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Month: January 2018

Larry G. Herber

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Larry G. Herber passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at his home near Dorrance, Kansas at the age of 79. He was born on the family farm in Russell County, near Dorrance, on June 11, 1938 to the late Chester and Ethel (Washburn) Herber. He grew up in Russell County and graduated from Dorrance High School with the Class of 1956. He served in the United States Army from 1957-1959 and was stationed in Germany. Following an honorable discharge, he went on to attain an associate’s degree from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

On May 30, 1964, while attending college in Tulsa, he met and married JoAnne Howard, whom he described as “the love of my life.” After graduation they moved to Wichita, Kansas where Larry worked for Boeing until 1972 when he returned to Russell County and began cattle ranching and farming with his brother Gary. Later he began driving a truck, a job he thoroughly loved, and logged over 1 million miles hauling trailers, from coast to coast and border to border for King of the Road of Russell. He enjoyed hunting and shooting trap and was a Champion shooter in 1988 at the Kansas Trapshooting Association’s annual State Shoot. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Dorrance, American Legion in Dorrance, and the VFW in Russell.

Larry is survived by his brother Gary Herber and wife Carolyn of Dorrance; nephews Tim Herber and wife Christi of Dorrance, Jim Herber and wife Julie of Newport News, VA, Jamie Herber and wife Jamie of Dorrance; and great-nieces/nephews Jordyn, Emily, Allison, Ethan, Rachel, and Camden.

He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Ethel Herber, and his wife JoAnne Herber.

Larry was a man who loved life and adventure and was always willing to take on a new challenge. He was always willing to help a friend or neighbor in need, and lived every day of his life being a good steward of the land and all of the blessings of God in his life. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.

The family is hosting a time of visitation and celebration from 1:00-5:00pm on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the American Legion in Dorrance. A private family inurnment will take place on Friday.

Rosetta Ann ‘Rosie’ Bussen

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Rosetta Ann “Rosie” Bussen, 72, Hays, died Thursday, January 18, 2018 at her home.

She was born December 1, 1945 in Denver, Colorado the daughter of Albinus and Albina (Rohr) Befort. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Denver, from North Central Kansas Technical College with a degree in business, and from Hays Academy of Hair Design. She was united in marriage to James Edward Palcher in 1968 and later married Melvin Beckner on March 4, 1974 in Denver. He preceded her in death in 1998. She then married Edward Murray Bussen. She worked for Travenol, Hays Pathology Lab, and was a licensed cosmetologist who taught at the Hays Academy of Hair Design, worked for Smart Styles in Hays, and owned her own beauty shop called Country Reflections in Munjor, Kansas. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the Altar Society Christian Mothers, both of Munjor. Her hobbies included listening to Conway Twitty, watching medical and mystery television programs, spending time with her grandchildren, and rooting for her beloved Denver Broncos.

Survivors include her husband, Edward Bussen of ElDorado, four daughters; Lee Ann Rankin, Sarah Beckner, January Meade and husband Hank, and Erin Beckner, all of Hays, three step-children; Nathan Bussen and wife Amelia of Plainville, Brandy Spresser and husband Devin of Selden, and Bradley Bussen of Great Bend, a brother; Richard Befort and wife Corky of Danville, Kansas, four sisters; Ethel Brouillette and husband Larry of Hastings, NE, Carolyn Pritchard of Indianapolis, Indiana, Norma Cornell and husband Michael of Concord, CA, and Jeanette Engrow of Florida, eight grandchildren; Jade Rankin, Seth Rankin, Michael McCall, Hannah Meade, Alexander Meade, DeMarcus Aldridge, Harmony Beckner, and Malichi Beckner, three step-grandchildren; Lilly-ana Bussen, Avery Bussen, Milo Bussen, and Maggie Spresser, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Melvin, and by a step-daughter; Carmen Bussen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor with Fr. Jarett Konrade and Fr. Tom Brouillette officiating. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 10:00 on Thursday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. An Altar Society Christian Mothers rosary will be at 6:00 followed by a vigil service at 6:30, all on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City or to the Community Assistance Center in Hays, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Carl Alvan Larson

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Carl Alvan Larson, 73, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at the Russell Regional Hospital surrounded by his family.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to either the Russell Public Library or the Kansas University Cancer Center and sent in care of the mortuary.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Russell, Hoxie, Norcatur among recipients of CDBGs for improvements

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KDC

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that 32 communities will receive federal grants for a variety of community improvement projects, including sewer and water projects, housing rehabilitation and community facilities improvements. These communities will share a total of $12,927,726 in federal grants.

Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, 16 Kansas communities will share a total of $8,913,100 in federal grants for water and sewer projects, three Kansas communities will share $900,000 for housing rehabilitation and 13 communities will share $3,114,626 for community facility projects.

“We are excited to support so many deserving Kansas communities through CDBG grants,” said Interim Kansas Commerce Secretary Nick Jordan. “These federal grants help ensure our Kansas communities are kept beautiful, well-maintained and provide great places for Kansans to live, work, start businesses and raise their families.”

The CDBG program provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities and economic development needs. To be awarded funds, local government units must meet at least one of three program objectives:

  • The grant will benefit low and moderate-income persons
  • The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight
  • The grant will resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available to do so

The CDBG funds are one of the Department of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities.

The following communities have been awarded CDBG grants for water and sewer projects:

The City of Atlanta will receive $390,000 in CDBG funds to build a new water tower and replace various diameter waterlines throughout the city.  The city will provide matching funds it secured from USDA Rural Development in the amount of $769,069.

The City of Auburn will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to make improvements to its wastewater collection system.  The city will provide $1,749,850 in matching funds it secured through USDA Rural Development.

The City of Belleville is being awarded $600,000 in CDBG funds to replace waterlines of various diameters throughout the city. The city will provide $601,142 in matching funds.

The City of Burden will receive $307,100 in CDBG funds to make improvements to its wastewater treatment and collection system.   The city will provide $307,100 in matching funds through the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

The City of Emporia will make needed improvements to its wastewater collection system located in the downtown area through the use of a $700,000 CDBG grant.  The city will provide $735,000 in matching funds through the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

The City of Enterprise will improve its wastewater treatment system through a CDBG grant for $600,000.  The city will provide matching funds from USDA Rural Development in the amount of $588,670 and city cash of $18,000.

The City of Goessel will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to make improvements to its wastewater treatment and collection system.   The city will provide $2,127,580 in matching funds through USDA Rural Development.

The City of Hoisington will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to make improvements to its wastewater treatment and collection system.   The city will provide $543,910 in matching funds through the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

The City of Hope is being awarded $600,000 in CDBG funds to repaint the water tower, replace waterlines of various diameters and install new water meters throughout the city.  The city will provide matching funds through USDA Rural Development in the amount of $1,357,000.

The City of Hoxie will improve its wastewater treatment system through a CDBG grant for $600,000.  The city will provide matching funds from USDA Rural Development in the amount of $3,459,966.  The city will replace an existing lift station and construct a new treatment lagoon to augment the existing lagoons. 

The City of Kanopolis is being awarded $600,000 in CDBG funds to repaint the water tower and replace waterlines of various diameters throughout the city. The city will provide matching funds through USDA Rural Development in the amount of $1,399,035.

The City of Pomona will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to make improvements to its wastewater treatment and collection system. The city will provide $3,471,220 in matching funds through USDA Rural Development.

The City of Preston is being awarded $316,000 in CDBG funds to build a new standpipe and replace waterlines of various diameters throughout the city.  The city will provide matching funds through USDA Rural Development in the amount of $684,000.

The City of Pretty Prairie will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to construct a reverse osmosis water treatment plant and construct a new 50,000 gallon water tower.  The city will provide $1,817,600 in matching funds it secured from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

The City of Sedan will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to replace waterlines of various diameters throughout the city.  The city will provide matching funds through USDA Rural Development in the amount of $5,198,170.

The City of Waverly will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to replace waterlines of various diameters throughout the city. The city will provide $720,050 in matching funds it secured from the USDA Rural Development.

The following communities have been awarded CDBG grants for housing rehabilitation:

The City of Ellsworth has been awarded $300,000 in CDBG funds and pledged $23,250 in matching funds.  This grant will rehabilitate eight homes for owner-occupied and rental units and demolish five unoccupied dilapidated housing units.

The City of McPherson has been awarded a $300,000 grant to rehabilitate approximately 11 homes for low-to-moderate income families and demolish two unoccupied dilapidated housing units.  The CDBG funds will be matched with $82,500 in local funds.

The City of Sylvan Grove has been awarded a $300,000 grant to rehabilitate eight homes for owner-occupied and rental residents. This grant is matched with $16,000 in local funds.  Eight unoccupied dilapidated housing units will be demolished as well. 

