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Year: 2016

UPDATE: Kan. boy’s death at water park prompts GoFundMe page

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Caleb Thomas Schwab-courtesy photo
Caleb Thomas Schwab-courtesy photo

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the death of a 10-year-old boy at a Kansas City, Kansas, water park (all times local):

2:30 p.m.

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission says state law limits contributions by lobbyists to a GoFundMe campaign to cover the funeral expenses for a state lawmaker’s son who died at a water park.

The commission said Monday that contributions to the campaign to help Rep. Scott Schwab’s family fall under the state’s $40-a-year limit on gifts from lobbyists to legislators. The commission also said lobbyists must report their contributions to the state.

The commission had a short teleconference Monday to respond to what Executive Director Carol Williams said were numerous inquiries from lobbyists.

Ten-year-old Caleb Thomas Schwab died Sunday at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, while riding what’s billed as the world’s largest waterslide.

TheGoFundMe campaign had raised more than $20,000 as of Monday afternoon.

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1:50 p.m.

A Kansas water park was having a special day for elected officials when the 10-year-old son of a state legislator died on what is billed as the world’s largest waterslide.

Both a state senator who was at the park and the Kansas City, Kansas, mayor’s office confirmed Monday that state legislators and local elected officials were invited to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas.

State Sen. Pat Pettey of Kansas City said the park provided a buffet lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs and thanked elected officials for their service to the state and their communities.

Caleb Thomas Schwab died Sunday while riding the 168-foot Verruckt, one of the top attractions at the park. He was the son of state Rep. Scott Schwab of Olathe.

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A GoFundMe page has been set up to help a Kansas lawmaker’s family cover funeral expenses for a 10-year-old son who died at a water park in Kansas City, Kansas.

The campaign set up for the family of state Rep. Scott Schwab of Olathe had raised more than $15,000 by late Monday morning. Schwab is a Fort Hays State University alum.

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission was having a short meeting Monday to discuss whether state campaign finance laws apply to the effort. Executive Director Carol Williams said the commission received numerous inquiries from lobbyists who want to donate.

Authorities and family members say 10-year-old Caleb Thomas Schwab died Sunday at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas.

Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio says the boy died on what the park bills as the world’s largest water slide.

Hays USD 489 board to review $40.9M 2017 budget proposal Monday

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By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 Board of Education is set to review the 2017 budget at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th.

Tracy Kaiser, executive director of finance and support services, will present the proposed budget.

The board will also vote to approve a public hearing to allow community members to ask budget-related questions at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, in the same location.

According to the district profile within the documents that will be reviewed by the board, the district has faced $2.3 million cuts each year since 2009.

“The teacher shortage in Kansas also continues to grow significantly. If the Kansas Legislature continues down this path of cutting education funding, the harm to the children of Hays and Kansas will be irreparable,” according to the documents.

In that same time frame, the district has made staff and program changes.

“District reductions since FY09 include: Elimination of 70.9 positions – 55 certified, 5 administrative, 18 classified, through attrition and non-renewal – and an additional 14 summer school teaching positions from the elimination of summer school, reduction of numerous supplemental duties, elimination of out-of-district field trips, reduction of the 4 Year Old At-Risk program, increased or initiated gate fees for all activities (including middle school), increased textbook and activity fees, additional kindergarten fee and increased building use fees.”

This year’s budget, however, shows a slight increase in total expenditures across all funds, up 13 percent from last year, totaling $40,888,418.

That’s up from $36,220,518 last year, but still lower than 2009 spending levels.

Two budget areas account for the majority of increase — instruction, and operations and maintenance.

The instruction budget is up 18 percent from slightly over $25.8 million last year to almost $30.5 million this year. The operations and maintenance budget is up 123 percent from nearly $3 million to over $6.6 million this year.

Budget totals bring the spending per pupil up from $12,434 last year to $13,765.

But while total expenditures are expected to increase over last year, total expenditures are expected to remain lower than 2009 levels.

Total expenditures in 2009 were slightly above $41.7 million and amount per pupil spending was $13,434, according to state documents.

Monday’s meeting will stream live on Hays Post, courtesy USD 489.

For a full look at the budget, documents click here.

