Eagle’s Golden Egg for The Ellis Country Fair 2017 has been found!
Congratulations to Scott Kaiser who found the egg by early afternoon of the first day, and with just one clue!
Thanks to all the participants for playing.
The Eagle Golden Egg was located in the structure of a set of bleachers near the RPM Speedway at Turn 3.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas says an associate pastor at two churches is suspended as state child-welfare workers and the archdiocese investigate his conduct, in one case involving a juvenile.
The archdiocese said Tuesday that Father Scott Kallal was suspended from public ministry duties after two sources accused him of “boundary violations.” Archdiocese spokeswoman Anita McSorley declined to elaborate.
The archdiocese says Kallal’s suspension was announced last weekend during Masses at two churches he served — Overland Park’s Holy Spirit Church and St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas.
Messages left Tuesday by The Associated Press with the Kansas Department for Children and Families and police in Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas, weren’t immediately returned.
Kallal does not have a listed telephone number and couldn’t be reached.
Wanda Depperschmidt, 83, succumbed to a brief battle with cancer on July 14, 2017. She was born February 21, 1934 to Augustine and Catherine Depperschmidt at the family farm in Grinnell, Kansas.
Wanda went to first and second grades at Grinnell grade school, then the family moved to Oakley where she graduated from high school in 1952. Wanda graduated from nurses training at Marymount College, Salina, Kansas in 1955.
As a strong, independent woman who made her own decisions, Wanda moved to New Jersey and worked in a hospital for one year. This was followed by two years at the New York Metropolitan Hospital as an operating room nurse before moving to Denver in January of 1962. From 1962 until 1980, she was the night supervisor of nurses at St. Joseph Hospital. In 1980, Wanda began working nights in the OB department, this was her most favorite part of nursing. Wanda retired in 2000, but remained on call until 2003 when she moved to Scott City.
Wanda loved animals, especially cats, and volunteered at the Denver Cat Care Society from 1988 until she moved back to Kansas. Volunteering became a way of life as she spent numerous hours volunteering her time at the recycling center at Scott City.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Daniel. A sister, Jeanine Call, of Hays; a brother, Tom, of Oakley; and 12 nieces and nephews, survive her.
Wanda donated her body to science research through KU Medical Center.
OFFICE OF GOV. BROWNBACK
HOXIE and GARDEN CITY – Governor Sam Brownback and Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer today announced new findings from the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) about the life of the Ogallala Aquifer.
Traveling to Hoxie and Garden City, KGS unveiled new data showing that stable use of Ogallala Aquifer is attainable.
“The data reveals that the voluntary efforts happening as a part of the 50-year Water Vision are being rewarded,” said Governor Brownback. “The Ogallala is replenishing itself faster than we previously knew. What was never thought possible is now within our grasp: sustainable use of the Ogallala aquifer is attainable.”
KGS Senior Scientist and Geohydrology Section Chief Jim Butler presented the new information showing how the rate of decline in water levels can be affected by water conservation efforts by local water users. Although some had previously thought that it was too late to stop the decline, these new findings indicate that even moderate reductions in water use in some areas of the aquifer can help to achieve stability in the region.
“At the KGS, we have developed an approach for assessing how much water use needs to be reduced to have a significant impact on decline rates,” said Butler. “This approach exploits the great water data we have in Kansas. It is no exaggeration to say that Kansas leads the nation, if not the world, in data on water use and water-level changes in our aquifers. The result is that we can have more confidence in our assessments of what the future holds for these critically important systems.”
Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer, a Hays native, standing with members of the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Water Office, spoke about what this means for future generation of Kansans. “Innovative technologies and bold stewardship of resources by the people of Kansas has produced real results,” said Lt. Governor Colyer. “This is a great moment for water conservation in Kansas, ensuring that Kansas will remain America’s breadbasket for generations to come.”
Hoxie
In Hoxie, the Governor and other representatives met with local water right owners and local leaders who have been instrumental in developing water conservation plans for the region. The Sheridan-6 Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA), established in 2013, set a goal to limit water use in that specific area to reduce the rate of groundwater decline. New data collected by Groundwater Management #4 and analyzed by the KGS showed that indeed the 99-square-mile area included in the LEMA has seen notable reductions in the rate of water-level decline. In the decade prior to the establishment of the LEMA, the rate of decline in the area was about 23 inches per year. In the first three years of the LEMA, the rate of decline was reduced to a little under 5 inches per year. Every year since the establishment of the LEMA, the annual pumping for the 99 square miles has been less than the smallest amount pumped in any year in the preceding decade.
