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Month: December 2017

🎥 DOCTOR’S NOTE: Dec. 15

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Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.

Friend,

As you finish your holiday shopping, it is important that you know Congress is working around the clock on vital legislation like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that is designed to put more money back in hard-working American’s pockets.

We anticipate the final version of the tax bill to come out of the conference committee at any moment. From there we can see what differences the conference process has produced. As we await votes, I hope that my colleagues and I can send this historic legislation, that will modernize our tax system, to the President’s desk before Christmas.

In its current language, the bill will vastly improve our economy, and enable small businesses to operate with fewer restrictions. Our new tax code will also encourage businesses to bring their jobs back home and boost employment opportunities for Americans. On a household level, a doubling of the standard deduction will benefit more than 80 percent of residents in my district. This legislation prioritizes more than your savings, in Congress, we are also simplifying the tax filing system. If passed, you will now be able to fill out your returns on a postcard like the one below.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns or know of ways my office can be of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

UPCOMING: Monday 2:30CT – Tax Q&A on Facebook LIVE:

As finally preparations take shape in the conference committee to firm up a final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, I invite you to join me for a Q&A session, live on Facebook (details below). This should be a great opportunity to have your questions answered, and for me to hear the concerns of Kansans back home.

If you would like to ask me a question, head over to my Facebook page and post them there, or call my office at 202-225-2715 and leave your questions.

See the video below for my discussion of #TaxReform and the individual mandate:

In the House

This week I had the privilege of attending a lunch with Vice President Mike Pence and members of the House Values Action Team.

The Values Action Team believes and promotes traditional values, which Laina and I have long supported through Focus on the Family. This team uses the same principals to guide their actions and legislation in Congress.

Following the lunch I also had the opportunity to speak with the Vice President about the importance of trade and preserving NAFTA. Opportunities like this are so important in the policy making process and the mood was very positive.

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge hosts annual raptor program Jan. 23

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Bald eagle at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, Phillips County

KIRWIN– Experience a close encounter with a live bald eagle.  Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is sponsoring an American Bald Eagle and raptor program for the public on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Dane G. Hansen Scout Camp.  The Dane G. Hansen Scout Camp is located on the south side of Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge in Phillips County.

The program will be presented by Diane Johnson, wildlife rehabilitator, from Operation WildLife, Inc. located in Linwood, Kansas.

The exciting ingredient is a live bald eagle and other raptors.  The presentation will focus on the natural history of eagles, the recovery of the Bald Eagle, and wildlife rehabilitation.

All ages are encouraged to attend this very informative and entertaining program.  For more information please call 785-543-6673.

Learn more about the refuges by visiting our websites: www.fws.gov/kirwin and “Like” us on Facebook.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. 

Lawsuit alleges girl was raped in Kan. middle school bathroom

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Pioneer Trail Middle School- Google image

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A federal lawsuit alleges that a 12-year-old Kansas girl was raped by a boy in a school bathroom after a teacher failed to supervise their return to a classroom.

The Kansas City Star reports that the girl’s mother filed suit Thursday against Olathe Public Schools, the school board and the student who allegedly assaulted her daughter.

The suit says the victim and the boy finished an assignment in the common area at Olathe’s middle school in 2015 and the common area teacher sent them back to their classroom without supervision.

The suit says the boy pulled the girl into a boys bathroom and raped her. The girl told a teacher that day and was taken to a hospital.

A school district spokeswoman declined comment Friday, citing pending litigation.

 

OPTIONS, WKHRMA to address domestic violence and the workplace

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Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association will hold its meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Wed., January 10, at the Robbins Center (Eagle Communication Hall), One Tiger Place.  Registration is from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m., with a short business meeting starting at 11:30 a.m.

The program for the January meeting will be “Domestic Violence and Your Workplace: Be Aware.  Take Action,” presented by Jenny Cheney, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.  The program will be submitted for HRCI and SHRM continuing education credits.

If interested in attending as a guest, RSVP to wkhrma.shrm.org no later than noon on Fri., January 5.

WKHRMA is an affiliate chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), a local professional organization for persons engaged in personal or human resource management.  For more information on WKHRMA, visit www.wkhrma.org.

Nicole Lynn Church

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WICHITA — Nicole Lynn Church, 27, entered peacefully into eternal life on Dec. 14, 2017.

She was born July 23, 1990 in Wellington, Kan. and attended Fort Hays State University. Nicole was a wonderful daughter, sister and aunt.

