Month: October 2017
LETTER: Setting political priorities
Last weekend, I walked in the Hays High Homecoming parade to hand out materials about the USD 489 bond project.
As we were lining up and I watched other candidates for City Commission getting ready, I started to worry about the fact that I didn’t have my name on the side of a truck with hundreds of #VoteDinkel flyers to hand out. I started to regret having missed the other parades while my wife, son and I were in Albania visiting her family, and I started to wonder if I had made a mistake investing so much time promoting this bond at the expense of my own campaign.
However, the more flyers I handed out, and the more kids I saw along the parade route, the more I realized that I was doing exactly what I needed to do.
Don’t get me wrong, I want to be on the City Commission. I believe I would be an effective member of the commission and would bring ideas to the table that would help push Hays forward, but I also believe that passing this bond is essential for the future of Hays and that I need to do everything in my power to promote it.
By the end of the parade, I had stopped worrying.
I came to the conclusion that I would rather support a candidate who went down fighting for a cause that he or she believed in than a candidate who turned a blind eye to issues that would benefit the town they represent. This may be the idealist in me speaking, but I’m trusting that the people of Hays feel the same way.
For better or worse, you won’t see any #VoteDinkel signs around town this year, but if you wanted a sign to support me, I’d ask you to get a sign to support this bond, instead. I hope you’ll support me for City Commission on November 7th, but I desperately hope you’ll vote YES for the school bond.
Chris Dinkel
Hays city commission candidate
USD 489 Vision Team volunteer
Woman held on $250K bond for fatal shooting in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – A woman has been charged with fatally shooting a homeless man and wounding his brother in Kansas City.
The Kansas City Star reports that 30-year-old Stephanie Sandstrom was charged Wednesday with one count each of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and two counts of armed criminal action. A warrant for Sandstrom’s arrest was issued shortly after she was charged in Jackson County Circuit Court. Prosecutors requested a cash-only bond of $250,000.
The man killed early Sunday hasn’t been identified. Court records say a witness told investigators the homicide victim was homeless and he was visiting his brother, the brother’s wife, and the couple’s 1-year-old child before the shooting.
KU men’s basketball picked to win 14th-straight Big 12 regular-season title
IRVING, Texas – For the 16th time in the 22-year history of the Big 12, Kansas men’s basketball has been selected as the preseason favorite to win the conference regular-season championship as the league released its coaches’ preseason poll Thursday.
Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams in the poll and KU received a unanimous nine first-place votes and a total of 81 points. West Virginia was second in the poll receiving 71 points, followed by TCU (64). Three teams – Texas (49), Baylor (47) and Oklahoma (43) were clumped in spots 4-6, followed by Texas Tech (36), Kansas State (27), Iowa State (22) and Oklahoma State (10).
Kansas has won, or tied for, 17 of the 21 Big 12 regular-season titles, including the last 13 consecutive, a streak which ranks tied for first all-time in NCAA Division I history with UCLA (1967-79).
Preseason top-5 in most publications, Kansas returns two starters and six letterwinners from last season’s 31-5 team, which won the Big 12 race with a 16-2 conference record. Senior guards Devonte’ Graham and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk return as regular starters, while junior guard Lagerald Vick was also in the rotation with six starts. Sophomore center Udoka Azubuike had six starts in his 11 games played in 2016-17 before an injury ended his 2016-17 season.
Expect to see returning sophomore forward Mitch Lightfoot’s minutes increase. Redshirt sophomore guard Malik Newman, who sat out last year after transferring from Mississippi State, will play a significant role as will guards Marcus Garrett and Sam Cunliffe and forward Billy Preston. Garrett and Preston are freshmen, while Cunliffe is a sophomore who will sit out the fall semester after transferring from Arizona State last December. Last season, Garrett was the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year, while Preston became KU’s 42nd McDonald’s All-American.
Graham is the 2017-18 Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, as selected by the league coaches, while Newman is the league’s preseason newcomer of the year. Graham was a preseason all-conference first-team selection while Newman and Mykhailiuk were on the preseason league honorable mention team. Additionally, Graham is one of 20 listed on the preseason Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Watch List, an award won by KU’s Frank Mason III in 2016-17. Newman is one of 20 listed on the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Watch List entering 2017-18.
Historically, the preseason favorite has gone on to finish first in the regular season 14 times, which does not include 1996-9,7 as a coaches’ poll was not conducted. Kansas has been the preseason favorite in 13 of its 17 Big 12 regular-season titles, missing 1996-97 (no poll), 2005-06 (third) and 2010-11 (second).
