RICE COUNTY-Authorities and family members are searching for a missing Rice County woman.
Megan Renee Foglesong, 22, Alden, Kansas has been missing since late November or early December.
Her last activity on Facebook was November 30, and she was reportedly seen at a business in the 600 Block of Topeka Street in Larned around Christmas Day, according to family.
If you have seen her or know where she is, please contact the Rice County Sheriff 620-257-7876
DOUGLAS COUNTY – A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 7 a.m. on Sunday in Douglas County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Isuzu Ascender driven by Julie M. Vineyard, 49, Lawrence was northbound on U.S.59 one mile south of the U.S. 56 junction.
The driver lost control due to driving too fast for conditions on the icy roadway.
The vehicle slid sideways and rolled down the deep ditch.
Vineyard was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
HUTCHINSON — A Kansas woman was granted community corrections for drug distribution on Friday in case from April of 2014.
Holly Caudillo, 26, was convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with a prior conviction, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to package and no drug tax stamp.
She was charged along with 28-year-old Raymond Kimball after Drug Unit Detectives
found meth and marijuana along with a digital scale and new and used packaging inside a Hutchinson home while serving a search warrant.
Kimball was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for the case.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican president of the Kansas Senate has ousted Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook from leadership of the Senate’s health committee.
Pilcher-Cook, a Shawnee Republican, said in an emailed statement Friday that Senate President Susan Wagle removed her from her post as chair of the Senate’s Public Health and Welfare Committee. Pilcher-Cook said she was removed because of her attempt to offer a Medicaid expansion proposal on the Senate floor Tuesday for the purpose of voting it down.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Wagle responded Saturday by saying Pilcher-Cook had shown “complete disrespect” for the Senate and its rules by bringing the amendment the way she did.
Wagle has tapped Sen. Michael O’Donnell, a Wichita Republican, to head the committee on an interim basis.
STOCKTON — Angela Bates, President of the Nicodemus Historical Society, will be bringing four of her re-enactors to Stockton on Sunday, Feb. 21, to give their interpretations of four different African-American politicians from Nicodemus. These re-enactors will give their individual presentations of four different men at the Rooks County Historical Museum, 921 So. Cedar, Stockton, KS, at 2:00 p.m. in the Museum’s Meeting Room. This event is open to the general public and there is plenty of free parking available.
Of special interest to Rooks County residents is the portrayal of John Niles who had an encounter with Charles C. Woods, Stockton Banker who promised the village of Woodston $500 for a new school building if they named the town after him. Apparently, Mr. Niles borrowed money from Mr. Woods’ bank when Mr. Woods himself was out of town. When Charles Woods came back to town, he was furious and took Mr. Niles to court.
Mr. Woods had all the advantages in this particular lawsuit: he hired the best attorneys available, and not just one, but six total attorneys for the plaintiff. Mr. Niles had only himself. After a serious presentation by the plaintiff, Mr. Niles stood up and spoke on his own behalf for approximately three hours. After a lengthy deliberation, the jury delivered a verdict of “not guilty”. This verdict cuts across almost every assumption one would have in learning of a case taking place during the 1880s. This makes both Mr. Woods and Mr. Niles very interesting and intriguing characters, and Angela is going to give us an opportunity to at least get a glimpse of what Mr. Niles must have been like.
In keeping with the spirit of “Black History Month”, it should be noted that Edward P. McCabe from Nicodemus was Graham County’s first Clerk and Kansas State Auditor.
The museum also has on display a “Permanent Maker” (this one came from Plainville) and is producing a brochure outlining the history of this particular design of creating what we now know as “permanents” (making permanent waves in hair for those who don’t know what a “permanent” is) in the history of hair dressing. It turns out this particular model was designed by a woman a lot of credible historians say holds the first patent to ever be given to an African-American woman. Come see us and pick up a brochure on this particular contribution to the development of technology in the history of hairdressing!
Refreshments will be provided.
A couple of weeks into this new year, I remember bringing up an inspirational message to a friend, one about a mother who had lost a child, something I couldn’t even imagine.
The mother was talking to me about her oldest of two sons, born in 1963 and waiting to be welcomed home by three older sisters. Sadly, the little boy never made it home. He died of heart problems when he was just 2 days old.
“It’s something you never get over,” she said, “but you learn to cope, and move on.”
