The Kansas Department of Agriculture is seeking individuals to participate on agricultural trade missions to Argentina and Uruguay. Tentatively, the Argentina mission will take place July 25-31, 2016, and the Uruguay mission Sept.12-18, 2016. The goal of these missions is to provide an opportunity for Kansas purebred beef cattle producers and allied industry to continue developing relationships with livestock producers in Argentina and Uruguay in an effort to increase market opportunities for U.S. and Kansas beef genetics.
The primary activity during each mission will be to interact with breeders and promote the use of U.S. beef genetics while attending major livestock shows including the Expocisión Rural (Palermo) in Argentina or ExpoPrado in Uruguay. Kansas ranchers and related agribusinesses specializing in export of Angus and Hereford genetics are invited to participate.
This trade mission is funded in part by the United States Livestock Genetic Export, Inc. Selected participants will be eligible for travel stipends for airfare depending upon number of applicants and fund availability. Participants will be responsible for the cost of hotels, meals and other incidental expenses.
KDA strives to encourage and enhance economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy by exploring and expanding both domestic and international marketing opportunities.
Those individuals interested in participating in the trade mission should complete the application forms available online on the KDA website. The deadline for submitting applications for consideration is Wednesday, June 15.
For more information on the trade missions, please contact Billy Brown, KDA agribusiness development coordinator, at [email protected] or 785-431-5049.
Robert Gerald “Jerry” Messamore, 90, of Colby, died Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Brookdale Rosehill, in Shawnee, KS. He was born on May 10, 1926 to James and Genevieve (Wheaton) Messamore in Colby. He served in the United States Army in the European Theatre from 1944 to 1946. Among other awards he received the Bronze Star. He married Florene J. Bixenman Williams on January 7, 1965. A lifelong resident of Colby, he was a member of the Colby American Legion and V.F.W. Jerry was a builder and bricklayer, and later was a real-estate broker.
He was preceded in death by his Parents; sisters, Doris and Joyce and brother Kenneth.
He is survived by wife, Florene; children, Mriana Williams, Rebecca (Brad) Belanger, Mischele Williams and Dr. Darrell “Pete” (Barbara) Williams; brother Bill Messamore; Eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who have been the “Light of his life” and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 4-8:00pm on Friday, May 27, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, with a vigil service at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the VFW and the Colby American Legion in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby KS 67701. Information or condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.comRobert Gerald “Jerry” Messamore, 90, of Colby, died Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Brookdale Rosehill, in Shawnee, KS. He was born on May 10, 1926 to James and Genevieve (Wheaton) Messamore in Colby. He served in the United States Army in the European Theatre from 1944 to 1946. Among other awards he received the Bronze Star. He married Florene J. Bixenman Williams on January 7, 1965. A lifelong resident of Colby, he was a member of the Colby American Legion and V.F.W. Jerry was a builder and bricklayer, and later was a real-estate broker.
He was preceded in death by his Parents; sisters, Doris and Joyce and brother Kenneth.
He is survived by wife, Florene; children, Mriana Williams, Rebecca (Brad) Belanger, Mischele Williams and Dr. Darrell “Pete” (Barbara) Williams; brother Bill Messamore; Eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who have been the “Light of his life” and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 4-8:00pm on Friday, May 27, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, with a vigil service at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the VFW and the Colby American Legion in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby KS 67701. Information or condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com
The wild weather at the end of May could continue Thursday, with the National Weather Service warning more storms could be on the way.
According to the NWS hazardous weather outlook, severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, high wind and tornadoes are possible this afternoon into the early evening.
The area most favorable for strong tornadoes will be east of Dodge City and south of Hays.
Scattered thunderstorms also are expected Friday. As of Thursday morning, those storms were not expected to be severe, but there is a threat of hail.
The threat of additional storms as a front moves through Kansas will continue through Tuesday.
Check Hays Post and your Eagle Radio stations for the latest on severe weather. Click HERE for the complete expanded forecast.
Fort Hays State University Relations and Marketing
The Global Justice Living Learning Community at Fort Hays State University recently volunteered in Los Angeles during a year-end educational trip.
The students volunteered with the Burrito Project, a local organization that meets once a month to make burritos for the residents of Los Angeles’ Skid Row neighborhood. Students helped make and distribute burritos, as well as water, fruit, clothing and hygiene products.
