2016 – Page 781 – Hays Post Archive

Kansas man hospitalized after semi rolls

Posted on March 17, 2016

OTTAWA COUNTY- A Salina man was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. on Thursday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 International Semi driven by Robert Steve Castro, 22, Salina, was eastbound on Kansas 18, one mile west of Tescott.

The truck left the roadway to the south. The driver over-corrected and the truck rolled multiple times.

Castro was transported to Salina Regional Medical Center.

He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kan. man’s trial in the murder of girlfriend, toddler son delayed

Posted on March 17, 2016

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — The second trial for a Kansas man whose capital murder charge has been delayed.

Luis Aguirre of Ogden on Tuesday gave up his right to a speedy trial in the deaths of his ex-girlfriend, Tanya Maldonado, and their 13-month-old son, Juan Maldonado. A new status hearing was scheduled for May 26.

Aguirre was convicted of the killings in 2012. The victims were killed in September 2009 at Aguirre’s apartment in Ogden. Their bodies were buried in shallow graves after prosecutors say Maldonado demanded Aguirre pay child support.

The Kansas Supreme Court last May overturned Aguirre’s conviction after ruling that that police violated his Miranda rights during an interrogation.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review that decision.

Survey: Plains, Midwest economic picture slightly brighter

Posted on March 17, 2016

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A survey of rural bankers in 10 Western and Plains states suggests a slightly brighter economic picture that remains shadowed by lower agriculture and energy commodity prices.

A March report released Thursday says the Rural Mainstreet Index rose to 40.2 from 37.0 in February and 34.8 in January. Survey officials say any score below 50 on any of the survey’s indexes suggests that factor will decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the monthly survey, and he says prices for farm products have fallen about 11 percent and fuel roughly 25 percent since June.

Goss says the confidence index dropped to 30.1 this month from 30.4 in February, reflecting the bankers’ pessimism.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Top-seeded Kansas rolls past Austin Peay

Posted on March 17, 2016

By LUKE MEREDITH
AP Sports Writer

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Svi Mykhailiuk scored a career-high 23 points, Perry Ellis added 21 and top-seeded Kansas throttled Austin Peay 105-79 on Thursday in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Landen Lucas scored 16 points for the Jayhawks (31-4), who will face Connecticut on Saturday with a chance to return to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013.

Kansas, the No. 1 seed in the South Region, jumped ahead by 20 by halftime and in cruised to its 10th straight win in an NCAA Tournament opener.

Josh Robinson scored 24 points for the Governors (18-18), who learned quickly that the magic they leaned on to win four straight and the Ohio Valley title was no match for talent-laded Jayhawks.

UPDATE: Hays leads Sandusky in Strong Towns Contest

Posted on March 17, 2016March 17, 2016

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

UPDATE: At 7:55 p.m. local time, Hays is leading Sandusky, Ohio, 649-540, in the Strong Towns contest. You have until 11 p.m. local time to vote.

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UPDATE: As of 9:15 a.m. this morning, “We are kicking butt!”

That’s the official word from Jeff Crispin, Hays Assistant Director of Utilities, regarding the “Strongest Town” Contest, in which Hays is paired against Sandusky, Ohio.

“Hays has the second highest vote count out of 16 cities,” according to Crispin. Voting for the “Elite Eight” is underway through 11 p.m. Central Time tonight, Thursday, March 17.

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Every vote does count, especially when it comes to the “Strongest Town” Contest.

Hays has already made it to the “Sweet Sixteen” and voting for the “Elite Eight” is underway through tomorrow, Thursday, March 17, at 11 p.m. Central Time.

Hays has been following the “Strong Towns” philosophy for nearly a year. “From our standpoint, ‘Strong Towns’ is a way of life for us. It’s a way of making sure that we are looking at short-term benefit, who we’re benefiting, and long-term cost,” according to Toby Dougherty, city manager.

So what’s the competition all about?

This March, Strong Towns is hosting a bracket-based contest to see who has the strongest town. Readers and members are invited to vote for towns based on the Strong Towns strength test, as well as general Strong Towns principles. The contest is about showcasing towns that are doing their best to be strong, that have the building blocks in place to be strong towns today and in the future.

