Click below to listen to Monday’s Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State women’s basketball coach Tony Hobson and men’s coach Mark Johnson. The program airs Monday evenings at 6 p.m. on Tiger Radio Mix-103.
Year: 2016
Kan. ethics complaint questions legal fees by Brownback’s campaign
WICHTA, Kan. (AP) — A top lawmaker says he plans to file a complaint with the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission seeking an investigation into Gov. Sam Brownback’s use of campaign donations to pay more than $167,000 in legal fees last year. The payments came as a federal grand jury was investigating loans his running mate, Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, made to their 2014 re-election effort.
Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley said Monday he also plans to ask the ethics panel for an advisory opinion on the legality of a candidate using campaign funds as collateral.
Eileen Hawley, spokeswoman for the governor’s office, said in an email Monday speaking on behalf of Colyer that the campaign complied with all laws and regulations and that the investigation into the loans did not result in charges.
Marvin F. Braun
Marvin F. Braun, 85, Hays, died Monday, January 25, 2016 at the Hays Good Samaritan Society – New Dimensions.
He was born January 3, 1931 in Victoria, Kansas the son of Frank J. and Helen (Brungardt) Braun. He attended St. Joseph grade school and Hays High School. On August 23, 1950 he married Mary Jo Rohr in Munjor, Kansas. He was a farmer and cattleman and had dairy cows for many years.
He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor, the third degree Knights of Columbus Council #6984, and the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. Marvin was a lifelong farmer who loved the land, his John Deere tractors, and his overalls just as much as he loved his family. He enjoyed spending quiet evenings with his wife, Mary Jo, a beautiful marriage lasting 65 years. He also enjoyed all the noise and laughter in the house when his entire family was gathered together. He was a people person, a kind and generous man, a good provider, and very thankful and prayerful.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo, of the home, daughter Barbara Ciani of Kansas City, MO, son Terence Braun and wife Kathleen of Hays, daughter Susan Leiker and husband Laren of Hays, daughter Debra Pfeifer of Hays, daughter Karla Fisher and husband Duane of Hays, daughter Lisa Thierer and husband Max of Shawnee, daughter in law Cathy Braun of Hays, two brothers Francis “Frank” Braun and wife Jacky of McCracken, and Robert “Bob” Braun and wife Jan of Hays, two sisters, LaVerna Younger of Hays and Helen Werth and husband Cliff of Hays, fifteen grandchildren; Sara Linderman, Keith (Maria) Ciani, Kelly (Jeff) Benoit, Erin (Shawn) Richmeier, Caitlin (Dylan) Sultzer, Travis (Tracy) Braun, Kaleen (Jordan) Munsch, Brad Braun, Chad Braun, Amber (Brett) Marrs, Landon (Lynn) Leiker, Brennan Leiker, Emily Pfeifer, Tyler Legleiter, and Cole Thierer, seventeen great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Thomas L. Braun, and a son in law Maurice “Mory” Pfeifer.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor, Kansas. Burial will be in the St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:30 Thursday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine. A vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a combined third and fourth degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 pm, both on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church or to Hays Good Samaritan Society – New Dimensions, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.
Kan. Congresswoman Demands to see Obama’s Guantanamo plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter requesting a copy of the results of the Department’s site survey at the Disciplinary Barracks located at Fort Leavenworth.
“As a representative of Leavenworth County, I believe it is very important that the Department of Defense shares their survey results with our community,” said Congresswoman Jenkins. “The folks of Leavenworth County would be most impacted should the detention center at Guantanamo Bay close and the remaining terrorists be transferred to Fort Leavenworth. Decisions that could endanger American lives and have a very detrimental impact on the local community and military installation require openness, not secrecy. I urge the President and his Administration to be fully transparent in their plans to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay.”
The following is the full text of the letter:
The Honorable Ashton Carter
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301
Dear Secretary Carter:
It was reported on January 14, 2016, that you are preparing to submit a report to the President on a plan to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Many of those reports quote you as saying: “That plan will propose bringing those detainees to an appropriate, secure location in the United States.” One of those potential sites is the Disciplinary Barracks located at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. As part of your efforts to develop that plan, the Department of the Defense undertook site surveys of the three potential locations, including Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. As the Member of the House of Representatives representing Leavenworth County, I request a copy of the results of that survey.
