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Month: October 2017

Loren J. Pearson

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Loren J. Pearson, 80, Hays, died Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

He was born September 23, 1937 in Junction City the son of Clifford and Dora (Shane) Pearson. He graduated from Junction City High School in 1955 and on March 23, 1957 he was united in marriage to Darlene Rogers in Abilene, Kansas. They celebrated over 60 years of marriage.

He attended Kansas State University and graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1965 with a B.S. degree in Agriculture. He was a range conservationist for the Soil Conservation Service until his retirement in 1993. For over twenty years, he was owner and operator of Culligan of Hays until his retirement in 2007. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and golfing, and he was famous for his coyote call. He loved woodworking and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Darlene, of the home, one son; Mike Pearson of Hays, three daughters; Kathy Hoffman and husband Alan of Hoisington, Cory Garrett and husband Rob of Dallas, TX, and Jean Canaday and husband Pat of Wichita, one brother; Wayne Pearson and wife Cindy of Junction City, twelve grandchildren; Eric Hoffman and wife Mandy, Kevin Hoffman and wife Veronica, Nathan Hoffman and wife Kimberly, Ryan Hoffman and wife Jenna, Stacy Gallegos and husband Bryan, Tyler Garrett, Tara Chapin and husband Dave, Cade Canaday and wife Chelsea, Karlee Canaday, Keaton Canaday, Kristin Ring and husband Adam, and Megan Pearson, and twelve great grandchildren; Macy Hoffman, Lexan Hoffman, Caiden Hoffman, Layton Hoffman, Sawyer Hoffman, Carson Hoffman, Hailey Gallegos, Lila Chapin, Quinn Chapin, Kyler Ring, Kolby Ring, and Hunter Pearson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; Stanley Pearson, and a granddaughter; Lauren Doerfler.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main Street with Rev. Rocco Mallardi officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Mt. Allen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested in Loren’s memory to The Lutheran Hour Ministries or Messiah Lutheran Church in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Scott Neal Rice

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Scott Neal Rice, age 56, of Hays, Kansas passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017 in Hays. He was born November 19, 1960 in Redwood City, California to Robert and Lerelle (Engle) Rice.

Scott had lived in Lahaina, Maui from 1991 – 2008. He had held various Restaurant Management positions including Montana Mike’s in Hays. He enjoyed outdoor activities including golf, tennis and all water sports. He also was a San Francisco 49er’s fan.

He is survived by his son, Kyle Rice of Topeka, the mother of their son, Jill Rice of Topeka; a sister, Sherri Bakos and husband Joel of Los Altos, CA as well as two nieces, Jennifer and Allyson.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via email at [email protected]

Jimmie Lee Bailey

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Jimmie Lee Bailey, age 62, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on June 26, 1955, the son of Vernon Eugene and Dorothy Louise Brown Bailey. He was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1990 moving from Newton, Kansas.

On May 22, 1993 he married Betty Ivey in Scott City, Kansas. She survives.

Survivors include his Wife – Betty Bailey of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter – Samantha McKinney of Newton, Kansas, One Son – David Bailey, Two Step Daughters – Stephanie Casper of Levant, Kansas, Katrina McLean of Cripple Creek, Colorado, Five Step Sons – Ben Cavens of Haysville, Kansas, Adam Blau of Mission, Texas, Bobby McLean of Scott City, Kansas, Eddie McLean of Scott City, Kansas, Joe Cavens of Larned, Kansas, One Brother – Charlie Bailey of Burrton, Kansas, Two Sisters – Debra Work, Patricia House, One Granddaughter – Shayla Maxine McIntosh of Newton, Kansas, Seven Step Grandchildren, One Aunt – Carol Rizley of Rogers, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his Parents and Two Brothers – Eldon & Eugene Bailey.

Memorial services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Kyle Evans and Rev. John Lewis presiding.

Memorials may be made to Jimmie L Bailey Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Inurnment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Gates/Scott City, Kansas.

There will be no calling times.

Kenton Wayne Miller

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Kenton Wayne Miller passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 69. He was born on September 30, 1948 in Stockton, Kansas to the late Orland and Clara Barbara (Russ) Miller. He grew up in the Stockton area and graduated from Stockton High School with the Class of 1967. In February 1968 he joined the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Prairie AD-15 during the Vietnam War, returning home in October 1969. On July 18, 1970 he was united in marriage to Dixie Miller in Woodston, Kansas.

