Due to snowfall expected this evening the USD 489 Board of Education work-session has been moved up one hour. The meeting will now start at 5:30 p.m. Monday, in the Toepfer Board Room in the Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th St.
Information about the meeting can be read here.
Snowfall totals through tomorrow are expected to be between five to six inches. For a recent weather forecast click here.
GENEVA (AP) — The Latest on developments regarding the Zika virus (all times local):
7:30 p.m.
The World Health Organization has announced that the explosive spread of the Zika virus in the Americas is an “extraordinary event” that merits being declared an international emergency.
The agency convened an emergency meeting of independent experts on Monday to assess the outbreak after noting a suspicious link between Zika’s arrival in Brazil last year and a surge in the number of babies born with abnormally small heads.
Although WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said there was no definitive proof that the Zika virus, spread by mosquitoes, is responsible for the birth defects, she acknowledged on Thursday that “the level of alarm is extremely high.”
Dr Chan: The Committee advised that the assoc between #ZikaVirus & #microcephaly constitutes an “extraordinary event”
— WHO (@WHO) February 1, 2016
In the United States, Zika has been reported in Arkansas, Hawaii, Florida, Illinois and University officials in Virginia say a College of William and Mary student contracted the Zika virus while traveling in Central America over winter break.
The last such public health emergency was declared for the devastating 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which killed more than 11,000 people.
WHO estimates there could be up to 4 million cases of Zika in the Americas in the next year.
___
1:15 p.m.
The World Health Organization has begun a crisis meeting considering whether the explosive spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus — which is linked to birth defects in the Americas — should be declared a global health emergency.
The closed-door teleconference meeting of experts is considering whether international efforts to fight the outbreak should be immediately ramped up, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said. The U.N. health agency last declared an emergency over the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. A similar declaration was made for polio the year before.
Such emergency declarations are meant as an international SOS signal and usually trigger increased money and efforts to stop the outbreak, as well as prompting research into possible treatments and vaccines.
SALINA- Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating a suspect in connection with a burglary of a laundry room.
A 27-year-old man accused of stealing Patrick E. Dale, 27, Salina was seen by witnesses taking a commercial washer and dryer from a laundry room at an apartment complex in the 2100 Block of East Crawford just after 1:20a.m. on Sunday, according to Police Captain Mike Sweeney.
The appliances along with floor mats were taken from the laundry room in the pickup Dale was driving when it was stopped near Oakdale Park.
The value of the items stolen is placed at $1,240.
Dale was booked into jail on requested charges of burglary, theft, and damage to property.
Funeral services for former Goodland, Kansas, resident Bruce Norman Duell, 69, will be held Thursday, February 4, 2:00 PM MT Goodland Bible Church. Interment, with military honors, Goodland Cemetery.
Friends may share respects one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials to Sherman County Historical Society may be left at the service or mailed to Koons Funeral Home, 211 North Main, Goodland, KS 67735-1555.
Online condolences to www.koonsfuneralhome.com.
Fort Hays State University’s Master of Science in special education ranks No. 24 at BestChoiceSchools.com for Best School for a Master’s in Special Education Online 2016.
Student’s pursuing an M.S. in special education from FHSU’s Virtual College typically complete the program in 18 to 24 months. Students also have the option to concentrate in adaptive or gifted special education.
The ranking was created using information from the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator database, Edudemic, TheBestSchools, GetEducated and Best College Reviews Online.
Best Choice Schools’ mission is to provide high-quality, well-researched rankings and other resources for individuals looking for information about top-quality higher education.
To view the ranking, navigate to https://www.bestchoiceschools.com and select “30 Best Schools for a Master’s in Special Education Online” under “Rankings.”
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Payday lender Speedy Cash blames the coming slow tax refund season and regulatory challenges for layoffs at its corporate office and U.S. call center, both located in Wichita.
