TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Russell County Rural Water District No. 3 public water supply. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Inadequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
Laboratory testing samples collected from the Russell Co. RWD No. 3 public water supply indicate no evidence of contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.
Former astronaut and U.S. Sen. John Glenn has died in Ohio. He was 95.
Glenn became a national hero in 1962 when he became the first American to orbit the Earth.
Hank Wilson with the John Glenn School of Public Affairs says Glenn died Thursday afternoon at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus.
Glenn was the third U.S. astronaut in space and the first of them to get into orbit. He circled the Earth three times. The Soviet Union had put a man into orbit a year earlier in 1961.
Glenn then spent 24 years as a Democrat from Ohio in the Senate and briefly made a run for president in 1984. He returned to space in 1998, at age 77, aboard space shuttle Discovery.
He was the last survivor of the original Mercury 7 astronauts.
This past Monday, Kansas legislators elected their leaders for 2017-18. We should all wish them good luck, because they will need it.
Leadership elections are inside baseball contests, shrouded in secrecy, but the results often offer indications of how the upcoming legislature will operate.
In the Senate, two results stand out. First is Susan Wagle’s (Wichita) solid (23-7) victory over Andover’s Ty Masterson, giving her four more years as Senate President and demonstrating her strength within both the GOP caucus and the entire chamber. Second is the selection of Jeff Longbine (Emporia) as Senate Vice-President and Jim Denning (Johnson County) as Majority Leader. Longbine’s moderation and Denning’s reality-based conservatism should be real assets in moving the chamber toward effective policies.
Burdett Loomis
In the House, Ron Ryckman, Jr.’s (Olathe) convincing 58-27 win over moderate Russ Jennings (Lakin) provides some evidence for continuing conservative strength among Republicans. But more significant, perhaps, was the 44-41 victory by prominent moderate Don Hineman (Dighton) to become Majority Leader. This was probably a more accurate test of the moderate-conservative balance in the GOP caucus, although that will shift from issue to issue.
Finally, in a battle of Democratic veterans, Wichita Representative Jim Ward narrowly unseated Kansas City’s Tom Burroughs, signaling a desire of the now-40 minority members to provide more aggressive and forceful opposition. Still, with enhanced numbers, Democrats can productively engage in writing laws, and Ward will need to act accordingly.
Along with returning Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley (D-Topeka), these individuals have their work cut out for them.
The Legislature’s many challenges stem directly from the disastrous taxation policies enacted in 2012. Indeed, searching for spending cuts and revenue enhancements (the polite term for “more taxes”) to address almost a billion dollars in shortfalls is a beyond-daunting task, made potentially more difficult by an impending Supreme court school finance ruling.
Rep. Don Hineman, R-Dighton, 118th Dist.
Making this job especially tough is that for the past six years the regular legislative process has largely been abandoned in Topeka. Rather, both chambers have operated under the control of a close-minded, far-right majority that simply saw no the need for the open, ordered deliberation that can produce well-considered legislation.
Committee hearings dwindled in number and importance, while legislative leaders and committee chairs pushed forward legislation without adequate (or sometimes any) discussion.
In short, deliberation and compromise haven’t been necessary in recent years, given the overwhelming GOP majorities in Topeka. Exhibit A, of course, is the 2012 tax cut legislation, which the governor admitted was imperfect, even as he signed a jury-rigged bill that has produced dire consequences for the state and its citizens.
In the coming months, Kansas legislators must roll up their collective sleeves to address revenue problems, and the attendant policy implications – for schools, roads, health care, mental health, and welfare, among other subjects.
All this must be done with 165 legislators who have relatively little effective legislative experience. Indeed, only 12 of 40 senators and 24 of 125 representatives will have served in both 2009-10 (the last moderate-conservative session) and 2017-18. And among majority Republicans, just 12 representatives and six senators will have had such tenure.
In short, a lot of “legislative learning” must occur, especially for new committee chairs, who will preside over many complex and contentious issues. The pressures to address revenues and other concerns will be great, but legislators should not act in too much haste. They must take legislating seriously — in committee rooms, in caucus meetings, and on the floor — to slowly turn the Kansas ship of state.