Kenton retired from the Rooks County Highway Department after 45 years. He also worked for Atwill Plumbing & Heating and enjoyed farming, ranching and working in his garden. He liked hunting, although he never actually shot anything, and while visiting with friends and neighbors couldn’t resist telling a good joke, even if he forgot the punchline. He served on the Rooks County Fair Board and was a member of Main Street Christian Church and Stockton VFW Post #8873. But the greatest joy of his life was spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

Kenton is survived by his wife Dixie Miller of the home near Stockton; son Jerry Miller and wife Tammy of Stockton; daughter Kim Pulec and husband Terry of Stockton; brother Dwight Miller and wife Marilyn of Stockton; sister Diane Baxter and husband Blaine of Stockton; and grandchildren Ali Miller, and Trevor Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents Orland and Clara Barbara Miller.

It has been said, “If a man laughs well, he is a good man.” Indeed Kenton was a good man who loved life and embraced every opportunity to laugh and live well. His joyous smile and heartfelt laughter has touched our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Stockton. Burial will follow in Stockton City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00-8:00pm on Friday at the funeral home.

KHAKOVA: KS Energy Conference shows need for solar development

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Olga Khakova, CEP Program Director

We at CEP were thrilled to partner with the Kansas Department of Commerce in hosting the conference this year. The 18th Kansas Energy Conference brought over 260 attendees from across Kansas and the region. 59 speakers and moderators shared their expertise and led thought-provoking discussions about the energy opportunities in the state. The presentations can be accessed here.

Some take-aways:

  • Although wind energy has experienced tremendous growth in the last 10 years, untapped future opportunities are abundant, with the right policies.
  • Kansas is missing out on tapping our solar resource and economic growth from solar development. Stakeholders need to come together to work through barriers.
  • Energy Efficiency has helped cities, utilities, and energy consumers save money and provide better customer service, but we need robust funding options and sources for meaningful energy efficiency implementations across the state.
  • Electric Vehicles (EV) can drive economic growth in the region. But we must be proactive and thoughtful in creating welcoming EV infrastructure that is fairly-funded by the stakeholders.
  • Transmission overload could slow economic investments in new generation. Privately-funded projects like Clean Line could open doors for more energy developments in the state.
  • Technological innovations and more engaged consumers are changing the way energy is produced, transmitted, and used. Kansans have an opportunity to create an intentional vision for the energy future we want to see in the state.

The main conference wrapped up with prize drawing donated generously by Nest, Polsinelli, EDPr, Prosoco and the Kansas Department of Commerce.

One of the highlights for me, was the post conference Distributed Generation workshop. Hearing the diverse perspectives on distributed wind and solar reminded me of the complexity of the topic and the importance of those different voices of when forging future regulations that impact distributed generation.

We are grateful for our sponsors and exhibitors’ support, which made this conference possible: Apex Clean Energy, Clean Line Energy Partners, Cromwell Solar, Distributed Wind Energy Association, EDF Renewable Energy, EDP Renewables, Foley Power Solutions, Good Energy Solutions, ITC Great Plains, Kansas Electric Cooperative (KEC), Kansas Corporation Commission, KS Soybean Commission, MC Powe, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Midwest Energy, Inc., NEC Energy Solutions, NextEra, Olsson Associates, Polsinelli, Prosoco/Build SMART, Seward County Community College, Stanion Wholesale Electric, Stantec, Tradewind Energy, US Small Business Administration, Westar Energy, Wichita State National Institute for Aviation Research, Wilson and Company.

Olga Khakova is Program Director of the Climate + Energy Project in Hutchinson.

Hays student among those exhibiting in ‘Vitae’; opens Sat.

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FHSU University Relations

The advance drawing class at Fort Hays State University will present its exhibition “Vitae” at the Hays Art Council Annex, opening with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at 1010 Main Street in Hays.

“Vitae is Latin for ‘of life,’ which illustrates the connection between life and art,” said Amy Schmierbach, professor of art and design. The exhibition, part of Schmierbach’s curriculum, is designed to teach students professionalism, collaboration with peers and conceptual development.

“Students will showcase drawings in graphite, charcoal, ink, collage and pastels as they explore a variety of styles including surrealism, non-objective, pop art and realism,” said Schmierbach.