This Hays woman, Dona Hughes – the most creative cake baker and decorator in town, by the way – went on to say how she had struggled mightily with the loss, until one day she read a book that changed her outlook on life.
The story goes something like this: God came to a couple one day and told them he had been listening to them and would answer their prayers by giving them a son.
“You are going to love raising this little rascal. He will be the joy of your lives,” He told the couple. “He will make you frustrated at times, but his smile will warm your heart.”
I listened attentively. A storyteller by nature, and by trade, I was intrigued.
Dona went on to say all the things God had to offer the couple in this bundle of joy. They would teach him how to do so many things and marvel at how fast he learned. They would protect him and support him and teach him how to be a compassionate human being.
And then came the inevitable “but …”
“However,” God told the couple, “when he’s 5 years old, I will need to bring him back home with me.”
The man and woman held their breath with anticipation.
“I know how hard this can be on parents,” God continued. “So I will understand completely if you would rather not have me give this child to you at all and avoid the pain of losing him.”
Dona stopped and glanced at me.
Feeling compelled to say something, I blurted out, “I’d say, ‘Yes, I want him,’ and then hope God forgot to take him back when he turned 5.”
Dona smiled and shook her head – probably thinking, “That’s not the way it works,” – as she got up from her chair to cover a cake I had ordered for a birthday party for our youngest son, Drew, who was turning 1. His older brother – our firstborn son, Reid – was 5 at the time.
I’ve thought of that story many a time over the years, particularly when I would hear of someone losing a child. I remember thinking if I ever lost one of our boys I would try, but it would be so hard, to realize how full his earthly life had been, even it was for only for a few years.
That’s easy to think when you’re watching two healthy youngsters running around in your front yard as they grow before your eyes, from babies to toddlers, from little boys to teenagers, and then into adulthood.
Years passed, and I told that story often, including earlier this year, and my friend marveled at the enormous faith it would take to look at life – and death – that way.
Just a few days later, God came to take Reid home with Him. Reid was 26, with a young son who turns 5 this week and a wonderful fiance to whom he had proposed at Christmas time.
As you can imagine – or maybe you can’t – it’s not been easy understanding “why now?” Sure, there will be tears in the coming days and weeks and months as we continue on our journey here on earth with a piece of our family puzzle missing.
But grieving is part of loving, and oh, how we loved that boy. So every time I start to feel sad, I vow to think of that beautiful message. Hopefully, the tears will turn to ones of joy as I treasure the warm memories of the time we did have with Reid.
Dona, who I thought had moved from Hays several years ago, approached me at Reid’s memorial service. I was surprised, and very moved, to see her. She asked if I remembered her. If she only knew.
God blessed my husband, Rex, and me with two healthy, athletic and mischievous – but compassionate – sons, on loan for who knows how long. I’m glad I didn’t know when God would take one of them back, seemingly before his time.
As it turns out, Dona gave birth to a healthy son a year after her loss, and we cherish the opportunity to watch Reid’s son, Brody, grow up. Neither take the place of the loved ones lost, but both represent keeping their spirit alive.
I learned that Dona, now 78, hasn’t moved from Hays after all and still lives in the same place she did when I visited her often back when our boys were young, to pick up a cake for a special occasion. After we got re-acquainted at Reid’s memorial service last month, I made myself a promise I would go visit Dona very soon.
I can hardly wait to thank her for that wonderful, inspirational story that has changed my outlook on life – and death.
Reid loved holidays and tradition, and he loved art, especially pencil drawing. He sketched a lot of roses over the years. So you can bet I’ll be placing a rose on Reid’s grave today, on this holiday traditionally known for people around the world expressing their love with flowers.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Reid. I will continue to thank God every day for the 26-plus years, and not just five, that we got to share with you – and love you – here on earth.
Love, Mom.
Diane Gasper-O’Brien is a feature writer in the University Relations and Marketing Office at Fort Hays State University.
It´s that time, again. Heart-shaped candy, assorted bouquets and sentimental cards are plentiful, but not a source of happiness for everyone.
“The emphasis of Valentine’s Day is on romance, rather than relationships,” said Charlotte Shoup Olsen, Kansas State University Research and Extension family life specialist. “Even if your love life hasn’t lived up to your expectations, you needn’t have a dismal day.”
Dwelling on what you don’t have isn’t likely to make it happen. The chance of meeting someone and building a friendship that evolves into a romantic relationship can be more likely to happen to people who focus on the positive.