I appreciate your understanding of the impact this plan and its potential implementation may have on my constituents and other residents of the great state of Kansas. I further appreciate your prompt reply, including a copy of your detailed report regarding the plan to close the Detention Center at Guantanamo Bay and subsequent transfer of its detainees to the United States.
Sincerely,
Lynn Jenkins, CPA
Member of Congress
3 arrested after Kanas home invasion robbery
SALINA – Law enforcement authorities in Salina County are investigating a home invasion robbery.
Just before 4 a.m., on Saturday, an elderly woman at a home in the 1700 Block of North 5th Street woke to someone knocking at the front door of her home, according to Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney.
When she answered the door, a woman in her 20’s said she needed to use the phone to make a call.
When the resident’s husband came to the door, a man with his face covered and the younger woman, forced their way inside and started to beat the older couple with a gun.
The suspects took cell phones, a wallet with credit cards, and the elderly couple’s 2007 Chevy Tahoe.
Both the victims suffered bruises. The man declined treatment.
The woman was taken to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment and later released.
The stolen Tahoe was found in Wichita Sunday afternoon and three male occupants were taken into custody.
Police are encouraging anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS or the Salina Police Department at 826-7210.
Indicted Kan. doctor had been picked for jail medical job
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita doctor charged in federal court with unlawfully distributing prescription drugs had been selected to be a jail medical director.
Wichita attorney Kurt Kerns says Dr. Steven R. Henson had the job lined up at the Sedgwick County Jail, but that the offer was terminated upon his arrest. The Wichita Eagle reports that Henson was supposed to start the job soon.
The 54-year-old is accused of writing prescriptions for cash, when there wasn’t a medical need and for people other than the ones who came to see him. Federal prosecutors say the drug scheme resulted in the death of a patient in July.
Henson has pleaded not guilty.
Eight people who got prescriptions from the doctor also are charged with unlawful drug distribution.
Carol Frances Gabel
Carol Frances Gabel, 70, Hays, died Monday, January 25, 2016 at the Golden Living Center in Wilson, Kansas.
She was born December 30, 1945 in Hays the daughter of Edmund and Josephine (Leiker) Gabel. She was a graduate of Hays High School and worked for many years in housekeeping at Hays Medical Center.
She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor, Kansas and a member of the Daughters of Isabella in Victoria, Kansas. She loved her dog, watching television, and playing bingo.
Survivors include her cousins, Betty Gamble of Phoenix Arizona and Ellie Gabel and husband Gary of Hays, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters; Twila Weigel and husband Leo and Dorothy Hammerschmidt and husband Marcian.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Munjor. Burial will be in the St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 am until 9:30 on Wednesday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine. A Victoria Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm followed by a vigil service at 6:00, both on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church or to the St. Francis Cemetery, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.
HaysMed nurse earns OB certification
Maranda Rebel, RNC OB, recently earned Certification for Inpatient Obstetric Nursing from the National Certification Corporation.
The certification is for nurses who demonstrate knowledge of biological, physiological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that influence the pregnant family, developing fetus, and newborn; identification of patient’s actual or potential problems/needs utilizing information received from the patient, the family, appropriate records and other health team members; development of comprehensive plans for individualized nursing care, including diagnostic, therapeutic and patient educational components; and application of current standards of practice, research findings and ethical/legal principles in providing nursing care to the normal and high risk antepartal, intrapartal and postpartal family.
Rebel is registered nurse in the obstetrics department at HaysMed and has been with the hospital since 2013.
Heartland Community Foundation announces new executive director
Submitted
After a three-month search, the Heartland Community Foundation is pleased to announce Sandy Jacobs as the new Executive Director.
Jacobs retired October 1, 2014, from her position as Executive Vice President of Sunflower Bank, overseeing the Western Banking Division. Jacobs joined Sunflower Bank in 1990 and has worked in the financial services industry for more than 40 years.
Jacobs is a native of Hays, graduated from Hays High School and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. Jacobs is involved with several organizations and efforts within the Hays and Ellis County communities.
She is serving her 4th term on the Board of Directors of Downtown Hays Development Corporation which she was instrumental in forming for the purpose of redeveloping historic downtown Hays KS. Jacobs served as President of the Board of Directors of the Ellis County United Way, and two terms on the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including one as President.