2017-18 Big 12 Coaches’ Preseason Poll
Place. School (first-place votes) – total points
1. KANSAS (9) – 81
2. West Virginia (1) – 71
3. TCU – 64
4. Texas – 49
5. Baylor – 47
6. Oklahoma – 43
7. Texas Tech – 36
8. Kansas State – 27
9. Iowa State – 22
10. Oklahoma State – 10
KU Athletics
Halloween chili at WaKeeney fire station
A free chili supper will be held at the WaKeeney city fire station on Tue., October 31st for trick or treaters and their parents.
Stop by the station and trick or treat and enjoy a bowl of chili. The supper begins at 5:30 p.m. The WaKeeney city Fire Station is located at 122 S. 2nd.
The supper is sponsored jointly by the Trego County Rural Fire Department and the WaKeeney city Fire Department.
Martin named president of Fairmont State University in W.Va.
The Fairmont State University Board of Governors announced Dr. Mirta M. Martin as president-elect of the university, pending approval from the Higher Education Policy Commission.
Martin was president of Fort Hays State University from 2014 to 2016.
Dr. Martin, who was present for the meeting, is scheduled to officially begin her presidency on Jan. 1, 2018, taking over duties from interim President Stephen B. Jones.
“The Board of Governors of Fairmont State University is extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Martin to campus and eager to begin working with her on January 1, 2018,” said BOG Chair Dixie Yann. “She comes with a variety of financial and educational experiences, but is extremely student-focused and will continue to build Fairmont State University’s reputation for student success.”
Dr. Martin has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, banking, advisory and consulting. Dr. Martin’s career involves work in both the public and private sectors as well as work with public-private partnerships. Her higher education experience is diverse – she has served in various faculty, administrative, executive and trustee positions. She has earned respect as a strong advocate and a transformative leader for education.
“I am grateful to the board, the search committee, faculty, staff, our wonderful students and to the community at large for affording me the privilege to lead this incredible institution,” Dr. Martin said. “There are boundless opportunities here — opportunities we can maximize by engaging alumni and friends and by working together with other senior institutions, community colleges, and with industry. I am here because I believe in you, in this institution and in its enormous potential.
“I know that together, we will establish and achieve bold, inspirational goals. We will dream big and deliver transformational programs that will make a positive impact in our community, in our state, and in the world,” Martin said.
Dr. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Duke University; a master of business administration from the University of Richmond; and a doctorate with an emphasis in strategic management and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Hays man, 3 Phillipsburg residents sentenced on drug charges
PHILLIPS CO. SHERIFF
PHILLIPSBURG – Phillips County Attorney Missi Schoen announced Wednesday the sentencing of individuals arrested by the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department during a narcotics search warrant conducted in the 400 block of Fifth Street in Phillipsburg on Jan. 20.
Jon S. Olson II, 42, Phillipsburg, was found guilty of felony possession of drug paraphernalia, a level 5 drug felony. On Oct. 12, he was sentenced to 34 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Shanon L. Jarvis, 50, Phillipsburg, was found guilty of possession of a narcotic drug–methamphetamine, a level 5 drug felony. On July 25, she was sentenced to 13 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, suspended to 12 months of probation with Court Services. Jarvis has since violated the terms of her probation and is currently serving a 120-day sanction in the custody of the Department of Corrections for that violation.
Matthew D. Booth, 31, Hays, was found guilty of possession of a narcotic drug–methamphetamine, a level 5 drug felony. On May 11, he was sentenced to 11 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, suspended to 12 months of probation with Community Corrections.
Samantha J. Byerly, 33, Phillipsburg, was placed on a 12-month supervised diversion on Sept. 21, for possession of a narcotic drug–methamphetamine, a level 5 drug felony.
Halloween Story Walk Oct. 26
Calling all goblins (and their parents)! The Cottonwood Extension District will host a come-and-go Halloween Story Walk on Thursday, October 26, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Massey Park in Hays (16th and Allen Streets).
This is an outdoor activity to be held weather permitting, so plan to dress accordingly and watch for weather cancellations.
Come and enjoy a pre-holiday story walk, costumes optional, and we’ll supply the healthy treats! Hope to see you then!
Mental health recovery in the real world
Trunk or Treat in Ellis
Norton Correctional Facility warden announces retirement
Norton Correctional Facility Warden Jay L. Shelton will retire on Dec. 1 after 25 years as the warden of the facility to take the position of administrator of a retirement home in Norton.
Shelton has been employed by the Kansas Department of Corrections since 1981, and joined the staff at Norton in 1988. He became warden of the all-male medium/minimum security facility in December 1992.
Shelton will continue to serve as warden until Dec. 1. The KDOC will begin the search for his replacement immediately.
“Warden Shelton has done a tremendous job leading the facility and ensuring public safety for many years,” KDOC Secretary Joe Norwood said. “Furthermore, he’s made a very positive impact on the community of Norton and the area, and I know he looks forward to being involved in the community in new ways.”
