TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas National Guard has a new general in charge of its troops.
In a ceremony Saturday in Topeka, Brig. Gen. Robert Windham handed command of the Kansas National Guard forces to Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt.
Mohatt now reports to Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the top uniformed officer for National Guard forces in the state. As assistant adjutant general, Mohatt has responsibility for 5,000 men and women in uniform.
Windham is set to retire in two months.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (https://j.mp/2aZs8lx ) Mohatt graduated in 1990 from the Kansas Military Academy. He served in the Iraq War and held command positions in the 35th Infantry Division, 69th Troop Command, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion and 137th Infantry Regiment, among others.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Mental health advocates say funding cuts to mental health services in Kansas have spawned layoffs at some of the state’s 26 health centers. Many of them are positions that help families in crisis manage day-to-day care.
There’s a $30 million budget hole for mental health for the current fiscal year, the Association of Community Mental Health Centers said last month — a figure that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services does not dispute.
Association director Kyle Kessler says funding cuts will result in an estimated the loss of 200 positions statewide in mental health centers.
The latest funding cuts come in a sector that never saw its pre-Recession state funding restored, and advocates are warning of more hospital admissions, emergency room visits and interactions with law enforcement.
By NATHAN SHEPHERD FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Business instructors in the academic year, world travelers by summer vacation, Dr. Brian Swanson and his wife, Mary, make the most of their academic careers as international business educators for Fort Hays State University. The couple exchanged their summer offices for passports to embark on an eight-week quest spanning more than eight countries.
By summers end, Swanson hopes to visit his 80th country.
Swanson, an associate professor of management for FHSU, teaches law and business at FHSU’s partner institution Sias International University in Xinzheng, China.
“I am very passionate about both molding young minds and engaging foreign cultures, and I feel blessed to have a career in which I can do both on a daily basis,” he said.
Swanson said his interest in international education peaked after a semester of studying abroad at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England.
“The experience completely changed my perspective on life,” said Swanson, “and I began to actively seek out opportunities to experience new cultures.”
The couple first became friends in 2004 during their undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Mary received her B.S. in molecular toxicology and began working in cancer research. Swanson received his B.A. in political science before earning his Juris Doctorate at the University of California, San Francisco, in 2009.
Shortly after their marriage, Swanson opted to stop practicing law and began teaching in China. Mary Swanson, who completed her MBA through FHSU, is a teaching assistant who plans to be a professor of business.
Swanson often has opportunities to speak at other universities. “I’ve truly enjoyed learning more about countries through their students. The inquisitiveness of Nepalese law students or the optimism of Kyrgyzstanian female students about shifting cultural attitudes about gender roles.”
During their current trip though the Guyanas, Galapagos, Colombia, Brazil and Peru, the Swansons are not dependent on the services of hotels and overpriced tourist attractions. Instead, they prefer a practice known as “couch surfing,” where they stay with native hosts.
“It’s not the most luxurious atmosphere for those who want a posh, relaxing getaway, but couchsurfing.org has been a great way for us to make friends in cities,” said Brian Swanson. “A spectacular side effect of couch surfing is it’s free. Over the past few years, my average budget is less than $20 per day.”
Couch surfing has other benefits as well. It speeds up the adjustment to a foreign culture, and suits Swanson’s ultimate goal of being able to “live like a local.”
“Investing your money materialistically will always be temporary, but investing in experiences and people will leave you with lifelong lessons and friends,” he said. “Seek out new experiences and learn as much as you can while you have the opportunity.”
Swanson says they plan to remain in China and “continue to improve upon the business program,” but for the time being, they enjoy their remaining four weeks as they travel from Rio De Janeiro to Machu Picchu and the Amazon jungle.
In the future, Swanson said, he intends “to lead some excursions with FHSU students interested in experiencing third-world cultures in a more authentic and life-transformative way.”
Being exposed to the sceneries, attractions, cultures and wildlife, Swanson said, “guarantees the attendees will have fun, life changing experiences.”
Juanita Joy (Miller) Grubb, 83, of Arvada, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2016 in Lakewood, CO. She was the wife of Jerry Dean Grubb whom she married on March 13, 1948, in Syracuse, KS.
Juanita was born in Logan County, KS on February 17, 1932 to the late Jesse James Miller and Gladys Irene (Gill) Miller. She was the eldest of five children that include Bernice Kenneweg of Fredericksburg, VA; Harlan Miller of Tribune, KS, Carol Ann Miller Stewart Crook and Daryl Miller of Tribune, KS.
