September 2017 – Page 80 – Hays Post Archive

Kansas man held on $100K bond after shooting gun at a house

Posted on September 5, 2017

GEARY COUNTY — A Kansas man is being held on a $100,000 bond after a weekend shooting.

Just before 10:30 p.m. Friday, police responded a home in the 500 Block of West 3^rd in Junction City after a report of a man who had shot a weapon in the home, according to a media release.

The man, 21-year-old Michael Smelley, Jr., Junction City, shot the firearm from the house and hit a home across the street, according to police.

After a family member was able to disarm the man as officers made their way up to the residence the man was taken into custody after a brief struggle.

Police reported no injuries.

In addition to aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, police said Shannon Michael Smelley Jr., 21, of Junction City, was arrested in connection with domestic damage to property, domestic aggravated assault, criminal threat, battery on a law enforcement officer, shooting at an occupied dwelling, and felony interference of a law enforcement officer.

Smelley is being held at the Geary County Jail.

Ray H. Welch

Posted on September 5, 2017

Ray H. Welch, of Hays, formerly of Plainville, KS, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2017 at the Via Christi Village in Hays at the age of 86.

Funeral services are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601

Dale E. Silkman

Posted on September 5, 2017

Dale E. Silkman, age 66, of Hays, passed away Friday, September 1, 2017 at Hays Medical Center.

Arrangements are pendin and will be announced by Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Avery Hopson

Posted on September 5, 2017

Phillipsburg resident Avery Hopson passed away Sept. 1, 2017 at his home in rural Phillipsburg at the age of 88. He was born Oct. 14, 1928 in Phillips County, the son of Cornelius & Ruth Edna (Drake) Hopson. He was a farmer.

Survivors include his wife Virginia of the home; 2 sons, Clark of Phillipsburg and Mark of Norton; 2 daughters, Kay McCoy of Sabetha and Sally Brandon of Phillipsburg; 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wed. Sept. 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating. Burial will follow in the Iowa Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 Monday and 9:00 to 9:00 Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorials have been established to the Phillips County 4-H or the First Christian Church.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Vernon L. Patten

Posted on September 5, 2017

Vernon L. Patten, 78, of Colby, formerly of Brewster, died Friday, September 1, 2017 at Citizens Medical Center, Colby.

He was born October 9, 1938, in Goodland, KS, to V.L. (Lewis) and Letha (Duncan) Patten. Vernon attended grade school at the Barrett Township Country School and graduated from Brewster High School in 1956. He worked on his parent’s farm, north of Brewster, and during the winter he worked with Francis Lewallen, in an Auto Repair Shop, where he learned many of his mechanical skills. Vernon married Sally Boyle on September 27, 1958, in Goodland. From this union four children were born.

Vernon and family moved to the current farm site, northwest of Brewster in May of 1969. He raised corn, wheat, cattle and at one time had many hogs. In 1967 Vernon won the national Corn Growers Association Award, with 206 bushel corn. Vernon opened the RPM Auto Parts and Repair Shop, in Brewster, in the 1990’s, for several years. He was very proud of his kids and grandkids and their many accomplishments. Vernon enjoyed traveling, camping, talking about fishing and was a major car enthusiast and a parts “hoarder.” He was exceptionally proud of his 1957 Nomad and the 1991 Cadillac. Vernon will take his last ride home in his ’91 Caddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Julie Owens; grandson, Austin Golemboski and cousin, Doug Patten.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Sally, of Colby; children, Greg (Rashell) Patten, Ellinwood, KS, Jacque (Mark) Golemboski, Colby, KS and Jolene (David) Burgess, Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Nichell (Dusty) Lowery, Beloit, KS, Russell (Candi) Owens, Edson, KS, Danielle, Devann and Danae Patten, all of Ellinwood, KS, Zachary (Katie) Golemboski, Colby, KS and Quentin and Dailynn Burgess, both of Las Vegas, NV; great grandchildren, Lila, Trapp and Trayl Lowery, Jordin, Addison and Blade Owens and Lexy, Lenzy and Lakyn Golemboski.