“Think about it, would you rather approach a person with a smile and pleasant expression? Or someone who’s unhappy?” said Olsen, who offered these tips for celebrating Valentine´s Day without a romantic partner:
* Don´t dwell on one day. Valentine´s Day is just a day, with 24 hours – like all the rest.
* Think about your life and what you most like about it. Do you have good friends? A job you enjoy? Loving parents? A favorite aunt, uncle or neighbor? Church group? Exercise buddy? Enjoy your home? Your pets? Your hobbies?
* Make a list of the positives AND the special people in your life. Now, think about sending a valentine to the folks who make your life enjoyable– and tell them why. It will make you feel great to let each one know why you think they’re special.
* If you like flowers or candy, treat yourself to a bouquet or favorite sweet.
* If you like to eat out, call a friend and eat out together, or organize a potluck and game or movie night for friends who also are alone on a holiday. Enjoy the company – and the fun.
Relationships are precious, but the value of our relationships with others isn’t restricted to romance. For a happy Valentine’s Day, take some time to celebrate all of your relationships.
KSHS
TOPEKA–At its regular quarterly meeting held at the Kansas Historical Society in Topeka on Saturday, February 6, 2016, the Historic Sites Board of Review voted to forward five nominations to the office of the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places in Washington, D.C., to be evaluated by its professional staff members. If they concur with the board’s findings, the properties will be included in the National Register. The board also voted to list one property in the Register of Historic Kansas Places.
Nominated to the National Register of Historic Places:
Abernathy Furniture Company Factory (Plant K)
1100 N 2nd Street, Leavenworth, Leavenworth County
Hemmed in at the original site at North 2nd and Seneca streets, the Abernathy Furniture Company (1883) expanded with the construction of a new plant in 1926. Plant K, a complex of four brick buildings located one-half mile north of the existing factory, enabled the company to double its production capacity and to continue the manufacture and distribution of furniture in an era when many of its local competitors were closing operations. Abernathy was among the longest operating industries in Leavenworth and was one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the region. The original factory complex at 200-210 Seneca Street was listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. The historic context for Plant K is within the period of significance (1883 to 1950) documented by the National Register nomination, though Plant K’s period of significance begins in 1926 with its construction.
First United Methodist Church of Lawrence Oregon-California Trail Segment
867 US-40 Highway, Lawrence vicinity, Douglas County
This 0.6-acre remnant of the Oregon and California trails network is part of the eastern (beginning) section of the combined trail, which emigrants passed over on the first few days of their journey west. One of the most important resources in this initial portion of the trail was Big Springs, a reliable water source lying approximately nine miles west of these two swales. Active between 1840 and circa 1860, these swales are associated with transportation and exploration/settlement along the combined route of the Oregon and California trails. This site’s location on the trail may suggest the presence of related artifacts. Due to current transportation developments within the immediate vicinity, this site is all that remains of a larger segment.
Eskridge Bandstand
City Park, Eskridge, Wabaunsee County
The Eskridge Bandstand, built between June 1908 and March 1909, stands in the approximate center of Eskridge City Park (established in 1903) and is the park’s focal structure. The park and bandstand are associated with the most vigorous period of economic growth and community development in the history of Eskridge. Built primarily for city band, the bandstand has a long history of use for other public and private social events. The period of significance begins with its construction in 1908 and extends to 1966.
Grandview Terrace Apartments
1736-1748 N Hillside, Wichita, Sedgwick County
Constructed between 1949 and 1950, the Grandview Terrace Apartments are nominated as a rare example of a post-World War II (WWII), private apartment building in the Fairmount neighborhood in north central Wichita. With the influx of WWII veterans and the increase in job opportunities in aviation, the housing shortage in Wichita that began in 1940 and 1941 continued well into the 1950s. Local real-estate women Maud Beech (sister of Beech Aircraft founder) and Marguerite Mollohan took advantage of the unmet demand for modern living. The apartment complex included covered off-street parking as well as a beauty salon, pharmacy, and restaurant. The property is also significant as a distinct 1950 Modern style building designed by Wichita architects Overend & Boucher. The Grandview Terrace Apartments reflect the general tenets of the post-WW II Modern apartment building not unlike the federal housing during and after the war.
