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Month: August 2017

AGCO confirms temporary layoffs in Kansas

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AGCO offices in Hessston-Google image

HARVEY COUNTY — AGCO  has announced a temporary layoff affecting approximately 100 combined positions, for a period of about 4 months, and an additional 100 positions for a period of about 1 month at its Hesston, Kansas facility, 420 West Lincoln Boulvard, to take effect in phases throughout the balance of the year.

A release from their Duluth, GA., headquarters said it is anticipated that affected employees will return to work in early 2018. In an effort to minimize this impact to our affected employees, the Company will ensure that they remain eligible for AGCO-sponsored medical benefits until the return to work date in early 2018.

Leaders are meeting with affected employees to explain their options during this time. The long-term outlook in the agricultural market continues to be strong and AGCO will continue to react to the market accordingly.

Hesston primarily produces hay and harvesting products under multiple AGCO brand names for the North American and international markets.

🎥 HPD reminder as school year begins: ‘A tragedy can occur in seconds’

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

School is back in session tomorrow for Hays USD 489 with a half-day scheduled. Students at TMP-Marian Jr. and Sr. High return to classes Thu., Aug. 17 for a full day, with a half-day for Holy Family Elementary School students.

The Hays Police Department (HPD) is reminding motorists to exercise caution and slow down in school zones and around school buses.

“It can be pretty chaotic this time of year,” said Lt. Brandon Wright, “until everybody figures out their schedules and where they’re going.”

HPD enforces speed limits in school zones, according to Wright.

“We have officers assigned every morning and every afternoon in school zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in school zones, typically starting at $160 and it goes up from there depending on your speed.”

If a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm out, state law requires motorists to stop.

“One of the misconceptions is when people are on the other side of the street from the school bus and are approaching it, they think it doesn’t apply to them, but it does. Anytime those lights are flashing you have to stop and be watching for kids. They can jump out from that school bus and in an instant be in the street.”

The fine in Hays for not stopping for a stopped school bus is $200.

Parents or other adults driving children to and from school should have the property safety seats in their vehicle and be sure everyone is buckled up. If a child under the age of 14 is not restrained, the fine is $160.

Drivers should avoid double parking and stopping in the street.

“It’s especially dangerous if you’re letting children out in the other side of the street from the school and they have to cross a lane of traffic in order to get to the sidewalk safely,” Wright warned.

He suggests waiting until traffic clears so drivers can get into the school’s designated drop-off area or to drop children off curbside near a sidewalk so they can use a crosswalk which is usually protected by a school crossing guard.

Children walking or biking to school should be familiarized with their route and made aware of driveways and alley openings they may have to cross. “Have them watching for cars backing out of driveways, looking for alleys and make sure they are stopping before they cross streets,” Wright said. Bicyclists should wear a helmet.

Wright also recommends parents talk to their children about “Stranger Danger” and not accepting rides from anyone without the parents’ permission, whether they know the person or not. If approached by a stranger, children should report the incident to a teacher or another adult as soon as possible.

“There’s safety in numbers,” Wright said. “Have your child walk or bike with others if possible. Also have a plan for after school check-in with an adult.”

“We all have busy lives and tend to multitask,” he acknowledged. “It’s especially important this time of year to pay attention to your driving, put down your phone, and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. A tragedy can occur in an instant.”

UPDATE: Hays man killed in vehicle rollover

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ELLIS CO. SHERIFF

Hays resident Scott Clark, 42, was killed in a one vehicle rollover accident Monday about 11:40 a.m. in the 1400 block of 160th Ave.

Clark was southbound in a tank truck owned by Heartland Oil Service. Clark apparently drove into the west ditch and over corrected the truck, which crossed the road and entered the east ditch. The truck then overturned coming to rest on its top in the roadway.

Clark was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident and was the sole occupant of the vehicle but was accompanied by his dog. The dog was taken to a local veterinarian for treatment of its injuries.

The accident is being investigated by the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department.

Frances Louise Parker

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Frances Louise Parker, 95, of Hays, KS peacefully passed away at the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, KS on Saturday, August 12, 2017. She was born on March 16, 1922 in rural Ellis County to Raymond A. and Dorothy (Liekam) Schmidt. She married Edward L. Parker January 5, 1942 in St. Severin Church. He preceded her in death in 1967.

