WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will let transgender individuals serve openly in the U.S. military, ending one of the last bans on service in the armed forces.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced the change Thursday. Carter says it’s the right thing to do. He says only a person’s qualifications should matter, and that there should be no other unrelated barriers to service.
Carter’s announcement comes despite concerns from senior military leaders that the department is moving too fast and that more time is needed to work through the changes.
The changes will be phased in over a year. But by October 1, transgender troops should be able to receive medical care and begin formally changing their gender identification in the Pentagon’s personnel system.
All Associate of Applied Science graduates of Wichita Area Technical College now have a fully articulated Bachelor of Science in Technology Leadership program available from Fort Hays State University.
WATC became the newest partner in FHSU’s Technology Leadership Program when WATC President Sheree Utash and FHSU President Mirta M. Martin signed a transfer agreement today in a ceremony at the Gateway Administration Center of WATC’s National Center for Aviation Training Campus in Wichita.
The agreement is effective immediately, with time available for financial assistance for the fall 2016 semester. The program is available entirely online or on campus and is also available to WATC alumni. A major feature is that credits from technical courses will transfer to FHSU. It is a 121-hour, interdisciplinary program built on the Associate of Applied Science degree that a student earns from WATC.
“WATC is pleased to partner with Fort Hays State on this new opportunity for our students to continue an educational career pathway that will provide relevant workforce education and leadership,” said WATC President Utash. “The ability for students to have transferable credits from their applied technology programs with WATC is key to providing a qualified and skilled workforce for the future.”
“Being a destination of choice is not just a geographic decision,” said FHSU President Martin. “It is also a decision about one’s place in the world. With this agreement, another way forward is opened up for WATC graduates and alumni. If they choose to take the next step in advancing their careers, they can do it through our Virtual College from wherever in the world they are working, or they can do it as full-time students on our campus in Hays.”
“The WATC partnership is a great way for students to build on stackable credentials,” said Kim Stewart, chair of FHSU’s Department of Applied Technology. “It’s an educational pathway to move from certificates to an AAS degree and on to a bachelor’s degree.”
“Fort Hays State is fortunate to be able to partner with such an important and vibrant provider of career and technical education in the state of Kansas,” said Joe Chretien, program coordinator for the Bachelor of Science in Technology Leadership. “Programs of both institutions will benefit greatly.”
Chretien explained that a major benefit for WATC graduates is in the “fully articulated” language of the agreement. This means that credit for 40 hours of a student’s technical classes are fully transferable to Fort Hays State.
“Those don’t usually transfer to universities,” he said. “Here, they will.” He used the example of an automotive program to illustrate. Universities typically do not offer instruction in automotive technology. So, because they don’t have an automotive program, they don’t transfer automotive credits.
“Those credits don’t transfer even though they should because the technical education has its own body of academic rigor and technical knowledge,” said Chretien. “With this program, with us, those hours will transfer.”
That is what “stackable credentials” means, he said. They already have the skill set from the applied technology education and from their work, “and now they are going to add to that skill set and become management material.”
“That’s why they take the Bachelor of Science in Technology Leadership,” he said. “They add credentials in leadership and management and safety.”
Under the agreement, up to 60 hours of credit will transfer to FHSU toward the Bachelor of Science in Technology Leadership. The transferred credits can include up to 40 hours of applied technology credits among the required general education credits.
At FHSU, students will complete a minimum 60 hours, which includes 45 hours of upper division courses. Of those, 33 are core degree requirements.
“The Technology Leadership Program puts people in position to be leaders, to be supervisors and foremen,” said Dennis King, assistant vice president for student affairs and chief enrollment and retention officer at FHSU.
“Earning the leadership degree and combining it with their work experiences sets people up for successful, high-paying positions in industry leadership,” he said.
HaysMed recently purchased the former NEW Building on Commerce Parkway from the Heart of American Development Corp.
The 42,873-square-foot building was built in 1996 and was most recently used by Ellis County during the renovations of the courthouse. The original facility housed the Sykes call center.
The HaysMed Business Center will house several departments of the hospital that have been located in separate locations off the main campus. The departments moving to the Commerce Parkway location include: accounting, central billing office, centralized outpatient scheduling, patient accounts, patient financial services, customer service teams and health information management. There will be approximately 75 HaysMed Associates relocated to the new space.
“This is a great opportunity for us to combine several areas of the hospital that have historically been located at separate locations,” said Shae Veach, VP of Regional Development and Marketing. “It is also a plus for Hays in having a large business facility occupied with a long term entity.”
