Orbis Plastic plant, 515 S. 5th Street in Osage City
OSAGE COUNTY – A Kansas man died in an accident Wednesday in Osage County.
Just after 3 a.m., first responders were dispatched the Orbis Plastic plant, 515 S. 5th Street in Osage City after report of a work-related fatality accident, according to a media release from police.
First responders found Ruben Guadlaupe Chavira, 53, Topeka, had died when a forklift he was operating pinned him against other equipment.
A co-employee of the plant discovered the accident.
The Coroner office responded to the scene for investigation and to make the official pronouncement of death.
Orbis, OSHA, and the Coroner’s office will conduct further investigations.
Mr. Chavira was employed as a “Press Operator and Backup Grinder and had worked at Orbis since 2014.
PRATT – In accordance with National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3-11, Kansas anglers will fish for free on June 3 and 4. That means that anyone may fish in Kansas without a fishing license. Landowner permission is necessary to fish any private ponds or streams unless they are enrolled in the F.I.S.H. program.
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) fisheries biologists manage 24 federal reservoirs, 200 community lakes and 40 state fishing lakes, and there are dozens of private ponds and streams enrolled in the F.I.S.H. program. Just go to www.ksoutdoors and click “Where To Fish” in the “Fishing” pull-down menu.
Kansas lakes and rivers are known for producing big crappie, abundant channel catfish, huge flathead catfish and giant blue catfish. However, thousands of farm ponds that dot the rural landscape are filled with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Federal reservoirs are known for producing great walleye, wiper, crappie and white bass fishing. To learn more about which lakes produce the kind and sizes of fish you prefer to catch, go to “Reports and Forecast.”
The 2017 Fishing Forecast compiles data collected by biologists throughout the year so anglers can find lakes that have, for example, good populations of keeper-sized channel catfish, or big white bass. The forecast provides ratings for each species of sport fish for ponds, lakes and reservoirs.
Biologists also provide updates on fishing and lake conditions on their “Weekly Fishing Reports.” Anglers can use the atlas, forecast and fishing reports to find the best fishing available in their area.
Other great angling tools available on www.ksoutdoors.com include the fisheries district newsletters. These quarterly newsletters are produced by fisheries biologists, who include sampling, stocking and habitat information for lakes in their district, as well as other information that will help anglers catch more fish. The newsletters can be read online, or anglers can sign up to receive them by email.
And the final tool that every angler should have is a copy of the 2017 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, which can be downloaded online, picked up anywhere licenses are sold and at all KDWPT offices. The regulation pamphlet is packed with information, including length and creel limits, equipment restrictions, and season dates. It also includes a map showing lakes containing aquatic nuisance species (ANS), along with ANS regulations and prevention tips. Color illustrations of popular sport fish are included, as well as listing of state records. And anglers who catch a fish not big enough to qualify for a state record, there is the Master Angler Award program, which provides certificates to anglers who catch fish that meet or exceed established lengths. A Master Angler Award application is included.
Kansas waters provide a wide variety of quality angling opportunities, and you can discover them at www.ksoutdoors.com. You can also enjoy them for free this weekend.
Dorothy J. Yardley passed away in Denver, CO on January 26, 2017. She was born June 3, 1927 in Murdock, NE. Dorothy was the daughter of Iva and Maude McCrory. Sister of Lela, Della, Bernice, Sarah, Edna, Ed and Maurice. She was married to Norman W. Yardley on August 18, 1946 in Murdock, NE. They had two children son, Stephen A. Yardley (1953-2016) and is survived by her daughter Cynthia L. Yardley, as well as daughter-in-law, Elisa (Del Pilar)Yardley, Marysville, WA; grandchildren Lorna (Del Pilar) Rieman (married to Rob Rieman), Cincinnati, OH; Michelle (Yardley) Colbenson, Chicago, IL; Michael Yardley (married to Amy (Ackerson) Yardley, Everett, WA; and Patrick Yardley, Marysville, WA. Dorothy is also survived by 4 great-granddaughters and 4 great-grandsons.