The first round was judged by Strong Towns staff and board in order to determine the Sweet Sixteen.

As did all the competitors, Dougherty, Hays city staff and city commissioners submitted information in six areas about their town.

Describe your town’s transportation system and what transportation options are available for residents.
Give an example of an incremental project that your town has undertaken.
Describe how residents of your town are actively involved in local decision making.
Tell us a story about how your town adapted to a challenge in some way.
Does you town have a central “downtown” or district? If so, please describe this place.
What is your favorite thing about your town?

People are encouraged to vote for their favorite town each week until the championship round at the end of March.

Hays is paired against Sandusky, Ohio, in the Sweet Sixteen.

“Winners will receive eternal fame and glory,” according to Strong Towns, “plus signed copies of our upcoming book, ‘Thoughts on Building Strong Towns, Volume II,’ and a certificate proclaiming their town: The Strongest.”

Search continues for missing Kansas inmate

Posted on March 17, 2016March 18, 2016

Storable- photo Kan. Dept. of Corrections — Stuble- photo Kan. Dept. of Corrections

COWLEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Cowley County continue to search for an inmate who escaped from the Correctional Facility in Winfield.

Cowley County Sheriff’s Deputies are assisting the Kansas Department of Corrections and Winfield Police Department to locate 37-year-old Bradley Wayne Struble. He is 5’9” tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds.

Struble has been convicted of robbery, burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Authorities ask the public to call 911, if you see him.

United Way reaches 85% of goal; allocations still fully funded

Posted on March 17, 2016March 17, 2016

UWEC

The United Way of Ellis County formally ended the 2015 “Uniting Our Community” campaign on January 31, 2016.

Although the campaign ended at 85%, raising $415,000 of the set goal of $490,000, the UWEC Board of Directors understands the role of the economy in this year’s shortfall. The UWEC Board of Directors was able to complete a reallocation of UWEC reserves to bring the campaign goal to 100%. This allows the UWEC Partner Agencies to receive their full allocation as recommended through the CARE Council process.

A new opportunity for the UWEC Partner Agencies became available for this year when the UWEC was awarded a $50,000 “in-kind” grant through the Kansas Leadership Center. According to Sherry Dryden, UWEC Executive Director, “Unfortunately when agencies have to make cuts to their budgets, training is one of the first items to be cut. This is one way UWEC can assist the agencies ensuring their staff can still have training opportunities to promote development. We will continue to explore other opportunities for the UWEC Partner Agencies – that is what being a partner is all about – supporting each other.”

Even though the UWEC active campaign season begins in August, 2016, with the Pacesetter companies beginning in June, UWEC does take donations throughout the year. If you would like to give, please mail donations or stop by the offices at 205 E. 7th Street, Suite 106. Donations can also be processed through the “Donate” button at our website www.liveunited.us.

It is never too late to give.

Man convicted with Kan. woman in stabbing death charged in escape attempt

Posted on March 17, 2016

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A man convicted in a northwest Missouri stabbing death has been charged with attempting to escape from prison.

The escape charge was filed this week against 25-year-old Sean Liechti, of St. Joseph.

The probable cause statement says Liechti and another man forcefully exited their cell at the Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph on Dec. 30. They are accused of trying to assault a prison guard as they made their way into a recreation area, where they were captured.

Liechti and a Kansas woman pleaded guilty in October and another Missouri man in January to second-degree murder in the April 2015 death of Richard Berry. The 28-year-old’s body was found in the Third Fork of the Platte River near Easton.

LETTER: Healing Together

Posted on March 17, 2016March 17, 2016

By: Tammy Wellbrock, Hays Area Chamber of Commerce
Sara Bloom, Downtown Hays Development Corporation
Aaron White, Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development
Rick Rekoske, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau

Healing Together

As part of our daily routine, we spend much of our time communicating, connecting and informing others about Hays and the high quality of life available here in our area. Our four entities interact and touch many lives near and far – these entities include: Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau; Downtown Hays Development Corporation; Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development; and the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.

