Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will fill the Schmidt Gallery with beautiful music on Saturday, May 14, at 2 PM. Fletcher is based out of New York city and has been playing the guitar since the age of seven. He often performs at the famed Carnegie Hall as well as venues across the United States.
This concert is part of a nationwide tour, to promote Fletcher’s new CD – which was released on Sept. 29.
Fletcher will perform selections from this new CD, which contains such classical masterworks as Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Simple Gifts (a Traditional shaker Hymn), Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and three pieces from Michael Praetorius’s Terpsichore.
This is Fletcher’s second visit to the Hays Public Library.
John Alfred Wallace, 87, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Luray, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
John was born on the family farm north of Luray on March 23, 1929, the son of William Smith and Jean Grace (Whiteley) Wallace. John grew up and attended school in the Luray area which is located between Paradise and the Garden of Eden. His father passed away when John was 15 years old leaving John to take over the family farm.
John married Louse Alice Verhage on August 19, 1951 in Osborne. They were blessed with three children; Patricia, Vicki and Roger. They made their home on the Wallace family farm where John grew up.
John was a lifelong farmer and rancher working side by side with his wife Louise. He lived on the family farm for over 80 years until he and Louise retired and moved to Russell in 2009. In his free time, John enjoyed playing cards and always had a newspaper close at hand. When he could, he attended farm auctions and enjoyed driving around the beautiful Kansas countryside.
John’s surviving family include his wife of 64 years, Louise; daughters, Patricia Colglazier of Rozel, Kansas and Vicki Hemmerling (Dwight) of Hutchinson, Kansas; son, Roger Wallace (Mara) of Elkhorn, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Derrick Colglazier (fiancée Miranda Walker), Roy Colglazier, Sarah Hemmerling, Zachary Hemmerling (Emily), Zane Hemmerling (Megan), Riley Wallace and Avery Wallace; and some nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Pearl and Ruby, and son-in-law Daniel Colglazier.
A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 19, 2016 at the Vincent Cemetery in Osborne County. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 18 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with the Luray City Library. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of these arrangements.
Carol J. Keil-Sawyer, 79, of WaKeeney, Kansas, and former Russell resident died on Monday, May 09, 2016, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
Carol was born on December 01, 1936, in rural Barton County, Kansas, the daughter of Gerhard and Elma (Galliart) Keil. She grew up in the Barton County and Russell area and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1953. She was united in marriage to Leon A. Keil on August 14, 1955 in Russell, Kansas and from this union Carol and Leon had a son they named Bradley. Leon preceded her in death on February 09, 2003. Bradley also preceded her in death in 2005.
For many years she worked at the city of Russell as the secretary to the city manager. She also worked with UMB Bank as a customer representative and also worked as a secretary with Sprint. She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. Later, she found love again and was united in marriage to Lionel B. Sawyer on December 01, 2005, in Wichita, Kansas. Carol and Lionel spent the rest of Carol’s life living in WaKeeney, Kansas. Throughout her life she was also a member of the Trego County-Lemke Hospital Auxiliary and gift shop, V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary and the Red Cross Blood Drive. She enjoyed playing bridge, flower gardening, fishing, traveling, Friday night dinners with family and friends and watching baseball, especially the Kansas City Royals. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Surviving family include her husband Lionel Sawyer of the home; sisters Deloris Nuss of Russell, Kansas and Geraldine Counts of Lawrence, Kansas; 3 step children and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leon A. Keil and son Bradley L. Keil.
A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, May 13, 2016, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at the mortuary. Family will be present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
FHSU track and field complex groundbreaking May 11, 2016
BY DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN FHSU University Relations and Marketing
John Mason put in a lot of miles on the oval track inside the limestone walls of historic Lewis Field Stadium during his college days at Fort Hays State University. And he loved running for legendary coach Alex Francis.
But that was nearly 50 years ago, Mason noted, and it’s time for a change.
Mason, one of the Tigers’ all-time greats who earned All-American status 14 times in long distance races during his college career, was back home Wednesday afternoon to help celebrate new beginnings for the track and field teams at his beloved university.
The 70-year-old Mason, who might be best remembered for beating eventual 1968 Olympic champion Kip Keino from Kenya in the 1,500 meters in the World Games, drove from his home in Phillipsburg to take part in a record-breaking activity of a different kind.