Ash-Grove Historic District on East Douglas Avenue
2100 to 2330 blocks East Douglas Avenue, Wichita, Sedgwick County
The Ash-Grove Historic District is nominated for its association with the growth and development of this commercial cluster opposite Wichita East High School. The 2100-2300 blocks of East Douglas Avenue were initially developed during a time when the city was experiencing explosive growth that led to neighborhood and commercial expansion outside the city’s core. Development along this section of East Douglas followed the establishment of Wichita’s “Auto-Row” immediately east of downtown and coincided with the selection of the south side of the 2200 block as home to Wichita’s new high school, built in the 1920s to serve the eastward-marching Wichita population. This growth stalled by the end of the decade as the 1930s ushered in a focus on survival, not expansion. The second wave of development within this district spanned from 1940 to 1960. Wichita’s World War II and post-war growth was related largely to Wichita’s aviation industry. Grove Street, the eastern boundary of the district, served as the north-south thoroughfare connecting the aviation businesses that had developed south and east of the city. Eight new buildings were constructed in this three-block area in the post-war era. The district generally took its current form by 1960.
Added to the Register of Historic Kansas Places:
Coffeyville Municipal Building & Courthouse
102 W 7th Street, Coffeyville, Montgomery County
Completed in 1929, Coffeyville’s Municipal Building & Courthouse is an excellent example of civic architecture of the 1920s. It serves a unique dual function as a city hall and district court in a non-county seat community. The building was distinguished in municipal realms with financing from the city’s electric and light plant, without a cent of tax dollars—particularly significant given that the building was completed just after the stock market crash in 1929. Designed by Coffeyville architect Clare (C. A.) Henderson, in partnership with consulting architects/engineers Owen, Sayler, & Payson of Kansas City, Missouri, the Classical Revival style building maintains a significant degree of historic and architectural integrity. Its interior retains a marble-clad rotunda, terrazzo staircases, coffered plaster ceilings, and pendant light fixtures. The exterior embraces dominant characteristics of the Classical Revival style including symmetrical façades with central entrances, a prominent cornice band, massive Doric columns and pilasters, and delicately carved terracotta and stone panels.
The National Register of Historic Places is the country’s official list of historically significant properties. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archaeological resources. Eligible properties must be significant for one or more of the four criteria for evaluation. Properties can be eligible if they are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. They can be eligible if they are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. Distinctive construction can qualify properties for the National Register if they embody the characteristic of a type, period, or method of construction, or represent the work of a master, or possess high artistic values, or represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction. Lastly, properties may be eligible for the National Register if they have yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. The National Register recognizes properties of local, statewide, and national significance.
The Register of Historic Kansas Places is our state’s official list of historically significant properties. Properties included in the National Register are automatically listed in the State Register. However, not all properties listed in the State Register are included in the National Register. The same general criteria are used to assess the eligibility of a property for inclusion in the state register, but more flexibility is allowed in the interpretation of the criteria for eligibility.
Related Internet Links:
National Register of Historic Places: nps.gov/nr
Kansas Historical Society (National and State Registers): kshs.org/14638
To read drafts of these nominations and links to photographs, see this link: kshs.org/14633 (This is a temporary link to these documents.)
Great Bend Post
BARTON COUNTY -A rash of burglaries in Barton County has Sheriff Brian Bellendir asking for the public’s assistance in catching the criminals.
The thefts have been random in nature, taking place all over Barton County, according to the Sheriff.
“We have had some south of Great Bend in the past two or three days, some in the Claflin area last week and some in the northwest part of the county, said Bellendir.
“Most of the reports are from right around Great Bend but that’s not to say the incidents won’t spread out as they look for easier targets.”
With over 900 square miles to enforce with generally only 4 deputies available to patrol, Bellendir says he is relying on the public to help catch the bad guys.
The thieves have been targeting high dollar items that can be sold easily like guns, wire welders and expensive tools.
Bellendir encourages people to lock their doors to homes, machine sheds and equipment and if they can, take a photo of your expensive items along with the ID or serial number. He has that will make it much easier to identify your property when it is recovered.
FHSU Athletics
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Fort Hays State softball got its first win of the season, splitting a pair of games at the 8-State Classic on Saturday (Feb. 13). The Tigers won their first game of the day over Minnesota-Duluth 4-0, but fell to Arkansas Tech 7-5 and now tote a record of 1-3 this young season.