The following communities have been awarded CDBG grants for community facilities projects:

Anderson County will receive $153,488 in CDBG grant funds to build a new fire station in Welda.  The county will contribute $153,488 county funds towards this project.

The City of Attica will make improvements to its electric system through a CDBG grant of $341,512.  The city will provide $341,513 in matching funds.

The City of Coffeyville will reconstruct portions of 10th Street with $330,000 in CDBG funds to which the city will provide $400,000 in matching funds.

The City of Copeland will receive $68,000 in CDBG funds to purchase and install new playground equipment.  The city’s recreation commission will provide $35,000 in matching funds.

Decatur County will reconstruct a bridge near the city of Jennings with a CDBG grant of $126,698 that will be matched with county funds of equal amount. 

The City of Junction City will receive a CDBG grant for $188,244 to install new playground equipment in a city park located on West 5th Street.  The Bramlage Family Foundation will contribute $138,244 while the city will provide $50,000 in city funds as local match.

The City of Linn will make stormwater drainage improvements using a $196,142 CDBG grant.  The city will also contribute $30,000 in cash and $166,143 USDA Rural Development loan.

The City of Norcatur will receive $108,981 in CDBG grant funds to build a new addition to an existing fire station in Norcatur.  The city will contribute $60,000 in cash towards this project. 

Phillips County will be awarded $146,089 in CDBG funds to reconstruct a bridge located on the east edge of the City of Long Island.  The county will contribute $141,688 in matching funds towards the project.

The City of Russell will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to improve portions of Lincoln and 15th streets.  The city will provide $722,825 in matching funds.

The City of Sterling will receive $471,700 in CDBG funds to reconstruct portions of 4thand Monroe Streets near the city grade school.  The city will contribute $350,000 in local cash towards this project.

The City of Tescott will make stormwater drainage improvements using a $76,792 CDBG grant.  The city will also contribute $76,793 in cash to bring this project to fruition.

The City of Winchester will receive $306,980 in CDBG funds to improve portions of 3rd Street, Poplar Street and 2nd Street.  The city will provide $221,320 in matching funds.

Hays, Stockton natives featured in Entrepreneur Direct series

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FHSU University Relations and Marketing

The Entrepreneur Direct Speaker Series at Fort Hays State University will host Jim Brull and John Tavlarios from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Eagle Communications Hall of the FHSU Robbins Center.

The event is free and open to the public.

Jim Brull is a managing partner and co-founder of Centroid, a company providing information technology consulting, managed services and cloud services for mid-market to enterprise accounts across the country. The company has won numerous awards and is distinguished as one of Oracle’s top 25 partners across North America. Brull is a native of Stockton and graduated from FHSU with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing in 1989.

John Tavlarios is the chief operating officer of Gener8 Maritime, Inc., which engages in transportation of international seaborne crude oil and petroleum products across the globe. Tavlarios previously worked as president and founder of Halcyon Trading Company, a consulting firm specializing in international business development with an emphasis on the international oil industry. Tavlarios’ wife, Linda Murphy Tavlarios, is a Hays native and a 1981 FHSU graduate.

Entrepreneur Direct, a speaker series presented by FHSU’s W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, features successful entrepreneurs in an informal setting accessible to students, faculty and the public. Since its creation in 2010, the program has featured a wide variety of entrepreneurs ranging from leaders at the end of their careers to young entrepreneurs just entering the business world.

🎥 City continues water conservation rebates in 2018

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The city of Hays is well-known as a leader in water conservation.

Part of the success in encouraging less water use is a combination of rebates available to water customers, both residential and commercial, encouraging installation of water-saving devices and appliances.

You can even get free low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.

Water Conservation Specialist for the city of Hays, Holly Dickman, explains the incentives and how to qualify for the rebate programs.

“The faucet aerators are free in the City Finance Office in city hall to Hays water customers. Just walk in and pick them up any time,” Dickman said

Showerheads are also available with the exchange of your old showerheads.

“There are seven models. Three are free and the other four are just five dollars. They’re very good quality showerheads. We think you’ll be pleased with the choices.”

The washing machine rebate is $100 on the purchase of a new high-efficiency (HE) washing machine.

“The qualifying models must have an integrated water factor of 3.7 or below. To find a list of models, go to the city of Hays website, www.haysusa.com, under the Water Conservation tab where you’ll find all the details.