Mason was one of nine to turn over some dirt at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $3 million track and field complex just south of the FHSU soccer complex on the far west side of campus.
“This is a big day for our department and for our track and field program,” FHSU Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke said on a pleasant — but of course windy — spring afternoon at the site of FHSU’s newest construction adjacent to the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex.
“There will never be any wind problems out here,” Hammeke quipped as a backdrop for photo opportunities blew over.
“Any time you building something new on open land, of course wind will be a challenge,” he added. “But we’ll plant some trees; futuristically, it will be a fantastic sight.”
The need for a new place to run and jump and throw for FHSU athletes spawns from more construction surrounding land-locked Lewis Field Stadium, a Works Progress Administration project from the late 1930s.
Construction of a 31,000 square-foot, three-story Themed Housing residential building, along with additional parking, is underway in the area directly north of the Lewis Field Stadium, the former site of most of the field events for track meets.
Rather than being nostalgic about leaving the site of so many good memories, Mason said he is excited for current and future Tiger athletes.
“Back then, our facilities were very primitive; we ran on a cinder track,” Mason said.
“We had to scoop snow out of the first two lanes to practice in the winter. No indoor facility,” he added, reminiscing. “No weight room. We had one barbell with two sets of weights on it. We changed clothes in the training room. They have some great facilities here now at Fort Hays State.”
FHSU’s track and field facilities are going to get even greater for the 2016-17 school year.
The new 500-seat grandstand will feature a nine-lane rubber track with space for all field events inside the stadium, with the exception of throwing events.
However, Hammeke stressed, even the throwing events will be visible from within the stands. Completion for the facility is slated for fall 2016.
The area also includes locker rooms, restrooms, concession stands, as well as enough expansion space for tennis courts and softball and baseball fields if the need arises for those fields in the future.
“What you’re experiencing here is a historical occasion,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, FHSU president. “This marks the beginning of a new era. We’re creating a place where our athletes can showcase their talents. It’s time to give the track and field athletes a home.”
The Tigers will take a piece of their old home with them. Hammeke said that Francis, the long-time coach for whom the track at Lewis Field Stadium was named several years ago, will be honored in some fashion at the complex, as will other former Tiger greats.
Fundraising is ongoing for extra amenities for the facility, and various naming options are available, either on a donor wall or for field events areas. More information about donations can be found by contacting the FHSU Foundation by email at [email protected] or by phone at 785-628-5620.
“It’s a sign of growth,” Hammeke said. “It’s a sign of vision, moving into the future.
“That’s what we’re here to do, to keep a futuristic vision at the forefront of all that we do,” he added. “When you get idle, you’re going backwards.”
There’s no going backwards with Hammeke and Martin in charge.
“This is our commitment to the economic engine of Hays, America,” Martin said. “This will provide tremendous opportunities for our community and for us. It’s an opportunity to continue to create the 21st century destination of choice for the 21st century student-athlete.”
SHAWNEE— Authorities are looking for Gregory P. Wright II, 53, a person of interest in the death of a suburban Kansas City woman.
The Kansas City Star reports that the 53-year-old man may have been living with 44-year-old Monica Lee. Her body was found Monday in her Shawnee apartment, and her car is missing.
VIctim’s missing vehicle-photo Shawnee Police-click to enlarge
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
FORD COUNTY – The Kansas Fire Marshal’s office has assigned two agents to investigate a fatal fire in Dodge City.
Just after 3p.m. on Wednesday, fire crews responded to a report of a grass fire at residence in the 1100 Block of Avenue H, according to the Dodge City Fire Department.
They found a backyard shed was on fire.
After the blaze was extinguished, fire crews found the body of a victim.
The Dodge City Police Department is also helping with the investigation.
HODGEMAN COUNTY -The Silver Alert issued for Ruby Williams has been cancelled.
She was found safe, according to the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Department.
The Jetmore Fire Department, Jetmore EMS, Kansas Highway Patrol, KHP Aircraft, Ford County Sheriff’s Office, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Ford County Fire Department, Ness County Fire District 1, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and many area citizens dropped everything to help in the search or donated food and coffee, according to the sheriff.
Others donated ATV’s to assist in the search.
“We would like to lift up prayers for Ruby, that she can heal quickly, according to the Sheriff.
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HODGEMAN COUNTY -A silver alert has been issued for a missing Hodgeman County woman, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Ruby Williams is describe as 5 foot 6inches tall, approximately 120 pounds and was last seen wearing light pink pants and a white sweater with a Christmas tree on it.