She worked as hostess for many years at the Vagabond Restaurant in Hays. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and the VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include her beloved daughters, Mary Beth Allen (Leon Jacobs) and Karen Herrman (John O’Loughlin); sister, Lillian Bennet; six grandchildren, Karl, Tom, Cristi, David Anne and Corey; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren as well as a loving extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Bonnie Goldsberry; a son, Stan Parker; grandson, Andrew Herrman; brothers, Clarence, Marcellus, Elmer, Ben, Alfred, Dan and Willard; sisters, Martina Maska, Mary Esther Munk and Annabelle Lietz.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 6-8 P.M. A Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary service will be at 6:30 P.M., a Daughters of Isabella Rosary will be at 6:45 P.M., followed by a vigil at 7:00 P.M. all being held at the Brock’s Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Frances’s memorial webpage at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

Sheriff: Kansas man dies in lawnmower accident

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STAFFORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend accident that took the life of Stafford County Commissioner and businessman Shane Stimatze.

According to Stafford County Sheriff Robert Murrow, emergency personnel were dispatched to 341 NW 50th Avenue in rural Stafford County on Monday on report of a lawnmower flipped upside down in a pond at that location.

Murrow says once the mower was removed, the body of a man identified as 42-year-old Shane Stimatze was found in the water.

It appears the accident happened sometime over the weekend. Stimatze, who lives alone, was found after efforts to contact him were made Monday morning when he failed to show up at work.

In addition to serving as County Commissioner, Stimatze was the owner of Mid-Kansas Ag Incorporated and Squeaks Club in St. John. He was also a successful basketball official.

He was transported from the scene Monday to Minnis Chapel in St. John.

Kansas jail escapee caught attempting to flee on a bicycle

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Burgess-photo Leavenworth Co. Jail

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A man who escaped from jail has been apprehended in eastern Kansas and returned to custody.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports 39-year-old George Burgess Jr. escaped the Leavenworth County Jail through a side door in July while on a work detail. Maj. Jim Sherley says Burgess was in jail on a misdemeanor count of battery.

A Lawrence Police Department statement says officers responded to a call reporting a wanted person at large Sunday. Police say Burgess was located riding a bicycle and attempted to flee by bike and then on foot after seeing the approaching officers. Police apprehended Burgess without further incident and returned him to the jail.

Sherley tells The Associated Press that Burgess appeared in district court Monday and would have been charged with escape from custody.

Gene Albin

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Gene Albin, age 86, of rural Gove, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 14, 2017 at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter. He was born Earl Eugene Albin, September 9, 1930, in Quinter to Ernest L. and Myrtle (Goss) Albin.

He attended Gove County East Lonestar District #19 through 7th grade, then went on to graduate from Trego Community High School. On April 22, 1949, he was united in marriage to Patricia “Pat” Nelson in WaKeeney. To this union, four sons were born. They later divorced. Gene married LaVerne McQueen on July 6, 1968, in Independence, Missouri. They enjoyed thirty-nine years of marriage together, until LaVerne passed away on January 31, 2008.

Gene was a retired farmer and rancher. Farming was his passion in life, but he also enjoyed a few other hobbies. He loved to sit down to a good card game with friends, neighbors and family. Some of his favorite games were pinochle and pitch. He was one who loved to visit with anyone. He never met a stranger. Gene will be dearly missed.

Survivors include four sons, Edward and wife Connie, Steven and wife Marla, Rick and wife Carol, and Randy and wife Trish, all of Quinter; fourteen grandchildren, Shaun Albin, Chris Albin, Jeni Miller, Stephanie Mesch, Melisa Wells, Nathan Albin, Heather Jamison, Seth Albin, Joshua Albin, Hannah Albin, Caleb Albin, Curtis, Albin, Lance Albin, and John Albin; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Don and wife Dot of Utica; and a sister, Lois Riggs of Cottage Grove Oregon. He was preceded in death by two infant siblings; a daughter-in-law, Jana Albin; brothers, Glen, Lester, Marvin, Roy, Ralph, and Harold; and sisters, Elsie Roberts, Rachel Johnson, and Pearl Ward.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2017, at the Quinter Church of the Brethren. Burial will be in the Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter.

Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Quinter.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Gove County Medical Center, Long Term Care or Quinter Church of the Brethren. Donations to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Kansas Athletics to honor 2007 Orange Bowl team, Aqib Talib, Anthony Collins and Mark Mangino

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football’s first game is less than three weeks away, and while the current crop of Jayhawks are preparing for their game against Southeast Missouri State, Kansas Athletics announced plans to honor one of the most successful seasons in KU Football history. The 2007 squad that finished as 2008 Orange Bowl champions, along with two players and a coach from that team will be recognized at the season-opening contest.