Shelton will become the administrator of the Andbe Home, a retirement and independent living facility in Norton. He has served on the board of directors for the Andbe Home for the last several months. He said leaving the KDOC facility to join the Andbe Home was a very difficult decision, but one he felt was appropriate at this time in his career.
“Leaving the KDOC staff, and particularly the NCF team, will be a very tough thing to do,” Shelton said. “I will miss working with the staff at NCF on a daily basis, but I feel I can continue to serve the community of Norton and the surrounding area in a new role while still maintaining relationships that are important to me.”
Irene Rauch
Irene Rauch quietly went home to her husband, son and great grandson in the early morning hours of October 17, 2017. She passed away at the Rhode Island Suites in Ransom, Kansas.
Irene Tilton was born April 4, 1936 in Quinter, Kansas to Jessie Fern (Ulrich) and Jay Tilton. She was the only child born to this union. Irene lived in the Quinter and Collyer communities while growing up. She enjoyed spending time with her Mother’s siblings.
Irene met her future husband while waiting tables at an area cafe. Irene married Andrew E. Rauch on December 19, 1953 in Raton, New Mexico. Andy and Irene spent their early years in Eastern Colorado and Western Kansas before eventually settling in Southern Trego County Kansas.
They had five children; Lonie Gene, Marilyn Elaine, Marqueta Lynn, Edwin Jo and Andy Lee.
Irene was a very important member of the family dairy farm. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting and later in life making dollies and plastic canvas gifts for all the family. She enjoyed gardening, canning vegetables, and her flower beds. She also loved her many dogs that were great companions thru the years.
Irene and Andy were blessed with the love of their grandchildren; Lawrence Higgins, Melissa Miller, Mathew Higgins, Hillary Higgins, Lana Sherrard, April Hernandez, Joey Keeton, Randy W. Keeton, Amanda Tomanek, Clayton Rauch, and Hailey Keeton, along with 14 great grandchildren.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Jessie Tilton in 1968, her oldest son, Lonie in 1977 and her husband Andy in 1998 and great grandson Trevor in 2012. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughters, Marilyn Higgins of Ness City, Kansas and Marqueta Keeton and husband, Randy of Leoti, Kansas; her sons, Edwin Rauch and his wife, Michelle of WaKeeney, Kansas and Andy Rauch and his wife, Cynthia of Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
Services will be held at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas on Saturday October 21st at 10:30 a.m., viewing will be on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with visitation services Friday evening between 5 and 7 p.m. Burial will be at the Rauch Family Cemetery in rural Trego County, Kansas.
The family would like to thank the staff at Rhode Island Suites and Dr. McLain for the wonderful care they provided to Irene. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Irene’s name to Rhode Island Suites.
FBI: 3 teens rescued in Kansas, Missouri human trafficking operation
KANSAS CITY —The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have announced that 84 minors were recovered and 120 traffickers arrested as part of Operation Cross Country XI. It was a nationwide effort focusing on underage human trafficking that ran from October 12-15.
Over the course of those four days the FBI Kansas City Division, along with its local, state and federal law enforcement partners conducted the operation in 10 cities throughout areas in Kansas and Missouri, according to a media release.
The results of the combined operation led to the recovery of three minors ranging in age from 16 to 17 and the arrest of 10 traffickers.
Junction City Police Chief Dan Breci confirmed his department assisted the FBI in the human trafficking operation last Friday night in Junction City. “They set up at a local hotel, last count I saw was 30 plus people from around the state including Junction City, Grandview Plaza, Geary County SO, and FBI agents out of Kansas City and their task force. From my understanding they did this operation in several cities, and while here they arrested six individuals last Friday.” Breci confirmed there were various charges against those arrested, ‘but they all had to do with the sex trade. ”
Geary County Sheriff Tony Wolf said his department supported the entire operation with a couple of deputies from the Sheriff’s Department assisting in the investigation. “It was kind of like a prostitution sting situation where individuals were caught that were soliciting the sexual favors from minors.”
The 11th iteration of the FBI-led Operation Cross Country included 55 FBI field officers and involved 78 state and local forces across the nation, including hundreds of law enforcement partners. There were coordinated operations with international partners including Canada, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines.
As part of the operation, FBI agents and task force officers staged operations in hotels, casinos and truck stops as well as on street corners and internet websites. The youngest victim recovered during this year’s operation was three months old, and the average age of victims recovered was 15 years old.
Multiple law enforcement agencies partnered with the FBI Kansas City during Operation Cross Country XI including those from Kansas City, Independence, Lee Summit, Riverside and North Kansas, Missouri plus Overland Park, Olathe, Topeka and Wichita.