In addition to volunteering, students toured the police headquarters and met with the Chief, Charles Beck, as well as visiting tourist locations in both Los Angeles and San Francisco, including Alcatraz Island and prison.
April Terry, instructor of criminal justice, and Troy Terry sponsored the trip.
WALLACE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities, including the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the State Fire Marshal, are on the scene of Tuesday’s fire and standoff in Wallace County.
Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, the Kansas Highway Patrol, deputies with the Wallace County Sheriff’s Department and fire crews responded to a rural location just north of Weskan, according to Weskan Fire Chief Mike Cox.
The homeowner allegedly fired shots at crews that approached the burning home.
“We got about a quarter of a mile from the house and someone started shooting at the fire trucks,” said Cox. “We never did get to the home, and it burned down. It’s a total loss.”
Fire crews were asked to go in later to cool the concrete at the site of the fire, according to Cox.
Law enforcement authorities from across the state eventually arrived on the scene. A large, dark armored vehicle also was used, and the suspect was taken into custody, according to Cox.
There were no injuries. The suspect’s identity and what prompted the standoff have not been released.
Planned Parenthood Great Plains will operate nine health centers in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, including this one in midtown Kansas City, Missouri. CREDIT MATT HODAPP / HEARTLAND HEALTH MONITOR
Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri says it’s merging with its central Oklahoma counterpart and will be renamed Planned Parenthood Great Plains effective July 1.
The combined affiliates will operate nine clinics in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma and will be headquartered in Kansas City, according to a news release from PPKM.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity to combine two well-established reproductive and sexual health care providers under one system, which will reach more women and men who need crucial preventive health care,” Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri President and CEO, Laura McQuade said in the release.
“The merger strengthens our mission to provide health care to diverse communities with different and changing needs.”
McQuade will lead Planned Parenthood Great Plains as its president and CEO.
The combination comes as Planned Parenthood fights attempts by Kansas to strip it of Medicaid funds. Gov. Sam Brownback vowed in his State-of-the-State address to defund the organization, and the state took steps to do so in May. Planned Parenthood sued to block the move the next day. The case is now scheduled to be heard by a federal judge in June.
In Missouri, the organization scored a victory earlier this month when a federal judge ruled that Missouri’s attempt to revoke the abortion license of its clinic in Columbia was unconstitutional.
And in Oklahoma it’s facing a hostile legislature that recently passed a bill making it a felony for a doctor to perform an abortion, except where the mother’s life is at stake. Gov. Mary Fallin vetoed the bill last week, saying it was vague and unconstitutional.
Planned Parenthood plans to open a new clinic in Oklahoma City, giving it three in the area.
Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri also recently announced plans to expand into three new health service areas this year, including pre- and post-menopausal care, transgender care, and PrEp care, a preventative that lowers the chance of contracting HIV for patients who have a high risk of infection.
Dan Margolies, editor of the Heartland Health Monitor team. You can reach him on Twitter @DanMargolies.
Congressman Tim Huelskamp R-Kan., has announced that he has received the “Hero of Main Street” award from the National Retail Federation for his support of legislation critical to the retail industry. Huelskamp is part of a bi-partisan group honored for their support of a wide range of issues including international trade, infrastructure investment, tax reform and labor issues.
“I am proud to stand with Main Street retailers against Obama and his burdensome taxes and over-regulations,” Huelskamp said. ” We need to push back against Obama and give our small businesses fighting chance at survival. They are critical to the growth of our economy and in families around the First District.”
“Huelskamp has shown through his support that he cares about retailers big and small, and values the role these businesses play in communities across the country,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Huelskamp is an advocate for his thriving Main Street and to the long-term growth the retail industry – our nation’s largest job creators and the catalyst for continued growth and opportunity for our nation’s economy.”
The Hero of Main Street award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize members of Congress for support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. Eligibility is based on NRF’s Retail Opportunity Index, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance the industry’s priorities. The “heroes” have supported policies and initiatives defined by NRF that recognize the contributions of the retail industry and have worked to encourage a “vibrant, sustained and healthy” retail sector.
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation.