The company said Monday it eliminated about 7 percent of the jobs at its corporate office and 6 percent of jobs at its call center last week. That amounts to fewer than 50 lost Wichita jobs. The move comes a month after the company laid off about 50 people in the United Kingdom when it closed 10 of its retail locations there.
Speedy Cash employs just under 5,000 people across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Its chief marketing officer, Bill Baker, says its customers’ access to mobile devices is changing the company’s products and how it offers them.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Republicans in the Kansas House plan to test support this week for changing how state Supreme Court justices are selected.
House Speaker Ray Merrick said Monday that GOP leaders want to see “where people are” on the issue. House Republicans have scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday caucuses to discuss judicial selection.
Republican Gov. Sam Brownback has repeatedly called for changing how the justices are selected. He calls the current system undemocratic, but changing it will require amending the state constitution.
A nominating commission led by lawyers screens applicants for Supreme Court vacancies and submits three finalists to the governor. The governor must pick one, and there is no role for legislators.
Some Republicans want to abolish the commission and have the governor make the appointments, subject to state Senate confirmation.
Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist.
TOPEKA–Greetings from the State Capitol! As we turn the calendar to February, we pause for a moment to celebrate our great state on its 155th birthday this past week.
The Kansas House of Representatives on Thursday celebrated the birthday of Kansas. Kansas was founded on January 29, 1861 when President Buchannan signed the resolution establishing Kansas as the 34th state to join the Union. This was a critical time in our county’s history as we were about to fall into the deepest and bloodiest war in our nation’s history. The roots of our state were sown in the abolitionist movement, opposed to slavery and its expansion west. This led to many violent protests in the state which were labeled by many newspapers as Bleeding Kansas.
One of the House traditions to celebrate Kansas’ birthday is to sing ‘Home on the Range,’ the state song, this year led by Rep. Barbara Ballard of Lawrence. The song was originally a poem written in the 1870s by Dr. Brewster Higley called ‘My Western Home.’ Dr. Higley resided near Athol in Smith County. The Kansas Legislature adopted his song as the state’s official song on April 8, 1947.
Over 100 bills have been introduced in the first three weeks of the session, with many of the committees busy receiving official reports from agencies and departments which by statute have to be presented to the legislature each year along with the first round of bill hearings. This week we are starting work on the budget revisions for FY 16 and FY 17. Tax revenues are still coming in under projections so that means adjustments to nearly all the many budgets which make up the State General Fund.
My office has received many emails, letters and phone calls on some of the education bills which were introduced, none more than HB 2504.
This is the bill looking at reducing the number of school districts in Kansas from 286 to 132, which would be a 53.8 % reduction. The sponsor of the bill says schools will not close, communities will not lose their identity and no football teams will be lost, however, many of us in rural Kansas know any effort like this would have a huge impact on a way of life we have chosen. I will tell you I am strongly opposed to this measure and if it does make to the floor, I will vote against it. This is just one of several proposals legislators are looking at as Kansas needs to construct a new school finance formula, which many believe will happen in the next legislative session.
Over the weekend, I participated in a Legislative Coffee in Hays with Senator Ralph Ostmeyer and Representative Sue Boldra. There was a nice turnout with folks asking questions about a number of topics including: taxes, education, conceal carry on college campuses and rural health care. I also attended the 11th Annual Banquet of the Route 36 Chapter of Quail Forever in Phillipsburg and the Agra American Legion Groundhog Day Pancake feed. It is always great to see folks supporting their local community organizations.
Folks stopping by my office included: Dr. Pamela Steinle, surgeon at Norton County Hospital; Mindy Alexander with NexTech; Allen Roth, Hays with Kansas Association of Conservation Districts; Dave McDaniel, Mayor of Ellis; Jolene Niernberger, Ellis City Council; Johnathan Walz, Ellis School Board; Max Dibble, Phillips County Commissioner; Wanda Vincent, Norton, Norton County Register of Deeds; Charles Posson, Norton County Commissioner; Dr. Buzz Peterson, Norton County Commissioner; Scott Sproul, Norton County Economic Development; and Deb Miller, Stockton, Farmers Union Coop Manager. I also met with many others with ties to the 110th district that no longer live in our area, but still have an interest in what is going on, so it is always good to catch up.