The 2007 team will be inducted into the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame, cornerback Aqib Talib and offensive lineman Anthony Collins will each be individually inducted into the Hall of Fame and will have their names added to the KU Football Ring of Honor and 2007 head coach Mark Mangino will be individually added to the Hall of Fame as the coach of the Orange Bowl victors.

Kansas Athletics and K Club will be hosting a weekend of events including a private dinner to honor the football student-athletes, support staff and coaches who were a part of the 2007 team. The team, Mangino, Talib and Collins will also be a part of on-field recognitions when KU plays host to SEMO on Sept. 2.

Not only did the 2007 Jayhawks capture the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl win, they also collected a school-record 12 wins. The Orange Bowl win marked KU’s first January bowl game since playing in the 1969 Orange Bowl. Led by team captains running back Brandon McAnderson, tight end Derek Fine, defensive tackle James McClinton and Talib, KU achieved its highest ranking in school history, appearing at No. 2 in all four college football polls on Nov. 18, 2007 after improving to 11-0 following a win over Iowa State.

Mangino took home nearly every Coach of the Year honor awarded for the 2007 campaign. He was bestowed with the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, Bear Bryant, Eddie Robinson, Home Depot, Sporting News, Walter Camp and Woody Hayes awards for the top head coach in college football that season.

Talib, a Richardson, Texas, native, earned a number of national honors after helping Kansas to its 12-1 record during the 2007 season, including being named Orange Bowl MVP. He finished the 2007 campaign with 66 tackles, while tallying a team-best 13 passes broken up and five interceptions. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns, including a 60-yarder for the first score against Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

In his three-year Jayhawk career, Talib registered 13 interceptions to rank second all-time at Kansas and added 45 passes broken up. In 2007 he became an offensive threat as well, pulling in eight receptions for 182 yards and four touchdowns as a part-time wide receiver.

Talib used his time at KU as a stepping stone to even greater success at the next level. After being drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he is in the midst of an outstanding career in professional football. A four-time NFL Pro-Bowler, Talib helped lead the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 championship in February 2016.

Collins, a native of Beaumont, Texas, was a finalist for the Outland Trophy after helping anchor KU’s offensive line during the 2007 season. He earned All-America First Team honors by the Associated Press, Walter Camp, the Football Writer’s Association of America, SI.com, CBSSportsline.com and Rivals.com. He started 24 games in his three-year KU career, playing at both right and left tackle during his time as a Jayhawk.

Following his time in the Crimson and Blue, Collins spent seven seasons playing in the NFL. He was a fourth-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008 and spent his first six years suiting up in Cincy. In 2014 he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played his final season with the Bucs.

Talib and Collins are the first Jayhawks to have their names added to the Ring of Honor since Mike McCormack was added in 2008. Talib and Collins will become the 17th and 18th former Jayhawks to have their names added to the ring on the north end of Kivisto Field at Memorial Stadium.

Others in the KU Ring of Honor include Nolan Cromwell, Bobby Douglass, Ray Evans, John Hadl, David Jaynes, Bruce Kallmeyer, Curtis McClinton, Mike McCormack, George Mrkonic, Willie Pless, Gil Reich, John Riggins, Gale Sayers, Otto Schnellbacher, Oliver Spencer and John Zook.

Kansas Athletics

KBI: Kansas man’s death being investigated as homicide

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TESCOTT, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says it is investigating the death of a rural Kansas man as a homicide.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office says the body of 34-year-old Matthew Schoshke was found Saturday in a rural home near Tescott.

KBI spokeswoman Melissa Underwood says the agency is looking for Schoshke’s silver 2006 Ford F-150 extended cab pickup, with Kansas tag 892 DZO. The front license plate reads “EATBEEF” and the truck has a chrome push guard on the front and a black plastic tool box in the back.

Authorities have not released any information on the circumstances of Schoshke’s death.

Hays teen who fell from balcony in Cancun dies

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Triston Werth-photo GoFundMe

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Triston Werth, an Ellis County teen critically injured in three-story fall in Cancun last week, died of his injuries Monday night, according to a family member.

Werth, 19, was being treated for a head injury at the Houston Trauma Center. His family donated his organs.

Maternal grandmother Debbie Casper said she was comforted in knowing Triston was able to help others in his death.

“He would have helped any way he could,” she said. “He was an outgoing, happy, loving kid.”

RELATED: Link to the GoFundMe page to assist the family with expenses.

