Video Courtsey USD 489
Year: 2016
Disregard transgender bathroom directive a no-go for some Kan. schools
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Several dozen central and western Kansas school superintendents say they have no intention of following the advice of U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp to disregard a recent transgender bathroom directive from President Barack Obama’s administration.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that it reached out to 129 school superintendents who were given the Republican congressman’s letter and received responses from 30 of them. Read the letter here.
Huelskamp used the letter to encourage districts to “stand up to the Obama administration.” But none said they would directly disobey the directive that students should use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity.
Many district leaders dismissed debates over transgender students as irrelevant to their rural districts. Others explained the policies and procedures they have established to ensure transgender students are treated fairly.
Kansas teen arrested after alleged threat with a handgun
SALINE COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating a teen on weapons charges.
Just after 6:30p.m. on Saturday, witnesses say they saw Zachary Degraw, 17, Salina, discharge a high-power handgun at near the intersection of 9th and Otto, according to Police Captain Mike Sweeney.
A short time later, police located Degraw in the area of Haskett and Cloud Streets and the officer recovered a high power semi automatic handgun.
During their investigation, police were able to determine Degraw was the suspect in an incident Thursday afternoon at the Central Mall.
A group of girls between the ages of 11 and 13, said Degraw was walking in front of them in the commons area of the mall. He stopped, turned around, and twice pulled up his shirt to display a handgun in his pants. He also threatened to shoot them.
Requested charges against Degraw include criminal possession of a weapon, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and multiple counts of aggravated assault, and criminal threats, according to police.
He is being held in the regional juvenile detention facility in Junction City. A relative of Degraw owns the gun, according to police.
Kollections offerings to move into Hallmark at Hays mall
By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Tandy’s Hallmark announced Monday the addition of Kollections Gift and Party store to their location, inside the Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine.
Kollections’ current location at 2013 Vine will be closed effective Tuesday, and signs will direct shoppers to the new location at the mall, according to Manager Kathy Schupman.
“The combination of the two stores will give customers easy access to all of their party and gift needs from cards, balloons, party supplies and novelty gifts to the traditional Hallmark collectibles such as Precious Moments, Jim Shore, WoodWick candles and Christmas Keepsake Ornaments,” she said in a news release. “We look forward to showcasing the best of both stores for our customers.”
On Tuesday, merchandise from Kollections will be available in the Tandy’s location.
“We’re really excited,” Schupman said. “If it wasn’t for the community, and the values they hold with shopping locally, this wouldn’t be possible.
Tandy’s is scheduled to host a Christmas Keepsake Holiday Premiere July 9 to 17.
CORRECTION: 2 Kansas men hospitalized after motorcycles collide
CORRECTION: An earlier version incorrectly identified Collins as the rider who swerved.
A corrected version of the KHP report is below.
JEFFERSON COUNTY — Two Kansas men were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. on Saturday, June 11, in Jefferson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Devin Belknap, 28, Bonner Springs was northbound on Ferguson Road in Jefferson County.
Belknap and a northbound 2012 Harley driven by David Kyle Collins, 44, Edwardsville, were passing a car with another motorcycle when a southbound vehicle came into view.
Belknap attempted to avoid a collision. His motorcycle struck Collin’s motorcycle. Both riders were ejected.
Collins and Belknap were transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.
You, millions more eligible for free tickets through Ticketmaster
(AP) If you bought a ticket through Ticketmaster between late 1999 and early 2013, you could be eligible for free tickets to a number of events.
An email sent to eligible Ticketmaster customers includes instructions on how to get vouchers for free tickets to selected events as well as discounts on Ticketmaster purchases. Those who bought a ticket through the company between October 21, 1999, and February 27, 2013, are eligible. The vouchers expire in four years.
The vouchers are the result of a class-action lawsuit over ticket fees and other charges.
Billboard magazine reports that about 50 million people are in line to receive the vouchers.
Ticketmaster is now part of Beverly Hills-based Live Nation Entertainment Inc.
Toll-free legislative hotline available during special session
STATE LIBRARY
TOPEKA — With the 2016 special session of the Kansas legislature scheduled to begin Thu., June 23, Kansas residents can ask questions about legislation, legislative procedure, state government and more by calling 1-800-432-3924.
Calls are answered by experienced reference/research librarians at the State Library of Kansas and kept confidential. Lines are open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to calling the legislative hotline, residents can text questions to (785) 256-0733 (standard text message rates may apply), instant message at www.kslib.info/ask-a-librarian, or visit the State Library. The State Library is located in the north wing, on the third floor of the Kansas Capitol Building.