Mitch Baalman, a farmer within the Sheridan-6 LEMA and GMD4 board member, stressed the importance of the local efforts in that area. “It all starts with the local farmers, the people on the ground,” he said. “They have all provided leadership and commitment and we are excited to celebrate their efforts today.”
In addition to the LEMA, landowners in Wichita County have developed a county-wide Water Conservation Area (WCA) which provides water management flexibilities to water right owners who work to conserve and extend their water supply. “We are very fortunate that the legislature gave us the opportunity to create a WCA,” said Matt Long, who is participating in the Wichita County WCA. “We are only a few months in, but already our WCA, through voluntary participation, has committed to saving enough water to support 22,000 people for one year.”
Students and faculty from Northwest Technical College of Goodland also attended the event, and Ben Schears, president of the college, said Water Technology Farms are a key element of the hands-on experience received by students studying precision agriculture at NWTC. “The technology our students use and the skills they learn make them incredibly valuable to the agricultural workforce throughout the state of Kansas,” said Schears.
“It’s all about leadership,” said Scott Foote, who owns Hoxie Feedyard along with his family, and hosted the event. “It’s doing the right thing and working with your neighbors, and now look what we accomplished together.”
Garden City
In Garden City, the Governor and other representatives met with local landowners and water users instrumental in developing water conservation plans for the region. Leaders in Finney and Kearny counties have developed a proposal for a Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) for a 200-square-mile area, with a 15 percent reduction in water use which could double the life of the Ogallala Aquifer in that area. New KGS data shows the reduction in pumping with the proposed LEMA would have a large impact on the rate of decline and would not only extend the life of the aquifer but also would slow the rate of increase in groundwater salinity.
“We need to cut down on our water use,” said Dwane Roth, owner of the Big D Water Technology Farm near Holcomb. “This kind of reduction is not only possible, but critical for our region,” said Roth who believes this reduction in water use can be achieved with little impact on production from farms and ranches by utilizing water technology innovations such as soil moisture probes. He gave a virtual tour of the Water Technology Farm at Big D Farms to demonstrate how new water management technology can help farmers cut their pumping significantly, saving financial resources as well as water. With the information provided from soil moisture probes, Roth noted his farm is on track to save about half of normal water use for this season.
Troy Dumler, manager of Garden City Company, shared that a 15 percent reduction in water use in his area could save about $1,350 per pivot in energy costs. “Drops in static water levels and declines in pumping capacity have the irrigators within the Company looking for alternatives that balance both short-term and long-term economic needs,” Dumler explained.
Kansas Water Vision
Since the creation of the Governor’s 50 Year Water Vision, leaders have worked diligently to offer a variety of tools and support mechanisms to encourage voluntary water conservation in Kansas, particularly around the Ogallala Aquifer. The Kansas Water Vision is guided by the principle that locally driven solutions have the highest opportunity for long-term success, and action items in the Vision have worked to create policies and programs which reward good stewardship of the state’s water resources.
Local Enhanced Management Areas (LEMAs) empower local leaders to address local groundwater concerns by restricting water rights within its boundaries by a set amount to extend the usable water supply in the region. There is one active LEMA in Kansas, the Sheridan-6 LEMA in GMD No. 4, and a district-wide LEMA has also been proposed by GMD No. 4 and is currently in the public comment phase with plans to be implemented early next year.
Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) allow any water right owner or group of owners the opportunity to develop a management plan to reduce water withdrawals to extend the usable life of the Ogallala Aquifer. Participation in a WCA can give greater flexibility that is not available to other water right owners. Kansas currently has six active WCAs, with several more in the process of becoming approved.
Water Technology Farms were created to allow the installation and research of the latest irrigation technologies on a field scale. The state’s first three Water Technology Farms were initiated in southwest/south central Kansas— two in Finney County and one in Edwards County. Ten additional Water Technology Farms are planned throughout western Kansas for 2017.
More information about the Kansas Water Vision, as well as additional details about LEMAs, WCAs and Water Technology farms, can be found at www.kwo.org/The-Vision.html.
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Fort Hays State University announced today a $1 million gift from Don and Chris Bickle that will impact a multitude of students in a variety of areas at the university.
“Don is known to lead the band and crowd in cheering on Tiger athletics, but Don and Chris Bickle’s encouragement permeates the university,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation, at a news conference announcing the gift.
Historically, support received from the Bickle family has enhanced university administration, leadership, scholarships and capital improvements.