Werth would have been a sophomore in business at Fort Hays State University this fall and wanted to own his own business.

After Werth’s fall, he had emergency surgery in Mexico. Triston’s parents, Douglas Werth and Misty Hynes, both of Hays, traveled to Cancun and arranged to have him transferred to a hospital in the United States.

Triston was vacationing in Cancun with a group of friends at the time of the accident, which left him in a severe coma. The cause of the accident is still not known.

Casper said an autopsy is scheduled in attempts to learn more.

Family and friends established the fundraising page to assist the family following the accident.

The Mexican hospital asked for all the costs up front, which were significant. The family will also owe for transportation costs to Houston.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Hays Memorial Chapel. Casper said she anticipated the funeral service would be next week.

Paul Davis announces campaign for Kan. congressional seat

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TOPEKA -Paul Davis officially announced his campaign for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas Tuesday. The 2nd district seat will be vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins in 2018.

After visiting all 25 counties in the district, Davis, a Lawrence attorney concluded a four-month listening tour in Topeka Tuesday to formally announce his candidacy.

Additional stops are planned Tuesday in Pittsburg, Leavenworth, and Lawrence, according to a media release.

 


Davis ran unsuccessfully for governor against Sam Brownback in 2014.

FHSU Virtual College earns three No. 1 rankings in July

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FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Programs offered online through Fort Hays State University’s Virtual College received three No. 1 recognitions among other rankings from various agencies as among the best and most affordable online programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities.

Distance education at Fort Hays State began in 1911 when faculty voted to offer correspondence courses free so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to gain the education required to teach. The Correspondence Department was created and evolved continuously with changing technology and culture until, in 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College.

BestDegreePrograms.com
No. 1, 30 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management 2017-2018
BestDegreePrograms named FHSU’s Bachelor of Business Administration in tourism and hospitality management as the No. 1 online bachelor’s program in that field for the 2017-2018 academic year.

The 120-credit-hour program includes courses in general business topics as well as classes designed for students aspiring to be tourism and hospitality management professionals.

“The purpose of the THM program is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, values and strategic perspectives essential to obtaining leadership roles in the hospitality service professions,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2vCwyIa.

MasterOfFinance.org
No. 1, Top 50 Most Affordable Online MBA in Finance Degree Programs 2017
FHSU’s Master of Business Administration in finance earned the attention of MasterOfFinance, which named it the most affordable MBA in finance program in the country.

The MBA requires courses in money, banking, financial institutions and international finance. FHSU graduates have gone to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Koch Industries, International Business Machines Corporation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and General Electric.

“Fort Hays State University offers an online MBA that is both high tech and high touch,” said MasterOfFinance, which went on to praise FHSU for its innovative use of technology.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2umJdew.

Schools.com
No. 1, Online and On-Campus Colleges in Kansas
Schools.com named FHSU the No. 1 online and on-campus college in Kansas based on its affordability and outstanding commitment to distance education.

“No other school in our top 10 had a higher percentage of students enrolled in distance education courses than the more than 77 percent reported at this Hays institution,” said the website.

FHSU was also recognized for its wide variety of virtual programs. The Virtual College offers more than 40 degrees at the associate, bachelor, and master levels.

“Our online degree programs are fully accredited, affordable, and utilize the latest in learning technology for what we think is one of the best values in higher education today,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2hOpxi3.

AffordableColleges.com
No. 8, Affordable RN to BSN Online Programs
FHSU earned the No. 8 spot based on the affordability, financial aid availability and graduation rates for its registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing program. AffordableColleges specifically noted the program’s accessibility to military members and their families.

Courses are completed entirely online and include topics in health assessment, healthcare ethics, healthcare legal aspects, nursing concepts, nursing inquiry, and systems and policy.

To view this ranking, https://bit.ly/2punhvS.

OnlineU.org
No. 22, 2017 Most Affordable Online Colleges for MBA Programs
OnlineU recognized FHSU’s Master of Business Administration for its wide variety of concentrations and affordable tuition.

Students seeking an MBA from FHSU can choose a concentration in finance, health care management, health and human performance or sports management, human resource management, information assurance, international business, leadership studies, management information systems, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management.

The program requires 34 business administration core and concentration hours with an additional 12 hours of business foundation courses for non-business majors.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2vqxWes.

Eugene Albin

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Eugene Albin, age 86, of Gove, passed away Monday, August 14, 2017, at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter.

Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter is assisting with arrangements.

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