In addition to her parents, Jess and Gladys, she was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Ann.
Juanita is survived by three children and their spouses, Larry Wayne Grubb (Thyra) of Louisville, KY; Tracey Lynn Grubb Kingham (Rick) of Dallas, TX, and Randall Kent Grubb (Dawn) of Arvada, CO. She is also survived and deeply loved by her 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Juanita served the Lord her entire adult life in many capacities and is remembered by hosts of friends and coworkers.
Jerry Dean Grubb passed away on July 25, 2016. He was born on January 15, 1930 in Garden City, Kansas to George Douglas Grubb and Minnie Helen Archer Grubb. Jerry was the second of five, all of whom survive him; John Grubb of Tribune, Kansas, Laura Grubb Shuster of Texas, Harold Grubb of Tribune Kansas and Patrick Grubb of Tribune, Kansas.
All of the family built a reputation of hard work, kind hospitality and community service.
Jerry graduated from Greeley County High School with the class of 1948. Jerry married the loved of his life, Juanita Joy Miller on March 13, 1948 and shared a life together until she preceded him in death in January of this year. Three children were born to their union together; Larry Wayne Grubb of Louisville, Kentucky, Tracey Lynn Grubb Kingham of Dallas, Texas, Randall Kent Grubb of Arvada, Colorado.
Jerry and Juanita were affectionately called Poppy and Momoo by their nine grandchildren; Nichole Kingham Furness, Joel Kingham, Janna Kingham Curran, Abbey Grubb LeDoux, Katie Grubb Park, Kara Jo Grubb Thompson, Brenton Grubb, Weston Grubb, Whitney Grubb. They also enjoyed eighteen great-grandchildren; Haven Bong, Ethan Bong, Morgan Bong, Isaac Kingham, Owen Kingham, Judah Curran, Josiah Curran, Elijah Curran, Micah Curran, Zechariah Curran, Jaycob Park, Mycah Park, Natalee Park, Nolan Grubb, Ashton Grubb, Lucy Grubb, Josephine Thompson, Caleb Chabolla.
Jerry’s life was marked by his service to family, friends, customers, church and community.
He was well-liked and held great reputation in Tribune, Kansas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado and in Denver, Colorado in his later years.
He served as a Deacon and many other capacities in his church. His business skills and leadership competence benefitted his church as he served on the board.
During his teens, he worked alongside the family in the Grubb family farming business in Tribune, Kansas. In his 20’s, he got a job driving a truck for a company in Hutchinson, Kansas. By the late 1950’s Jerry started and grew Grubb Electric Co. and was wiring custom homes, tenant finish and commercial work, as well as major apartment complexes. He held the contract for several years with the City of Colorado Springs doing their line and underground work. At one time the company employed 45 electricians and linemen. He was always loved by his employees for his kindness and generosity.
Jerry and Juanita’s home has always been known as a great place to visit and stay. One of the highlights of every visit was a trip to Baskin Robbins for ice cream. He was a great breakfast cook and could always be counted on to take care of visitors.
In the early days of the expansion of the technology world and computers, Jerry self-taught all the facets of computers and he always kept report and tracking of their OxyFresh Business that at one point expanded to over 200, 000 people in their marketing downline.
Most people comment about Jerry in several ways:
He loved to laugh
He told great stories
He filled you inbox with funny email
He plowed snow on an ATV like nobody’s business
His legacy remains even though he has joined Momoo and a host of friends and family.
Well done, Poppy! Well done!
Graveside Commital Services will be held on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. MST at the Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas.
Mary Stecklein, 99, Hays, died Friday, August 5, 2016 at her home.
She was born January 1, 1917 in Victoria, Kansas the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Graf) Wasinger. On February 6, 1934 she married Alex Stecklein in Victoria. They celebrated nearly seventy years of marriage before he died on June 24, 2003. She was a homemaker and a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She excelled at cooking and baking, was very neat and religious, and loved to go to dances and polka dance with her husband.
Survivors include her two children, a son Kenneth Stecklein of San Mateo, CA and a daughter Jeanie Baker and husband Ken of Pinellas Park, FL, five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter and son-in-law, Anna Marie Donahue and Patrick Donahue, two grandsons, Dean Michael Jacobs and Michael Donahue, and by seven sisters and three brothers.
