December 2017 – Page 17 – Hays Post Archive

Woman charged in fatal stabbing in Kansas City

Posted on December 22, 2017December 22, 2017

KANSAS CITY (AP) – A prostitute has been charged with fatally stabbing a man last year during a fight over money.

Thirty-two-year-old Amber Cunningham, of Kansas City, was arraigned Friday on second-degree murder and armed criminal action charges in Luis Molina’s death. No attorney is listed for her in online court records. Bond is set at $250,000.

Court documents say Cunningham’s fingerprints were found inside Molina’s vehicle and the home where he was found dead. A witness said a woman was in the car when Molina gave him a ride before his death and that Molina described her as a prostitute.

Cunningham told police she agreed to have sex with Molina for $50. She said he wouldn’t pay or let her leave and that she stabbed him after getting a knife away from him.

SkyWest to offer flights to Chicago, Denver from Salina

Posted on December 22, 2017

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Airplane passengers in Salina will soon have a few more flights with larger planes for trips to Denver and Chicago.

Salina Airport Authority Tim Rogers says SkyWest Airlines will provide flights from Salina to and from Denver and Chicago beginning in April.

Rogers said Friday flight schedules and prices will be announced next month.

SkyWest will fly one nonstop route to Chicago and two flights to Denver, with a stop in Hays.

SkyWest replaces Great Lakes Airlines, which currently offers two daily flights to Denver.

Rogers says SkyWest will use 50-seat regional jets. Great Lakes used 30-seat aircraft.

The Department of Transportations selected SkyWest to replace Great Lakes as the Essential Air Service provider for Salina. SkyWest has a two-year contract starting next April.

Investigation underway after fatal Kansas street sweeper accident

Posted on December 22, 2017

Location of Thursday’s fatal workplace accident in Arkansas City-google image

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal workplace accident.

Just before 2p.m. Thursday, Fire-EMS were dispatched to the Public Works Department central shop, located at 1407 W. Madison Avenue in Arkansas City for a report of an employee who had been struck by a street sweeper, according to a city media release.

Paramedics stabilized the employee, who initially was not breathing, at the scene for transport by ambulance to South Central Kansas Medical Center in critical condition.

The employee was subsequently transferred by ambulance to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and died about an hour later, according to the media release.

It was determined that the accident occurred within the shop premises and involved the operator of the street sweeper. No one else was injured. Authorities have not released the name of the employee.

Brownback ambassadorship nomination in jeopardy

Posted on December 22, 2017

Governor Brownback during his Senate confirmation hearing opening comments

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A spokesman for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s nomination for an ambassador’s post is set to return to the White House.

McConnell communications director David Popp said in an email Friday that Brownback’s nomination is not on a list of those to be carried into next year.

The Senate finished its business for the year Thursday night without voting on Brownback’s nomination by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. Brownback was nominated in July.

Under the Senate’s rules, an appointee whose has not received a confirmation vote by the end of the year must be nominated again unless senators agree unanimously to carry the nomination into the following year. Brownback appears not to have received such unanimous consent.

Jobless rate in Ellis County increases in November

Posted on December 22, 2017

The unemployment rate in Ellis County rose nearly half a percent from October to November, according to statistics released Friday by the state.

While still extremely low, the jobless rate rose from 2.0 percent on October to 2.4 percent in November, according to the Kansas Department of Labor.

Statewide, preliminary estimates show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.5 percent in November. This was down from 3.6 percent in October and down from 4.3 percent in November 2016.

“Kansas now has the largest number of people employed on record,” said Secretary Lana Gordon. “November’s employment increased by 1,235 individuals making the number of Kansans currently employed at 1,435,216.”

Most northwest Kansas counties reported unemployment rates at or below 3 percent. Rooks County posted the highest jobless rate in the area, at 3.7 percent.

Greeley County had the state’s lowest rate at 1.7 percent. Click the image above for a county-by-county overview.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 3,100 from October. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 3,600 from the previous month.