Nicole is survived by her parents Stan and Jane (Koester) Church of Wichita, Kan., brother:  Bryan (Amy) Church and sister Trisha (Tyler) Augustine all of Hays, loving nieces and nephew: Alyssa, Aydan, and Anthony Church, Avery, Ainslee and Afton Augustine.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Marion and Doris Koester and Basil and Vivian Church, and her uncle Lester Koester.

She worked at Equity Bank as a commercial loan assistant and also a credit analyst. Nicole loved to spend time with her nieces and nephews at every opportunity.

She also loved to travel with her family and friends.

Rosary: at 7 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 with the funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Monday Dec. 18, 2017 both at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Garden Plain, Kan. Interment will follow in the St. Anthony Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. Anthony Catholic Church Choir Fund; Wulf-Ast Mortuary, Garden Plain, Kan.

Kansas’ interim commerce secretary stepping down

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Jordan

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ interim commerce secretary is stepping down, the latest departure from Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration.

Brownback on Friday announced Jordan’s resignation. A replacement was not immediately named.

Jordan is among several officials to leave the administration as Brownback waits to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate for a job in President Donald Trump’s administration. Department for Children and Families Secretary Phyllis Gilmore and Department for Health and Environment Secretary Susan Mosier also left.

Jordan is a former state senator who has also served as revenue secretary and CEO of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors. He stepped into the role of commerce secretary when Antonio Soave resigned in June, two weeks after a business partner filed a lawsuit against him.

 

Police: Kansas man jailed for fight with crew fighting fire

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Cook-photo Saline Co

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after an altercation with firefighters.

A Salina man was arrested last night for fighting with firefighters who were trying to contain a fire he set in his backyard.

Just before 11:30 p.m. Thursday, fire crews were dispatched to a home in the 900 block of Sheridan in Salina after report of a fire in a backyard of home, according to Police Capt. Mike Sweeney.

Jeffrey Cook, 31, had set a dresser on fire and flames had started to spread outside the fire ring.

The fire was determined to be unsafe and firefighters asked Cook if they could use his garden hose to extinguish it. Cook initially agreed but became agitated once they began to put it out, according to Sweeney.

He grabbed the hose and began thrashing around, spraying firefighters in the process. He was arrested by officers on scene and booked into the Saline County Jail for battery, unlawful interference with firefighters and disorderly conduct.

Capt. Sweeney said that it appeared Cook had consumed alcoholic beverages before in the incident.

Tigers open three-game homestand with Kansas Wesleyan Saturday

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Fort Hays State opens a three-game homestand on Saturday (Dec. 16) when it hosts Kansas Wesleyan at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers are 7-3 overall, coming off a 1-1 road swing in MIAA play. FHSU is 7-3 overall, while Kansas Wesleyan enters at 7-5.

Listen

This is the first meeting with Kansas Wesleyan in 10 years. The teams last met during the 2007-08 season when the Tigers claimed a 78-61 win in Hays. This is the 88th meeting all-time between the schools and FHSU has won the last 17 games, holding a 56-31 lead in series history. Kansas Wesleyan last victory over FHSU was back in the 1950-51 season.

Though this is a non-conference contest, FHSU is out to a 3-1 start in MIAA play. Last week the Tigers took their first conference loss of the season at Washburn on Wednesday by a score of 69-58, but then turned around Saturday and picked up a road win at Emporia State by the same score. All of Fort Hays State’s seven wins occurred at either Gross Memorial Coliseum, or White Auditorium in Emporia. FHSU opened the year with a neutral site win over Southwest Minnesota State in White Auditorium. The Tigers play their final three games of December at home, where they are 5-0 so far this year.

The Tigers continue to lead the MIAA in assists, averaging 17.1 per game. Kyler Kinnamon leads that charge at point guard, dishing out 5.1 per game. He has at least three helpers in every game this year with eight as his season high. He ranks third in the MIAA in assists per game, while also ranking second in steals per game (2.2).

Hadley Gillum is coming off his third double-double of the season with 21 points and 12 rebounds in the win at Emporia State this past Saturday. He leads the team at 18.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, which rank sixth and seventh in the MIAA respectively. Brady Werth is the only other Tiger averaging double figures in scoring right now at 11.1 points per game. In conference play, Gillum is the only Tiger averaging double figures at 22.8 points per game.