Cremation was chosen. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. The Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. CST Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at the Brewster Community Church. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to CMCI Specialty Clinic or the Brewster Senior Center, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For Condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Verna Agnes (Hoffman) Befort

Posted on September 5, 2017

Verna Agnes (Hoffman) Befort, age 86, of Mechanicsburg, PA, and formerly of Hays, KS, died at The Bridges at Bent Creek on Thursday, August 31, 2017, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Verna was born on Thursday, April 16, 1931, in Victoria, KS to the late Conrad Hoffman and Christina (Geist) Hoffman. Verna is preceded in death by her ten siblings: Clara Goetz, Mary Hammerschmidt, Leona Manor, Ervin Hoffman, Angie (Huckleberry) Burk, Edwin Hoffman, Elmer Hoffman, Hubert Hoffman, Ernest Hoffman, and Edwin Hoffman.

Verna’s survivors include her husband of 63 years, Vernon “Vern” Sylvester Befort; her three sons: Howard Befort and his wife, LaDonna, Bruce Befort and his wife, Kathy, Brian Befort and his wife, Angie; her eight grandchildren: Tammy, Kassandra, Britton, Michelle, Maggie, Brice, Brandon, Brooke; her two great-grandsons: Brendan and Ethan; two siblings: Henrietta Windholz, Leroy Hoffman; and 38 nieces and nephews.

Verna loved to bake and cook. With three growing sons and a large extended family, she enjoyed hosting dinners or picnics in the backyard. There was never a shortage of good food and homemade desserts. Verna loved to eat popcorn. Many times she would make it the old-fashioned way on the stove top. Any occasion was a good reason to enjoy her favorite snack; and she would often make popcorn balls during holidays and on special occasions for her grandkids. Verna’s big bowl was always close by as she watched her Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos play on TV. An avid sports fan, Verna’s favorite team to watch and follow was her Rockies. On many summer evenings, she could be found in her chair with her popcorn, rooting on the players and saying colorful things about the coaching.

While raising three active sons, Verna was always at a field or gym. It was a comfort to her boys to know that they could look “over there” and count on their parents to be sitting in the bleachers or on lawn chairs. After games, Verna was always there to encourage her boys’ efforts and to help them handle disappointments and adversities. Their comforting presence did not end with their sons’ events; Verna and Vern traveled many miles and spent countless hours watching their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and children of their nieces and nephews. Verna and Vern enjoyed traveling; and some of their fondest memories and greatest stories were their adventures with George and Lidia, traveling in a van through the U.S. and Canada.

Family history was especially important to Verna. Together with the help of her nieces and nephews, they published the Hoffman family history book to be enjoyed by generations for years to come. In 2003, it all came together as over 200 relatives gathered for a Hoffman Family Reunion in Westminster, Colorado, to celebrate their loved ones, both past and present. The phone was a part of her life, as Verna loved to talk to family and friends, and always keep up on everyone’s news. Always very generous with their time and love for family; throughout the years, Verna and Vern opened their home and hearts to nieces, nephews, and elders who needed special care, support, and love.

All are welcome to join Verna’s family at her visitation and gathering of family and friends on Sunday, September 10, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. until time of recitation of the Rosary by the Daughters of Isabella at 6:00 p.m. at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601. Verna’s family invites everyone to her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, September 11, 2017, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Avenue, Victoria, KS 67671; with Fr. Harvey P. Dinkel celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Munjor, KS followed by a time of food and fellowship at the VFW Ft. Hays Post 9076, 2106 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.

Contributions in celebration of Verna’s life can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090, or www.ALZ.org. Verna’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, PA, (717) 766-3421.

Read Verna’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.

Ardyus E. Burgess

Posted on September 5, 2017

SMITH CENTER – Ardyus E. Burgess, age 104, passed away Monday, September 4, 2017 at the Smith County Long Term Care in Smith Center.

Arrangements are pending. Click HERE for additional service details.

Brian Mark Atwell

Posted on September 5, 2017

Brian Mark Atwell, 56, Hays, died Friday, September 1, 2017 at his brother and sister-in-law’s home in Hays.

He was born May 15, 1961 in Ransom, Kansas the son of Merritt Charles and Thelma Janice (Stutz) Atwell. He attended elementary and middle schools in Utica and graduated from Utica High School in 1979. He received his Associate’s Degree in Business from Garden City Community College and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University.

