KC Wolf will be at Gross Memorial Coliseum for the Fort Hays State University basketball games on Thursday against Missouri Western. The women’s game starts at 5:30 p.m. with the men’s game to follow.
KC Wolf will be out amongst the crowd during the second half of the women’s game through halftime of the men’s game taking pictures, giving high five’s, shaking his belly, and handing out signed pictures of himself. One lucky fan will even get to come out on the court and shoot free-throws against the Kansas City Chiefs mascot at halftime of the men’s game.
For those unfamiliar with the lone NFL mascot in the Mascot Hall of Fame, here are a few facts about KC Wolf as listed on chiefs.com:
Title: Mascot “Director of Shenanigans”
Birthday:- August 20th, 1989
Height: 7’2″
Weight: None of your business 🙂
Shoe Size: 22
Home: Basement of Arrowhead
Favorite Cologne: FurBreeze
Favorite Book: Little Red Riding Hood
Favorite Colors: Red and Gold
Favorite Movie: Dances with Wolves
Favorite Song: Hungry Like the Wolf
Favorite Quote: “Laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper. It won’t change anything permanently, but it will sure make things more bearable for a while.”
President Trump and Senator Dole at Wednesday’s ceremony
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole is getting Congress’ highest civilian honor on Wednesday.
The Kansas Republican, a decorated World War II veteran and his party’s 1996 presidential candidate, will receive the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. President Donald Trump will present the award.
Some of the award’s 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Also expected to attend are Dole’s wife, former North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole and his daughter, Robin.
Dole, 94, was known as one of his party’s best dealmakers, a distinction Trump has given himself, as well. But Trump and the Republican-led Congress are currently mired in a pitched budget battle that could end in a government shutdown at the end of the week if not resolved.
Dole supported Trump for president, and Trump signed the honor in September and is expected to speak at the event.
Trump’s campaign says the president has known Dole for years and especially admires Dole’s support for veterans. Dole was grievously wounded in World War II and has helped craft legislation such as the Americans With Disabilities Act.
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WASHINGTON –  The Gold Medal Ceremony honoring former Kansas Senator Bob Dole is scheduled for 2p.m.CDT Wednesday in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol  in Washington.
In September, President Trump signed the legislation introduced by Kansas Senator Pat Roberts. The President and Vice President are scheduled to attend Wednesday’s ceremony.
“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of one of our nation’s highest honors than Bob Dole,” said Senator Roberts. “Bob is a true American hero who has dedicated his life to serving our nation and the great state of Kansas. The swift passage and overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress is a true testament to the gratitude of Senator Dole’s service. I am so proud that the House and Senate were able to come together to give Senator Dole the recognition he deserves. Thank you to Rep. Jenkins for her work in the House, and I look forward to him receiving this honor.”
“This is a much overdue honor that could not have been accomplished without the great work of Senator Roberts and our entire Kansas Congressional delegation,” said Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins. “Senator Dole has spent his life serving the state of Kansas and our country – helping veterans and combatting child hunger and poverty. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a Congressional Gold Medal than the Senator. I am pleased the President quickly approved this legislation, and I look forward to the presentation of this elite award in the near future.”
The Bob Dole Congressional Gold Medal Act, was introduced on July 24, 2017. It passed the Senate on August 3, 2017, with every single U.S. Senator cosponsoring the legislation. It passed the House on September 5, 2017. Video of Sen. Roberts speaking on the bill following Senate passage is available here, and video of Rep. Jenkins speaking on the bill following House passage is available here.
The signature of the legislation confirms that Sen. Dole will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in “recognition for his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator and statesman.” It is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. It is the most distinguished honor and the highest civilian honor given by the Congress.
Every member of the Kansas delegation is an original cosponsor, including: U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Reps. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Kevin Yoder (R-Kan.) and Ron Estes (R-Kan.).
In addition to every senator cosponsoring the bill, a bipartisan group of Senator Dole’s former colleagues who remain in the Senate signed on to the legislation as original cosponsors. They include: Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Patty Murray (Wash.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.).
SEWARD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 480 school district officials are investigating an alleged threat against schools in Liberal and have made an arrest.
On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, Liberal Police Department investigators arrested a thirteen-year-old male for aggravated criminal threat. He was taken into custody without incident, according to Liberal Police Captain Pat McClurg.