HaysMed has begun making minor cosmetic changes to the building, cleaning the grounds and erecting new signage.
“We hope to move our first occupants in mid July with the others to follow later in the summer and fall.” noted Veach. “Purchasing this building affords new opportunities for growth at HaysMed and that in itself will have a positive impact on Hays and the region.”
ELLIS–About 26 percent of the water valves in the Ellis water system do not work.
City council members found out about the problem at their June 20 meeting during an update of the city’s waterline improvement project.
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, also told the council the city’s existing water line maps of line locations, valve locations and line sizes have been sometimes inaccurate. The council approved purchasing additional water valves not to exceed $25,000. Ellis will utilize federal USDA funding for the valves.
In other business, funding requests from several non-profit groups were heard during the June 20 meeting of the Ellis City Council. No action was taken. The requests will be considered during the city’s 2017 budget meetings.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes June 20, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, Assistant City Clerk Charlene Weber, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Denis Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member John Walz was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
It was the consensus of Council to add two executive sessions at the end of the meeting.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Buck Driggs, Chad Pritchett, Pauleen Edmonds, Glen Keller, Nickole Byers, Margie Mickelson, Guy Windholz, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Dena Patee, Swede Swenson, and Sharon Disney.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on June 6, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #1999. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Nickole Byers read a prepared statement pleading with community leaders to become more involved and to consider adequate funding of organization budget requests. Mayor David McDaniel allowed Ms. Byers additional time during Public Comments to completely read her statement.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Tourism: Special Projects
Chad Pritchett, Tourism Task Force representative, updated Council on the Planes, Trains and Automobiles event held in June. The event was a great success and Mr. Pritchett thanked the Governing Body for their support.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Cheryl Kinderknecht presented the 2017 budget request from the Ellis Alliance. The Alliance is requesting $14,000, an increase of $1,500 from 2016. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Dena Patee presented the 2017 budget request from the Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home & Museum. The Chrysler Museum is requesting $17,500, an increase of $2,500 from 2016. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Pauleen Edmonds presented the 2017 budget request for the Ellis Community Foundation. The Foundation is requesting consideration for $10,000 in funding, the same amount as 2016. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Glen Keller, Chairman of the Ellis Railroad Museum, presented a budget request of $16,000 for consideration in the City’s 2017 budget, the same amount as last year. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Fire: Policy
Council reviewed the proposed ordinance and corresponding policy on automated fire alarm systems. Council discussed administration of the provisions included in the ordinance relating to registration and renewal for residents who own an automated fire alarm system. After further discussion with the City Attorney, no action was taken on the proposed ordinance. Being no action was taken on the ordinance, Council requested minor revisions to the proposed policy. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Fire Department Policy to Respond to Automated Alarm Systems, with revisions removing reference to the proposed ordinance. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Gary Luea opposed.
General Government: Financial
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the 2015 audit report as presented by Adams, Brown, Beran, & Ball at the June 6, 2016 regular meeting. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Streets: Acquisition
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman had an opportunity to purchase millings at a discount from Venture Corporation while they were in town working on another project. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to ratify the purchase of approximately 1,200 ton of millings at $5.00 per ton from Venture Corporation, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Streets fund. Council member Gary Luea seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Sewer: Special Project
Council reviewed the third set of Pay Applications for work performed to date on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve Pay Application #3 to APAC in the amount of $125,354.35. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Council member Jolene Niernberger then moved to approve Payment Request #3 to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment in the amount of $125,354.35. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Clerk: Acquisition
Assistant City Clerk Charlene Weber presented two bids for 40 cases of copy paper for the Clerk’s office. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the purchase of 40 cases of copy paper from Tri-Central Office Supply in the amount of $1,491.60. The motion carried 5-0.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, gave an update on the Waterline Improvement Project. Mr. Driggs reported that the City’s existing water line maps on line locations, valve locations, and line sizes have been sometimes inaccurate. Approximately 26% of the City’s water valves do not work, and Mr. Driggs is asking Council to consider purchasing additional valves to replace some of the valves that are not working, or to add valves to better isolate areas of town. The valves would be replaced in areas already affected by construction in the current waterline project. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the purchase of additional valves not to exceed $25,000. The City will utilize USDA funding for the additional valves. Mr. Driggs will report to Council the placement and actual cost of the valves at a future Council meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
Special Machinery: Acquisition
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported he has visited with Ellis County about possibly leasing their tandem truck, with any rents paid to be applied towards a possible future purchase by the City. The City would pay the County $145 per day of use. The truck would replace the City’s 1991 Ford Tandem truck that the engine went out on last year. Council member Gary Luea moved to approve leasing the tandem truck from Ellis County at a rate of $145 per day of use, with rents to be applied to a possible future purchase. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner requested the agreement between the City and County be put in writing. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 4-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner opposed.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman reported the City’s water disinfection byproduct (DBP) levels have risen over the last two years. The City will continue quarterly testing and monitoring of the levels per KDHE requirements.