Professor Burdett Loomis of the University of Kansas is the author of “Time, Politics, and Policy: A Legislative Year,” which examined on year in the Kansas Legislature.
DOUGLAS COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Douglas County are investigating a fatal hit and run pedestrian accident and asking the public for help.
The accident on the evening of Friday December 1, occurred near 9th Street and Illinois Street, according to a media release.
Anyone who witnessed the accident, or knows someone who witnessed the accident is asked come forward and contact police at 785-832-7509.
The investigation is nearly complete, however, posts on social media indicate there are potentially some witnesses that may not have come forward.
Police reported 58-year-old Bruce Coburn of Lawrence was hit by the car as he walked along the street. Coburn was an office assistant with the University of Kansas libraries since 1981. He died at the scene.
Photo by Stephen Koranda/KPR- Duane Goossen of the Kansas Center for Economic Growth and Annie McKay of Kansas Action for Children on Wednesday announced a tax overhaul proposal. The plan would undo some tax cuts made in recent years by raising the top income tax rate and reinstate income taxes on hundreds of thousands of businesses.
By Steve Koranda
Groups representing Kansas teachers, state workers, contractors and others are proposing a tax overhaul they say would solve the state’s budget problems. The plan would undo some tax cuts made in recent years by raising the top income tax rate. It also would reinstate income taxes on hundreds of thousands of businesses.
Former Kansas Budget Director Duane Goossen and others revealed the tax plan Wednesday in Topeka. Goossen said the tax cuts have hurt the state’s ability to invest in needed services and the proposal would reverse that.
“It’s a plan that will stabilize state government across the board, so we can pay for things like a 50-year water plan, fully staffed mental health hospitals and Highway Patrol officers in all Kansas counties,” he said.
The proposal also would raise the gas tax, but it would cut the sales tax rate on food to help low-income residents.
Annie McKay, with the group Kansas Action for Children, calls tax cuts pushed by Gov. Sam Brownback a mistake. She said fixing the state’s budget challenges won’t be “easy or politically convenient.”
“We have to go back and look at the changes that were made, the cost of those changes and balance those things back out,” she said. “The cost of fixing the disaster from the Brownback tax plan is not small.”
A spokesperson for the governor, Melika Willoughby, called the changes “tax and spend proposals.” She said the plan would hurt middle-class Kansans.
“They are the receptionists, the nurses, the police officers and other members of the working middle class who work hard every day to put gas in their tank and money in their pockets to provide both for themselves and their families,” Willoughby said.
Kansas lawmakers have struggled to balance the budget since income tax reductions were approved in 2012. Kansas lawmakers face a budget shortfall approaching $350 million in the current fiscal year and an even larger shortfall the following year.
The current year’s $350 million shortfall amounts to more than 5 percent of the overall $6 billion state general fund.
The tax proposals wouldn’t start generating revenue until next fiscal year, so they wouldn’t fix the state’s immediate budget shortfall. Goossen said lawmakers need to put a long-term solution in place before making short-term fixes for the current budget year.
Wesley “Wes” R. Spillman passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016 at his home in Rural Sheridan County at the age of 66. He was born May 12, 1950 in Quinter, Kansas to the late Doren A. and Doris J. (Foster) Spillman. He was raised in Hoxie, Kansas and graduated from Sheridan Community High School with the Class of 1968. He proudly served his country in the United States Army including a tour in Vietnam from 1970-71.
On July 16, 1983 Wes was united in marriage to Charlene Raile in Hoxie. He worked for D&L Service Station as a mechanic and loved the challenge of getting small engines running. He later became co-owner of the station and continued working as the head mechanic. In his younger days, he liked to water ski, ride his Harley, take road trips with his cousins, and go for drives on country roads.