Please reach out to me if you have concerns, questions or issues that need to be addressed. You can keep up on things by following and liking Ken for Kansas on Facebook.
During the session I can be reached: Ken Rahjes, Kansas State Capitol, 168-W, Topeka, KS 66612; Phone: (785) 296-7676; Email: [email protected]; or 1798 E 900 Rd, Agra, KS 67621; Cell: (785) 302-8416 or [email protected]. You can also track bills and get specific information by going to kslegislature.org.
I look forward to seeing you when you are in Topeka or out and about in the district.
The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and 16 traffic stops Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Disorderly Conduct–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:24 AM; 12:28 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–700 block Fort St, Hays; 1:43 AM
Theft (general)–6th and Walnut, Hays; 7:47 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–13th and Walnut, Hays; 9:34 AM
Suspicious Person–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 10:31 AM
Harassment (All Other)–Hays; 11:39 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:46 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–400 block W 11th St, Hays; 11:49 AM
Dangerous Animal–300 block W 23rd St, Hays; 12:17 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:01 PM; 12:15 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 1:25 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–400 block W 11th St, Hays; 1:33 PM
Animal Injured–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:51 PM
Welfare Check–2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 2:35 PM
Death by Natural Causes–2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 2:42 PM
Stalking–1300 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 4:18 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:35 PM
Domestic Disturbance–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 6:38 PM
Civil Transport–1300 block Kansas Highway 264, Larned; 6:50 PM
Drug Offenses–2700 block Hickory St, Hays; 7:16 PM
Found/Lost Property–3000 block Indian Trl, Hays; 2 PM
Burglary/vehicle–2000 block Milner St, Hays; 8:09 PM
Domestic Disturbance–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:32 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 11:55 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and 18 traffic stops Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.
MV Accident-Private Property–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:03 AM
Sex Offense–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:36 AM
Battery – simple–300 block E 24th St, Hays; 3:10 AM
Criminal Trespass–400 block Oak St, Hays; 3:50 AM; 4 AM
Drug Offenses–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:59 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–500 block W 6th St, Hays; 9:22 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–1500 block E 27th St, Hays; 10:03 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:18 PM
Disturbance – General–1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 2:27 PM
Drug Offenses–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:56 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2500 block General Hays Rd, Hays; 3:35 PM
Civil Dispute–2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 4:11 PM
Civil Dispute–2700 block Hall St, Hays; 7:15 PM; 7:35 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run; 1200 block Cedar St, Hays; 8:06 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:03 PM
Intoxicated Subject–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:23 PM
Drug Offenses–6th and Park, Hays; 10:45 PM
Minor in Possession of CMB/LIQ–600 block Ash St, Hays; 11:27 PM
Minor in Possession of CMB/LIQ; 600 block Walnut St, Hays; 11:57 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and 4 traffic stops Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Battery – simple–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:03 AM
Driving Under the Influence–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:13 AM
Driving Under the Influence–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:56 AM
Disturbance – General–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:25 AM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/21/15 > 1/31/16
Mental Health Call–Hays; 5:55 AM
Animal At Large–300 block E 18th St, Hays; 10:01 AM
Civil Dispute–2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 11:25 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:30 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:59 PM
Credit Card Violations–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:17 PM
Animal At Large–400 block W 14th St, Hays; 2:30 PM
Credit Card Violations–Hays; 2:38 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1900 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:56 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:02 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 8:13 PM
Suicidal Subject–300 block Lewis Dr, Hays; 10:32 PM
ELLIS–Discussion about the city’s brick streets will headline tonight’s meeting of the Ellis City Council. Also on the Monday, Feb. 1 agenda, consideration of a resolution calling for a sales tax election.