Fort Hays State 4, Minnesota-Duluth 0
Paxton Duran claimed a shutout win in the circle and helped herself at the plate going 3-for-4 with a double, a run, and a stolen base. Claudia Vazquez was key table-setter at the top of the lineup reaching base three times with a single and two walks. Tori Beltz had two RBI on a single, while Chermayne Yogo and Samantha Villarreal also had RBI singles.
All four Tiger runs came in the fourth inning. With one out Erin Elmore walked and Ashley Beavers came in to pinch run and stole second. Duran then hit a ball that the pitcher couldn’t field cleanly, advancing Beavers to third. Duran then stole second, giving the Tigers two runners in scoring position with just one out. Rilee Krier walked to load the bases. A force out off the bat of Vazquez left the bases loaded with two outs. Yago then recorded her RBI with a base knock to left and Beltz followed up with her two RBI single in the next at bat. Villarreal then laced a ball into left field scoring Yago for the fourth run of the inning.
That was all the help Duran needed on her way to the complete game shutout. Duran allowed only one hit and three walks, while recording seven strikeouts in her first win of the season.
Arkansas Tech 7, Fort Hays State 5
The Tigers made a late push but fell two runs short to Arkansas Tech by a score of 7-5. Carrie Clark bounced back from a rough start Friday holding the Golden Suns to two runs over the first three innings, but ran into trouble in the fourth and fifth. She went the distance giving up seven hits, six earned runs, and six walks, while getting one strikeout.
Arkansas Tech wasted no time scoring as they got a run in the very first inning. A single by the leadoff hitter Alex Edinger started the game and she eventually came in on a groundout later in the inning.
The Tigers fought back in the third. A single by Vazquez followed by a double from Yago put Fort Hays State in ideal position with runners at second and third with no outs. After a fly ball that wasn’t deep enough to score the runner from third, Samantha Villarreal grounded out to the right side recording an RBI to tie the game. An error on the Golden Suns’ third baseman off the bat of Kylie Strand allowed Yago to score and gave the Tigers the 2-1 lead.
The lead did not last long for the Tigers as Arkansas Tech came right back in the bottom half and knotted the game up at 2-2 after a walk, error, and RBI single.
The Golden Suns did not let up from there, scoring twice in the fourth and three times in the fifth. Samantha Herweck had four of the five RBI for ATU in that stretch. The Tigers found themselves trailing 7-2 going into their last at bat, but they did not go down without a fight.
Yago led the inning off the seventh with a walk followed by a Beltz single. After a fly out from Villarreal, Strand launched a pitch over the fence in centerfield, cutting the lead to 7-5. That was all the damage for the half inning as the next two batters were retired.
The Tigers were supposed to play two games on Sunday, but due to weather forecasts, Sunday’s play was cancelled. Next up for the Tigers will now be a trip to St. Cloud, Minn., where they will take part in the Kelly Laas Memorial Tournament starting on Thursday.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old Kansas City man accused of trying to kill a Wyandotte County deputy has been sentenced on an unrelated robbery charge.
Charles Bowser is one of three men charged with shooting Deputy Scott Wood during a convenience store robbery last March in Kansas City, Kansas.
The Kansas City Star reports that two other men were found convicted earlier this month of attempted capital murder in Wood’s shooting. Bowser is set for trial in May in that case.
Bowser was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for a January 2015 home invasion robbery. A jury found him guilty in December of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and criminal possession of a firearm.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas senators are working to keep Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration from approving new economic development projects that cost the state sales tax revenue.
Senators approved a budget bill Thursday with an amendment preventing the Department of Commerce from approving new STAR bonds projects this and next fiscal year. The program has been used to finance construction of projects and allows municipalities to use sales tax revenue to pay off the bonds.
Some lawmakers say the STAR bonds program should be halted temporarily because of the state’s dire financial situation.
The Wichita Eagle reports (https://bit.ly/1Xqd9Pd) the Department of Commerce says the program is used to develop regional attractions that will spur a significant economic impact. It would not release a list of current projects Friday.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A coalition of voting rights groups have sued a federal elections official who required residents of Kansas, Alabama and Georgia to provide proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote using a national form.
The federal lawsuit, filed late Friday, also names as defendant the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. It was brought by the League of Women Voters, Project Vote, the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP, among others.
Their complaint contends the decision by executive director Brian Newby will hurt voter registration drives and deprive eligible voters of the right to vote in the presidential primary elections. It seeks a court order blocking the changes.
EAC did not immediately respond to phone messages and an email.