The art students featured in “Vitae” are listed alphabetically by hometown:

EXETER, Mo. (65647): Tyler Dallis is a senior majoring in ceramics.

GARDEN CITY (67846): Alberto Hernandez-Martinez is a senior majoring in art education.

HAYS (67601): Melita Warren is a sophomore majoring in studio art.

HUTCHINSON (67501): Hannah Norris is a senior majoring in art education.

MONUMENT, Colo. (80132): Randi Nielsen is a senior majoring in drawing.

NINGBO, China: Qianhao (Abel) Jiang is a senior majoring in ceramics.

OBERLIN (67749): McKenna O’Hare is a junior majoring in drawing.

PURDY, Mo. (65734): Kendra Hall is a senior majoring in drawing.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (94061): Simone Brewer is a sophomore majoring in drawing.

SALINA (67401): Ryan Rodriguez is a sophomore majoring in studio art.

The free, come-and-go exhibition gives individuals the opportunity to meet and talk with the artists, as well as enjoy a night full of great artwork and refreshments.

“Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to come out and support these talented, emerging artists in the Hays community as they build their professional development and share a variety of individual skills and concepts,” said Schmierbach.

The exhibition will be open for viewing until Nov. 15.

Report Card: Kansas student state reading, math test results stay flat

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TOPEKA —Two years ago, the Kansas State Board of Education launched a new vision for Kansas education — Kansas leads the world in the success of each student. Board members on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, received an update on the progress the state has made toward that goal.

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson presented the update and the 2016-2017 Annual Report, according to a media release from the Kansas State Department of Education.

The report is a look back at the past, as well as a look forward to the future, Watson told board members during his presentation.

The work that has taken place during the past two years is moving the focus away from a single measure, such as assessment scores, to measuring items like postsecondary success and effective rates — what happens to Kansas students once they leave high school. Focusing solely on state assessment results isn’t going to move Kansas forward, Watson said. As a state, we need to ensure that we are preparing students with the skills needed to meet Kansas’ workforce education requirements.

“The board’s vision for Kansas education has set the state on a new, bold path, and we are grateful to our schools and educators who are working even harder to accommodate the changes needed to achieve this vision,” Watson said. “Student success data, as measured by postsecondary effective rates, are 25 to 30 percent below where we want to be by 2026. This ambitious goal sets the bar high and is what Kansans told us they wanted from their schools. Student success encompasses academic and nonacademic skills alike. By moving our focus toward the whole child, Kansas is moving in the right direction.”

Watson on Tuesday also discussed Kansas assessment data, which was released as part of the web-based 2016-2017 Kansas Report Card. The report card can be found on the Kansas State Department of Education’s website.

Watson cautioned that assessments in Kansas are a mixed bag that can’t be viewed in isolation. The 2017 Kansas state assessment results are relatively flat, and in some cases, decreased modestly. At the same time, data show an increase in the number of Kansas students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and an increase in the percent of those students earning a 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams. Additionally dual-credit enrollment has nearly doubled in the past year and the number of college course credits earned while in high school has increased by 20,000. Watson posed the question, “How can this be?”

“We can speculate all we want,” Watson said. “But if we stop here, we’re going to miss something.”

Focusing solely on state assessment results won’t move Kansas closer toward its vision goal, Watson said. It will simply ensure that educators focus solely on test-preparation. Instead, he said, we need to focus on the whole child — from kindergarten readiness to social-emotional growth and postsecondary success.

KSDE has put several initiatives into place and collaborated on others to help move the state closer to its vision goal.

KSDE and the State Board of Education are working with districts across the state to redesign schools and the way students are taught. The Kansans Can School Redesign Project kicked off in August when seven Kansas school districts — each representing one of the Mercury 7 astronauts — were named to take part in the project. KSDE received 29 applications for the project. Twenty-one of the schools that applied accepted the challenge of becoming a Gemini district.

Kansas school districts also are being accredited under the new Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) model. This new five-year model accredit systems, such as school districts, instead of individual schools. KESA replaces the old system, Quality Performance Accreditation (QPA).

In order to help improve graduation rates in the state and help students become successful after high school, KSDE has implemented several initiatives, such as kindergarten readiness, family engagement, civic engagement and social-emotional growth, to help improve graduation rates in the state.