Thelma Hiebsch, age 84, former Hays resident, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Bethesda Home in Goessel, Kansas. She was born May 15, 1932 in rural Thomas County, Kansas to Ted E. and Grace Mae (Chadwick) Griffin. She married Donald E. Hiebsch on December 10, 1950. He preceded her in death.
She had worked as an LPN at St. Anthony Hospital and the Good Samaritan Society, Hays. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and WKACD-Western Kansas Association Concerns of the Disabled and Elderly. She loved crafts and enjoyed volunteering for various organizations including Meals on Wheels.
She is survived by a daughter, June Grumbein of Hays; two sisters, Ruby Feess and Connie Towey both of Colby; four grandchildren, Candice Loffredi, Rachel Grumbein both of Hays, Brandon Funk of Princeton, KS and Raelynn Grumbein of Houston, TX and eight great grandchildren, Evie grumbein-Banegas, Taylor and Tyra Loffredi, Trinity and Tanaya Funk, Stuart Grumbein-Littrel, Kayley Geaslin and Justin Grumbein.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Joyce Funk, four brothers, Jay, Ike, Allen and Gary Griffin; a sister, Ethel Cooper; a son-in-law, Jerry Grumbein, and two grandson-in-laws, Rolando Banegas and Justin Loffredi.
Memorial services will be 6:30 PM Friday, May 27, 2016 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601 with visitation Friday 5:30 PM until service time.
Inurnment will be at a later date in the McCracken, Kansas Cemetery.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].
Mary Lou Schmidt, age 87, of Hays, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016 at the Rush County Nursing Home in LaCrosse, Kansas. She was born January 18, 1929 in Hays, Kansas to Paul and Catherine (Walter) Schmidt. She graduated from Girls Catholic High School in 1947 and earned a Masters in English from Fort Hays State University.
Mary was a Commercial and Residential Real Estate Broker. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. She enjoyed Tennis, Traveling, reading, writing poetry and talking politics.
She is survived by two brothers, Marion Schmidt (Donna) of Hays and Donald Schmidt (Rose) of Arizona; a sister, Helen Edmonds of Michigan; three grandchildren, Erika Noone (Bryan of Hays, Jennifer Haselhorst (Fiance Chris Sida of Kansas City, Missouri and Meaghan Haselhorst of Denver, Colorado as well as four great grandchildren, Morgan, Kian, Logan and Ava.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jacqueline Chamoff; a son, Brad Rupp; five brothers, Edwin, Alexius, Vincent, Cyril and Jerome Schmidt and three sisters, Lydia Schreiner, Cecilia Pfeifer and Loretta Joy.
Memorial services will be 10 AM Saturday, May 28, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. Inurnment will be in the church cemetery.
Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601
Memorial contributions are to the wishes of the family to be determined at a later date.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].
Candidate filings for state legislative seats in Sedgwick County show cracks in the iron-clad, far-right block that has dominated state politics for the last four years. These cracks may portend fundamental change in the direction of state government.
Political party candidates have until noon this coming Wednesday, June 1, to file for a seat in the Kansas Senate or House of Representatives. All 165 legislative seats will be on the ballot in the August 2 primary and the November 8 general elections.
H. Edward Flentje is professor emeritus at Wichita State University.
Sedgwick County may not be a perfect bellwether in predicting state elections, but the preferences of Sedgwick County voters have been in sync with Kansas voters in electing every governor in the past seven gubernatorial elections.
Further, Sedgwick County reflects the shift in state politics in that same period. In 1991, 15 Democrats and 13 Republicans represented Sedgwick County voters in the Kansas Legislature. In the 2016 session those numbers had dramatically flipped as 23 Republicans and nine Democrats represented the county.
Except for independent Republican Senator Carolyn McGinn, 22 of these Republicans formed an ideological block tightly aligned with Governor Sam Brownback and the far right. They consistently did the bidding of the Kansas State Chamber of Commerce, earned high rankings on the scorecards of Americans for Prosperity, and yielded to the litmus tests of Kansans for Life and the Kansas State Rifle Association.
Further, 20 of the 22 voted this past legislative session to punt on the budget, that is, to adopt an unbalanced budget authorizing $100 million more in spending than available revenues. These Republicans surrendered their constitutional duty to adopt a balanced budget to the governor. Voters now know the results of the governor’s action—slashing health care for vulnerable Kansans, cutting state universities once again, delaying highway projects, and deferring pension payments.