Jordan McNelly leads Kansas Wesleyan in scoring at 16.3 points per game, followed by Jamon Fulton at 11.3 per game. The Coyotes had a three-game win streak snapped on Tuesday at the hands of Friends University. KWU is 5-3 in its conference (KCAC) so far this season.

KELLY: It is time to have a Kansas champion in the governor’s office again

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Laura Kelly

After careful consideration, I have decided to run for governor of Kansas in 2018.

I’m not running to fulfill a long-held political ambition. I care about good governing and the future of our families, not partisan victories. I’m getting into this race because I believe that Kansas can have a very bright future.

My family and I talked about this decision for a long time. Through those conversations, another, more personal reason compelled me to get into this race.

Over the July 4th weekend, my future son-in-law proposed to my daughter on the front porch of our family’s home. As I watched her accept his proposal, I recalled all of the special moments our family had shared in that very spot. I felt so happy and grateful that this is where she grew up – in that house, and in this state.

Both of my daughters – a doctor and a technology professional – bring my husband and me such pride and joy. Their Kansas upbringing is at the heart of their stories, and of our family’s story. The education, community, and opportunities that were made available because of the smart leadership in the state capitol helped ensure my girls received the happy, healthy childhood that all kids deserve. It molded them into the strong and vibrant women they are today.

I didn’t expect to be in this position a year ago, but I simply cannot sit by and let the same Brownback allies who mismanaged our state lead Kansas for another four years.

The last election brought a wave of new faces to the Kansas Legislature with a clear mandate from voters to end the failed Brownback tax experiment. After devastating budget cuts, three state credit rating downgrades, and the dismantling of our state’s most important investments, lawmakers came together to chart a new path forward.

We made incredible progress, and now it’s time to finish the job.

For too long, Kansans have been without a champion in the governor’s office – someone who will fight for them and their priorities.

After years of damaging cuts under Governor Brownback, Kansas schools remain critically underfunded, even after the positive steps lawmakers took last spring to reverse some of the damage. From my very first legislative session, I’ve been on the front lines of the fight to get more resources into public school classrooms.

I’ve fought to expand Medicaid, provide better mental health services, and keep rural hospitals open.

I fought the Governor’s efforts to dismantle our state’s prized system for early childhood education so we can ensure that Kansas’ youngest and most vulnerable children receive the best possible start in life.

I’ve advocated for economic investments that we know create jobs, like higher education, technical training, and good infrastructure and roads.

But this election is not just about what each candidate is willing to fight for. It’s also a question of who they’re willing to fight alongside.

Bitter partisanship doesn’t balance the budget. It doesn’t create jobs. And it doesn’t grow our economy.

We need balance in government – someone who will work as hard as possible to build consensus among competing interests, no matter what the dividing lines may be. In the past I considered leaving the Legislature for Congressional service, but I realized I could do the most good here working to solve the problems we face in Kansas. I remain committed to that mission.

Through that work, I’ve built a reputation as a leader willing to listen and work with anyone. I have not and will never shut someone out of the lawmaking process just because they may not agree with me.

What Kansans do best is find common ground and move forward with a solution. We can’t offer mountains or sandy beaches, but there never has been a better place to live, work and raise a family.

That’s where you come in.

Time is the most precious resource of any campaign, and we don’t have a moment to lose. For the remaining days of 2017, I’ll be finalizing the infrastructure we’ll need to run an 11-month marathon at a sprint’s pace. In the early weeks of 2018, I’ll be eager to share a more detailed vision of the future with you and your family. I look forward to hearing from you and visiting on the campaign trail!

Laura Kelly (D-Topeka) was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2004. Representing Dist. 18, she is the Senate Minority Whip.