“Over the year job growth moved into positive territory after reporting declines in recent months. The state gained 2,900 jobs over the last 12 months, mostly from construction and professional and business services,” said Senior Labor Economist, Tyler Tenbrink. “This is welcome news along with the unemployment rate falling to 3.5 percent from 3.6 percent last month.”

Since November 2016, Kansas gained 2,900 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 3,400 private sector jobs.

🎥 HPD: Stay safe during your holiday shopping

Posted on December 22, 2017

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Saturday, Dec. 23, is expected to be the second busiest shopping day of the holiday season other than Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

It’s an opportunity for criminals to ruin Christmas for you and your family.

Hays Police Lieutenant Brandon Wright offers some holiday shopping safety tips:

Shop with a friend, especially if you’re going to an unfamiliar place.
Shop during daylight hours or park in well-lit areas.
Lock car doors and windows.
Don’t leave packages or valuables in sight; use your trunk or cover the items.
Don’t flash a lot of cash.
Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity or people.
Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle.
Once home with your gifts, keep your house locked.
Be alert for package deliveries and use tracking information.
Monitor your financial accounts and credit report for unauthorized use.

Wright notes these tips are good reminders for year-round shopping security.

Virginia Lucille (Clausen) Stroup

Posted on December 22, 2017

Lucille Stroup passed away on Monday December 18, 2017 at the Presbyterian Manor in Newton, Kansas at the age of 90.

She was born on September 15, 1927 in Alton, Ks. to Everett and Viola O. (Kissell) Clausen. Lucille attended school in the Alton community and graduated from Alton High School. She married Ralph Stroup and to this union five children were born.

Lucille was a housekeeper working for many people. She also worked as a telephone operator for the Alton Telephone Exchange. Lucille also worked at the Corner Grocery in Alton and for Cady’s Meat Processing in Osborne, Ks. She is preceded in death by her husband Ralph in 1963; sons Wayne, Glenn, Bradley and John and grandson Jesse Stroup.

Lucille is survived by her daughter Billie Harr of Newton, Ks., 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Click HERE for service details.

Christine Elizabeth Chalender

Posted on December 22, 2017

Christine Elizabeth Chalender, Manhattan, died Thursday, December 21, after a long, hard fought battle with cancer at Meadowlark Hills.

She was born October 5, 1930, in Paola, to Arthur Eugene and Adeline O. (Hinkle) Allen. She attended schools in Paola and graduated from Olathe High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in Home Economics and Social Science from Kansas State University in 1951, where she was member of Clovia 4-H Scholarship House. She received her Master of Science degree from Fort Hays State University in 1983 and took post-graduate coursework at Kansas State, Fort Hays State, and Wichita State Universities.

Upon graduation, she began her career as a county extension agent in Anderson County. She also taught home economics, worked as a family life research consultant, marketing researcher, TV host for “Cook’s Nook” with Chris, adjunct faculty at Fort Hays State, ESL teacher, and homemaker. She retired from teaching in 1992, and began a new opportunity working as special assistant to KSU’s dean of Human Ecology. Her career outside of the home provided her the opportunity to teach and influence many students and viewers, eliminating barriers and helping others reach their full potential, and encouraging all to live life to its fullest.

She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Delta Kappa Gamma, NEA, KSU President’s Club, PEO, Review Club, and the First United Methodist Church. She served on the board of directors for the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame Board of Directors and Senator Nancy Kassebaum’s Excellence in Education Foundation.

Her work brought her many honors including Kansas Teacher of the Year, 1987, Master Reader’s Digest Hero in American Education, 1989, Master Teacher, 1992, and KSU Distinguished Alumni Award. She was an avid KSU fan and enjoyed her time playing bridge throughout the years.

She married Bob L. Chalender on May 24, 1952. He preceded her in death on December 28, 2002. She was also preceded in death by three brothers: Ghormley, Earl & Marvin.