A number of factors point to significant change. Seven far-right incumbents have announced they are not seeking reelection, leaving their seats more open to competition. The remaining Republican incumbents face the dilemma of their alliance with Brownback, a governor with the highest disapproval numbers in the nation, and their failing tax experiment that has led to unbalanced budgets, unfair tax increases, mountains of new state debt, and stagnant economic growth.
Early filings also show that Republicans unaligned with the far right and Democrats are contesting more seats than in prior elections. As of this past Thursday morning, Democrats are competing in 26 races, including 13 against incumbent Republicans. Surprisingly, six incumbent Democrats, as well two running in open seats, have no opposition at this time.
The far-right stronghold of eastern Sedgwick County may be ripe for change. In three seats, Republican primary voters will have a choice of candidates who support high-quality public schools and believe Brownback’s tax experiment is not working: Roger Elliott (87th House district) and Randy Banwart (99th House district) in open seats; and Troy Tabor challenging incumbent Ty Masterson (16th Senate district). Although these are predominantly Republican districts, Democrats are also fielding candidates: Tonya Howard in the 87th House seat, Gabriel Costilla in the 16th Senate seat, and Anabel Larumbe against incumbent Susan Wagle (30th Senate district).
The choices before Sedgwick County voters, as well as many voters across the state, are crystal clear. Do you continue to support those candidates allied with Brownback and the extreme right? Or do you opt for a change in the direction of state government?
H. Edward Flentje is professor emeritus at Wichita State University.
Robert A. McDaniel, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at his home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on February 1, 1932 in South Logan County, Kansas, the son of Anson Robert and Daisy May Cook McDaniel. A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, he was a Farmer and Truck Driver.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas.
On May 14, 1952 he married Irma L. Simpson in Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas. She survives.
Survivors include his Wife – Irma L. McDaniel of Scott City, Kansas, Four Sons – Larry & Kathy McDaniel of Sharon Springs, Kansas, Richard McDaniel of Scott City, Kansas, Ross McDaniel & Kelly McCarty of Grand Junction, Colorado, Thomas & Pam McDaniel of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter – Lois & Cliff Magie of Norton, Kansas, Nine Grandchildren and Nine Great Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, One Brother – Arlo and One Sister – Margie.
Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Scott City at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2016 with Pastor Don Williams.
Memorials may be given to the Scott County EMT’s & Western Kansas Cancer Center % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas,
Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.
As Dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University, Dr. Mark Bannister is accustomed to students looking up to him.
But Bannister, entering his 14th year at FHSU, found himself craning his neck upward at a recent awards ceremony on campus while having a word with incoming freshman Jared Vitztum.
Vitztum, who graduated from Thomas More Prep-Marian High School last weekend, was one of just a handful of high school students attending a college ceremony in late April where students in the College of Business and Entrepreneurship were honored with scholarships for the coming year.
He was on hand to accept a $2,000 achievement scholarship awarded to an incoming freshman, then moved to the FHSU backdrop where a photographer was taking photos of all the winners.
Bannister stepped up to the backdrop and looked up — and up. Do you play basketball, wondered Bannister, an avid Tiger basketball fan and longtime season ticket holder.
Vitztum smiled and posed for the photo, towering over the 6-foot, 1-inch Bannister.
As a matter of fact, Vitztum does play basketball. And next year, Bannister was pleasantly surprised to hear, the 6-foot, 7-inch-and-still-growing youngster standing next to him will be wearing the black and gold of Fort Hays State.
About two weeks later, Vitztum, who averaged nearly 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Monarch boys’ basketball team this season, signed a national letter of intent with the Tigers.
Those numbers, called a double-double in basketball, could make any coach smile, and his academic stat sheet is just as impressive.
Since teachers at O’Loughlin Elementary School moved Vitztum up to first grade early in his kindergarten year back in 2004, he has recorded a perfect 4.0 grade point average every year since.
Considering Vitztum’s athletic talent, height and youth — he won’t turn 18 until June 4 — along with his academic resume´, Bannister welcomes the chance to look up to the future Tiger.
“I’m excited to get such a well-balanced young man,” Bannister said. “He’s an excellent student and an outstanding athlete.”