Through further investigation, it was determined that the suspect did not have the means to carry out the violent act.
On Monday, USD 480 officials notified the Liberal Police Department of a potential threat to the Liberal High School, Eisenhower Middle School and Seymour Rogers Middle School communicated to some students through social media, according to McClurg.
The threats were communicated with the anonymous messaging app “SARAHAH” linked to students’ Snapchat accounts. While the source of the threat has been identified, investigators have found several copycat messages. Parents are encouraged to be vigilant with regard to their children’s online activities and access to social media.
The teen is being detained at the Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center pending formal charges.
HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating seven individual in connection with drug activity at Newton High School.
On Wednesday, the Newton Police department arrested five juveniles and two adults as part of a Harvey County Drug Task Force investigation into drug activity at the school, according to a media release.
One other suspect in the case was already in custody on other charges. Two additional arrest warrants are still outstanding, and police are seeking those individuals.
The individuals, all of whom attend NHS or have recently withdrawn, were arrested on charges of selling marijuana, Xanax, oxycodone and hydrocodone.
The arrests are the culmination of a two-month investigation by the Newton Police Department and Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with USD 373 officials. Five of the arrests were made at NHS and two were made elsewhere in the city.
During the course of the investigation, police seized 74.5 grams of marijuana and 97 dosage units of prescription drugs. None of the cases involved weapons, and the investigations did not present a danger to students or staff.
Also as part of Wednesday’s arrests, several K-9 teams from throughout the state assisted in conducting free air sniffs in the parking lot and locker areas. One K-9 drug indication in the parking lot was investigated, but no arrests were made.
SANTA FE — The National Transportation Safety Board continues their investigation of  the crash of a small plane on a flight from Kansas to New Mexico.
The fixed wing-single engine aircraft was unable to maintain altitude due to icing and crashed in a field approximately four miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to Lynn Lunsford with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Officials said the pilot called a regional emergency communications center about 8 p.m. Monday to report the crash.
First responders found the crash site just after 3a.m. Tuesday, according to Lunsford.
The pilot was transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, according to Sheriff Robert Garcia
The pilot remains hospitalized. Garcia said they had not released the pilot’s name because they had not contacted the pilot’s relatives. The aircraft is registered to Cloud Catcher Properties in Klamath Falls, Oregon, according to the FAA.
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SANTA FE — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash of a small plane on a flight form Kansas to New Mexico. The pilot was hospitalized in critical condition.
Santa Fe Sheriff’s officials say the pilot called a regional emergency communications center about 8 p.m. Monday to report the crash.
UPDATE: Plane was located. Pilot was conscious and transported by EMS for medical treatment with unknown injuries. FAA enroute to investigate the cause of the crash. No additional information is available at this time. https://t.co/4sRqjLfQGE
The man provided coordinates directing emergency personnel east of the Rancho San Marcos subdivision off State Road 14.
Sheriff’s deputies say the man was found at the crash site and complained of leg, back and arm injuries.
He told authorities he was flying from Kansas to Santa Fe and his single-engine aircraft iced up and lost lift as he flew through a storm toward the Santa Fe Airport.
The New Mexico State Police have not responded to a request for the pilot’s name.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Catholic university in Wichita canceled an exhibit that featured LGBTQ Kansans who have made contributions in art.
The exhibit, “Rainbow in Reverse: Queer Kansas History,” was scheduled to open next week at Newman University.
During the weekend, an email from Jean Heimann, a Wichita Catholic writer and speaker, was circulated to religious groups. It encouraged those concerned about the exhibit to contact Newman and diocese officials. The email asked why students should be exposed to “evil” and encouraged to learn more about a “sickness” in society.
Newman Provost Kimberly McDowall Long said in a statement Tuesday the exhibit was canceled because of confusion over its content and purpose.
The artist, Genevieve Waller, says she hopes a different venue can be found in Wichita.
MasonBy Dr. TISA MASON Fort Hays State University president
“There is no place like home” is the phrase I spoke from my heart as I was announced as the 10th president of Fort Hays State University. The phrase clearly signifies that I have a strong affinity for Fort Hays State University and the community. A home isn’t just a place where you live. It is where the heart dwells. It is a place where we feel our best. It is a safe place – a place I feel free to be myself; to live and lead authentically.