Brian was the Director of Living Independently in Northwest Kansas (LINK, Inc.) for twenty-seven years and was on the State and National Advocacy Committees for improving the lives of those with disabilities. He has advocated with the Kansas Legislators in Washington, D.C., the Kansas Legislature, Hays Chamber of Commerce, and numerous other groups for changes in policy for bettering individuals. His growing up years on the farm led him to great work ethics and compassion for others. Brian was a member of the Longbeards NWTF group and enjoyed the youth day showing of turkey calls. He enjoyed his Celebration Church family in Hays as well as his Utica, Kansas Christian Church family and friends.

Survivors include two brothers; Dennis Atwell and wife Jennie of Hays, Courtney Atwell and wife Paula of Utica, a sister; Merritta Combs of Pamona, Kansas, nine nieces and nephews; Thad Combs and wife Marisa, Theron Combs, Thane Combs and wife Dana, Jason Atwell, Justin Atwell and wife Trina, Jeff Atwell and wife Jamie, Brooke Nech and husband Justin, Taylor Atwell and wife Jessica, and Danee’ Langer and husband Jeremy, and fifteen great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th Ave., Hays. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Utica Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Tuesday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. The family encourages donations in Brian’s memory to the Brian Atwell Memorial Scholarship for youth endeavors, in care of the funeral home. He liked to “pay it forward” to better his community and America. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

MADORIN: Good for body and soul

Posted on September 5, 2017

As daylight wanes and nights grow longer, neighborhood kids return to classrooms. While much of these kiddoes’ work involves the three Rs combined with social studies, science, technology, art, and music, don’t forget all-important recess. Seeing little ones walking to school made me wonder if youngsters still love to jump rope as much as I did when I headed to school, pig-tails bouncing and dressed in plaid dirndls and black and white saddle oxfords. While I loved learning to read and figure math problems, I adored breaks where we took turns turning the rope for one another and jumping in time to catchy rhymes.

Native Kansan Karen Madorin is a local writer and retired teacher who loves sharing stories about places, people, critters, plants, food, and history of the High Plains.

As a youngster, I never considered the history of my favorite playground activity, but after some research, I discovered it’s been around more than a while. That’s not surprising when you think ancestors had to deal with vines, fallen trees, big rocks, and deep ditches. The ability to leap high and far made a difference between eating and being eaten our DNA contributors. I’m guessing this aptitude is programmed into bone and muscle, even if we haven’t consciously developed it.

Somewhere over centuries, folks learned to weave lengths of cord and then turned that object into skill training for boys. By the 1600s, painters captured scenes of children jumping rope on Europe’s cobblestone streets. Soon afterward, Dutch immigrants brought the game to America, where English settlers titled one activity Double Dutch. I bet that rings a bell with older readers.

Yes, those of us who attended elementary school from the 40s through 60s recall gathering a minimum of three participants—two to turn long ropes in opposite directions and one to jump into the spinning midst while also reciting a memorized verse. If you were lucky, friends spun those lanky cotton twists at a speed you could manage without hurting yourself.

Once you’d developed stamina and agility, the chants required the performance of tricks while simultaneously leaping over cement-slapping cordage. My favorites included, “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear turn around, Teddy Bear Teddy Bear touch the ground…” and “Not last night but the night before 24 robbers came knocking at my door. I asked them what they wanted, and this is what they said: Spanish Dancer do the splits, Spanish Dancer do the twist, Spanish Dancer turn around, Spanish Dancer touch the ground, Spanish Dancer go out back, Spanish Dancer please come back, Spanish Dancer read a book, Spanish Dancer 1, 2, 3, …” and continued till the jumper missed or got tired. Girls interested in romance could skip rope while counting the number of Cinderella’s fella’s kisses.

What good memories! We thought we were just playing while, in reality, we refined coordination and agility and practiced counting skills, verse memorization, and turn taking. It didn’t take new kids long to learn that they had to play nice if they wanted to be included.

I know modern youngsters participate in Jump for the Heart and other physical education class challenges. I hope my little grandchildren have the chance I had to join friends on the playground and take turns either spinning ropes or jumping in the middle of crazy egg beaters. It does them good physically and socially.

