising crops. Along with the crops, he managed a cow/calf operation and horses were always used to round up the cattle when they needed moved or worked. He took pride in his greyhounds to fulfill his favorite past time, coyote hunting. Many stories can be heard from neighbors, friends and family regarding these adventures.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters, Katherine (Curtin) Noel and Ruth Nadine (Curtin) Stengel; a granddaughter, Bridget Delaney; parent-in-laws, Paul and Hazel Sunley; brother-in-laws, Richard “Allie” Noel, Charles Stengel and Earl Sunley.
He is survived by his wife of the home; one brother James Curtin and wife Barbara of Helotes, TX; two sons, Mitch Curtin and wife Cindy of Atwood, KS, Craig Curtin of Aurora, CO; three daughters, Marla (Dennis) Delaney of Wildwood, MO, Lisa (Charles) Keller of Albert, KS, Julie (David) Tuttle of Overland Park, KS; eleven grandchildren Alexia (Christian) Hadley, James, Erin, Adam, Rachel and Paul Delaney, Trevor (fiancé Hallie Kuhlman)and Brandon Keller, Alexandra (Alex), Ella and Brianna (Brie) Tuttle; two great grandchildren, Odin and Dreyken Hadley; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
He was a member Catholic Church.
A Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, Colby KS. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby with burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby.
The family suggests memorials to The Rawlins County Sportsman Association.