HPD Activity Log Dec. 12-14

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kbyw-november16

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 35 traffic stops Tue., Dec. 12, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Sex Offense–Hays; 12/29/16 8:30 AM; 9:04 AM
Animal At Large–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 8:33 AM
Drug Offenses–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 12/9
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11/18 3 AM; 3:15 AM
Animal At Large–500 block E 7th St, Hays; 11:59 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 12/9 6:31 PM; 6:46 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–400 block E 22nd St, Hays; 1:11 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–1300 block W 27th St, Hays; 1:38 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–200 block W 36th St, Hays; 1:51 PM
Search Warrant–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:39 PM; 8:04 PM
Disturbance – General–1600 block E 29th St, Hays; 2:48 PM
Suspicious Activity–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 5:03 PM
Theft (general)–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 11/1 1 PM; 12/12 6:45 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Wed., Dec. 13, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:50 AM
Driving Under the Influence–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:04 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2100 block Vine St, Hays; 10:42 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:41 AM
Welfare Check–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:52 AM
Animal At Large–100 block E 7th St, Hays; 11:12 AM
Welfare Check–Hays; 11:52 AM
Civil Dispute–2200 block Wheatland Ave, Hays; 11:48 AM
Theft (general)–400 block E 8th St, Hays; 11/16
Disturbance – General–2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 1:20 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:26 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:51 PM
Welfare Check–600 block E 8th St, Hays; 4:15 PM
Found/Lost Property–4400 block Vista Dr, Hays; 5:03 PM
Civil Dispute–200 block E 4th St, Hays; 6:09 PM
Found/Lost Property–1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 6:17 PM
Welfare Check–500 block E 17th St, Hays; 7 PM
Found/Lost Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7 PM; 8:25 PM
Welfare Check–1600 block Oakmont St, Hays; 10:23 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–500 block E 6th St, Hays; 12/12 4:30 PM; 12/13 7:30 AM

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Thu., Dec. 14, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Traffic/Driving Complaint–2000 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 8:02 AM
Welfare Check–2000 block Patio Dr, Hays; 9:47 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block Main St, Hays; 10:29 AM
Disturbance – General–200 block Ash St, Hays; 10:34 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–300 block E 12th St, Hays; 10:47 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block E 16th St, Hays; 11:09 AM; 11:10 AM
Credit Card Violations–Hays; 12:30 PM
Animal At Large–1500 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 1:12 PM
Suspicious Activity–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:33 PM
Theft (general)–300 block E 21st St, Hays; 12/13 10 AM; 12/14 1:48 PM
Animal At Large–2500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 3:45 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2100 block Hall St, Hays; 3:57 PM
Drug Offenses–1900 block Whittier Rd, Hays; 4:40 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–2400 block Main St, Hays; 4:53 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–1100 block General Custer Rd, Hays; 5:18 PM

kbyw-november16

Truck rolls after driver falls asleep in Rush County

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RUSH COUNTY — A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 10:30 a.m. Friday in Rush County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Isuzu truck driven by Tate Nowell Bartlett, 23, Dodge City, Vehicle one was east bound on X road fourteen miles west of Great Bend.

The driver fell asleep. The truck went to the right edge of the road. The driver over corrected and the truck rolled into the north ditch.

Bartlett was transported to the hospital in Great Bend. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

First woman joins crowded 2018 race for Kansas governor

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State Sen. Laura Kelly -photo- KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The first woman to enter the 2018 governor’s race in Kansas joins a crowded field of men seeking to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

Democratic State Sen. Laura Kelly becomes the 22nd candidate to launch a campaign or appoint a treasurer. Twelve Republicans, seven Democrats and three independents are in the race.

The 67-year-old has served in the Senate since 2005.

Kelly is the top Democrat on the Senate Ways and Means Committee and is highly visible in budget and tax debates. She is a leading critic of the Brownback administration, including its oversight of the state’s foster care system and Medicaid programs and a proposal from the state Department of Corrections for a private company to build a new prison in Lansing.

Sen. Moran to speak at Wreaths Across America Sat. in WaKeeney

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WAKEENEY – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced that he will speak at the Wreaths Across America Ceremony in WaKeeney on Saturday, December 16.

Following remarks, Sen. Moran and participants will lay wreaths on graves at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery. The national wreath-laying event will take place at thousands of cemetery locations worldwide and each of the four state veteran cemeteries in Kansas – Fort Dodge, Fort Riley, WaKeeney and Winfield.

The 12th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney, 403 S. 13th, will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m.

The specially-made wreaths for Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA veterans will be placed during the ceremony.

Family members have the opportunity following the ceremony to place a wreath on their loved one’s grave. If family members are unable to attend, the American Legion Riders and other volunteers will place the wreaths on those graves.

For more information, call Cemetery Manager Heidi Goff at (785) 743-5685.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of Worcester Wreath Company, Harrington, Maine, donating wreaths to adorn the headstones of the nation’s veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to wreaths destined for Virginia, Worcester Wreath will again donate seven ceremonial wreaths to more than 1,200 local, state, national and foreign cemeteries.

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