April 2017 – Page 77 – Hays Post Archive

USGS: 2nd earthquake this week shakes Kansas

Posted on April 4, 2017April 4, 2017

JEWELL COUNTY -A second earthquake this week hit Kansas on Tuesday afternoon.

The quake at 12:54 p.m. measured 3.4 and was centered approximately 5 miles, southeast of Mankato, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Just before 6:15p.m. Sunday a 2.8 quake was centered approximately 2 miles southeast of Medicine Lodge.
The agency recorded 7 earthquakes in March including a 2.9 quake Thursday near Belle Plaine.

The USGS also recorded 6 earthquakes in February. They measured from 2.5. to 3.3.

There are no reports of damage or injury from Tuesday’s quake, according to the Jewell County Sheriff’s Department.

Marvin Henry Rajewski

Posted on April 4, 2017

Marvin Henry Rajewski, 83, died April 1, 2017, at Brookdale Senior Living, Great Bend. He was born May 13, 1933, at Victoria, the son of Frank and Mary (Wittman) Rajewski. Marvin married Betty Lou Kronewitter Feb. 4, 1956, at Schoenchen. She died Jan. 21, 2012. Mr. Rajewski was a Great Bend, Kansas resident since 1959 coming from Hays. He served during Korean War as a SP3 (T) in the Army.

Marvin was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick, and American Legion Argonne Post 180, both of Great Bend. He was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #862 and a past commander of V.F.W. Post #3111, both of Great Bend. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and flying, holding a private pilot’s license for many years.

Survivors include one son, Mike Rajewski and wife Penny of Lake Charles, La.; two daughters, Connie Kerr and husband David of Flower Mound, Texas; and Bonnie McPherson and husband Jerry of Tyler, Texas; eight grandchildren, Christopher Rajewski, Matthew Burgardt, Michael Burgardt, Melissa Burgardt, Marsha Greenway, Cassandra Kerr, Ashley Kerr and Katie Kerr; two step-grandchildren, Cody McPherson and Abby McPherson; nine great-grandchildren: Nicole Kegler, Quincy Corbin, Ashton Burgardt, Olivia Burgardt, Breanna Kegler, Chloe Burgardt, Ariana McPherson, Cayden Rajewski and Harper Rajewski. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Hubert Rajewski, Charles Rajewski and Vern Rajewski; and three sisters, Evelyn Chase, Georgine Wolf and Ceclia Yost.

Vigil Service with 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, Friday, April 7, 2017, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Don Bedore celebrating. Burial will be at 2 p.m., Friday at St. Boniface Cemetery, Vincent. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been established with St. Boniface Cemetery Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Kan. Ed. Commissioner to discuss future of education Thu. in Hays

Posted on April 4, 2017April 3, 2017

Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education, will present information on “The Future of Education” in Hays, on April 6.

The presentation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Fort Hays State University Memorial Union’s Cody Commons. The event is open to the public and is free to attend.

This informational event was made possible through the partnership of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, Hays USD 489 and Fort Hays State University.

HPD Activity Log April 3

Posted on April 4, 2017April 4, 2017

The Hays Police Department responded to 12 animal calls and 27 traffic stops Mon., April 3, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated Subject–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3:24 AM
Drug Offenses–500 block E 20th St, Hays; 3:53 AM
Animal At Large–2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 7:30 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–2700 block Indian Trl, Hays; 9:03 AM
Found/Lost Property–1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 9:22 AM
Welfare Check–1100 block Fort St, Hays; 9:31 AM
Animal At Large–100 block E 23rd St, Hays; 9:44 AM
Welfare Check–Hays; 10:19 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 10:22 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:57 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1800 block Vine St, Hays; 11:03 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1600 block E 28th St Terr, Hays; 11:08 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block W 23rd St, Hays; 11:46 AM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 12:01 PM
Found/Lost Property–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 1:18 PM
Welfare Check–400 block E 11th St, Hays; 2:05 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2700 block Cottonwood Ln, Hays; 2:51 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:56 PM
Civil Dispute–1700 block Felten Dr, Hays; 5:12 PM
Juvenile Complaint–100 block E 17th St, Hays; 5:15 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 5:38 PM
Animal At Large–1400 block Tallgrass Dr, Hays; 5:46 PM
Intoxicated Subject–300 block W 6th St, Hays; 5:52 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–500 block E 17th St, Hays; 8:04 PM
Suspicious Activity–2100 block Vine St, Hays; 8:51 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2900 block Barclay Dr, Hays; 9:01 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–100 block Ash St, Hays; 9:26 PM

Ellis Co. Commission approves updates to fire department procedures

Posted on April 4, 2017

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission approved changes to the fire department’s standard operating procedures at Monday’s commission meeting.