“The Bickles’ support for the largest fundraising initiative in Fort Hays State’s history shows that they are true difference makers,” said Williby. “Their most recent gift benefits all four pillars of FHSU’s Journey Campaign – programs of distinction (academics), scholarships, athletics and student life.”
As an entrepreneur himself, Bickle recognizes the importance of fostering the entrepreneurial spirit and how, in turn, entrepreneurs increase the vitality of western Kansas. The Dane G. Hansen Foundation enabled Fort Hays State to construct the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall, and a portion of the Bickles’ $1 million gift went toward the Hansen Scholarship Hall’s building fund, allowing the housing wing to be named in honor of the Bickles.
“The Bickles’ willingness to support the next generation of business people and entrepreneurs is exemplary,” said Dr. Mark Bannister, dean of the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
“Their gift will make a difference to both the students they are supporting and also to the communities in which these Fort Hays State University graduates will live,” he said. “Few people are as extraordinary in their support of a variety of community and university assets as the Bickles.”
The Bickles also understand the need for students to be experienced in foreign language and cultural awareness, so another part of their gift established a scholarship fund for study abroad. The benefits positively impact all aspects of a student’s life: academic, social, cultural, personal and professional. Most students simply cannot afford this experience without financial assistance.
Andree Brisson, who leads the study abroad program at Fort Hays State, said that private donations have helped send FHSU students to Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, and the Caribbean. Examples include a trip to Italy by art students studying Renaissance art; history students walking the World War I trenches of France and Belgium; and nursing students working alongside nurses in the Dominican Republic.
“Students have been humbled by these experiences, and at the same time they have learned to be more independent, more tolerant and more appreciative of a greater world,” said Brisson.
“You are responsible for helping to create these global citizens,” she told the Bickles.
The quality of life for all students at FHSU is also important, and another major component of campus life is a support system where high-quality, accessible programs provide support in academic advising and career services, counseling, wellness, physical and mental health, and tutoring or supplemental instruction. The endowed Bickle Family Success Fund serves as a resource for all student services.
“The addition of the Bickle Family Success Fund aligns perfectly with the goals of the university and the Student Affairs division with respect to our student success initiatives,” said Dr. Joey Linn, vice president for student affairs.
“This wonderful gift is an investment in our students and will be key to driving innovative programming to assist with the recruitment, retention and graduation of our student body,” he said. “Their generosity will also provide resources for many years to come as it will support programming in the future Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success.”
With more than 450 student-athletes on the Fort Hays State campus, of whom more than half are honor students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, the need to compete at the highest level calls for additional support and program enhancements.
“Don and Chris Bickle have been consistent supporters of Tiger Athletics in scholarships and facility development,” said Curtis Hammeke, director of athletics.
“These are two areas critical to our growth and future success. The Bickles have made significant impacts to both,” said Hammeke. “In addition to their financial support, they have been true ambassadors for Fort Hays State University and our department, from leading cheers at games to encouraging others in the community to join in on the fun. We are grateful for their ongoing generosity to Fort Hays State University and the Hays community.”
Don Bickle has played key roles as a friend of the university as an FHSU Foundation trustee and by serving on various advisory committees. The Bickles understand the importance of giving back to the community in which they live.
“These news conferences are a celebration of gift, giver, and legacy, all in support of this great university and its students,” said Dr. Andy Tompkins, interim president of Fort Hays State. “And I admit, I feel especially privileged and humbled to serve this university as its interim president during an extremely exciting moment in its history.”
He made note of some of the circumstances that make this a particularly exciting moment in the university’s history: Several major construction projects nearing completion; 16 consecutive years of record-setting enrollment growth; an outstanding faculty and staff dedicated to the mission of education; one of the lowest undergraduate tuition rates in the country; a 95-percent placement rate for graduates going into a career or advanced education.
“And,” he said, “we have one of the most ambitious capital campaign goals of any university of our size and type – $100 million, and we are already over halfway to that goal with three years remaining in the campaign.”
He attributed the university’s accomplishments to “an incredible synergy” of leadership, students, faculty, staff, the support of its community, in Hays, in Kansas and around the world, and “the commitment of the alumni and donors of the university that make dreams possible.”
The Bickles, he said, “are the quintessential role models for philanthropic giving.”
“They not only want to give to the university, but they want to find new and meaningful ways to keep supporting the university,” said President Tompkins. “They have discovered what I call ‘the joy of giving.’ ”
“So today,” he concluded, “Don and Chris, we say ‘thanks’ again for helping this and future generations of our students.”
To learn more about the FHSU Foundation and the Journey Campaign, please visit https://foundation.fhsu.edu/, call 785-628-5620 or email [email protected].