Dorothy lived a full life. She had a passion for photography. She adored animals, especially her cats. Dorothy enjoyed bowling with her friends, traveling and meeting new people. She loved swimming, gardening, bird watching and never turned down a scoop of ice cream. She was a regular volunteer for charitable organizations and a strong supporter for military vets. Dorothy enjoyed the simple things in life. She was a wise, kind hearted woman with a smile for all. Dorothy will be missed but never forgotten.
Eldon Leiker, 73, Hays, died Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at his home.
He was born October 10, 1943 in Hays the son of Edward S. and Philippa (Pfannenstiel) Leiker. In 1962, he graduated from Hays High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his discharge from the U.S. Army, he entered the U.S. Air Force. He was a long time employee of Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Victoria and Dillons Grocery Store in Hays.
Survivors include four brothers; Norman Leiker and wife Anneliese of Lubbock, TX, Glenn Leiker of Hays, Tom Leiker of Everett, WA, and Tearon “Terry” Leiker of Hays, one sister; Doris Wing and husband Dave of Hays, five nephews; Martin Leiker, Matthew Leiker, Shawn Leiker, Ben Wing, and Jon Wing, and many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Sue Leiker.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. Inurnment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm until service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com
Victoria residents Jeanna Wellbrock and Jennifer Pfeifer each filed declarations of intent Wednesday afternoon to run for one of the three vacant USD 432 school board seats.
Another Victoria resident, Harland Rupp, filed to run for a seat on the Victoria city council. There are three open positions as well as that of the Victoria mayor.
Filing deadline is tomorrow, Thu., June 1, at noon in the Ellis County Clerk’s office, 718 Main, Hays.
An updated list of candidates is available on the county’s website www.ellisco.net.
Tensions are high in the Kansas statehouse, a not unexpected outcome of the long veto session. The video above is a descriptor of what’s happening in the legislature and efforts underway to ensure the adoption of policies that are more fair and balanced for all taxpayers.
There have been competing views on tax policy, including within the Democratic caucus. I believe we’re close to finding common ground and can soon pass a plan that will better position us in the future. It’s not going to do all it needs to do. That’s been hard to accept.
Most of us came to the House this January ready to quickly repeal the Brownback tax experiment, pass Medicaid expansion, restore due process, and a host of other meaningful things. Those changes haven’t happened and some may not happen this session.
We’re not giving up though. It remains a priority of mine and my Democratic colleagues to:
End the Brownback tax experiment and the “borrow and spend” philosophy
Strengthen the stability of KPERS and fund appropriate highway/bridge maintenance and development
Pass a constitutionally sound school funding formula that enables our students to have the greatest opportunity for success at every grade level in every county
Debate (and ultimately pass) measures that restore gun safety in our hospitals, mental health centers, and college campuses
Provide sufficient resources for Osawatomie/Larned hospitals and our mental health centers
Expand Medicaid and improve the KanCare system
Begin oversight of the foster care system so best practices can be applied to improve DCF
I know this has been a long session and we’re all growing weary. Keep the faith – better days, and better policy, can be achieved. Appreciate your support along the way.
Please reach out at anytime, or come by my office for a visit! [email protected] / 785-296-7630
Kansas Capitol – Room 359W
MARSHALL COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug distribution charges.
On Tuesday, the Riley County Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit partnered with Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Waterville Police Department, and Blue Rapids Police Department to serve a search warrant in Waterville, Kansas, according to a media release.
The search warrant was the result of an ongoing investigation, and led to the seizure of approximately half a pound of methamphetamine, and distributable amounts of marijuana, oxycodone, and oxycontin.
Authorities arrested three suspects including– John Haver, 61, Calley Hanshaw, 41, and Jose Martinez, 39. for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school, possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school, possession of oxycontin with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
All three are currently being held in the Marshall County Jail.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the Kansas Legislature’s debate on taxes, the budget and school funding (all times local):
Kansas legislators worry about exhausting operating funds now that their annual session is among the longest in state history.
But they don’t have a definitive answer for when the money runs out.
Wednesday was the 103rd day of what was supposed to be a 100-day session. Republican legislative leaders had said the Legislature would exhaust its funds for the session Friday and not be able to pay lawmakers.