Ruby wondered away from her residence on Wednesday between 2-4 p.m.
She suffers from Alzheimer’s. Ruby should still be in possession of two dogs Izzy and Daisy.
If located contact 911 or the Hodgeman County Sheriff.
Bob Davis, recently retired Voice of Kansas Athletics, and former KU basketball standout Mark Randall will be the featured guests at this year’s Smoky Hill Alumni Network Golf Tournament and Pig Roast.
The event is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. Friday, May 13, at Smoky Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall.
Proceeds from the event support the KU Alumni Association fund, which strengthens student recruitment, legislative advocacy, networks and online programs, all in an effort to connect alumni and friends and make a stronger KU. All Jayhawk fans, friends and alumni are welcome to attend.
For pricing, registration and a complete schedule, click HERE.
For more information, contact Kelsey Hill, coordinator of alumni programs, at [email protected] or (785) 864-4760.
A car show this weekend in Hays will help benefit Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County.
Hot Rods for Humanity is scheduled for May 14 at the Ashley Furniture parking lot, at 27th and Vine streets. Registration is from 10 a.m. to noon, with the show from noon to 3 p.m. The show was originally scheduled for April 30, but was rescheduled due to poor weather conditions.
Judging and results will be from 3 to 4 p.m., with a variety of awards handed out.
Registration for vehicle owners is $25. Freewill donations from spectators will be accepted.
For more information, click HERE or call (785) 623-4200.
By JIM PORTER Kansas State Board of Education, District 9
We are consistently hearing from those political leaders who are resisting what many of us consider to be the adequate funding of education that schools are receiving more state support than ever and that support is increasing every year. Typically they say that people need to know the facts.
Well, that is part of the story and although not a false statement it is certainly deceptive. I will make an attempt to explain the part of the story that they are not telling.
Deception #1 – Special Education Services in many cases are provided by Cooperatives or Interlocals. Schools contract with these groups to provide quality services collectively that would be very difficult to provide individually. This is a very efficient way to provide those services. Until recently special education funds were sent directly to the Cooperative or Interlocal. However, a few years ago those funds were sent to the local public school and the school then sent those funds to the provider of services. This was lauded as in increase in public school funding when; in fact, it was the same amount but just laundered through the public schools. It did increase the budget of the public school but provided no additional funds to that district.
Deception #2 – Until recently the state contribution to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) was sent directly to KPERS. Now the funds are transferred to the public school account and then transferred to KPERS on the same day. Again, this was lauded as an increase to public school funding even though it was the same amount of money with just an additional transfer from the State of Kansas to the school to KEPRS.
Deception #3 – Until this year when we paid our property taxes to our counties the county sent the schools portion of those taxes to the proper school district. Now those funds are sent to the State and the state then sends those funds to the school. This looks like a tremendous increase in state funding for schools when, in fact, it is just a redistribution of funds from local to state.
These three deceptions amount to hundreds of millions of dollars that are being advertised as increases in school funding when they are only reclassifications of funds that were already being spent.
Some of our political leaders and proud of the fact that a benefit of the block grant is the schools will receive the same amount as they have in the past. However, because of inconsistent support for the past several years many schools are having to use fund balances to meet current needs. Those schools that do not have fund balances have to make cuts in services to kids to survive. Spending fund balances is like an individual using their savings account on their monthly expenses. Pretty soon the savings account is empty and the obligations continue. School districts are criticized for having fund balances but of the uncertainly of state support, which has become an increasing problem over the past few years, having those fund balances has become necessary for survival.
Keeping funding level sounds to some like a positive step, however, even though revenue may be level, expenses are not. Areas of increased expenses where school have no option include: Increased cost of insurance (property and casualty, health, etc.), supplies, utilities, increase in number of students, increase and severity of students with special needs among many others. If revenue remains level and costs increase the only option is to reduce services to children. Many schools have already reduced the school year, summer school, activities, elective options, field trips and other enrichment activities along with increasing class sizes among other things, and without additional support these reductions will continue to the determent to the school children of Kansas.
Another deceptive statement is that Kansas has many thousand new businesses. With the current tax structure allowing many business to avoid Kansas Income tax completely I would like to propose an alternative theory. Thousands of Kansas businesses have changed their status so that they qualify under the tax plan and do not have to pay taxes. Those existing Kansas businesses are listed as new businesses even though they have just changed their status. The prediction was that there would be about 190,000 businesses in Kansas who would qualify for the income tax exemption; however, the real number is more like 330,000.