Click the image below for a sortable list of Ellis County Fair results! Updated daily.
ELLIS COUNTY
The Ellis County Public Works Department is announcing that a cold in-place asphalt recycling project will take place beginning at the Victoria Road and Commerce Parkway intersection and commencing east on Victoria Road for two (2) miles ending at the Victoria Road and Toulon Avenue intersection.
This two (2) mile area of Victoria Road will be closed to through traffic beginning at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2017 and will remain closed until the project is complete. The expected completion date is 3 to 5 working days from the start date of the project.
Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use alternate routes of travel until the project is complete. Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Department at 785-628-9455. Your cooperation during this project is appreciated.
This is part of the county’s 2017 Asphalt Cold In-Place Recycling Project.
OTTAWA COUNTY – Five people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Tuesday in Ottawa County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Bryan Berglund, 18, Concordia, was northbound on U.S. 81 five miles north of K-18 and Old 81.
The Pontiac rear-ended a 2009 Dodge Caravan driven by Peter Loch, 55, Oklahoma City, OK., that attempted to make an improper turn across the median.
Berglund, Loch, and passengers in the Dodge Sherlynn Loch, 52; Peter Dustin Loch, 24 and Aaron Loch, 22, all of Oklahoma City, were transported to the hospital in Salina.
All five were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
Frances Nadine Maier, 86, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at the Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington, Kansas.
Frances was born on November 14, 1930, in Barton County, Kansas, the daughter of Edmund B. and Amelia (Wegele) Resner. She grew up in the Barton County and Russell area and attended local schools. She was united in marriage to Clarence Meier on May 15, 1949, and from this union they were blessed with 2 sons Richard and Herbert. Clarence preceded her in death in 1959. Frances found love again and was united in marriage to Vernon Lee Maier on August 21, 1966, and from this union they were blessed with a daughter Christine. After 48 years of marriage, Vernon preceded her in death on August 20, 2014. As a young woman she worked as a clerk with Duckwall. Later she worked for USD 407 as a cook and worked as a dietary aide at the Russell Regional Hospital. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell, Kansas. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, gardening, crocheting and sewing. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Surviving family include her sons Richard J. Meier and wife Barb and Herbert J. Meier and wife Faye all of Wichita, Kansas; daughter Christine D. Maier of Russell; brother Robert Resner of Council Grove, Kansas and sister Norma Weideman; grandchildren Daniel Meier and wife Nichole and Sarah Meier all of Wichita, Kansas and great grandchildren Ethan and Briley Meier of Wichita, Kansas and other extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands and 4 brothers Wilmer, Clarence, Clinton and Earl Resner.
A celebration of Frances’ life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Jim Strassen officiating. Burial will follow the service at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at the mortuary with family to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening. Memorials may be give to the RCACF – Appleseed and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Sedgwick County are investigating an armed robbery and asking for help to identify a suspect.
Just after 12:30 a.m. Monday a suspect described as a white male in his 20’s, approximately 5,8″ 120 pounds robbed the Express Mart in the 500 block of South Market in Wichita.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the robbery section of the Wichita Police Department at 268-4374 or if you’d like to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers 
of Wichita/Sedgwick County at 267-2111.
By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
Sign vandalism continues to be a huge problem in Ellis County. According to a monthly public works report there was 42 reports of sign vandalism in June. Thirty-two of the signs had been shot.
According to the report county employees spent 25 hours replacing the signs and it cost the county almost $1,800 to replace the damaged or missing signs.
County Commissioner Marcy McClelland said, “I think it’s time we did something about it.”
Public Works Director Bill Ring said they continue to ask the public to report any incidents and to be on the lookout for those responsible.
“I’m not sure how we can address this other than with more vigilance by everyone that lives in the county,” Ring said.
Ring said they hope that increased education can also reduce the amount of vandalism.
In other business the commission approved a conditional use permit for a family burial plot for Grabbe Farms LLC. The family said it was the wishes of Mike Grabbe to be buried on his land.
The commission also got a hands-on look at two pieces of equipment recently purchased by the Public Works Department.
Public Works employees show the commission and staff a grader and a road reclaimer both recently purchased by the department.
The commission was also presented with a proclamation celebrating the county’s sesquicentennial. Commission Chair Barb Wasinger will read the proclamation during Sunday’s celebration.
RUSSELL–Fish Fry at The Gathering Place, 510 S. Front, Sat., Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. to help with equipment cost for the Russell Jr. Bronco football team.
Come out and have fish, french fries, and corn on the cob. $10.00 a plate includes tea.