Council reviewed the latest report on well levels.
Sanitation: Special Project
Mr. Scheuerman updated Council on the cleanup of the property subject to the environmental hearing at the June 6th Council meeting. Council discussed the sanitation fees involved with the cleanup and whether the fees should be charged to the resident. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion for the City to absorb the $151 in sanitation fees for the cleanup of 300 E. 11th Street. The motion carried 3-2, with Council members Bret Andries and Gary Luea opposed.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates provided an update for his Department. Officer Smith began the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center today and all officers have completed their annual 40 hours of training, including firearms qualifications.
Chief Yates explained why barricades were placed in certain areas around town due to high water levels caused by the recent thunderstorm.
Council inquired on the circumstances leading to the impoundment of two dogs, one who was found to have bitten an individual. City Attorney Olavee Raub also briefed Council on the dangerous dog proceedings relating to the case.
City Clerk
Assistant City Clerk Charlene Weber presented the audit reports for the City’s related entities. The minutes from the recent Cemetery Committee were reviewed.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub updated Council on pending environmental violation cases currently being handled in her office.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel read a letter addressed to the Ellis Police Department thanking them for their prompt actions relating to a situation with a family member.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 15-minute executive session was proposed starting at 10:00 p.m. Mayor McDaniel called for a motion to recess. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with the City Attorney and Public Works Director present. The motion carried 5-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:15 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session to discuss land acquisition. A 5-minute executive session was proposed starting at 10:16 p.m. Mayor McDaniel called for a motion to recess. Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to recess to executive session to discuss land acquisition with the City Attorney and Public Works Director present. The motion carried 5-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:21 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:23 p.m.
Photo by Natural Resources Defense Council This map shows where community water systems have lead levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of 15 parts per billion.
By BRYAN THOMPSON
A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council says more than 5,000 public water systems — including 68 in Kansas — are in violation of Environmental Protection Agency rules meant to protect people from lead in the water they drink.
Erik Olson, a health programs director with the council, a nonprofit international environmental organization, said those are just the systems that have been flagged. Many others — like the troubled Flint, Mich., system — don’t show up in the federal database.
“We are very concerned about severe under-reporting and gaming of the system by some drinking water suppliers to avoid finding lead problems,” he said during a Tuesday call with reporters. “In other words, basically a water system can avoid detecting lead in their water if they’re savvy and understand how the rules work.”
Olson said some systems test only in locations where they’re unlikely to find a high lead level — a tap that’s not served by lead pipes, for example.
“Some utilities have tested just in their employees’ homes, rather than targeting the high-risk homes that they’re supposed to do,” he said.
Other strategies Olson cited:
Flushing all water from the pipes before taking a sample, to get rid of water that lead has leached into from lead plumbing.
Removing the aerator from a faucet to get rid of lead particles that may have been captured in the screen.
Using sample bottles with very narrow openings, so that the flow rate has to be minimized during the test. Faster water flow is more likely to disturb lead particles in the pipes.
“EPA finally, on February 29, issued a guidance document saying that water utilities should stop using three of the most widely used techniques, sort of tricky techniques, to avoid detecting lead,” Olson said. “EPA had known about these tricky techniques for many years, and there had been a lot of pressure on EPA to stop them, but the agency had not moved aggressively to stop water systems from using them.”
The report found that between 15 million and 22 million people nationwide have lead pipes bringing water to their homes from the water mains buried beneath the streets.
“It’s basically like sipping water out of a lead straw,” Olson said.
And enforcement of existing lead standards is lax. Almost 90 percent of water systems violating the rules never face any kind of formal enforcement action from state or federal agencies, according to the report. Only 3 percent faced any penalties.
“Basically, there’s no cop on the beat. We don’t have anyone making sure that the law is being complied with,” Olson said. “The bottom line is that providing safe drinking water to citizens is a fundamental government service. If you’re not doing that, you’re not doing your job.”
