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Month: January 2017

Eli Young Band’s tour bus destroyed in Kansas fire

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A tour bus belonging to the country group Eli Young Band was damaged in a fire on the Kansas Turnpike, destroying most of the band’s electronic and sound equipment.

The driver was the only person with the bus when the fire started late Tuesday while it was parked at a service area east of downtown Topeka. He had just filled up the bus and parked it for the night but was to escape.

Rick Deibert, battalion chief with the Shawnee Heights Fire District, says the bus and a trailer were a complete loss.

The fire apparently started in the engine compartment but the cause is under investigation.

The tour bus was en route to Mahnomen, Minnesota, where the band was scheduled to perform Friday night

🎥 Replacement city commissioner to be named Thursday

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A replacement Hays city commissioner will be named Thursday to fill the unexpired term of Eber Phelps.
A replacement Hays city commissioner will be named Thursday to fill the unexpired term of Eber Phelps (right).

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

One of the candidates applying for the Hays city commission seat vacated Jan. 9 by Eber Phelps has withdrawn his name.

According to Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty, Matt Lyon notified the city by email last week that he was withdrawing as a candidate due to unforeseen circumstances that would not allow him time to devote to the position.

The successful candidate is to be named by city commissioners in a special session Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall. A commission work session will follow the special session. No action can be taken in a work session, thus the need to call a special meeting for the candidate selection.

State statute requires the appointment of a replacement commissioner within 10 days of the seat being vacated. The process is not defined by the state; it’s left up to a city’s commissioners.

“There’s no public vetting. There’s no public meeting. There’s no requirement for public statements although I know some commissioners have met with the applicants individually, but there’s no state requirements,” Dougherty explained. “The statute is pretty broad on this. It doesn’t state a process, just a time line.”

The new commissioner will be sworn in at the next regular meeting, Thu., Jan. 26.

“The commission will reorganize at that meeting. They typically reorganize every year, where the mayor and the vice-mayor get selected. There won’t be any ‘moving,’ though, because this reorganization already happened a few months ago, with Mayor Shaun Musil and Vice-Mayor James Meier taking over.”

The commission reorganization was different in 2016 because of changes in state municipal election laws. Dougherty said the Jan. 26 reorganization will “put them back on track so now every year in January they’ll do the reorganizations.”

Phelps’ unexpired term is up in January 2018. He is now serving as the 111th District state representative.

Midday gunfire leaves Kansas man dead, son arrested

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Police on the scene of Tuesday’s shooting in Topeka-photo WIBW-TV

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a Topeka man has been arrested after his father was killed and another person was wounded in an exchange of gunfire.

Police said in a news release that gunfire erupted Tuesday morning after the father Brian Wahweotten, 45, and his son Logan Wahweotten, 21, both of Topeka, threatened and attempted to rob another man.

Brian Wahweotten was struck by multiple rounds of gunfire and died at a hospital.

The victim of the attempted robbery was in “stable and non-life threatening condition” at a Topeka hospital.

The release said the father and son had a “history of past disputes” with the wounded person, but no details were provided.

The son was booked into jail on suspicion of attempted aggravated robbery and aggravated battery. Police say no additional arrests are anticipated.

Leon A. Werth

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screen-shot-2017-01-18-at-10-13-12-amLeon A. Werth, 81, died Jan. 16, 2017, at Almost Home, Inc., Great Bend. He was born Feb. 10, 1935, at Schoenchen, the son of Adolph and Serbina (Zimmerman) Werth. He married Joan E. Werth Aug. 30, 1955, at Schoenchen. A Great Bend resident since 1963, coming from Pratt, Mr. Werth was owner and operator of Leon Werth Plumbing, Heating and Air.

Mr. Werth was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council #862, both of Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, Joan E. Werth of the home; three sons, Keith Werth and his wife Ann of Great Bend, Neil Werth and his wife Fran of Great Bend, and Kurt Werth and his wife Dionne of Cimarron; three daughters, Colleen Kohls and her husband Doug of Great Bend, Michelle Schenkel and her husband Todd of Topeka, and Denise Thole and her husband Tony of Olathe; one brother, Duane Werth of Albuquerque, N.M.; 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ron Werth and infant Leslie Werth; and one sister, Marva Klaus.