But Legislative Administrative Services Director Tom Day said Wednesday that existing funds could last into next week, depending on non-salary expenses such as printing.
The Legislature reduced staffing May 12 to drop its daily session costs to about $44,000 from $65,000. Its annual budget is $17 million.
Lawmakers could pass a bill to provide extra funds but that’s considered a political embarrassment.
Jupiter police released the dash-cam footage Wednesday night.
Officers on patrol early Monday noticed a Mercedes pulled awkwardly to the side of the road with the engine running, the brake lights on and a right turn signal blinking. Both tires on the left side of the car were flat, and police described fresh damage to the driver’s side.
The video shows officers approach the car and Woods, who didn’t know where he was. The footage also shows Woods stumble and sway through a field sobriety test before being arrested.
A breath test registered a blood alcohol level of 0.00 percent. Woods later said his condition was caused by prescription medications.
Woods is to be arraigned July 5 in Palm Beach County court on the DUI charge.
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Texas woman was sentenced Tuesday to five years in federal prison for selling designer drugs manufactured in Kansas, according to U.S. Attorney Tom Beall.
She was ordered to forfeit $2 million in proceeds from the crime.
Michelle Reulet, 37, Montgomery, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Reulet and co-defendant Michael Myers owned a business in the Houston area called Bully Wholesale. They sold products that were purchased from co-defendants Tracy Picanso and Roy Ehrett in Olathe, Kan.
The products Reulet’s company sold designer drugs marketed under names such as Pump It, Head trip, Black Arts and Grave Digger. In her plea, Reulet admitted she knew buyers consumed her products to get high, despite labels making false claims that the products were safe and were not intended for human consumption. The products were marketed as incense, potpourri and shoe deodorizer. Their labels did not warn of possible harmful effects.
Reulet’s business had gross sales of more than $2 million.
SEDGWICK COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities in Sedgwick County are investigating a series of robberies and asking the public for help to identify a suspect.
On Saturday, the Extended Stay America Hotel in the 9400 block of east Corporate Hills Drive was robbed and on Monday, the Days Inn Hotel in the 7300 block of east Kellogg was robbed.
Police believe a slender, light skinned black male in his 20’s and armed with a handgun committed both robberies.
The suspect is a slender, light skinned black male in his 20’s. He was armed with a handgun in the Days Inn robbery.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of this suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 267-2111.
KSU office park- photo courtesy Kansas State University
MANHATTAN– The largest animal vaccine company in China announced May 31 that it will open a research lab and offices in the Kansas State University Office Park, located on the north side of campus.
Officials for Jinyu Bio-technology Co., LTD, said that this is the first time that the company has established facilities in the United States. The company will focus its work on the research and design of vaccines for swine and cattle, as well as developing educational materials for Chinese companies and veterinarians.
“When university-focused companies like Jinyu Bio-technology locate adjacent to K-State’s campus, partnerships develop with faculty expertise and research to promote real-world application and discovery,” said Greg Willems, KSU Foundation president and chief executive officer. “The K-State Office Park advances opportunity for these current and future collaborations to boldly move K-State and the needs of a global community forward.”
Jinyu plans to employ 4-6 scientists. The company has researched the Manhattan location for nearly two years and was drawn to its connection with the region known as the KC Animal Health Corridor.
“The KC Animal Health Corridor’s international reputation is a strategic advantage for more and more animal health companies,” said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. “We are thrilled to welcome Jinyu to our Corridor community and look forward to the company’s leadership and effort.”
The Corridor is anchored by Manhattan, Kan. in the west and Columbia, Mo. in the east. The region is home to more than 300 animal health companies, accounting for more than half of the sales generated annually by the global animal health industry.
Jinyu Chairman Chongyu Zhang said the company’s decision was based on a belief that Manhattan and Kansas State University are “in the forefront of animal health research that is relevant to Chinese animal agriculture and the world.”
“Manhattan is the home to many world renowned scientists in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Biosecurity Research Institute, and the future National Bio and Agro-defense Facility,” he said.
Zhang added that Jinyu is growing quickly internationally and is “looking forward to developing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with partners in the region.” The company may add manufacturing facilities in the future.