Not long ago, this routine came to an abrupt halt as we learned of the tragedy unfolding here in the heart of our city. Phones rang off the hook as concerned citizens called to inquire or share information; tears and prayers flowed easily as we continued to learn more. The level of concern continued in the hours and days following. From our unique perspective, we observed the amazing output of kindness, compassion, and love from neighbors supporting neighbors through this time.

Now a few weeks later, our offices continue to receive words of support and encouragement from other community leaders. The impressive efforts of our first responders and actions from local businesses have been noticed state-wide. Strangers who don’t know those directly impacted have contacted us to express their sympathies. We simply want the families and friends of those impacted to know so many people are sending you their thoughts and prayers. Your loved ones’ legacies continue to touch and inspire the lives of many.

This experience has proven a fact we share often while performing our regular duties: it’s the people living in this community who truly makes this city special. We thank all of those who have done their small part to help the healing process move forward and aid in the rebuilding of the heart and soul of our city.

Kansas Democrats protest Gitmo plan following GOP resolution

Posted on March 17, 2016

photo Office of Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Senate’s eight Democrats have sent a letter to President Barack Obama opposing moving terror suspects to Fort Leavenworth from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The letter Thursday to the Democratic president came two days after the Republican-dominated Legislature adopted a resolution decrying Obama’s push to close the Guantanamo detention center.

The GOP-sponsored resolution goes to Obama. It not only criticizes his plans but declares that he’s shown a willingness to violate American law and sought to lower the nation’s standing in the world.

Kansas officials and members of the state’s congressional delegation have promised to fight any effort to close Guantanamo and move its prisoners to Fort Leavenworth.

But state Senate Minority Leader and Topeka Democrat Anthony Hensley said the resolution contained “polarizing and uncivil rhetoric.”

Private businesses in Kansas could be exempt from local regulations

Posted on March 17, 2016

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are considering a proposal that would prohibit local governments or city officials from regulating the work hours or wages of private employees.

The measure would outlaw local regulations that require employers to give benefits, paid vacation time or higher than minimum wages to private employees unless a state or federal law requires them to do so. The measure would exempt any local regulations related to business attraction, recruitment, or retention programs.

Kansas representatives gave the measure first round approval with an 81-34 vote Thursday.

Critics say the bill would strip local governments of the authority to decide what job regulations are best for their area. Supporters contend that the measure would prevent government interference in private businesses.

Hearing for suspect in Lincoln County shooting death UPDATE

Posted on March 17, 2016March 17, 2016

Joseph Schultz- photo Lincoln County Sheriff

LINCOLN COUNTY – A preliminary hearing scheduled Thursday for a Kansas man charged in connection with a fatal shooting on March 5, was continued.

Julie Effenbeck, Attorney for Joseph Allan Schultz requested the delay.

Schultz, 36, was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Kevin Kubik, 33, at a rural residence in the 2500 Block of Deer Drive in Beverly.

There was an altercation and Kubik died at the scene, according to Lincoln County Sheriff Michael Weigel.

Schultz remains in custody with a bond of $800,000.

The KBI is helping investigate the case.

The next hearing in the case, a scheduling conference, is March 29.

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LINCOLN COUNTY – A preliminary hearing is scheduled Thursday for a Kansas man charged with in connection with a fatal shooting on March 5, according to the Lincoln County Attorney.

Joseph Alan Schultz, 36, was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Kevin Kubik, 33, at a rural residence in the 2500 Block of Deer Drive in Beverly.

There was an altercation and Kubik died at the scene, according to Lincoln County Sheriff Michael Weigel.

Schultz remains in custody with a bond of $800,000.
The KBI is helping investigate the case.

Program working to help student retention at KU

Posted on March 17, 2016March 17, 2016

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas University has implemented a new strategy to improve retention among students who failed out of its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World reports that 150 students were offered to participate in a new faculty mentoring program.

The college’s dean, Carl Lejuez, says that 125 of the students who failed came back to school through the program. Only one of those students has since left.

The program’s goal is to help these students’ grades so that they can continue to be enrolled. Lejuez says more than enough of the college’s faculty volunteered to mentor students without being paid.

He says the hope is that the quickly hatched program can help student retention until a more concrete faculty mentoring program can be implemented.