KSDE also has placed a special focus on chronic absenteeism. The agency is encouraging districts to support students with attendance issues. KSDE also is putting an emphasis on personalized learning to help retain students so they will become successful graduates.

Midwest Energy teams make solid showing at Linemen’s Rodeo

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Midwest Energy’s Hays Journeyman team, of Shawn Slaubaugh, Butch Hamel and Brian Legleiter, discusses an upcoming event with a judge at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Oct. 14.

BONNER SPRINGS — Midwest Energy’s linemen made a strong showing at the 2017 International Linemen’s Rodeo, held Oct. 14 in Bonner Springs, with the Journeyman Senior’s team taking 3rd overall against the best line crews from some of America’s largest utility companies.

The Senior Team was comprised of Bill Nowlin, Line Foreman from WaKeeney; Mike Stremel, Training Manager from Hays; and Cliff Townsend, Lineman Serviceman from Great Bend. They completed their events with a score of 396 points out of 400, and a time of 47:24. Teams are graded first on deductions, then by speed of completion. The first place team, from Southern California Edison, completed events with zero point deductions, and in under 30 minutes.

“This year’s competition was very intense, as they raised the Seniors age from 45 to 50, so you have linemen with decades of experience being very deliberate to not get any deductions,” Stremel said. “The teams that beat us were very good, and very fast. They had practiced their events quite a bit, and it showed.”

Great Bend Journeyman team members Alex Breeding and Nathan Stryker work on replacing a wire tie at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Oct. 14.

Midwest’s other Journeymen teams also fared well, both earning 396 points out of 400. The Hays Journeymen team, comprised of Shawn Slaubaugh, Butch Hamel and Brian Legleiter, placed within the top third, ranked 73rd of 238 teams. The Great Bend Journeymen team, comprised of Alex Breeding, Nate Stryker and Chris Traylor, was also in the top third and just five spots behind.

The Apprentice Linemen had a good showing as well, with Great Bend’s Benn Kirmer placing in the top quarter of 313 competitors in key safety events like the Hurtman Rescue. Hays’ Brock Morgan scored in the top half of the Apprentice Written Test.

Midwest Energy’s Senior Team, of Bill Nowlin, Line Foreman from WaKeeney, Mike Stremel, Training Manager at Hays, and Cliff Townsend, Lineman Servicemen at Great Bend, took 3rd in their division at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Oct. 14.

“You learn a lot about safety and technique at these events,” Kirmer said, with the 3rd Year Apprentice noting his performance improved greatly over his rodeo debut last year. “I did a lot better than last year, and will have to work on my knots to get even better next year.”

— Midwest Energy

SCHROCK: No ‘taking a knee’ in China

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John Richard Schrock is a professor at Emporia State University.

October 1 was China’s “National Day,” their “4th of July.” There were dignified ceremonies in Tiananmen Square. Veterans of their War of Liberation attended. Youngsters in red kerchiefs (Young Pioneers) laid flowers. Some stores posted the national flag. There were fireworks, but they ended about 9:00 pm so as not to disturb people’s sleep.

October 1, 2017 was also the day that China’s “National Anthem Law” came into force “…to ensure appropriate performance of the song.” Starting this month, “the anthem shall be sung at formal political gatherings, including the opening and closing of National People’s Congress sessions, constitutional oath ceremonies, flag raising ceremonies, major celebrations, awards ceremonies, commemorations, national memorial day events, important diplomatic occasions, major sport events and other suitable occasions,” according to the law and as reported in the news here.

In addition, “it is now illegal to use the national anthem during funerals, ‘inappropriate’ private occasions, commercials or as background music in public places. Violators, including those who maliciously modify the lyrics, play or sing the national anthem in a distorted or disrespectful way, can be detained for up to 15 days, and even be held criminally liable.”

And “the song will be included in textbooks for primary and secondary schools, and people are encouraged to sing the national anthem on appropriate occasions to express patriotism.”

Just as our national anthem remembers an episode from our War of 1812, China’s “March of the Volunteers” was chosen in 1949 because it “encouraged Chinese soldiers and civilians during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression from 1931-1945.” It was revised in 1978 and reaffirmed as the national anthem in 1982.

The national emblem of China was already protected by a law effective in October 1, 1991. Their National Emblem consists of a design of Tian’anmen in its center illuminated by five stars and encircled by ears of grain and a cogwheel. The law directs many government agencies, from the military to the courts, to display this emblem.