Some Kan. Superintendents want return to Pre-Block Grant Funding Formula
By ELLE MOXLEY
ELLE MOXLEY
Johnson County superintendents and local chambers of commerce are asking for a return to Kansas’s old school funding formula and for a provision that would “hold all districts harmless.”
The Kansas Supreme Court has given lawmakers until June 30 to come up with an equitable funding formula or risk closure of the state’s schools. As it stands, Blue Valley, De Soto, Gardner-Edgerton, Olathe and Shawnee Mission will lose money under state lawmakers’ plan to equalize funding.
Tom Robinett with the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce says a temporary return to the pre-block grant funding formula would be a better solution.
“Looking at it where Johnson County residents are asked to pay more taxes to pay tax relief across the state, that’s difficult to share and justify with the patrons of our school districts,” Robinett said at a news conference Thursday.
“One of the things we have to do going forward to write a new formula in our state is to define equity and define equalization and define adequacy,” Shawnee Mission Supt. Jim Hinson said. “As you’ve heard me state previously, the big issue is not the one we’re dealing with right now.”
Rather, it’s adequacy – and that’ll have to be determined by the courts, Hinson said.
Already, the uncertainty around Kansas school funding has impacted hiring in the Blue Valley district.
“We have applicants that we are offering contracts to that I believe in previous years would have wanted to come to Johnson County and to Blue Valley schools, that are now telling us they’re now unsure if that contract will even be valid,” Supt. Todd White said.
Spring Hill was the only Johnson County school district that did not sign a statement released Thursday urging a retrograde approach to the Supreme Court’s order. Nine local chambers of commerce also joined in.
Elle Moxley is a reporter for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.
Renovations at Norton Valley Hope boosted by Hansen grant
VALLEY HOPE
NORTON–The Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, announced June 16 the award of a $500,000 grant to Valley Hope to help fund the renovation of the organizations’ treatment center and corporate headquarters in Norton.
Valley Hope, headquartered in Norton, Kan., is a nationally accredited nonprofit treatment organization dedicated to providing care to those suffering from substance use disorder.
Established in 1967, Valley Hope now operates 16 treatment centers including residential and outpatient facilities in seven states. It is one of the largest private, nonprofit addiction treatment organizations in the United States. Services include medically monitored detox, residential and outpatient treatment (including medication assisted therapy), family therapy and online treatment.
During a ceremony held in Norton, Valley Hope President/CEO, Pat George said “We are grateful to receive this gift from the Hansen Foundation for facility improvements. For 49 years Valley Hope has been a part of the Norton community. We are pleased to be able to continue to provide quality services to those in need of substance use disorder treatment. Treatment is a place of hope; a place for families to mend. This gift allows families to experience that hope in comfortable surroundings.”
Also participating in the event, Kansas Secretary of Commerce Antonio Soave said, “It’s wonderful that Valley Hope has received this grant to support the great work it does across the state and the region. Valley Hope makes an incredible, positive impact on many lives, and I’m thrilled that the organization calls Kansas home.”
The corporate office, located in downtown Norton was originally the American Legion building. From this home office, the organization provides leadership and support services to its more than 650 employees and 16 treatment centers. Approximately 70 corporate employees are residents of the area.
The renovation will provide space for growth, improve current operating capacity and beautify an important structure in the community.
The Norton Valley Hope treatment center employs 36 area residents and provides treatment to an estimated 35 patients a day.
The center’s original structure served as the Townsman Motel and needs significant renovation. Plans include adding a covered entry, additional parking, sidewalks and landscaping and a new interior courtyard. Total cost of the combined renovations is estimated at $1,5 million.
Police investigate deadly Kansas shooting
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are investigating after a man was fatally shot while riding in a vehicle in Kansas City, Kansas.
Police said in a news release that officers were summoned to a hospital Sunday after the driver took the shooting victim there. The victim died from his injuries and was identified as 24-year-old Ramon Minjares-Garcia. He was from the city of Camargo in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
Police said officers found several bullet holes in the vehicle in which the victim was riding.
Authorities are seeking information about a red- four-door vehicle that may be linked to the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Nearly an inch of official rain in Hays Friday
Although many residents reported more, the official rainfall in Hays during Friday night’s severe weather was 0.92 as recorded at the K-State Agricultural Research Center.
It was the first significant rain for the month, with the June total at 0.93.
So far this year, 13.37 inches of rain has fallen in Hays.