Ellis County Director of Fire and Emergency Management Darin Myers said some of the previous procedures were more than 20 years old, noting the changes improve safety measures.

Among those are the two in-two out policy. Myers said when you send a firefighter into an immediately dangerous situation, the policy states you have to send at least two people in and have two people out. An incident commander also has to help run and organize the scene that is not directly involved in the emergency situation.

They also have added new checklists that lay out the requirements.

“It starts from the initial training,” Myers said. “It gives them a certain set of training, what he or she has to qualify on before they can actually respond to an emergency.”

Myers said once the firefighter completes the initial checklist, they can move to driver training checklist, which is individually specific to each truck in the county. These also apply to what each person does when they arrive on scene.

The largest portion of the SOP, according to Myers, is the emergency operations portion, which shows how the six different crews work together if they are all working on one scene.

Myers said it provides a level of safety for all firefighters and “that all fire companies start learning to have an initial response of what they are going to do immediately and then they have the authority adjust that.”

Updating the SOP has been a collaboration among a number of agencies. Myers said all of the fire departments in the county helped draft the changes.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of fire this year,” Myers said, “so we’ve been able to change it a little bit throughout the year and make it better for us.”

The Ellis Fire Department plans to adopt the procedures and some area mutual aid departments are also looking at adopting them as well.

In other business, the commission voted 2-1 to approve the CIC Annual Peopleware Agreement for $60,265. Computer Information Concepts provides the county’s tax and financial accounting software and support. Commissioner Dean Haselhorst voted against approving the payment. He has consistently voted against payments to CIC because of problems the county has had with it in the past.

The commission got an update on the Courthouse Preservation Work and a preview of a magnet with information about waste services in Ellis County.

They also approved two proclamations, the first recognizes April as Nation County Government Month and the second recognizes Fair Housing Month.

The commission also met in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel matters. No action was taken.

Police, KBI seize cash, pounds of Colorado pot at Kansas home

Posted on April 4, 2017

BARTON COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Barton County are investigating a suspect on drug charges.

Just before 11a.m. Monday police and special agents with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at a home in the 400 Block of West Broadway Avenue in Hoisington, according to a media release.

During the search officers found several pounds of marijuana, determined to be brought in from Colorado.

They also located a substantial amount of cash and drug paraphernalia, including items used in the cultivation of marijuana.

Police also arrested a 22- year-old white female. She is being held in the Barton County jail with a bond of $100,000.

Police: Suspect jailed for robbery, fatal shooting of Kan. teen

Posted on April 4, 2017

Police on the scene of Monday’s fatal shooting-photo courtesy KWCH

SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Sedgwick County are investigating a murder of a teenager and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 1p.m. Monday, police responded to the 6200 Block of East Orme Street in Wichita after report of a shooting, according to Wichita Police Lt. Todd Ojile during Tuesday’s online media briefing.

Officers found a wounded 18-year-old identified as D’Shaun Smith in a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators learned that Smith and a woman in the vehicle had gone to the location to meet an unknown suspect to purchase marijuana.

During the transaction, the suspect attempted to rob the victim, fired a gun, and fled on foot.

Police developed a suspect in the case, set up surveillance at a residence in the area and made an arrest. A suspect identified in the Sedgwick County arrest report as Mark Lewis Holley III, 18, was booked into jail on requested charges of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery, according to police.

Investigators expect to present the case against Holley to the district attorney on Wednesday, according to Ojile.

Concealed-carry debate dies in Kansas House

Posted on April 4, 2017April 4, 2017

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Opponents of Kansas’ concealed carry law failed on Tuesday to force a debate over guns at college campuses and hospitals.

The House voted 44 to 81 against a debate, leaving opponents and supporters to continue talks toward a compromise outside the formal legislative process.

At issue is a law passed in 2013 that requires public buildings to allow concealed carry. Colleges and hospitals got until July 1 of this year to comply. Opponents of the law have looked for ways to soften or repeal it.

Minority Leader Democrat Rep. Jim Ward favored the debate on Tuesday, but Republican Majority Leader Rep. Don Hineman says he wants to wait to debate until hospital and gun rights groups can come to a compromise.

——-

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Opponents of concealed carry at Kansas hospitals and universities hope an eleventh-hour gun debate will give them a chance to change the law that is set kick in this summer.

On Tuesday, the House will decide whether to debate a bill requiring recognition of out-of-state concealed carry permits. But lawmakers on both sides of the debate would like to amend the bill to enable a broader gun policy discussion.

Lawmakers in 2013 passed a law allowing concealed guns in public buildings that do not have security such as metal detectors, but they gave colleges and several medical facilities until July 1 of this year to comply. Opponents on campuses and at hospitals have sought to change the law even as they prepare to implement it this summer.