Wes was an excellent artist with a talent for sketching, drawing, and painting; especially pictures of Native Americans, the American Flag, and eagles. His “man cave-shed” was full of memories with a story for every item in it. Whether listening to old 50’s music, watching a little NASCAR or loving going pheasant hunting on opening day, his favorite time was spent enjoying the company of family and friends, and just laughing and talking for hours on end. Above all, he was a family man. He loved his wife and always looked forward to visits from their son, Travis, and family in Arizona. To extended family, he was the favorite uncle, cousin, nephew, brother-in-law, and son-in-law.
Wes is survived by his wife Charlene of the home; son Travis Spillman and wife Malaina of Pinetop, AZ; brother Jeffery Spillman and wife Kalena of Hoxie; sisters Nora Mae Spillman and husband Lee of Custer, SD, and Paula Rumback and husband Ron of Oakley; grandchildren Katey Spillman and Josiah Spillman; and many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Doren and Doris Spillman, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 9, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Hoxie. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 7:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home, with family receiving friends from 5:30-7:00. Memorials are suggested to Grinnell VFW Post #2864, Grainfield American Legion, or Sheridan County Health Complex and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com
Wes was a “straight shooter” and a true patriot at heart. He honored and respected the flag and everything it stood for, even volunteering, along with his brother and friends, to raise the flags in the cemetery every Memorial Day. He will always be remembered as a kind, caring, generous, fun-loving, gentle “prince” of a guy. He will be missed and forever loved.
Lucy Cyrilla (Grady) Bolt-Gilliland passed away on Monday, December 5, 2016 at Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 99. She was born on September 17, 1917 in Plainville to the late John and Lucy (Weber) Grady. Having lost her 3 sisters and brother to the flu in 1919, she grew up an only child on the farm in Rooks County. When she started school, her father built a small house in Plainville so she and her mother could live in town during the week, returning to the farm on weekends. After graduating high school she attended Marymount College in Salina, Kansas for one year.
Lucy was united in marriage to Omar Bolt on June 9, 1945. He brought two sons to the family, Bob and Don. Omar passed away in November 1971. In September 1974 she was married to Harold “Ike” Gilliland. He brought three children to the family, Ron, Barry, and Carolyn. Ike passed away in October 1976. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Sacred Heart Guild, Daughters of Isabella, Rooks County Health Center Auxiliary, Priscilla Art Club, and Alpha Gamma ESA.
As a young girl, Lucy learned to play violin and piano. By the age of ten she was playing the pipe organ in church. She also played for Glee Club and the orchestra in high school. At the age of 12 her mother passed away, leaving her to work and take care of herself and her father.
She worked at the dime store, the telephone office, Plainville State Bank, and the CO-OP. In later years she enjoyed traveling and felt blessed to have seen so many places, many of them with Ike, which included Nassau, Canary Islands, Germany, Austria, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Portugal, Africa, Canada, and many states including Alaska and Hawaii.
Lucy is survived by her step-son Barry Gilliland and wife Donna of Plainville; step-daughter Carolyn Metcalf and husband Don of Plainville; daughter-in-law Mary Lou Gilliland of Plainville; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Lucy Grady; husbands Omar Bolt and Ike Gilliland; step-sons Bob Bolt, Don Bolt, and Ron Gilliland; three sisters and one brother.
The writer Paul reminds us, “These three remain: faith, hope, and love.” Lucy was a woman of strong faith, eternal hope, and abiding love. Her own life was a testimony that indeed, “The greatest of these is love.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 pm on Friday at the funeral home with Rosary at 3:00 pm; and from 6:00-8:00 pm at the church with Vigil at 7:00 pm.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — An appeals court says a man serving a 260-year sentence in a Kansas child pornography case must liquidate his union retirement account and apply that money he hid from the court to provide restitution to the victims.
Wednesday’s ruling by a Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel upholds a federal judge’s ruling against 54-year-old Philip Grigsby.
Grigsby, formerly of Marquette, was sentenced in 2013 after pleading guilty to eight counts of sexual exploitation of a child, as well as single counts of illegal gun possession and child porn possession.