HPD Activity Log June 17-19
The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and 8 traffic stops Fri., June 17, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.
False/Altered ID–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:49 AM
Driving Under the Influence–7th and Elm, Hays; 1:53 AM; 1:55 AM
Curfew Violation–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:39 AM
Theft (general)–1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 7:13 AM
Water Use Violation–2700 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 7:22 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 7:38 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 8:06 AM
Found/Lost Property–400 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:42 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–800 block Oak St, Hays; 12:50 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–26th and Vine, Hays; 1:25 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:14 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 4:42 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–23rd and Walnut, Hays; 5 PM
Parking Complaint–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 5:50 PM
Animal Injured–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 6:09 PM
Welfare Check–Hays; 6:12 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 6/16 12 AM; 11:59 PM
MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy–N Vine St, Hays; 8:10 PM
Disorderly Conduct–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 11:34 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and 22 traffic stops Sat., June 18, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Found/Lost Property–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 1:42 AM
Drug Offenses–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 4:50 AM
Mental Health Call–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 4:54 AM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 30th St, Hays; 8:18 AM
Animal At Large–2700 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 11:12 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2700 block Willow St, Hays; 12:19 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–600 block E E 8th St, Hays; 12:28 PM
Welfare Check–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 12:55 PM
Found/Lost Property–27th and Hall, Hays; 1:36 PM
Civil Dispute–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6/17 8 AM
Water Use Violation–2500 block Henry Dr, Hays; 4:32 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 4:36 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block E 19th St, Hays; 5:13 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–3500 block Vine St, Hays; 7:07 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1100 block E 22nd St, Hays; 7:39 PM
Disturbance – Noise–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:35 PM; 10:54 PM
Domestic Disturbance–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 11:52 PM; 12:15 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and 23 traffic stops Sun., June 19, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Obstruction of Legal Process–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 1:18 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–24th and Fort St, Hays; 5:09 AM
Dead Animal Call–2300 block Donald Dr, Hays; 8:28 AM
Domestic Disturbance-500 block E 12th St, Hays; 10:29 AM
Intoxicated Subject–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 12:29 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–27th and Hillcrest, Hays; 12:43 PM
Water Use Violation–200 block E 15th St, Hays; 2:45 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:14 PM
Water Use Violation–30th and Roosevelt, Hays; 4:26 PM
Animal Call–2500 block Oak St, Hays; 8:02 PM
Alarm – Residential–1600 block Ash St, Hays; 8:37 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–100 block E 11th St, Hays; 10:06 PM
Drug Offenses–700 block of E 8th St, Hays; 10:16 PM; 11:33 PM
Funding requests from outside agencies to be heard by Ellis city council tonight
ELLIS–Requests for funding from the city of Ellis next year will be heard from four non-profit groups at tonight’s city council meeting. Asking for consideration within the 2017 city budget are Ellis Alliance, Walter P. Chrysler Museum, Ellis Community Foundation and Ellis Railroad Museum.
Council members will again consider an alarm systems ordinance regulating automated alarm systems and the Ellis Fire Department’s policy for responding to automated alarm systems.
The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Ellis City Hall. The complete agenda follows.
AGENDA June 20, 2016 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
1) CONSENT AGENDA (Enc)
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on June 6, 2016
b) Bills Ordinance #1999
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
MOTION_______________________ SECOND__________________ VOTE___________
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) Report on Planes, Trains & Auto Event – Tourism Task Force
b) 2017 Budget Request – Ellis Alliance
c) 2017 Budget Request – Walter P. Chrysler Museum
d) 2017 Budget Request – Ellis Community Foundation
e) 2017 Budget Request – Ellis Railroad Museum
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Consideration of Alarm Systems Ordinance Regulating Automated Alarm Systems
b) Consider Fire Department Policy on Automated Alarm Systems
c) Consider Approval of 2015 Audit Report
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Ratifying Purchase of KDOT Millings
b) Consider Approval of Pay Request and Application #3 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
c) Consider Approval of Office Supply Purchase
d) Consider Water Line Project Change Order
e) Consider Leasing County Equipment
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Disinfectant By-Products (DBP)
(2) Property Cleanup Report
(3) Well Level Report
(4) Department Update
2) Police
(1) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) Audit Reports for Other Entities
(2) Cemetery Committee Minutes
(3) Department Update
4) Attorney
(1) Complete Report on Violation Notices
5) Mayor Update and Announcements
(1)
7) EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
8) ADJOURNMENT