INMAN–Co-authors Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe spent four years traveling to every one of the 626 incorporated cities in Kansas in addition to visiting several hundred spots in the country. The result is The Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers, a project of the Inman-based Kansas Sampler Foundation.
The 480-page, coil-bound book weighs over two pounds and is chock full of information that will keep Kansas road trip enthusiasts busy for quite a long time. Along with 4,500 entries that provide descriptions, directions, hours, and contact information, there are also more than 1,600 color pictures. Rowe says, “Many people will be interested in the 843 restaurants, cafes, drive-ins, and soda fountains.”
The book is designed to help achieve the mission of the Kansas Sampler Foundation which is to preserve and sustain rural culture. Penner says, “Though the book reads like a travel guide, it’s intended to help people get to know the state and learn about towns of every size.” Among the diverse entries, guidebook users will find historic bridges, beautiful statues, specialty shops, quirky sites, little known points-of-interest, cemetery finds, and back road scenic drives statewide. Rowe said, “There really is something for everyone whether you are looking for outdoor sites or ways to get to know a town. The more a person interacts with the locals the more special a road trip can become.”
To find retail stores that carry the book or to order online, go to kansassampler.org.
Lifelong Sharon Springs, Kansas resident John LeRue Klinge, 34, passed away at home south of Sharon Springs on Saturday, May 27, 2017.
John was born on March 22, 1983 in Tribune, Kansas, the son of Dave and Kay Klinge.He was the second of four children.
John attended Sharon Springs Elementary School and graduated from Wallace County High School in 2001.He then went on to take Ranch Management courses at a ranching school in Texas.John spent his career working as a ranch hand for the Wilson Ranch, the Sweat Ranch and as ranch manager at the Turkey Creek Ranch.
He enjoyed hunting, working cattle and spending time with family.John was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Sharon Springs.
Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, LeRue and Betty Pilger.
He is survived by his parents Dave and Kay Klinge, three sisters; Jennie Klinge of Goodland, Kansas, JoAnna Sommerfeld, husband Tyson and their son Luke of Surprise, Arizona, and Jayne Klinge of Blue Rapids, Kansas.He is also survived by his paternal grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Graveside services will be on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 10 a.m. MT at the Dinas Community Cemetery with Reverend Paul McNall officiating.
Memorials may be designated to the John Klinge Memorial Fund and may be left at the service or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral service arrangements were entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, Kansas.
JACKSON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on child endangerment and other charges.
Just after 10p.m. Tuesday, police captured Michael Dorsch, 31, Horton, in a Sioux Falls, South Dakota Walmart store where he was hiding, according to a media release.
Dorsch is wanted on an outstanding Jackson County Kansas warrant for aggravated battery and child endangerment in connection with the alleged battery of a woman on the evening of May 4th, 2017 near Mayetta.
A manhunt ensued for Dorsch that evening.
Dorsch is believed to have been living in the Sisseton, South Dakota area some 160 miles north of Sioux Falls.
The arrest was a cooperative effort between the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If you were unable to attend Monday’s American Legion/VFW Memorial Day service Hays Post and Eagle Community Television is offering a chance for viewers to take part in the patriotic service.
The Kansas Senate is expected to make a final vote Wednesday on a school funding bill that would add $234 million over two years for K-12 education. KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
By SAM ZEFF
After 10 hours of debate, a dozen amendments and a timeout to talk taxes, the Kansas Senate early Wednesday advanced a school finance plan. A final vote is expected sometime later Wednesday.
Once they finished debate, senators ended where they began: an additional $234 million over two years for K-12 education. That is $50 million less than the House plan that the Kansas State Department of Education now says would add $284 million in new money over two years and then increase funding according to the rate of inflation.
But some senators who voted for the plan, like their House colleagues, believe neither bill has enough funding to satisfy the Kansas Supreme Court, which ruled earlier this year that the current amount is inadequate.
Even Majority Leader Jim Denning, an Overland Park Republican who carried the bill, is prepared for an adverse ruling from the high court.
“We’ll come back for a special session and sort it out,” he said during a GOP caucus before the debate.
While the funding formula is similar in both bills, the Senate bill includes an amendment that would phase out some of the money the state pays for out-of-state students to attend Kansas schools. The Kansas State Department of Education says about 625 students cross the state line into Kansas for school. That costs up to $6 million a year.
The amendment would not ban out-of-state students but would cut state aid for them to 75 percent next year and 50 percent after that.
During debate, Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka attempted to add $419 million to the plan. “I think that both the House and Senate bills are inadequate,” he said.
His amendment failed on a 16-23 vote.
Sen. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican, proposed an amendment to remove funding for all-day kindergarten. He said that would save $63 million a year. Senators also rejected that amendment.