A celebration of her life will be at 10:30 am on Monday, August 8, 2016 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, with Fr. Barry Brinkman officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time on Monday at the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.
OTTAWA COUNTY – A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. on Saturday in Ottawa County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Harley Davidson Motorcycle driven by Steven James Light, 39, Salina, was westbound on Kansas 18 one miles west of Bennington.
The driver lost control of the motorcycle. It crossed into the eastbound lanes of K-18, overturned, entered the south ditch and ejected the driver.
Light was transported to the hospital in Salina.
He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.
MANHATTAN — Leaders from across the state will focus on the future of agriculture this month as the Kansas Department of Agriculture will host the 2016 Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Tuesday, August 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Conference Center. Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, employer and economic contributor and plays a critical and strategic role in overall statewide economic growth.
The Summit will provide participants the opportunity to connect with other Kansas agriculture leaders and discuss strategies to help ensure agriculture remains a vital foundation of the Kansas economy. Sessions at the Summit will build upon the more than 200 meetings already conducted with industry partners throughout the state to identify key opportunities for future success in agriculture.
“Kansas farmers and ranchers feed the world and at the same time work hard to preserve our state’s natural resources,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. “This summit will serve a critical role in ensuring the future strength of Kansas agriculture, as we encourage growth and increased opportunity for the farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses of Kansas.”
Topics addressed at the Summit will include nearly all agricultural sectors in Kansas, ranging from beef and wheat to specialty crops and UAS. In addition, discussions will occur on transportation, access to capital, barriers to entry, consumer awareness and community acceptance of agriculture, international trade, water and natural resources, and workforce development. The Summit will be crucial in the prioritization of goals and initiatives to encourage strategic development in agriculture throughout Kansas.
Participation in the Summit is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Register by August 22 to guarantee lunch. A block of rooms is available at the Hilton Garden Inn; call 785-532-9116 by August 12 to reserve a room.
More information about the Summit, including a link to the registration site, can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/summit. If you have questions about the Summit, call KDA at (785) 564-6700 or e-mail [email protected].
FINNEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Finney County are investigating a suspect on drug and gun charges.
Just after 5 a.m. on Thursday the Garden City/Finney County Drug Task Force completed a 3-month investigation into the possession and distribution of methamphetamine by service of a search warrant at 2820 Terrace Place in Garden City, according to a media release.
The warrant was served by the Garden City/Finney County SWAT team. The suspect, Willie Jackson, 49, was located at the residence and arrested without incident.
During the investigation it was learned that Jackson may be in possession of a firearm and allegedly made threats with it.
Items of evidence, to include a handgun were located inside the residence. Jackson is being held in the Finney County jail and could face the possible charges of: Distribution of Methamphetamine, Aggravated assault, Criminal Threat, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Proceeds from the sale of Controlled Substances
Listen to Mike Cooper interviewing Dr. Jeff Curtis from Medical Specialists at HaysMed, with the topic of “Adult Medicine” by clicking the link above and then clicking the play button
For many, it might be the coolest video game system in town, but the simulator being installed at The Tactical Experience is much more than a video game — it is a valuable tool for military, police and residents looking to sharpen tactical skills in a safe setting.
Brad Crawford, The Tactical Experience owner, brought the system to Hays after a career in the military.
Originally from Cincinnati, Crawford served in the military for the last 15 years, but decided Hays was a good fit with his wife’s family in the area. She is originally from Victoria.
“I couldn’t continue service, so what I decided to do is get out in the civilian sector and use all the experience I have and do something really cool,” he said.
Opening the simulator, located at the Hadley Center in downtown Hays, gave Crawford an opportunity to continue teaching – something he said he really enjoys.
Initially, Crawford looked at opening a live fire range but found the cost to be prohibitive. He then looked at the technology available and realized there was a virtual way to do business with the shooting industry.
“It just worked hand-in-hand. I got in touch with some of the guys in the industry, and they were actually really interested in the concept of a commercial deal with this because this is usually a military or law enforcement technology,” he said.
The technology used at the Experience is what Crawford used during his time as a trainer in the military and provides numerous options to give an experience similar to what trainees would experience in the real world.
“It’s probably the best stuff you’re going to get. We use this kind of simulation technologies in the military to train soldiers going overseas because it’s cost effective,” Crawford said. “I’ve been deployed five times, and I can tell you some of the stuff that happens in this simulator is very realistic.”