Survivors include her 2 children Rob Chalender, Wichita and Beth Klug, Manhattan; three grandchildren Josh, Chris (Kristen), and Megan Klug, all Manhattan. Other survivors include sister, Lois (Gil) Park, Manhattan; brother, Dale (Beth), Wichita; sister-in-laws Mary Barbara Allen, Gardner, and Marie Allen, Olathe; brother-in-law, Jack Chalender, Estes Park, CO and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 23rd, at First United Methodist Church in Manhattan, with Reverend Melanie Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan. Visitation will be Friday, 6-7:30 p.m. at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, Manhattan, who is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left for the family by clicking on “Send Condolences” on this page.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas State University Foundation – Bob and Chris Chalender fund or to Shepherd’s Crossing, both in Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Wilson Fire Dept.

Posted on December 22, 2017

KDOT: Winning road projects in Russell, Decatur counties

Posted on December 22, 2017

KDOT

TOPEKA – A total of 26 projects were nominated by hot-mix asphalt paving contractors for the 2017 Kansas Asphalt Paving Association awards program that took place on Dec. 7 in Lawrence.

“We are proud of our excellent roadways here in Kansas and at KDOT,” said Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson. “It is fitting that our talented KDOT workers are recognized for their dedication to quality.”

The Kansas Department of Transportation, the Kansas Turnpike Authority and the contractor on the projects were honored in several categories.

First place Director’s Award for the U.S. 400 project in Cherokee County for KDOT and APAC Kansas.
Second place Director’s Award for the U.S. 83 project in Haskell County for KDOT and Venture Corporation.
Second place Overlay 1-Inch or Less Award on the I-35 project in Sedgwick and Butler counties for the KTA and Shilling Construction.
First place Overlay 1-Inch or Less Award on the U.S. 281 project in Russell County for KDOT and Venture Corporation.
First place Overlay Greater Than 1-Inch Award on the U.S. 36 project in Decatur County for KDOT and APAC Kansas.
Second place Overlay Greater Than 1-Inch Award on the K-156 project in Ellsworth County for KDOT and Shilling Construction.

Moran’s statement on decision to suspend plans for chemical test near Ark City

Posted on December 22, 2017December 22, 2017

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to suspend plans to conduct chemical and biological tests in Oklahoma:

“I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security listened to the concerns of Kansans and made the decision to suspend its plans to conduct chemical and biological tests near the Kansas border. Prior to any sort of chemical testing – hazardous or not – the federal government must make certain local residents understand its intended objective when it conducts any testing of this nature. While the chemicals DHS planned to use in these tests do not pose any bodily harm, Kansans deserve a thorough explanation when an event of this magnitude is occurring so close to where they live and raise their families.”

Items to Note:
· In October, the Department of Homeland Security announced its intent to perform a “collaborative scientific study with OSU-University Multispectral Laboratories, LLC (UML) that will include low level outdoor release of inert chemicals and biological simulant materials at the Chilocco (former) Indian School Campus outside of Newkirk, OK, during winter 2018 and again in summer 2018,” according to the Draft Environmental Assessment for Proposed Outdoor Testing at Chilocco.

· In November, Sen. Moran called on DHS to halt its plans to conduct these chemical tests until it sent department representatives to Kansas to explain the department’s proposed course of action.

· The 30-day comment period regarding this proposal opened Nov. 8 and closed Dec. 8.

Area Vietnam veterans honored by local DAR in national commemoration

Posted on December 22, 2017December 21, 2017

Terry Buckler receives his lapel pin from CS member and his cousin, Bev Unruh, a Ransom resident. (Photos courtesy Bob Wilhelm)

By JUDY SHERARD
Hays

More than 40 area Vietnam Veterans were honored Sunday evening at the Hays VFW following a Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 939 dinner.