 

KBI asks public for assistance in murder of Saline Co. woman

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Lori Heimer
Lori Heimer

SALINA – Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the murder of a woman in her Saline County home and are asking the public for assistance, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

On June 25, Lori J. Heimer was brutally murdered at her residence 10525 S Hopkins Road, Assaria, Kansas.

Mrs. Heimer maintained a dog breeding business at her home named “Lori’s Poodle Patch”. Mrs. Heimer sold a variety of dogs to include poodles, teacup poodles, toy poodles, yorkiepoos, and golden doodles. Investigators want to speak to anyone that had contact or a business appointment with Mrs. Heimer from June 20th to June 25th. If you, or someone you know, fits this description please notify investigators immediately.

Investigators at the home of Lori Heimer -Courtesy Photo
Investigators at the home of Lori Heimer -Courtesy Photo

Wichita Police: 7 armed robberies reported the over the weekend

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armed robbery imageWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police say seven armed robberies were reported at city businesses within 48 hours over the weekend.

The robberies were reported at two Subway restaurants, a Dairy Queen, a Mr. Taco, a motel, and two gas stations.

A suspect was arrested and the money was recovered after the Subway robbery Saturday night. Suspects in the other robberies all escaped.

KWCH reports Wichita police are not indicating that they believe the robberies are connected.

No one was injured in any of the crimes.

Lucille Switzer

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Lucille Switzer, age 71, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on July 14, 1945 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the daughter of Ivan Ashbury and Thelma Inez Pritt Morris. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1965 moving from Shawnee, Oklahoma, she was a secretary and a postal clerk.

She was a member of the Community Christian Church of Scott City, Kansas.

On September 12, 1964 she married Garry Lee Switzer in Pacific Grove, California. He passed away on February 12, 2000 in Wichita, Kansas.

Survivors include her Two Sons – Rondo Switzer of Dodge City, Kansas, Barry Switzer of Scott City, Kansas, Two Brothers – Leon & Sandra Morris of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Lowell & Sharon Morris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and One Brother in Law – Tom Morton of Colorado Springs, Colorado

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband and Two Sisters – LaDawn Morton and Lynette Young and One Brother In Law – Jack Young.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2016 with Steve Payne presiding.

Memorials may be given to the Lucille Switzer memorial Fund % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Ness City Cemetery in Ness City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 11, 2016.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m Wednesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Richard Dean Long

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Richard Dean Long, age 81, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Via Christi St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on July 28, 1935 in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Howard M. and Ella C. Butler Long. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1942 moving from Garden City, Kansas, he was the owner and operator of Long’s 96 Repair and Long’s Towing Service.

Survivors include his Two Sons – Mitchell & Debbie Long of Louisburg, Kansas, Wallace & Cindy Long of Ashland, Kansas, Five Grandchildren – Jennifer O’Reilly of Belton, Missouri, Katie Long of Leavenworth, Kansas, Alexis Long of Scott City, Kansas, Justice Long of Anthony, Kansas, Tyler Long of Anthony, Kansas, Two Great Grandchildren – Mitchell O’Reilly of Belton, Missouri, Kevin O’Reilly of Belton, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his Parents and Two Sons – Ricky Long and Jeffery V. Long.

Graveside Services will be held at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2016 with Steve Payne presiding.

Memorials may be given to the Richard Long Memorial Fund % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m Tuesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Marie Lynn Sandborn

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Marie Lynn Sandborn, age 51, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the St. Catherine Hospital in Graden City, Kansas. She was born on February 10, 1965 in Sheridan, Michigan, the daughter of Anson Leroy Sandborn and Sharon Marie Bennett Jackson. She was a lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Mother – Sharon & Lee Jackson of Scott City, Kansas, Two Brothers – Leroy & Jennifer Sandborn of Lake View, Michigan, Scottie & Sue Sandborn of Florida, Three Sisters – Tammy & Dan Patch of Lansing, Michigan, Kelly & Frank Strouse of Sidney, Michigan, Tonya Gorsuch of Florida and Numerous Nieces & Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Father – Anson Leroy Sandborn.

Memorial Services will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Marie Sandborn Memorial Fund % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

There will be no calling times.