“Another popular rebate program is for low-flow toilets. If you replace a high water-using toilet with a water-efficient toilet, it must have a gallon-per-flush of 1.28 or less. You can receive $50 to $150 back depending on how low that gallon-per-flush is.” More detailed information is also available on the city’s website.

The urinal rebate program is primarily for commercial customers, including businesses, offices, restaurants, schools and churches.

“You can get $300 back on the cost of a new efficient urinal with a gallon-per-flush rate of 0.13 or less.”

Customers can receive more than one toilet or urinal rebate.

“As long as you have the qualifying information and the qualifying models, it’s only limited by the funds available in that rebate program,” explained Dickman.

“The Turf Conversion Rebate Program will also be offered again in 2018,” she added, “with the details still to be finalized.”

All of the rebate forms have been newly updated and are available online along with information about each program.

If you have any questions, call Dickman at 785-628-7350.

 

Police identify teen who died in Kansas officer-involved shooting

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Law enforcement authorities on the scene of the weekend fatal shooting-photo by Grady Reid courtesy KCTV

JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend officer-involved shooting and have identified a teen who died.

On Saturday, police responded to the 9300 block of W.149th Terrace in Overland Park reference a welfare check of a reported suicidal person, according to a media release. As the responding officers approached the residence to make contact, the garage door opened and a vehicle exited the garage, moving rapidly toward one of the responding officers. The officer discharged his service weapon striking the driver. The driver later identified as 17-year-old John Albers died at the scene. 

The Johnson County Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Team (OISIT) in conducting the investigation. The officers were uninjured and the officer involved was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

Winter storm warning continues

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Today Snow, mainly before 10am. Widespread blowing snow, mainly before 7am. High near 37. Very windy, with a northwest wind 31 to 36 mph decreasing to 23 to 28 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Blustery, with a northwest wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph after midnight.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind 9 to 11 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18. West wind 6 to 9 mph.

WednesdaySunny, with a high near 53. Light and variable wind becoming south southwest 8 to 13 mph in the morning.

Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 24.

ThursdaySunny, with a high near 63.

Police chief issues alert for lug nut prank in Ellsworth

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ELLSWORTH COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating calls over the last few weeks regarding loose lug nuts found on vehicles in Ellsworth, according to Police Chief Emil Halfhill.

These vehicles belong to citizens both within the City limits of Ellsworth elsewhere.

There have also been reports of wheels coming off while the vehicles were driven. To date no injuries have been reported, however damage has occurred to the vehicles as a result.

So far about the only common theme on the vehicles involved have been, the owners are first responders (law enforcement, fire and EMS).

No City or County vehicles have been found with loose lug nuts but their personal vehicles or family member’s vehicles have been involved, according to Halfhill.

The Chief is urging anyone in Ellsworth to check the lug nuts on their vehicle. If you’re unable to personally check them have someone do it for you.

Halfhill also issued a message for those involved in loosening the lug nuts. “It may seem like a funny or minor thing to do. But when we find you, you can and will be charged with any damage caused by your mischievous behavior and also take note if anyone is injured as a result you will be charged with that as well.”

UPDATE: KDOT opens I-70 at WaKeeney

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The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened I-70 from WaKeeney to the Colorado border as of 12:30 CST. The following roads have also been reopened:

 

  • U.S. 40 from Oakley to the Colorado border
  • U.S. 83 from Scott City to Oakley
  • K-25 from U.S. 40 to Colby
  • K-27 from Sharon Springs to Goodland

For up-to-date information on road closures and road conditions, call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas, or check travel information online here.

Kansas woman sentenced for home-invasion attack

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Torres

RENO COUNTY— One of three people involved in the beating of a Hutchinson woman was sentenced Friday to four years in prison. 

Pleasure Torres, 35, Hutchinson was arrested with 19-year-old Demetrius Vansyckle and Melissa McGuire. Torres was charged with aggravated battery and aggravated assault.  All three are accused of beating a woman repeatedly after breaking into a home on West 14th Street in Hutchinson on June 6.

The sentence will run consecutively to a case from 2016 where she threatened her boyfriend with a knife after a domestic dispute. For that Sept. 26, 2016 incident she was given a 22-month sentence. The judge noted that she should be in a facility because of her mental illness, but ordered the sentence in prison served. Vansyckle and McGuire are both on community corrections for their part in the battery and burglary case.

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