The report said water systems in 18 Kansas counties were cited for exceeding allowable lead levels.
The highest lead level reported in Kansas last year was at the Sundowner West Mobile Home Park west of Salina. While the federal limit for lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion, one sample at Sundowner West contained 647 parts per billion. Officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are leading an investigation after tests by local doctors this year found elevated lead levels in the blood of 32 Saline County children — most of them from Salina.
The report cited two Kansas water systems — the City of Mullinville, a small town in Kiowa County, and Saline County Rural Water District 7 — for health violations, which means they failed to take required steps to protect their customers from lead.
Download the Kansas Water Systems with Violations
Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, said the report highlights an important public health issue.
“Flint, Michigan, was a wake-up call for America,” he said. “Once we saw the terrible outcome in that city when gross negligence or worse led to children and many others being exposed to high levels of lead in their water, people started looking around, saying, ‘What about my water?’”
Durbin is co-sponsoring a bill called the Copper and Lead Evaluation, Assessment and Reporting Act that calls for the EPA to develop ways to improve reporting, testing and monitoring of copper and lead in drinking water.
Bryan Thompson is a reporter for KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team.
DETROIT (AP) — The government is urging owners of older Hondas and Acuras to stop driving them and get them repaired after tests found that their Takata air bag inflators are extremely dangerous.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has new data showing that chances are as high as 50 percent that the inflators can explode in a crash.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says the vehicles should be fixed as soon as possible before they cause more deaths or injuries.
Takata inflators can explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister and sending shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 11 people have died and more than 100 have been injured.
The advisory covers vehicles from the 2001 to 2003 model years.
Because of the chances for rain and cooler temperatures this weekend, Ellis County residents will be allowed to shoot off fireworks in the county this Fourth of July holiday.
At a special meeting Thursday morning, the Ellis County Commission voted to lift the current ban to allow fireworks in unincorporated Ellis County from July 2 through July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“It’s just so unusual for us,” Commissioner Barb Wasinger said. “If we don’t take advantage of it, with such a wet June, I can’t imagine a scenario where there would be a better opportunity too (lift the ban).”
Commissioner Dean Haselhorst added the he received a number of calls from residents urging the commission to lift the ban, although on Wednesday he “had as many nos as yeses.”
Rural Fire Director Darin Myers said that even though the conditions have improved, he was still not in favor of lifting the ban.
Myers said he is not against fireworks, but allowing them in the county puts not only residents but also the volunteer firefighters’ safety at risk.
The July 2 through July 4 time period from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. matches the timeframe the city of Hays allows fireworks.
FORT RILEY- Fort Riley officials are requesting help to locate a missing soldier.
The 1st Infantry Division reported Spc. Oscar Delgado, 26, was last in contact with his unit on June 24.
He drives a black 2012 Ford Mustang and it has not been seen.
Delgado is a fire control repairer with Company B, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.
At this time, Delgado is only being sought to ensure his welfare.
Those with information regarding Delgado are asked to call his unit at (785) 239-4272 or the Fort Riley Military Police Desk at (785) 239-6767.
ELLSWORTH COUNTY- The District Court in Ellsworth County sentenced a second student this week in connection with the incident on a Great Bend swim team activity bus.
Connor Furrey, 17, convicted in May of misdemeanor battery was sentenced to unsupervised probation through July 5, 2017, according to court documents.
The condition of the probation includes no further violation of the law, graduation from high school or obtaining a GED, report any contact with law enforcement that are not merely social in nature, no contact with the victim and timely payment of court costs.
The court declined to order an apology from Furrey to the victim, due to the pending lawsuit in the case.
On June 1, co-defendant, Alan Matthew Bobbitt, was sentenced to probation through May of 2017.
The incident on the swim team bus occurred in Ellsworth County on February 6.
USD 428 changed bus policies to prevent similar behavior in the future.
Students studying studying in the FHSU program in at Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang, China, visited FHSU last week.
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Seventeen students from Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang, China, visited Fort Hays State University’s campus for cultural and academic experience.
The students arrived in the United States on June 19 and stayed a day in Los Angeles before coming to Hays on June 20. While in Hays, students attended lectures by FHSU faculty on such topics as global challenges, leadership, sustainability, wind energy, tourism and hospitality management, business ethics, and entrepreneurship.