ANTLE: Welcome to Kansas

Posted on April 4, 2017

Washington D.C. is starting to sound a lot like Kansas, at least politically.

While that on one hand is disheartening for those of us who have looked to the Federal government for leadership on energy and climate issues over the past eight years, it should actually prevent us Kansans from feeling too much despair with the Trump presidency. After all, those of us doing energy and climate work in Kansas already know the language to deploy, and to mean it when we use it.

I had the opportunity to attend the National Council for Science and the Environment’s national conference on Environmental Health in Washington this past January. Attendees included policy makers, scientists, and funders from a number of private foundations.

As the conference went on, I noticed federal government scientists checking their phones nervously during sessions as new rumors spread about this or that agency website vanishing or gag orders being implemented at the EPA. All of this is tragic, unnecessary, and we don’t have time for it. But this is the way things are, at least for now.

One of the keynote speakers was Newt Gingrich who argued that President Trump himself didn’t fully know what he was going to do on a variety of issues, including energy and climate. So, Gingrich argued that climate and renewable energy advocates needed to use messaging that stressed innovation, efficiency, resilience, and economic growth. As I sat in the audience (many of whom were a bit annoyed about what Gingrich had to say), I looked at the assembled group from around the country and thought, “welcome to Kansas.”

The point here is that there are always ways to find common ground that are honest and not just about messaging. The Climate + Energy Project has been doing just that for ten years in Kansas. By working with farmers to encourage efficiency in water and energy usage, by supporting policies that bring renewable energy jobs to the state, and now by looking at ways to help Kansans deal with the health consequences of a warming climate, CEP finds those places where ideologies falter before common sense and practical self-interest.

Kansans have always come together to find solutions to what policy wonks now call “wicked problems.” Now the country as a whole will need to be more collaborative and less ideological. Will progress be as fast as we might want, or the planet needs? No. But we in Kansas can point to a thriving wind energy sector, state statutes supporting energy efficiency, and renewed attention to water scarcity as evidence that progress is possible even against ideological headwinds. Help us at CEP keep that progress going despite the Trump era energy policies.

Jay Antle, Ph.D., is a board member of Climate and Energy Project, Hutchinson.

Police ask for help to identify witness in Kansas armed robbery

Posted on April 4, 2017

Security camera photo-courtesy Lawrence Police

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Douglas County are investigating an armed robbery and asking for help to identify a suspect.

Just before 9p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to report of a black male wearing a dark colored hoodie that entered a fast food business at 1601 West 23rd Street in Lawrence, according to a social media report.

The suspect displayed a handgun, demanded money and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

A male witness, who was in the business at the time of the robbery, chased after the suspect, who fled the area on foot east then southbound behind the building. Shots were fired outside the business.

There were no injuries reported, according to police.
Investigators want to speak to a witness who was in the business at the time of the robbery.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Lawrence Police Department.

New Kansas School Funding Formula Hits Political Delay

Posted on April 4, 2017

By SAM ZEFF

Rep. Don Hineman, left, talks with Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman on the House floor. Hineman, House majority leader, opposed the appointment of former state Sen. Jeff King as the attorney to advise the House K-12 Budget Committee on a new school funding bill.
CREDIT SAM ZEFF / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

The chairman of the K-12 Budget Committee in the Kansas House promised that a new funding formula would be approved Monday and sent to the floor so the measure would be considered before lawmakers leave for a three-week break.

Turns out, politics got in the way.

The state Supreme Court ruled in early March that the current system is constitutionally inadequate and said it will shut down public schools June 30 if the Legislature doesn’t develop a new funding plan.

Legislative leaders wanted to hire former Sen. Jeff King of Independence to help committee members with the constitutionality of the bill.

But King ran into some unexpected opposition in the Legislative Coordinating Council.

Majority Leader Rep. Don Hineman, a Republican from Dighton, called King “highly political.” Hineman says he’s looking for someone to advise the committee who is “above politics.”

It takes five of the seven council members to approve a hire.

The two Democrats on the council — House Minority Leader Jim Ward and Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley — were expected to oppose King. Without Hineman, a moderate GOP member, it appears King’s appointment is dead.

Rep. Larry Campbell of Olathe, chairman of the K-12 committee, says he doesn’t want to press forward without a “constitutional lawyer” on board to advise committee members.

“I don’t want to kick out a bill with constitutional problems,” Campbell says.

But Rep. Melissa Rooker, a moderate Republican from Fairway, suggested the committee could turn to other lawyers.

On Twitter, she said: “We stand ready to complete the job in committee. Chairman wants an attorney present. 3 staff attorneys & attorney on the committee.”