The two bills now move to a conference committee to negotiate differences, but most lawmakers expect that to be a smooth process.
Sam Zeffcovers education for KCUR.org and the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter@SamZeff.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Central Missouri edged Pittsburg State by less than a tenth of a point to claim the inaugural MIAA Commissioner’s Cup. Central Oklahoma also finished in double digits to come in third as the teams were all divided by less than a point.
Central Missouri won all the All-Sports Trophies during the time they went by that name, but this is by far the closest the race has ever been.
“Winning the commissioner’s cup is attributed to our outstanding coaches and student-athletes across all sports,” Central Missouri Athletic Director Jerry Hughes said. “We’re proud of not only their accomplishments on the playing fields, but also in the classroom and how they represent the University of Central Missouri in the community.”
Missouri Southern finished in fourth place just five-tenths ahead of Northwest Missouri who rounded out the top five. Just three-tenths of a points divided six through eighth place as Fort Hays State came in sixth, Emporia State was seventh and Missouri Western placed eight.
In ninth place was Northeastern State with Lindenwood finishing behind them in ninth place. Nebraska-Kearney was just three-tenths of a point ahead of Southwest who was just two-tenths ahead of Washburn in the 11-12-13 spots. Lincoln finished in 14th despite winning one league championship and coming in as the league runner-up once.
“We are very excited that the Commissioner’s Cup has been brought back to help celebrate the outstanding achievement of MIAA student-athletes and coaches throughout the academic year,” MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy said. “It was a banner season for many MIAA programs at the regional and national levels and the close race we had in the conference standings to decide the commissioner’s Cup winner for 2016-17 highlights just how competitive the MIAA is right now.”
The trophy will be presented to UCM at the MIAA Awards Ceremony presented by Husch Blackwell on June 5 from the Kansas City Public Library – Plaza Branch.
NEW ORLEANS – Six student-athletes from the Fort Hays State track and field program earned All-America honors at the 2017 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, announced Tuesday by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Individuals earn first team All-America status by finishing in the top eight in their event, while second team honors are given to those finishing ninth through 12th.
Dacono Cronin (first, 1:49.75) and Brett Meyer (seventh, 1:50.96) both earned first team All-America honors in the 800m run. It was the second time this season FHSU had multiple first team All-America athletes after Meyer and Dillando Allotey both earned the honor at the Indoor Championships. Cronin became the first National Champion for FHSU since 2011 (Christa Bergmann, weight throw).
Alexcia Deutscher picked up second team All-America accolades after a 10th place finish in the javelin throw. The freshman posted a top mark of 145-10 in the final meet of the year.
TJ Dozier placed ninth in the discus to earn second team All-America status after a throw of 173-10.
Micki Krzesinski earned second team All-America honors with her 10th place finish in the 10,000m run last Thursday (May 25). The senior finished the race in 35:59.43.
Kelly Wycoff was also named second team All-America after placing 12th in the 400m dash. The junior crossed the line in 54.92, placing fifth in her heat.
Whether you are upsizing, downsizing, moving across Kansas or across the country this summer, I urge Kansans to review homeowners and renters insurance policies before the first box is packed.
Below are some tips for a safe and insured move, courtesy of the Kansas Insurance Department (KID) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Call your agent. Not all insurance companies or agents are licensed to sell insurance in all states, so moving out of state could mean big changes in your homeowners, renters or auto insurance policy. Talk with your agent to see if a current policy can be transferred to the address and how long you need to leave your current policy in place.
Even just moving across town can affect the cost of a policy. Your agent may need to know details about the new home, such as its age, construction material, type of roof, square footage and interior finishes. The agent will also need the details of your mortgage lender.
Talk to your movers. If you hire a moving company, expect to be asked about insurance. Homeowners and renters insurance will likely provide limited coverage for household belongings in transit. The policy deductible will apply to any claim made for a loss on these items, so check your deductible amount and how it is applied before the move.
Moving companies generally offer basic insurance coverage. The amount is based on the weight of the items moved and federal (if moving state-to-state) or state (if moving in-state) laws.
The moving company may offer additional coverage for a fee. Coverage for a lump sum value may be one option. This coverage is typically based on the value of items rather than the weight. You must know the value of the shipment and make a declaration in writing on your receipt (often referred to as a “bill of lading”). Coverage for full value protection may also be offered.
Finally, if the moving company will be towing the family car, your personal auto insurance policy should provide coverage for liability while in transit.
Know the do-it-yourself provisions. If friends and family have volunteered with the relocation, you will likely need to rent a truck. Some personal auto policies may provide coverage for the driver’s liability in a rented truck, but many do not. Review your policy closely for coverage and limitations before renting. Pay particular attention to any exclusions based on the size of the vehicle.