The students were also in Hays on a “fun” level. Students were able to go to a rifle range to learn about firearms and to experiment with shooting a shotgun. They toured the FHSU farm and went mini golfing.
The Office of Internationalization and Global Partnerships hosted the students, who are studying in the FHSU program in Shenyang, which enables them to earn an FHSU degree while studying in China.
“The main goal was to provide an American educational and cultural experience along with some fun activities,” said Philip Wittkorn, director of operations for Chinese partnerships.
The students were in Hays for four days before visiting the Capitol in Topeka. The scholars also visited Kansas City, where they shopped, went to Worlds of Fun and took part in the KC Zipline before flying to the east coast, where they will spend a week visiting Washington, D.C., New York and Boston before flying back to China on July 2.
The Hays High girls team soccer camp is right around the corner for seventh through twelfth graders. The camp is July 5th, 6th & 7th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Pratt-Optimist Park. The cost is $25 per player and includes a camp t-shirt. Forms can be printed off from www.hayshighschool.com at the athletic page and under athletics information where you can find the 2016 soccer camp form.
Ann Pfeifer and Karla Hecker, Ellis County, recently earned new certifications from the Kansas County Treasurers Association.
ELLIS COUNTY
Ellis County employees Ann Pfeifer and Karla Hecker earned certification from the Kansas County Treasurers Association (KCTA) at their annual award ceremony on June 16, 2016.
Pfeifer received her level II treasurer certificate and the title of Certified Kansas County Finance Officer. Hecker received her level I employee certificate.
Level I certificates are received after 30 hours of education from the KCTA. Level II certificates are received after 54 hours of education from the KCTA. The KCTA certificate is administered by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. The KCTA holds classes for members, treasurers and treasurer office employees, to understand the office duties set forth in statute and the best practices to run the office.
Hecker, Deputy County Treasurer, has worked for the county for four years. She began on the front line in 2012 and showed a lot of potential. She then took over handling the E-Z Pay program and the delinquent processing, then was promoted to her current position as the Deputy Treasurer. “Hecker works hard to assist the citizens of Ellis County by listening to them and helping them know their options,” said Pfeifer.
Pfeifer, Ellis County Treasurer, has worked for the county for five years and has served as the county treasurer for the past three years. She has successfully implemented multiple state and county computer system upgrades and is redesigning the Treasury website.
Bradley Carl Muir passed away Monday, June 27, 2016, at Logan Manor in Logan, Kansas, at the age of 59.
He was born on October 24, 1956, in Plainville, Kansas, to Richard and Nancy (Levin) Muir. On April 18, 1980 he was united in marriage to Regina Hrabe at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, Kansas. They were blessed with four children.
A hardworking farmer and rancher, who was also a dedicated family man, Brad loved living life outside. Whether hunting, fishing, golfing, water skiing, or just hanging out at the lake, he found joy for his spirit and rest for his soul in the middle of God’s creation. He was a member of the Rooks County Golf Club, as well as serving for 20 years on the Rooks County Soil Conservation Board. One of his favorite things to do was grilling for the family every Sunday. He was always happiest when surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors, but most especially when he could spend time with his grandkids.
Brad is survived by his wife Gina; son Tyler Muir and wife Krista of Stockton; daughters Kayla Hilbrink and husband Spencer of Stockton, Lindsey Mongeau and husband Michael of Stockton, and Nichole Toney and husband Michael of Lake Jackson, Texas; grandchildren Ethan, Eden, Hayden, Beckem, Ryan, Markeis, and Kaisyn; mother Nancy Muir of Stockton; brothers Mike Muir and wife Sherry of Hays, John Muir and wife Tina of Lake Johnson, Nebraska, and Pat Muir and wife Tialisa of Stockton; sister Dana Fisher and husband Steve of Bainbridge, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his father Richard “Dick” Muir.
Funeral services will be at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, July 1, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Stockton. Burial will follow at the St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00-8:00 P.M. on Thursday at the Funeral Home in Stockton with family receiving friends from 6:00-7:00pm, and Friday, July 1, 2016 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Memorials are suggested to Stockton E.M.S and Stockton Wrestling Club and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st Street, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left at www.plumeroverlease.com.
It is written that man was created to take care of the earth and tend the land. Brad lived every day of his life seeking to be a good steward of every blessing in his life. By his example, and lessons of the land, he taught us how to work for what you need, take care of what you have, live in the joy of the moment, and love one another every chance you get.
LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press
ELLIS–About 26 percent of the water valves in the Ellis water system do not work.