She has served as chair of the Retail Development task force for the Ellis County Economic Development Corporation and also the Mentoring Advisory board of the Chamber of Commerce. Jacobs also served as a member of the Site Council for O’Loughlin School, Advisory Board of the College of Business at Fort Hays State University, and the Ellis County Coalition for Economic development. She serves as a member Emeritus of the Ellis County Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors on which she was an active member for 10 years. She also served on the steering committee for the recently completed City of Hays 20 Year Comprehensive Plan.
“It is not often one is presented the opportunity to champion an organization such as the Heartland Community Foundation. As I visit with friends, associates, mentors and leaders in this amazing community I call home, I am constantly reminded of the quality of life we must protect. We must be ready and able to make a difference every chance we can. That is exactly the reason for the Heartland Community Foundation’s existence – to enable donors to fulfill their charitable desires, to build permanent endowments, facilitate prudent management and care of funds and most importantly meet needs through grants, awards and scholarships,” said Jacobs.
Jacobs resides in Hays with her husband of 46 years, Dan. The couple has two children, Sarah Mitchell of Fort Lewis, WA, and Ryan Jacobs, Kansas City MO. She and her husband are the proud grandparents of Jacob, age 9, Samantha age 7, Gavin 5 and Connor 3.
The Heartland Community Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation whose mission is to build permanent endowments to benefit the people of Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties. The HCF is one of 12 affiliates of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.
Waymaster files for re-election
On Monday, state Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, who represents the 109th Kansas House, filed re-election paperwork at the Secretary of State’s office in Topeka, for the upcoming 2016 election.
“I am honored to serve the constituents of the 109th Kansas House. As your public servant, I will continue to represent the people in our district in Topeka,” Waymaster said.
The 109th Kansas House District consists of the entire counties of Osborne, Russell and Smith and portions of Barton, Jewell, Lincoln and Rush counties.
Waymaster has served the 109th District in the Kansas House of Representatives since 2013.
Kan. secretary of state pursuing 3 new alleged illegal voter cases, one in Ellis Co.
TOPEKA (AP) — Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s office is pursuing three new criminal cases against people it alleges voted illegally in Kansas and other states.
Kobach told a Kansas House committee Monday of the new cases. His office has filed a total of six cases since legislators enacted a law last year to give it prosecutorial power.
One new case is in Johnson County against Michael L. Hannum. He lives in Omaha, Neb.a, and said prosecutors’ offices both places told him they weren’t going to file cases.
Another case is in Ellis County. Defendant Randall K. Kilian lives in Castle Rock, Colo., and said he said he knew nothing about it.
A third new case is in Sedgwick County case against Ron R. Weems. He didn’t return a telephone message seeking comment.
Woman enters plea in 2 Kansas City firefighter deaths
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A woman has pleaded not guilty to six charges related to the deaths of two Kansas City firefighters.
The Kansas City Star reports Thu Hong Nguyen’s attorney entered the pleas Monday on her behalf. She is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, arson, causing catastrophe and two counts of second-degree assault.
Prosecutors allege Nguyen set fire in a nail salon on Oct. 12. An investigator said in an affidavit that Nguyen owned the nail salon, while her attorney said she worked there.
The blaze spread to a building housing several businesses and apartments. Firefighters Larry Leggio and John Mesh died when a wall collapsed on them. Two other firefighters were injured.
Five businesses and 26 apartment residents were displaced.
Nguyen is being held on $2 million cash bond.
HFD develops pre-emergency plans for fighting principal building fires
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Fire Department completed 140 pre-emergency building response plans last year.
According to Chief Gary Brown, the plans are a collaboration between the fire department and the building owners on how a fire should be approached.
“Firefighters check buildings to locate the gas shutoff, the main electric controls, how to best get into the building, and the type of roof construction to anticipate how long it would last before collapsing,” Brown said.
They also ask the owners what their priority is for protecting in the building.
“It’s usually the computer systems and business records,” he explained.
The fire department has about 800 principal building plans on paper kept in a binder notebook in the Command truck. “The plans were once computerized on a laptop, but took too long to download, so we’re looking at digitizing the pre-emergency plans with new software which will make it more effective to use in the field,” Brown said.