If your personal auto policy does not provide coverage, you may have the option to purchase protection coverage as part of the rental agreement. There is generally a limit to how much the supplemental coverage will pay, and, KID does not regulate that type of protection.
A rental truck company may also offer protection coverage on your belongings. The coverage will be similar to what a moving company will offer. If you plan to use your own vehicle for transporting property, check with your agent on your limits while any property is in your vehicle.
Change gears when becoming a landlord. Renting out a home is becoming a popular option to selling. However, keep in mind that when the house becomes a rental property it has gone from being a residence to a place of business.
A landlord insurance policy (sometimes called a “dwelling fire policy” or a “special perils policy”) covers the house itself, other structures on the property, the owner’s possessions (like a washer and dryer left for tenant’s use), lost rental income if the house becomes uninhabitable, and some liability protection. Tenant possessions are not covered in landlord insurance policies.
Expect to pay between 10-25 percent more per year than you paid for your homeowners policy. Policies for short-term rental and long-term rental will likely differ in price.
Fill out a home inventory. Moving is a good time to take a home inventory or to update your existing inventory. As contents of the new home are unpacked, take photos room by room and make a list of the belongings. Use the Kansas Insurance Department’s “Personal Home Inventory” booklet, which can be downloaded at www.ksinsurance.org.
Consumers can also create an electronic home inventory thanks to a smartphone application from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The free myHOMEScr.APP.book app lets users quickly photograph and capture images, descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers. Then it stores them electronically for safekeeping.
Insurance can be confusing – but by understanding the choices you can make educated decisions about your property insurance needs. For more information about homeowners or renters insurance, get the KID publication, “Auto and Homeowners Insurance,” which you can download or order from our website.
Consumers can also go to www.InsureUonline.org , choose the life stage that best fits their life situations and see what insurance coverage could be best for them.
The monthly Hays Community Acoustic Jam session will be held Saturday, June 3rd, from 2:00-4:00 p.m at the Hays Arts Center Annex, 1010 Main in Downtown Hays. The sessions are held on the first Saturday of each month.
The local acoustic jam is a fun place for people of all skill levels to play acoustical instruments (guitars, banjos, fiddles, harmonicas, bass guitars, etc.) and to invite friends to enjoy music, whether you’re playing, singing, or listening.
All are welcome to listen or participate as little or much as you’d like!
In the weeks leading up to and in the weeks following the failed school bond election last year, I heard time and time again that Hays citizens didn’t trust the school board or district leadership. It’s a common issue that affects every level of governance, and honestly, the mistrust is often well-earned. (Who trusts Washington or Topeka anymore?) However, we each have the opportunity to affect change. If you’re frustrated, run for office.
To some extent, it is simply in vogue to complain about government. We like to feel as if we could do better than anyone representing us, but we need to be willing to involve ourselves in governmental decisions when we have the chance and find out if we could actually do better or not.
There are currently two people running for three open seats on the USD 489 school board, and it looks like most local elections in the area are in a similar state. Considering the number of people who have expressed their discontent with the Hays school district, I’m surprised and disappointed that we don’t have a dozen Hays citizens running for those three open seats, but we don’t.
This is a problem for several reasons.
First, civic engagement is the bedrock of western civilization, and that starts on the local level. Not every person running for office needs to have presidential aspirations, but if you want to see positive change in your local community, you have the opportunity.
Second, if nobody runs, then we end up scraping the bottom of the barrel for leadership for our towns, school districts and counties. This isn’t to say that the people running for these positions aren’t qualified or excellent choices, but we need choices before we can choose. In my opinion, no representative should ever run unopposed. If they do, they have the license to decide whatever they want with no accountability to their constituents.
Finally, dissenting voices that never run are never heard. Governing bodies with a balance of opinions are much more likely to arrive at good decisions than single-minded groups, and if you disagree with the direction of a particular governing body, the best way to change it is to become a part of it. Representatives are supposed to listen to their constituents, but if you disagree with your representative on every level, they will never implement your ideas no matter how many letters you send or editorials you write.
You don’t have to be frustrated to run for office, but if you are, there’s no reason not to run. You have a significant opportunity before you. Make the best of it.
All that said, I have had an ongoing internal debate whether I should run for school board or city commission, but I have finally decided to announce my candidacy for City Commission in Hays. Civic duty is driving my decision more than frustration, but I hope that my presence on the Commission will contribute to the positive direction that the City has been moving the past several years. I hope the citizens of Hays will support me in this venture, and I hope to be an agent of positive change in the City of Hays.
KANSAS SAMPLER FOUNDATION