Home is also about relationships with the people who create an atmosphere of being part of something truly wonderful – people I trust and know to be valued colleagues who care deeply about students and serve with a spirit of positive restlessness, people who are always evolving and innovating in ways that matter.
FHSU encompasses a leadership team which has synergy and vision, faculty who thrive on excellence and engagement with students and staff who are committed to removing barriers to student success and celebrating their students’ personal transformation. I love the fact that FHSU so clearly focuses on students. As a first-generation student myself, the learner-centered approach is very important to me.
I have been impressed by the progress that has occurred over the past three years. The campus continues to be beautifully maintained through the care of our facilities staff and community. The facility improvements, upgrades and new buildings are truly remarkable. The university remains fiscally strong, healthy and well-respected. Affordability continues to serve as the institution’s magnetic north, creating access and success for diverse learners and ultimately, engaged citizens. This is important to me as I believe our lives are measured by the people we have helped and the stewardship in which we have invested.
The generosity of the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends is truly remarkable. I am so amazed by the success of the Journey Campaign, a $100 million, five-year, comprehensive campaign designed to advance the university by enhancing scholarships, academic programs, athletics and student life. It is incredible to learn that we received over 11,000 gifts this past year! I love the tag line we use – Every Gift Matters – because it is so true. Every gift does matter just as every student matters and every person matters. A successful university takes all of us working together – and from my perspective, working together is our way forward.
The presidential profile described Fort Hays State as a “distinctive university that follows its own path rather than modeling another institution.” I smiled when I read that statement, because I remember how invigorating and yet a bit scary that sense of progress was when I first joined the university as the vice president for student affairs in 2008. I recall being in leadership meetings as the new vice president, listening intently and wondering if I could think big enough to keep up with this university. In the end, that challenge motivated me to always be learning and listening so I could be even more forward thinking!
Other institutional characteristics featured in the profile included a culture of hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up work ethic, characterized by competent students, faculty and staff who are committed to high quality, creative innovation and efficiency in all endeavors; faculty who are collegial and personally invested in the institution and community, know their students by name, and create environments where they can have a positive impact on the lives of students; and an institutional culture described as “we can get it done.”
I smiled as I read these descriptors because for me, they were not just marketing words on a brochure but the true essence of the people and place I have always admired and loved. I knew from six and a half years of firsthand experience that these words are lived every day at FHSU and that the university is an amazing collection of people who make a distinct difference for our students and our community. Who wouldn’t want to be part of an institution that consistently exceeds expectations, dreams big, delivers on the promise of student success and stands together?
My husband, Bill, and I are very grateful for the enthusiastic homecoming we have received from both the campus and the community. What a joy to be back home and part of such a caring community that consistently demonstrates a genuine appreciation and love for the university. Thank you to everyone who has extended a warm greeting. We look forward to seeing you around town and learning your stories of home and heart.
For, after all, home is where the heart is, and there is no place like home!
Dr. Tisa Mason is the 10th president of Fort Hays State University.
Jonathan James Marr, 24, of Colby, died Sunday, January 14, 2018. He was born June 30, 1993, in Louisville, CO, to Donald and Margaret (Hale) Marr. Growing up, Jonathan had been active in FFA and 4-H, where he especially enjoyed and excelled in shooting sports. He also had a talent for welding and pursued a college degree in it. Jonathan worked as a welder, in the millwright department, for Woofter Construction & Irrigation of Colby.
He is survived by his parents, of Yuma, CO; brother Robby Marr, of Cimarron, KS; grandmother, Mary Lewis, of Yuma, CO and numerous other relatives.
Cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will take place at a later time. Memorials may be sent to the Colorado 4H Foundation/Jonathan Marr Memorial, Attention Sam Lowry, 3 University Square, 4040 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-4040. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
Rubina Dinkel, 95, of Oakley, died Thursday, January 11, 2018 at the Logan County Manor, Oakley. She was born on October 4, 1922, one of thirteen children, to Joseph and Magdelene (Windholz) Scheck, on a farm north of Victoria, in Ellis County, KS. She attended grade school at Walker, KS until 4th grade and then transferred to Victoria. She later went on to receive her GED and became one of the first “Paras” in the Oakley school system.