A pinning ceremony, sponsored by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Courtney-Spalding Chapter, is part of the USA Vietnam War Commemoration, which runs from Memorial Day 2012 to Veterans Day 2025.

The local Courtney-Spalding Chapter is one of more than 10,000 partners of the Commemoration.

Terry Buckler, Holt, MO, who served with the Green Berets, was the evening’s speaker.

Buckler addresses the crowd about his Green Beret experience in Vietnam.

Buckler, who grew up on a farm near Clark, MO, was drafted in March 1969. Shortly after, he extended his duty length to become a Green Beret. He was a member of the special forces who conducted the Son Tay Raid to free prisoners of war. The raid has been deemed the “riskiest mission” of the war, and the model for all raids coming after, he said.

After receiving his own pin and certificate from his cousin Courtney-Spalding member Bev Unruh of Ransom, Buckler presented the commemorative pins.

DAR members presented a family member of a soldier killed in action, a surviving spouse, and each veteran with a certificate.

More than 100 people attended the event.

The Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized in April 1926 with members from Ellis, Russell, Trego and Ellsworth counties.

Its current goals stress membership growth, conservation, American History and Good Citizenship Awards to further the education and historic values of youth. The chapter focuses on U.S. flag presentations, supporting patriotism throughout the nation and supporting troops in Project Patriot.

Stanley Joseph ‘Stan Jr.’ Stramel

Posted on December 22, 2017

Victoria, Kansas – Stanley Joseph “Stan Jr.” Stramel, age 46, died Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born August 10, 1971, in Hays, Kansas, to Stanley and Patricia Ann (Hertel) Stramel. He grew up in Victoria and was a 1989 graduate of Victoria High School. He worked for over 20 years at Fort Hays State University as a mechanic for the motor pool. He worked at King of the Road in Russell, at Schultz Homes in Plainville and Wellbrock’s repair in Victoria for a number of years. Stan was a member of Liberty Foursquare Church in Hays, he was a graduate of Liberty Bible School, he was a member of their hospitality committee and he traveled on a church mission trip to Mexico.

He enjoyed working on and restoring cars, fishing, hunting, gardening and spreading the word of the Lord. He attended a number of car shows and showing his 1959 “Biscayne” and he had just finished his 1949 “Rat Rod”.

Survivors include his parents, Stan and Patty Stramel, Pfeifer, KS; one brother, Stephen Stramel, Victoria, KS; two sisters, Stephanie Budig and husband, Art, Russell, KS; Sarah Stramel, Hays, KS; one sister-in-law, Nikki Stramel, Victoria, KS; seven nephews and nieces, Taylor Stramel, Lucas Stramel, Cydnee Stramel, Alyssa Budig, Morgan Budig, Jayden Stramel and Brexton Stramel; one great nephew, Quinn Budig; his grandmother, Aletha (Leiker) Hertel, Hays, KS; his aunts and uncles, Julian Stramel and wife, Gladys, Kansas City, MO; Robert Stramel and wife, Phyllis, Victoria, KS; MaryAnn Hagen and husband, George, Kansas City, MO; Pete Braun and wife, Tina, Victoria, KS; Robert Samenus and wife, JoAnn, Kansas City, KS; Pat Stramel, Kansas City, KS; James Hertel and wife, Jean, Victoria, KS; Larry Hertel, Hays, KS; Theresa Truan and companion, Robert Dinkel, Munjor, KS; Rosie Redetzke and husband, Matt, Hays, KS.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, I.A. and Mildred (Burgardt) Stramel; Elmer A. Hertel; one uncle Arthur Stramel; two aunts, Vera Braun and Sandra Samenus.

Services are at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, December 23, 2017, at Liberty Foursquare Church 400 East 7th Street, Hays, Kansas. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Pfiefer, Kansas.

A celebration of his life service will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at Liberty Foursquare Church in Hays, Kansas.

Memorial to Liberty Foursquare Church, Hays, Kansas. Condolences can be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].