Francis Joseph Kuhn

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Francis Kuhn- Paper PictureFrancis Joseph Kuhn, age 88, of Victoria, Kansas died Friday, August 5, 2016, at the Willow House in Hays, Kansas.He was born April 29, 1928, on the farm at Emmeram, Kansas to Joseph M. and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Kuhn. He married Mary Jane (Kisner) on August 22, 1950, in Pfeifer, Kansas.

He was a clerk for the U S Post Office in Topeka, Kansas and retired in 1994. He was a U S Army veteran and served from 1950 to 1952. He attended grade school in Emmeram and was a graduate of Victoria High School. He was a very skilled woodworker of black walnut furniture, a devoted husband, dad and enjoyed his friends for coffee at the Victoria Coop. He moved to Victoria in 2003 and was a member of the Basilica of St. Fidelis Church and Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane Kuhn, of the home; two daughters, Pam Dougan and husband, Johnnie, Prescott, Arkansas; Peggy Fitzpatrick, Victoria, KS; two grandchildren, Joey Dougan and Carrie Paslay, and husband (Timothy); one great grandson, Zachary Doty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-in-law, John Fitzpatrick; eight brothers, Raymond, John, Leo, Eugene “Ike”, Joseph, Clarence, Conrad, and Anton Kuhn; eight sisters, Celestina “Dena” Riedel, Margaret Dinkel, Delphina Copp, Hilaria “Larry” Windholz, Mary Brungardt, Leona Roholder, Lillian Windholz and Martina Bieker.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Emmeram, Kansas with military honors by the Victoria V.F.W. Post
No. 1751.

A vigil service will be at 6:30 P.M. Monday followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 P.M. Monday both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Monday and from 8:30 to 9:45 A.M. Tuesday at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers family suggest memorial to American Heart Association. Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or via e-mail to [email protected].

Kathryn Colletta Kraus

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Kathryn Colletta Kraus, age 94, of Grainfield, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016 at Gove County Medical Center, Long Term Care, Quinter.

Services are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.

Donald Anthony James Herl

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Donald Anthony James Herl, age 69, of rural Ogallah, Kansas passed away Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society, Ellis.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday, August 11, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday 6 PM – 8 PM with a combined rosary and vigil service at 7 PM and Thursday 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Memorials are suggested to the organization of your choice.

Condolences may be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].

A complete obituary is pending.

First Care Clinic and United Healthcare Partner to host community baby shower

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first care clinic signsBy COOPER SLOUGH
Hays Post

The First Care Clinic and United Healthcare Community Plan of Kansas are hosting a community baby shower for expectant moms and new parents at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11.

During the program, participants will learn important prenatal and baby care information. Local experts will also be in attendance, and provide resources and information on prenatal and postpartum care, lactation tips, and child safety.

United Healthcare bilingual community outreach specialist Geovannie Gone said it is important for expecting mothers to learn what steps go into fostering a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and also what steps go into fostering a healthy atmosphere for infants.

“Expecting and new mothers should come to learn how to encourage healthy pregnancies and healthy babies” Gone said, adding she encourages new and expecting fathers to come, as well.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in educational games and raffles, and receive information about United Healthcare’s free online wellness-incentive program — Baby Blocks. Baby Blocks helps parents manage doctor visits and other baby care during pregnancy and during the first two years of a child’s life.

Gone said that working mothers who get off around 5 p.m. are welcome to come for the second half of the program.

There is no registration required to attend, and the event is open to everyone in the community.

For more information, contact Geovannie Gone at (620) 521-1832.

Top dirt-track racer Bryan Clauson dies from injuries in Kansas crash

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bryan Clauson, considered the top dirt-track racer in the country, has died from injuries suffered in an accident at the Belleville Kansas Midget Nationals USAC midget race. He was 27.

His death was announced Monday morning at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A statement from his family was read that said Clauson died Sunday evening and “fought to the end.”

Clauson was leading the race Saturday night when he crashed passing lapped traffic. His car rolled and was hit by another competitor. He was airlifted to a hospital in Nebraska, and died surrounded by his family.

Clauson was on pace to compete in 200 races this year. He had 27 victories in 116 starts, and led three laps in the Indianapolis 500 in May.

A four-time USAC national champion, Clauson was aiming to become the winningest driver in series history.

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