So if China can have laws commanding behavior relative to its national anthem and symbols, why not the United States?

Simply, our two countries have laws reflecting different histories and different cultural values. China culture contains a central value for maintaining harmony. The United States values independence and religious freedom. And while the Chinese Constitution was modeled after the U.S. Constitution, the language is different and the resulting laws are also different.

When I first began teaching as a permit teacher in northern Kentucky in 1968, I taught under a superintendent who required all students to pledge allegiance and all teachers to lead the class in prayer. But even back then, he was in violation of the law.

Long before in 1943, the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette that requiring public school students to salute the flag violated both the 14th Amendment due process provisions and infringed upon the students’ religious beliefs, thus violating the First Amendment. And schools could not define noncompliance as insubordination. That opinion further declared that “no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein.”
In the 1990s, a San Diego, California school district decided to still force students to stand silently during the Pledge of Allegiance or face detention. When faced with a federal lawsuit, and its obvious illegality, the district settled out of court and changed its policy.

It is unfortunate that public education does not provide enough background for students to understand their founding history. -That the U.S. is founded based on a freedom of religious belief. -That we will not force a person to put country before their god. -That those who do not believe in killing can serve as conscientious objectors. Nor do we teach the basics of semantics. -That the map or symbol is not the territory. -Or that a wife who loses her wedding ring down the garbage disposal is no longer married.
This close to Veteran’s Day, it is important to remember that our veterans fought not for a pattern of colored cloth or set of song lyrics, but for a society so structured that genuine freedom could be lived out in everyday life.

John Richard Schrock is a professor at Emporia State University.

KDA to host egg grading workshop in Colby

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MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host an egg grading workshop at Colby Community College to train poultry producers in egg grading and to share other important poultry care and food safety information. The workshop is available to all Kansas egg producers at no charge.

The egg grading workshop will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the multipurpose meeting room of the Student Union at Colby Community College in Colby. Although the workshop is free, participants are encouraged to RSVP to Chris Sramek with High Plains Food Co-Op by sending their name, phone number and email address to [email protected] or by calling him at 785-626-6082.

Dr. Scott Beyer, associate professor in the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, will offer training on proper egg grading and poultry disease screening for maintaining healthy flocks. Adam Inman, assistant program manager for food safety and lodging at KDA, will review Kansas rules and regulations for grading and selling eggs in Kansas. Grading eggs provides additional market opportunities for poultry farmers.

The workshop is funded through a Federal State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) grant which KDA received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grant award totals nearly $25,000 and in addition to the egg grading workshop will make available for poultry producers an egg grading resource manual and egg cell gauges.

The poultry industry, including egg production, contributes $113.5 million annually to the Kansas economy. Community workshops help KDA’s efforts to provide educational resources and support to help expand markets for agricultural products while encouraging economic growth of the agriculture industry.

The FSMIP grant provides matching funds to state departments of agriculture, state agricultural experiment stations, and other appropriate state agencies to assist in exploring new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products, and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the marketing system.

Graveside Conversations and Presenting Elizabeth Polly, The Blue Light Lady

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Courtesy image

Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays

In October, Historic Fort Hays have two events, on consecutive days that will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Fort Hays in its present location.

The first event is “Graveside Conversations,” on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Historic Fort Hays. Through first-person portrayals, visitors will learn how some of the people of Fort Hays lived and died. Tours are available at 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.

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The second event is “Presenting Elizabeth Polly, The Blue Light Lady.” No one knows Elizabeth Pollyʼs story prior to 1867, when she appeared at Fort Hays. She helped to care for and nurse all of the sick and dying soldiers who had been stricken with cholera. The soldiers called her their “little angel of Mercy.”

After weeks of the most dedicated service, she too succumbed to the dreaded disease. She was buried in her blue dress and white bonnet on Sentinel Hill. Since that day, 150 years ago, there have been numerous sightings of a woman wearing a long blue dress and a white bonnet. Some say she has a blue light surrounding her. Some people think she is looking for “her boys” in the abandoned military graveyard.

This program will be presented by John Vincent, Ethel Taylor and Rob Wasinger who will examine the legend of Elizabeth Polly. The program is on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. in the Visitorʼs Center at Historic Fort Hays.

Both programs are free and open to the public.

Fort Hays State Historic Site is located four miles south of I-70 exit 157 at Hays.

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