To make up the difference the tax burden is being placed on the property owner and the consumer. Sales taxes have increased. Sales tax is the most regressive tax available as the lower the income the larger percentage of income goes to pay the sales tax. Political subdivisions like cities, counties, school districts, etc. are having to respond in two ways. One is to continue to reduce valuable services and the other is to raise the mill levy. When you receive your tax statement and find that it has increased, that increase is made necessary because 330,000 businesses are getting a pass on the backs of property owners and consumers.
I would urge those political leaders who are bragging about the fact that the “Sun is shining in Kansas” to stop deceptive language and tell the whole story. There are many great things about living in Kansas but our citizens deserve to know the whole story.
Kandango 2016, Thursday, June 9 through Sunday, June 12, is a 3 ½ day road bicycle ride on the back roads of Kansas. It originated in 2013, as a tour through the Flint and Smoky Hills regions of Kansas. Its central themes are to ride the road less traveled (but far more interesting), take the time to explore the pass-through communities and see the local attractions during the ride.
Each day’s ride is unique, and has its own name. Friday’s ride is named “Coolio Iglesias”. The ride passes many historic churches (iglesia) in Ellis and Russell counties, on the way to Russell. Saturday’s ride is called “Roller Coas2r”, because of the hills south of Wilson Lake. The locals call the scenic highway between Lucas and the lake “nature’s roller coasters”. We named Sunday’s ride “Sandstone Stampede”, because the ride returns to end in Brookville, and the Sandstone Saloon. The Sandstone Saloon has become a favorite of the Kandango Nation, and a regular fixture on the ride.
One of the things that makes Kandango unique is the community participation. Kandango works with the towns and businesses to create events and activities, incorporating the riders and the communities.
Bike Hays and Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Company host the 2nd Annual Half Pint Block Party on Thursday. The Hays community is invited to join the riders on the first ride of the tour, on Thursday. On Friday, the Russell community is invited to attend the BBQ Extravaganza and join the riders touring the town on bikes.
On Saturday, the Sandstone Saloon hosts a party to honor the teams participating in Kandango, and the public is invited to ride to Brookville and join the fun. Our buses will transport the locals and Kandango participants back to Salina, after the party.
The ride selects back roads not normally ridden on conventional tours. This year’s ride features two secondary roads on Friday – an out and back to Pfeifer, and another one to Fairport. On Saturday, the ride turns north to put riders into the scenic hills, south of Wilson Lake. Riders can get to the end, much faster and more direct, but they would miss the entire purpose of the tour – the beautiful back roads.
The ride features a novel ride support system that uses motor coaches and trucks to pick up riders and bikes along the route, and provides in-ride support.
Our one of a kind “Area 52” allows riders to pack coolers and lunches, and send them ahead for them when they arrive at the designated stop on our buses. Riders are encouraged to use the buses to sag ahead, or to stow or retrieve provisions or food during the ride. The system provides a great safety and comfort net for our riders.
Kandango also can transport riders to and from the ride. This year, the ride features three buses – Overland Park, KS, Des Moines, IA, and Brookville, KS.
The Overland Park bus transports riders and gear to and from the ride, and can stop in Lawrence and Topeka. The Des Moines/Omaha bus brings our RAGBRAI friends down to Kandango and back home on Sunday.
The Brookville bus (new this year), starts from the end town, and carries riders and bikes to the start town. Riders of the Brookville bus enjoy the luxury of returning to their car twice during the ride – once on Saturday (on the way to Salina), and again on Sunday (when the ride ends). The buses add fun and convenience to the ride.
The Iowa/Nebraska bus is already near capacity and the Overland Park and Brookville buses are quickly filling.
For more information call Shannon Corley at (913) 908-2830.
John Alfred Wallace, 87, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Luray, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Carol J. Keil-Sawyer, 79, of WaKeeney, Kansas, and former Russell resident died on Monday, May 09, 2016, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
Bob Davis, recently retired Voice of Kansas Athletics, and former KU basketball standout Mark Randall will be the featured guests at this year’s Smoky Hill Alumni Network Golf Tournament and Pig Roast.
A car show this weekend in Hays will help benefit Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County.
Submitted