A judge later ordered Grigsby to pay $140,000 restitution to a victim and her mother. Grigsby’s $53,000 retirement account he concealed during proceedings in the porn case was later discovered during his divorce, and a judge ordered it liquidated.
Douglas Henry Langhofer, 47, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, December 06, 2016, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, December 12, 2016 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. Visitation will be from Noon to 8 P.M. on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at the mortuary, with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Sunday evening.
The family is requesting that donations be given to the Langhofer Girls Education Fund and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
RUSSELL COUNTY — Law enforcement is investigation the shooting of a cow in the southeast portion of the county earlier this week.
According to Undersheriff Andy VanDerWege, deputies were called to the area of 204th and Michaelis Road near the Barton/Ellsworth county lines just after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Upon arrival, the deputy met with rancher Ted Schepmann at the scene, where a cow was found dead.
VanDerWege said the incident remains under investigation.
“We don’t know if it was intentional, accidental,” he said. “With deer season in full swing, we can’t rule that out either.”
Schepmann said he checked the cows Monday, and didn’t noticed the dead animal then, finding it when he returned for another check Wednesday morning.
He said the cow was shot — “a perfect shot, right through the lungs” — and there also appeared to be other bullet holes near the rear of the cow.
Schepmann said he doubts the shooting was accidental.
“I don’t know how you accidentally shoot something six times,” he said. “It sure looked like someone shot her just to watch her die.”
While that animal was not covered by insurance, Schepmann said he covered the rest of his herd yesterday after the incident.
“We’ve just never had anything like this happen before,” he said.
ELLIS–Employees of the city of Ellis will be paid more next year.
City council members Monday evening unanimously approved the two percent wage increase which was included in the city’s 2017 budget.
The council also agreed to write-off $10,129 in utilities bad debts. City Clerk Amy Burton said the write-off is an annual accounting procedure and does not affect the city’s ability to ability to collect the debts. The amount to be written off represents less than one percent of the city’s 2016 total receivables, according to Burton.
The complete Dec. 5, 2016, meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes December 5, 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, Bob Redger, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Sharon Disney, Chris Cline, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Susan Eaton, Charlene Weber, Steve Homburg (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), and Jeri Homburg (arrived at 7:45 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 21, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #2010, with the exception of the invoice from Ground Water Associates, which will be considered later on the agenda. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire: Acquisition
Ellis Volunteer Fireman Chris Cline presented two bids for two sets of bunker gear. In 2015 Council approved the purchase of twenty sets of bunker gear, but the Department only ordered eighteen at that time. The Department would like approval to purchase the remaining two sets of bunker gear. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the quote from Municipal Emergency Services for two sets of coats and pants in the amount of $3,070.00, with funds to come from the Fire Department budget. The motion carried 6-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water: Special Project
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman updated Council on the Waterline Improvement Project. Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, will attend the Council meeting on the 19th to present final results of the project. Mr. Driggs and Mr. Scheuerman will partake in a walk-through of the project with APAC prior to the meeting.
General Government: License/Permit
Council performed a first reading of an ordinance modifying contractor licensing requirements. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner requested clarification on the contractor definitions versus the wording on the actual licenses issued. Council will revisit the ordinance at the next meeting.
General Government: License/Permit
Council performed a first reading of ordinances establishing time limitations on building, electrical and plumbing permits. Council suggested adding wording acknowledging that the permits are subject to a renewal fee. Council will revisit the ordinances at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Tourism: Committee
Mayor David McDaniel recommended the appointment of Josh Eaton, General Manager of Love’s Country Stores, to fill the vacancy on the Tourism Committee. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to appoint Josh Eaton to the unexpired term on the Tourism Committee. The motion carried 6-0.
Sewer: Acquisition
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented three bids for aluminum chlorohydrate for the wastewater treatment plant. A 3,000 lb. tote will last approximately two and one-half months. The add-in chemical is necessary to reduce the phosphorus and nitrates at the plant. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the bid from Brenntag for one tote of aluminum chlorohydrate at a cost of $1,140.00, with funds to come from the Sewer Utility Fund. The motion carried 6-0.