The complete agenda is below.
AGENDA February 1, 2016
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
1) CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on January 18, 2016
b) Bills Ordinance #1990
c) October and November Manual Journal Entries
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) Discussion on Brick Streets – Josh Eaton
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Discuss Additional Street Projects
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Purchase of Portable Welder
b) Consider Purchase of Line Locator Equipment
c) Consider Bids for Campground Dock Materials
d) Consider Resolution Calling for Sales Tax Election and Submitting Proposition
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Lakeview Street Utility Annexation Bids
(2) Department Update
2) Police
(1) February Staff Calendar
(2) January Monthly Activity Report
(3) Annual Report
(4) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) October and November Financial Statements
(2) Report on Recycling Center
(3) CDBG Grant Award Letter
(4) Consider Approval to Attend Spring Clerk’s Conference
(5) Department Update
4) Attorney
5) Mayor Update and Announcements
(1) Consider Appointment to Cemetery Committee
(2) Update on Local Government Day
(3) K-State Research and Extension Board Leadership Series Notice
(4) Ellis County Law Enforcement Center Open House
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man has been rushed to a hospital after jumping out of a sport utility vehicle while fleeing from police.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the vehicle the man was driving ran over him.
Topeka police Lt. Jennifer Cross said in a news release that the chase started early Sunday after police attempted to stop the SUV driver for running a red light.
Authorities had been looking for the SUV because it was thought to be connected to a domestic dispute.
Police say the pursuit ended when the man jumped out of the driver’s side. He was transported to a local hospital.
NWS
WINTER STORM UPDATE
The newest winter storm model runs this morning are in from the National Weather Service in Dodge City, and they continue to support our going forecast. This is important, because the center of the storm is near Flagstaff, Arizona this morning, and its jet stream structure has been sampled by our weather balloons. This gives us confidence that the forecast track will hold.
The center of this strong storm will pass directly over Dodge City tonight, but the heaviest snow will fall well north of the center, near the I-70 corridor tonight and Tuesday AM.
Our far northern areas from Scott City to Hays can expect 5-6 inches of snow, while Dodge City will get by with an inch or less.
If travelling north tonight into Tuesday morning, be aware that travel conditions will worsen the further north you travel from Dodge City. Tuesday will be very windy and cold. It is still winter.
NEWTON- Law enforcement authorities in Harvey County are investigating a suspect involved in road rage incident.
Just after 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Harvey County 911 received a call from a woman who reported a vehicle following her after she left visiting family in a local retirement home, according to a media release from police.
The woman reported the other vehicle collided with her at 1st and Main in Newton.
The victim drove around the block in an effort to get away from the other vehicle, but found the car waiting for her at 3rd and Main.
The victim remained on the phone with 911 and continued northbound.
The vehicle continued to follow and caused another collision near 12th and Main Street.
The panicked woman reported that she pulled into a restaurant parking lot at the north end of Newton, where it appears the suspect may have caused a third collision.
As officers arrived in the area, the suspect vehicle fled the scene.
Officers and Deputies chased the vehicle north on Main Street and then southbound on Intestate 135.
A Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper deployed road spikes near 1st and Interstate 135.
Unfortunately his hand became tangled in the cordage attached to the spikes and caused an injury when the suspect’s car ran over the spikes. The suspect continued southbound at speeds near 80miles per hour with three flat tires.
The suspect’s vehicle crossed into Sedgwick County where a deputy had another set of spikes deployed.
The suspect’s vehicle unexpectedly veered to the right, entered the ditch and it rolled.
The driver, a woman in her late 20’s, according to police, was treated by EMS at the scene and released to law enforcement custody.
She is being held at the Harvey County Detention Center where she has been booked on numerous charges including aggravated battery, felony flee and elude police, reckless driving, DUI, among others.