The simulator also offers advantages to standard range training.
“There are certain things you can do in a real steel application setting, and there are certain things that you can’t because of safety considerations. With this, you are a little more open to the things you can do,” Crawford said.
He also said it broadens the experience, adding things trainees can do that they may not do in a real world training setting.
“We can actually put aggressor forces in there that come at you … you have to use everything in your tool box,” he said.
Support forces can also be added during a simulation.
“It’s just amazing what we can do,” Crawford said.
As an added benefit the simulator can also record performance, in order to track training progress as users return to the simulator.
“When somebody comes in, as a repeat customer, we can pull all the old data that they had and compare to the new data and actually see the progressive learning curve,” Crawford said.
While the current simulator is already impressive, around the middle of next month a MILO Range will also be added, giving users even more training options, including the full range of law enforcement tools, including tasers, OC spray and batons.
The Experience
The options available to users are almost limitless, and a number of integrated technologies in the simulator provide a simulation that can be invaluable to military, police or residents wanting to sharpen their skills and can provide a good amount of fun for anyone just wanting to have a realistic firearms or flight experience.
For a fully immersive environment, an Oculus Rift system is available at the simulator. Oculus Rift is the premiere virtual reality hardware available on the market today.
“Basically, you are in a fully immersive world when you put those things on,” Crawford said. “You really feel like you are in it.”
While the level of reality with the Oculus system might not be suitable for everyone, the full-size simulator is better, Crawford said, but even the full-size simulator offers features that create a realistic environment complete with on-screen visual tracking.
The simulator is like a sandbox can be developed into scenario specific situations from range firing, home defense scenarios that include barricades to simulate obstacles in the room, flight operations and vehicle training.
Weapons used in the simulator are real weapons, with modified laser bolt assemblies that include combat shotguns, sniper rifles, pistols, OC spray, batons and service rifles.
Those weapons will soon feature a CO2 blowback system.
“When you actually pull the trigger the bolt will go back and give pretty good recoil,” Crawford said. “This is a really good tool because we can actually use these for training.”
Auditory feedback is provided by a Dolby Surround Sound system, which gives realistic audio to the simulation, and a smoke machine in the room gives sensory feedback to explosions in the simulator.
“With the simulator, I can do everything from shooting at a range to shooting off the side of a helicopter. It’s really just what the client wants,” Crawford said. “We can design a template and they can come in and have some fun.”
While a user is in a simulation Crawford can also manipulate the simulator behind the scenes, adapting the scenario in real time giving the user an even more realistic training experience.
The Experience details
Crawford is currently in talks with law enforcement in the area and military recruiters to set up training time blocks, and a mobile operation is also available for those departments looking to use the simulator to beef-up training — but the system is available for individual use, as well.
Individual sessions will be booked on their website, along with the type of simulation desired.
The cost for an individual session is $60 an hour, with reservations, and $100 for two people at once.
The simulator will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The simulator is located in the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh, and can be easily accessed from Eighth Street, with parking available near the door.
The Tactical Experience opened to customers Saturday after a Hays Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting Friday afternoon.
Customers can schedule simulator times by visiting their booking website, which allows the customer to see times available and select their desired scenario.
The monthly Hays Community Acoustic Jam session will be held today, August 6th, from 2-3:30 p.m at the Hays Arts Center Annex, 1010 Main in Downtown Hays. The sessions are held on the first Saturday of each month.
The local acoustic jam is a fun place for people of all skill levels to play acoustical instruments (guitars, banjos, fiddles, harmonicas, bass guitars, etc.). It’s also a great place to invite friends to enjoy music, either playing, singing or listening.
There is no skill level required and you can play and/or sing as little or much as you please.
All you have to bring is yourself, your acoustical instruments, your music and a stand if you need one. People are also welcome to bring paper copies of songs they would like to share with the group if they would like.
All are welcome to attend to either listen or to participate.
KDA
Listen to Mike Cooper interviewing Dr. Jeff Curtis from Medical Specialists at HaysMed, with the topic of “Adult Medicine” by clicking the link above and then clicking the play button
The monthly Hays Community Acoustic Jam session will be held today, August 6th, from 2-3:30 p.m at the Hays Arts Center Annex, 1010 Main in Downtown Hays. The sessions are held on the first Saturday of each month.