Native Kansan Karen Madorin is a local writer and retired teacher who loves sharing stories about places, people, critters, plants, food, and history of the High Plains.

HPD Activity Log Aug. 31

Posted on September 5, 2017September 7, 2017

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and 20 traffic stops Thu., Aug. 31, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–1100 block Vine St, Hays; 1:33 AM
Suspicious Activity–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:01 AM
Driving Under the Influence–600 block E 15th St, Hays; 2:31 AM
Mental Health Call–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 5:02 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–300 block W 20th St, Hays; 8:05 AM
Theft (general)–200 block Ash St, Hays; 8/30 7 PM; 8/31 8:12 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:45 AM
Suspicious Activity–2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 8:48 AM
Suspicious Activity–200 block W 29th St, Hays; 8/28 6:30 PM; 7:30 PM
Computer Crime–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 4/28 11:10 AM; 8/31 8:27 AM
Water Use Violation–2200 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 11:21 AM
Suicidal Subject–2200 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 12:22 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block E 17th St, Hays; 12:33 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:38 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4/6/14 8 PM; 4/7/14 8 AM
Burglary/residence–300 block W 18th St, Hays; 7:40 AM; 2 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–200 block W 29th St, Hays; 3:12 PM
Unwanted Person–100 block W 33rd St, Hays; 3:23 PM
Domestic Disturbance–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 4:31 PM
Theft (general)–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 4 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–6th and Allen, Hays; 5:05 PM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–600 block E 12th St, Hays; 11:15 PM
Civil Dispute–4600 block Jefferson Dr, Hays; 11:25 PM
WEAPON – Possession,Transport,Concealed–100 block E 14th St, Hays; 11 PM

Hays High financial aid night is this month

Posted on September 5, 2017September 5, 2017

Hays High School will hosting its annual Financial Aid Night for all interested seniors and parents on Monday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Hays High School Lecture Hall.

Families will learn how to apply for all types of state and federal financial aid using the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Completing the FAFSA is a required step when seeking most need-based scholarships, grants, loans and work-study. The FAFSA is used across the U.S. at nearly all colleges, public career/tech ed schools, and some private trade schools.

Wendy Rohleder-Sook, Director of Student Financial Assistance at Fort Hays State University, will be the guest speaker for the evening. She will be speaking on behalf of all Kansas Financial Aid Administrators. For more information, call (785) 623-2608.

Win the ‘Best Seat in the House’ for Tiger football

Posted on September 5, 2017August 31, 2017

Eagle Communications wants to give you the “Best Seat in the House” for this weekend’s Fort Hays State University football game.

One lucky winner will receive four tickets to the game and will be seated on a couch and chairs near the south endzone, complete with Eagle cups and an Eagle/FHSU blanket.

Those registering must be able to attend the game to be eligible to win.

ABBB named Top 200 accounting firm by national trade publication

Posted on September 5, 2017August 31, 2017

GREAT BEND – Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered announced last week that the firm made INSIDE Public Accounting’s annual ranking of the Nation’s Top 200 Accounting Firms for the third consecutive year. The firm ranks number 189 in this year’s Top 200 list.

For the most recent fiscal year, IPA 200 firms range in size from $16.8 million to $36.5 million, have close to 1,300 equity owners, and employ more than 12,000 staff.

“We are excited to be ranked as a top 200 public accounting firm again in 2017,” said Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of ABBB. “The firm is grateful to our loyal clients and outstanding team for contributing to this accomplishment!”

Founded in 1987, INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) is published by The Platt Group (TPG). TPG publishes both the award-winning INSIDE Public Accounting newsletter and the award-winning National Benchmarking Report, along with other key reports on the accounting profession. TPG aids firms in becoming more successful through a variety of services. TPG works with managing partners, CFOs and thought leaders across the nation to provide practical ideas, benchmarking data, and information to take firms to the next level of improvement.

Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered provides a wide range of traditional and non-traditional CPA and consulting services to clients throughout the United States, including agriculture organizations, construction companies, feed yards, financial institutions, governmental and not-for-profit organizations, manufacturers, medical practices, oil and gas companies, professional service firms, real estate companies and small businesses. Founded in 1945, today the firm maintains 15 office locations throughout Kansas. For more information about Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, visit their website at www.abbb.com.