Rubina married Ralph Dinkel on January 21, 1947, in Victoria, KS. He preceded her in death on October 18, 2008. To this union four sons were born. After moving to Oakley, in 1962, Rubina became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Altar Society, Daughters of Isabella, VFW Auxiliary, Garden Club and Busy Hands Quilters. Her favorite pastimes were gardening and quilting.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ralph; sisters, Bertha (Rich) Denning, Mary (Harold) Weigel, Leona Scheck and Katie Scheck; brothers, Pete (Evelyn), Seraphine, Vic (Toots), Melvin and Gilbert.
She is survived by her children, David (Linda), Olathe, KS, Richard (Jan), Hays, KS, Larry (Dina), Oakley, KS and Lenny (Chris), Hays, KS; sister, Lena Meder, Victoria, KS; brothers, Edwin Scheck, Russell, KS and Linus (Pat) Scheck, Macksville, KS; sisters in law, Arnita Scheck, Victoria, KS, Maxine Scheck, Russell, KS and Jude Scheck, Hays, KS; 5 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren and 5 step great-great grandchildren.
Cremation was chosen. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley; with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Mass is 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, followed by burial at 1:30 p.m. at Kansas Veterans Cemetery, Wakeeney. Memorials are suggested to the Logan County Manor, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
Oliver Krannawitter passed away at the Salina Medical Center at the age of 69. He was born in Hoxie, Kansas to the late Al and Isabelle (Berens) Krannawitter on November 12, 1948. Oliver was born into a large loving family and sixth of ten children. Oliver attended the Hoxie Grade and High School and graduated with the class of 1966. He went on to attend college and earned a Master’s Degree from Fort Hays State University. Oliver was a farmer and taught school first in the Grinnell School District and then in the Hoxie School District from1986 until he retired from education in 2003. He never retired from farming.
He married Mary Ellen (Wachendorfer) Bruggeman on November 30, 1991 in Hoxie, Kansas. As Oliver recently said, “Mary, we’ve had twenty-six good years and a good life”. They traveled and enjoyed taking their family to Las Vegas and many other places over the years.
Oliver was a member of the Hoxie Elks, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Oliver was a big old softy who shared his love of life with everyone he knew. He was also a rough old farmer with calloused hands and the heart of a college wrestler. He had a way of making everyone feel special. As a teacher, he was a champion of the underdog, someone who made you believe in yourself and was an inspirational and great mentor. Oliver greeted people like they mattered, hugged them, then went home to post on Facebook about how much he had enjoyed running into them. His shop, walls covered with pictures of family and friends, was a place of laughter and a listening ear. He had a gift for helping you sort through life and move forward through the tough times. His family and his grandchildren were the sparkle in his eye. A rare man, his light will continue to shine through all the lives he touched.
Oliver is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; his daughter, Eva Gavin and husband Brian of Overland Park, Kansas; step-daughters, Jessica Alles and husband Brandon of Olathe, Kansas, and Cindy Pfeifer and husband Keith of Hays, Kansas; step-son, Bryan Bruggeman and wife Michelle of Shawnee, Kansas, sisters, Joann Mosier and husband Larry of Sargent, Nebraska, Donna Mae Giersch and husband Marvin of Durango, Colorado, Eloise Sramek and husband Jim of Banner Elk, North Carolina, Ruth Meier and husband Gary of Hoxie, Kansas, Dorthea Mauck and husband Rex of Longwood, Florida, and Mary Lou Krannawitter of Dallas, Texas; brothers, Arthur “Art” Krannawitter and wife Cheri of San Francisco, California, Kenneth “Ken” Krannawitter and wife Paulette of Russell, Kansas, and Richard Krannawitter and wife Shelia of Colby, Kansas, and thirteen grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Isabelle Krannnawitter.
A Funeral Service is planned for Friday, January 19, 2018, at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church of Hoxie with burial to follow in the St Frances Cabrini Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 10:30 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial to the Hoxie Grade School Playground Fund.
A quote described Oliver’s philosophy of life. He thought life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved and beautiful body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly saying “Wow! What a Ride!”
Hays, Kansas – Michael L. Jones, age 67, died Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.
He was born August 2,1950, at Lamar, Colorado to Walter and Twila (Barrel) Jones. He married Kathren La Jean (Cavzos) on December 18, 1972 in Norton, Kansas.
He was an elevator manager for Garvey Grain at Norton for 12 years. He was a 1969 graduate of Norton High School and moved to Hays in 1992. He received a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts and Photography. He enjoyed his photography, his family and grandchildren.
Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]