We stand ready to complete the job in committee. Chairman wants an attorney present. 3 staff attorneys & attorney on the committee #ksleg https://t.co/RkMyfV216d

— Melissa Rooker (@MelissaRooker) April 3, 2017

The funding bill as it currently stands would add $750 million to public educationover the next five years. Many educators and lawmakers don’t believe that’s enough money to satisfy the court.

Alan Rupe, the lawyer for the districts that sued the state, says $150 million a year over the next five years is inadequate and even the Kansas State Department of Education says it will probably take $800 million over two years to make Kansas schools adequate.

“If they dig a little deeper and reach a little higher with their goals, they can save a generation of Kansas kids,” Rupe says.

Despite the delay, Campbell says he expects to have a bill passed Friday by the full House. After that, lawmakers will take three weeks off before coming back to Topeka to finish their work on the budget, taxes and, perhaps, school funding.

Sam Zeff covers education for KCUR.org and Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @SamZeff. Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished at no cost with proper attribution and a link back to

Real World 101 offers free help to young adults about to enter the work force

Posted on April 4, 2017April 3, 2017

ELLIS CO. EXTENSION

Real World 101 is an informative program aimed at primarily college students, or young adults entering the work force, to help ease their transition into the “real world.” Young professionals will share their experiences and tips on building credit and tax preparation, and networking in a new community.

This informative program will have plenty of time for your questions and discussion. It is free to attend for anyone entering the “real world” soon—because growing up isn’t easy.

Real World 101 will be held on Tuesday, April 11th at the FHSU Union Basement – Cody Commons from 7 to 8:00 p.m.

The Ellis County Extension Community Development Committee along, with the Hays Area Young Professionals and Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, is sponsoring this event.

HPD Activity Log March 31-April 2

Posted on April 4, 2017April 4, 2017

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and 26 traffic stops Fri., March 31, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 1:40 AM
Disturbance – Noise–200 block E 14th St, Hays; 7:36 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 8:17 AM
Animal At Large–100 block E 23rd St, Hays; 8:52 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block Fairground Rd, Hays; 9:39 AM
Disturbance – Noise–2500 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 9:42 AM
Computer Crime–2400 block Vine St, Hays; 3/30 8:45 PM; 3/31
Parking Complaint–1300 block Lawrence Dr, Hays; 12 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–500 block W 30th St, Hays; 1:48 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 3:05 PM
Animal At Large–100 block W 38th St, Hays; 3:15 PM
Theft (general)–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 3/30 12 PM; 3/31 12 PM
Welfare Check–Hays; 4:42 PM
Disorderly Conduct–600 block E 8th St, Hays; 5:39 PM; 9:13 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:11 PM
Suicidal Subject–1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 8 P; 8:27 PM
Drug Offenses–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:40 PM; 8:45 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and 10 traffic stops Sat., April 1, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving While Suspended/Revoked–1300 block Allen, Hays; 12:21 AM
Battery – simple–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:40 AM; 1:42 AM
Battery – simple–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 140 AM; 1:54 AM
Suicidal Subject–2400 block Whitfield, Clarksville; 2:12 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:52 AM
Dead Animal Call–500 block Elm St, Hays; 12:01 PM
Battery – Domestic–1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 12:10 PM; 12:15 PM
Drug Offenses–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 12:45 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–100 block W 15th St, Hays; 4:58 PM
Animal At Large–100 block W 15th St, Hays; 5:21 PM
Harassment (All Other)–1200 block Tamarac Cir, Hays; 5:56 PM
Drug Offenses–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 7:45 PM; 7:55 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and 5 traffic stops Sun., April 2, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 12:04 AM
Disturbance – Fight–800 block Ash St, Hays; 1:23 AM
Disorderly Conduct–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:10 AM
Driving Under the Influence–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:31 AM
Suspicious Activity–100 block E 23rd St, Hays; 6:25 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–1200 block E 31st St, Hays; 9:42 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–2700 block Ash St, Hays; 11:26 AM
Disturbance – General–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:46 AM
Harassment (All Other)–2100 block Allen St, Hays; 4/1 9 PM; 4/2 11:55 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–500 block E 19th St, Hays; 12:53 PM
Civil Dispute–400 block W 3rd St, Hays; 12:56 PM
Animal At Large–1300 block Lawrence Dr, Hays; 3:02 PM
Suicidal Subject–2500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 5:03 PM
Animal Call–1300 block Agnes Dr, Hays; 5:43 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 6:09 PM
Credit Card Violations–100 block W 4th St, Hays; 8:14 PM
Credit Card Violations–100 block W 4th St, Hays; 8:14 PM
Found/Lost Property–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 8:23 PM
Credit Card Violations–100 block W 4th St, Hays; 8:37 PM
Civil Dispute–500 block E 20th St, Hays; 8:43 PM
Suicidal Subject–2700 block Indian Trl, Hays; 10:03 PM
Mental Health Call–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 10:46 PM