While Bannister is looking forward to adding another high-achieving student to the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Matt Means is ready to welcome Vitztum into the Honors College fold.
The Honors College is comprised of a group of FHSU students who are offered enhanced curriculum and research opportunities as well as leadership development. They get the chance to network on a deeper level while living on the same residence hall floor as other Honors College students.
Means has had other athletes in the Honors College and thinks that involvement enhances the student-athlete’s educational experience.
“Within reason, we find that busy gifted students are actually more successful academically,” said Means, director of the Honors College, “because the time management, prioritization and leadership skills necessary to balance these interests help them maximize impact and effectiveness. ”
Mark Johnson, the Tigers’ head men’s basketball coach, can be added to that list of FHSU personnel anxious to get Vitztum on campus. Johnson expects all those aforementioned qualities to translate to the court.
“His best basketball is ahead of him as he continues to improve his skills and mature physically,” Johnson said. “And he may not be done growing. He hasn’t come close to hitting his ceiling.”
While Johnson is in the business of winning basketball games, he knows there are a lot of benefits of having a top academic student on his team, too.
“He’s a tremendous student, well rounded. He’s exceptional in the classroom,” Johnson said. “He’s a person of high character. He fits everything you look for in a student-athlete.”
Vitztum, who scored a 31 on his ACT, earned numerous academic scholarships, including one through the Honors College. Coincidentally, Vitztum will be joined in the Honors College this year by a high school classmate — Morgan Weber, another member of TMP-Marian’s class of 2016.
“While the majority of our Honors College students come from locations outside the Hays/Ellis County area, it always is a source of pride for me when we have local students who join our program, ” Means said. “Both Jared and Morgan exemplify what the Honors College is about: diversity of strengths paired with excellent communication skills, exceptional intellectual accomplishment, strong leadership potential and ability to impact, and a curious, humble and giving personality. ”
The fact that their only son, a middle child of three, gets to continue his basketball career in front of lots of family and friends, is also a plus for Vitztum’s parents, Brian and Tina Vitztum.
“That’s exciting for Tina and me,” Brian Vitztum said. “Fort Hays State is a great school academically, and we get to see our kid evolve in front of us.”
Vitztum had offers from several other colleges recruiting him to play basketball, including MIAA conference rival University of Nebraska-Kearney.
However, Vitztum pointed to several factors that kept him close to home.
“I really wanted to play basketball in college, and I wanted to find a school with a good finance program,” Vitztum said. “Fort Hays State gave me the opportunity to do both of those.”
Vitztum also wanted to play with a winning program, which he found at FHSU. Johnson has had just one losing season in his 15-year stint as the Tigers’ coach and owns a 304-138 overall record (.688 percentage). That includes nine 20-win seasons and seven NCAA tournament appearances.
Vitztum keeps alive a family tradition as several members of his family — including his mother, a grandmother and one set of great-grandparents — are Fort Hays State graduates. Numerous relatives live in Hays.
“It will be awesome for the support, having a lot of people there at games,” Vitztum said. “It’ll be fun. I’m pretty excited.”
So, too, is Johnson.
“We’ve been so fortunate here the past few years to get quality athletes from the area,” Johnson said. “You can’t take guys just because they’re local. They have to be good enough to play and really help the program, and we’ve had several local and area kids who have done that.”
Next in line to assume that role is Vitztum, a forward who can shoot the 3-pointer, with the ball-handling skills of a guard.
“What I really like about him is his footwork,” Johnson said. “He moves like a basketball player — not just a good athlete, but a basketball player. And it doesn’t matter what position he’s playing.”
Feelings were mutual for Vitztum.
“I liked the coaching staff, thought I fit in well with their system,” Vitztum said, “and I knew a lot of players on the team. Things just clicked.”
Cutline: From left are Dr. Mark Bannister, Dean of FHSU’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship, and Jared Vitztum, incoming FHSU freshman.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is seeking individuals to participate on agricultural trade missions to Argentina and Uruguay. Tentatively, the Argentina mission will take place July 25-31, 2016, and the Uruguay mission Sept.12-18, 2016. The goal of these missions is to provide an opportunity for Kansas purebred beef cattle producers and allied industry to continue developing relationships with livestock producers in Argentina and Uruguay in an effort to increase market opportunities for U.S. and Kansas beef genetics.