“The addition of Jinyu Bio-technology to the KC Animal Health Corridor is truly a partnership of innovation and expertise,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Antonio Soave. “We, as a state, must continue to engage excellent biotech companies like Jinyu, as Kansas continues to become one of the leading locations for bioscience in the nation.”
Many organizations played a key role in attracting Jinyu to the region, namely the State of Kansas; Kansas Department of Commerce; City of Manhattan; Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce; Kansas State University; Kansas State University Institute for Commercialization; KSU Foundation; Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine; the Kansas State University US-China Center for Animal Health; the Kansas City Area Development Council; and the KC Animal Health Corridor.
“Jinyu has state of the art pilot production and manufacturing facilities, strong financial support for research and development and great market penetration in China,” said Jishu Shi, director of the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health at Kansas State University. “This partnership is the first (for K-State) with a Chinese animal health company. It will accelerate the commercialization of novel discovery and development ideas generated by K-State scientists.”
Tammy Beckham, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, said the agreement supports the university’s interest in research and development of biopharmaceuticals.
“In addition, Jinyu’s expansion to Manhattan will help support economic development through the addition of jobs and partnerships,” she said. “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Jinyu to the State of Kansas and look forward to a long and robust partnership.”
Peter Dorhout, vice president for research, said the university’s strength in animal health research helps to attract large companies to the region and contributes to what amounted to $882 million of economic impact in Riley, Geary and Pottawatomie counties in fiscal year 2015.
“Partnerships in animal health in particular help university and industry researchers inhabit the cutting edge,” he said. “Protecting animal health requires adapting to changing global circumstances, and we want to ensure that our researchers and students are prepared to contribute and to help industry address urgent needs.”
Dorhout added that the partnership further advances the university’s goal to become a top 50 public research university by 2025.
“K-State’s 2025 strategic plan encourages us not only to create a culture of excellence that results in increased research activities, but also to fully engage with people and build necessary infrastructure,” he said. “We are working to ensure that K-State innovations are applied to improve global food security, bio-agro defense, animal and human health, and more.
He added: “Engagement is part of our land-grant heritage, so our attention to this area isn’t new, but 2025 infused new energy into these efforts. Industry partnerships also enhance the opportunities we can offer to our students through involving undergraduate and graduate students in individual research projects as well as internships and full-time employment opportunities.”
Lyle Butler, president of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, hailed Jinyu’s announcement as another success story for the City of Manhattan and the KC Animal Health Corridor.
“Our partnerships with the university family, the State of Kansas and the Animal Health Corridor were critical in attracting Jinyu to the state,” Butler said.
“Jinyu’s decision to locate in Manhattan is yet another example of the successes that can come from our shared university/community economic development strategy to attract high-pay, knowledge-based jobs and grow the regional economy through the leverage of Kansas State University’s research and talent.”
Jinyu’s Manhattan operations will be located in Phase II of the K-State Office Park, which is scheduled to break ground in July. The company will begin operations in 2018.
BARTON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after chase and arrest.
Just before 2:30 Wednesday, officers from the Great Bend Police Department made contact with a subject later identified as 20-year old Dakota Green in the 2300 block of Washington Street.
When officers tried to talk to him, they observed him pull a pipe out of his pocket, which appeared to be some sort of drug paraphernalia.
When officers attempted to detain him for the drug paraphernalia, he twisted away from them and ran. During this short struggle, one of the officers received a minor injury to their hand.
A short foot chase ensued, and the subject suddenly stopped, faced them, and pulled the hood of his sweatshirt over his head.
He then growled at the officers and assumed a fighting stance. At this point, the officers gave him verbal commands to get on the ground and stop resisting arrest, but he refused. One of the officers then deployed a Taser on the subject and he was taken into custody without further incident.
After Green was taken into custody and searched, officers found a small baggie of marijuana on his person and discovered that he had an outstanding probation violation warrant from Pawnee County, stemming from a felony arson charge.
Green was taken to the Barton County Jail and was booked on recommended charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Interference with Law Enforcement, as well as the outstanding warrant.
He has previous convictions for arson and criminal trespass, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