Vigil Service with Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Ted Stoecklein celebrating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Anthony Cemetery, Schoenchen. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been established with Prince of Peace Parish or Almost Home, Inc., in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Clara Louise Dubbs

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Clara Louise Dubbs, age 92, passed away on January 14, 2017 at the Rhode Island Suites, Ransom, Kansas.

Memorial services are pending for the spring.

Carroll Cheney

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screen-shot-2017-01-18-at-10-10-22-amCarroll Cheney, age 91, of Utica KS, youngest son of Joe and Vera (Johnson) Cheney, born September 11th, 1925 on the Cheney Homestead in Gove County KS departed his life in the early morning hours of Sunday January 15th 2017 at Gove County Medical Center in Quinter KS.

Raised on the farm, Carroll attended Alanthus Elementary School which was located east of the farmstead. He rode a horse to school recalling how he would often stop along the way at Grandma Johnson’s house for cookies and sweets. After grade school he attended and later graduated from Utica High School in 1943. In the fall of 1944 Carroll enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 4 years before being discharged and then was recalled and served another year. In 1954 he was united in marriage to Rosalie Luther. They moved to the homestead with two small sons Bill and Bob. Several years later Carroll was blessed with a daughter Carrie.

Carroll was a member of the United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the American Legion in Utica. He was a farmer and stockman until his eldest son Bill took over the family farm upon his retirement. Upon retirement Carroll looked for any opportunity to help others, spend time with his family, and stay busy. One of his fondest memories was sitting on the Larabee township election board in which he did until his health no longer allowed him to do so. Carroll enjoyed reading and watching western movies. He enjoyed time with friends, playing cards, and was always quick with a joke or a smile.

Carroll is preceded in death by both parents Joe and Vera, his sister Opal, his brother Darrell, and his son Bill. He is survived by soulmate and wife of 62 years Rosalie, son Bob (Paula) Cheney of Newton KS, daughter Carrie (Darien) Fritts of WaKeeney KS, and daughter-in-law Sherry of Colby KS. Carroll was blessed with eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Carroll will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

Grave Side Services will be held at the Utica Cemetery January 20th 2017 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests that all Memorials be made to Gove County Medical Center or Trego County Lempke Memorial Hospital in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City, KS.

Viewing will be Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City.

Memories and words of support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com

Kansas man hospitalized after head-on crash

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PAWNEE COUNTY- A Kansas man was injured in an accident at 8a.m. on Wednesday in Pawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Stratus driven by Michael D. Ringo, 39, Great Bend, was westbound on Trail Street just south of U.S. 56 in Larned.

The vehicle traveled left of center and hit a 2006 Ford F150 driven by Margarita Basilio-Ramirez, 38, Garden City, head-on.

Ringo was transported to the hospital in Larned

Basilio-Ramirez was not injured.

Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Alabama man suspected in Kansas kidnapping, robbery arrested

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Perry-photo courtesy Decatur, AL., police

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say an Alabama man, Jacob Perry, suspected in a kidnapping and robbery in eastern Kansas has been arrested after fleeing from law enforcement in a stolen pickup truck.

The Lyon County, Kansas, sheriff’s office said in a news release that Perry surrendered Tuesday after ditching the truck and fleeing on foot.

He is being held on various Kansas charges, including kidnapping, burglary, robbery, multiple counts of theft, possession of stolen property and criminal possession of a firearm. The release says there also are warrants for him from Alabama.

The release says the kidnapping and robbery occurred in nearby Coffey County, Kansas. The release provided no details about the crime.

Hays Has Humor hosting open mic night at Hays Community Theatre

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By GARRETT SAGER
Hays Post

open-micThe humor hub for the city of Hays — Hays Has Humor — will kick off its 2017 schedule with an open mic night this weekend.

From 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Hays Has Humor open mic night, an event hosted by local comedian Jeff Leiker, would like to see if you’re funny or not. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m.