Water Exploration: Special Project
Council reviewed the latest invoice from Ground Water Associates for professional services performed from July 2015 to November 2016. Council member Gary Luea has worked closely with Ground Water Associates and believes the bill looks accurate for the work completed to date on securing an additional water source for the City. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the invoice from Ground Water Associates in the amount of $18,699.85, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Water Exploration Fund. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: License/Permit
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the Application for License to Sell Cereal Malt Beverages for Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods. The motion carried 6-0. Background checks have been successfully completed.
General Government: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the list of bad debts to be written off. Writing off the bad debts is an annual accounting procedure and in no way affects the City’s ability to collect these debts. The amount to be written off represents less than 1% of the City’s 2016 total receivables. Most of the debts listed have already been submitted to the State Setoff program and another collection agency. Prior to the Council meeting, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner reviewed the individual names of the accounts to be written off, per auditor recommendation. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to approve the write-off of the utility bad debts in the amount of $10,129.46. The motion carried 6-0.
Personnel: Salary
Ms. Burton presented the proposed pay rates for employees for 2017. The rates reflect a 2% wage increase as approved in the 2017 budget. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the 2017 pay rates as presented. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Special Project
Ms. Burton inquired if Council was interested in holding a City Christmas Party for staff, elected officials and their guests. Council discussed putting a cap on the expense and soliciting bids for venue and food. Council member Bret Andries moved to approve holding a City Christmas Party at a cost not to exceed $500, and for the Clerk to solicit bids for the party. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Personnel: Benefits
Ms. Burton continued by asking if Council wanted to continue the practice of giving City employees a Christmas bonus. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve a Christmas bonus for each full-time and part-time employee in the net amount of $200.00. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner opposed.
Personnel: Policy
Ms. Burton presented the proposed 2017 Personnel Policies and Guidelines manual. Several sections had language added for clarification purposes. The only major revision was adding a policy for weapons in the workplace. No further revisions were proposed by Council. Council will consider approval of the policy at the next meeting.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period October 10th – November 10th. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will not allow residents to dump leaves at the burn pile due to the possibility of other debris being raked up and dumped with the leaves. Mr. Scheuerman reported the inoperable portable welder did not sell on the PurpleWave auction site.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for November and the December staff calendar. Officer Chris Krom and Chief Yates will present at Rotary on December 14th on the Department’s new Tasers.
City Clerk: Training
City Clerk Amy Burton requested Council approval to attend the IIMC Annual Conference in Montreal, Canada in May 2017. Ms. Burton’s registration, travel and lodging expenses will be paid by the City Clerk’s and Municipal Finance Officers Association since she will become the Vice-President of the Association in March. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to allow Ms. Burton to attend the IIMC Annual Conference from May 21st – 24th in Montreal, Canada. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Committees
Ms. Burton presented the draft minutes from the recent Campground Committee meeting. The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on December 27th regarding an application for a variance on fence height regulations.
General Government: Building Code
Ms. Burton offered information about the Institute of Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), a non-profit organization which recently signed a Master Service Agreement with the League of Kansas Municipalities to provide contracted services to member cities on a variety of topics. Council has expressed interest in contracting with IBTS for building inspection services. The League is hosting a free webinar to introduce municipalities to IBTS on December 13th.
The Kansas Department of Labor recently performed a safety compliance audit. No major safety deficiencies were noted. The City should receive KDOL’s official report in 2-3 weeks.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub updated Council on outstanding code violation cases. Council member Gary Luea inquired of a property in violation on Fauteux St. Ms. Raub has completed an initial draft of the Attorney General’s opinion on the question of incompatibility of office of Council member-elect Dena Patee. Ms. Raub will set up a meeting with the property owner and developer regarding the drainage issues at 21st Street and Walnut.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Council member Bob Redger inquired if the school district would be able to designate the area north of the tennis courts as an outdoor classroom.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
ELLIS–Employees of the city of Ellis will be paid more next year.