The event is happening at the Hays Community Theatre, 118 E. 11th, and will feature both stand-up comedy and improv comedy.

Performers will get 10 minutes of stage time plus improv games will be going on after intermission.

Performers are asked to sign up in advance between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday.

The event is recommended for those at least 18 years of age. Admission is free, and concessions will be provided.

To learn more about the event and Hays Has Humor, visit their Facebook page.

HaysMed honors nurses completing RN Residency Program

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Left to Right Taylor Wade, Bone, Joint & Spine; Taylor Ottley, CPCU; Lindzie Rambat, OB; Jenifer Brewer, Acute Care; Julie Gross, OR and Cheryl Herman, Acute Care.
From left: Taylor Wade, Bone, Joint & Spine; Taylor Ottley, CPCU; Lindzie Rambat, OB; Jenifer Brewer, Acute Care; Julie Gross, OR and Cheryl Herman, Acute Care.

Hays Medical Center

Six registered nurses at HaysMed were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon. They completed the yearlong RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed.

The program began a year ago in February, and the nurses spent the first three weeks in a classroom setting. The remainder of training focuses on clinical experience, one on one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on the job training. Additionally, nurses receive training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, OB and others.

The RN Residency class included Jenifer Brewer, Julie Gross, Cheryl Herman, Taylor Ottley, Lindzie Rambat and Taylor Wade.

The RN Residency Program at HaysMed is one of only two in the state and has been offered since 2008. Shari Hertel, RN, heads the program and has oversight of all the training. HaysMed also works closely with critical access hospitals in the region through a rural residency program to provide training to nurses practicing in the rural setting.

“It is a great program.” Hertel said. “Having one year of focused, on-the-job, evidenced-based learning produces nurses who are more confident and competent in their skills, which translates into improved patient care.”

Currently, there are five nurses scheduled in the next program which begins in February. There are also two nurses in the Rural Residency program. The program is open to newly graduated RNs.

Midwest Energy begins utility pole testing in Victoria

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treating-pole
Pole inspection crews like this one will be in Victoria, taking samples from utility poles, and applying a protective treatment to its base.

VICTORIA —   Victoria residents may see people in roads, alleys and yards in coming weeks, conducting routine inspections of Midwest Energy utility poles.  The contractors, from Global Pole Testing, will take wood samples from all power poles in Victoria and the areas surrounding the city, and will dig a few inches around each pole to apply a treatment to them. 

Residents are asked to please be aware of the workers when driving on streets and in alleys. The crews will be operating in Victoria throughout January and possibly into early February.  If you have any questions about the pole treatments, please call Midwest Energy at (800) 222-3121.     

David W. ‘Gus’ Sheley

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screen-shot-2017-01-18-at-7-59-20-amDavid W. “Gus” Sheley, age 58, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at his home in Buhler, Kansas. He was born on January 11, 1959 in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Blaine & Nancy Edmundson Sheley. A resident of Scott City, Kansas until 2011 when he moved to Buhler, Kansas, he worked for Moridge Manufacturing in Moundridge, Kansas.

On September 24, 2010 he married Patricia Elliott in Georgetown, Colorado. She survives.

Survivors Include his Wife – Patricia Sheley of Buhler, Kansas, Five Daughters – Stephanie Stewart of Dodge City, Kansas, Wendy & John Neill of Buhler, Kansas, Carrie & Angelo Head of Lakewood, Colorado, Amanda & Elijah Hansen of Killeen, Texas, Amber Martin of Wichita, Kansas, Two Brothers – Howard Sheley of Hastings, Nebraska, Dan Sheley of Dighton, Kansas, Two Sisters – Debby Flory of Russellville, Arkansas, Delaine Barnett of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Grandchildren – Bradley Neill, Jeffrey Neill, Chaya Head and Emma Hansen and Numerous Nieces & Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, One Brother In Law and One Grandson.

Funeral Services will be held at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017 with Rev. Robert Nuckolls presiding.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials In Lieu Of Flower may be given to the David Sheley Memorial Fund in car of Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Visitation will be at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday.

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