March 2018 – Page 28 – Hays Post Archive

1 hospitalized after vehicle overturns on I-70

Posted on March 20, 2018March 21, 2018

TREGO COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Mazda passenger vehicle driven by Mariah N. Plutt, 23, Colorado Springs, CO., was eastbound on Interstate 70 four miles west of Ellis passing a semi.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It struck the left rear corner of the semi and over turned in the middle of the eastbound lanes.

Plutt was transported to Hays Medical Center. The semi driver and a passenger from Canada were not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas sheriff’s K9 makes 7th drug arrest

Posted on March 20, 2018March 20, 2018

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 2p.m. Monday, detectives with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office noticed two suspicious pickup trucks driving down a private lease road in the 100 block of North Washington north of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Detectives were able to make contact with three occupants in one of the pick-up trucks and observed them to be acting in a suspicious manner.

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit was called to assist. Sheriff’s Deputy K9 “Kia” performed a sniff on the truck. K9 “Kia” indicated on the truck and drugs were seized including, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Krystal Halseth age 21, Alex Delgadillo age 18 and Ismael Dominguez III age 19 all of Great Bend, were arrested at the scene and transported to the Barton County Jail.

This marks the seventh arrest made by K9 “Kia” since he transferred from the Great Bend Police Department to the Sheriff’s Office on March 10.

Kia has “made” several cases for the Sheriff’s Office as well as assisted the Great Bend Police Department when their K9 is not available, according to Bellendir.

16-year-old jailed for carjacking at Kan. church

Posted on March 20, 2018March 20, 2018

SEDGWICK COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a carjacking and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 10p.m. on Monday, police responded to a carjacking call at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the 2300 Block of North Market in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 23-year-old man at the scene told police that as he got into his vehicle, an unknown suspect wearing a bandana over his face and armed with a handgun approached him. The suspect demanded property and car keys from the victim. The suspect took the victim’s wallet and drove away in the victim’s Suzuki SK4.

Approximately 15 minutes later, police located the car near the intersection of 15th and Main, according to Davidson. Police stopped the car and arrested a 16-year-old. He was booked into the juvenile detention facility for aggravated robbery and as an active runaway.

Kansas man subject of arson fire investigation

Posted on March 20, 2018March 20, 2018

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Authorities are investigating a string of arson fires in southeast Kansas.

Just after 11 pm. March 15, Galena Police Officers received a call reporting a large amount of fires on North Main near Clark Street. As officers arrived they witnessed a man running away from the reported location of the fires, according to a media release.

Officers detained and later transported the suspect identified as Ronny R. Piercefield, 38, Galena, to the Cherokee County Jail on requested charges of arson.

He was later released on $5000.00 Bond.

The Kansas State Fire Marshalls Offices has been contacted to help investigate the fires and to try and determine if they are related to as many as 12 other fires in the area since mid-February.

The others include fires at vacant homes, the burning of railroad ties and the burning of a boxing gym, according to police.

David Renner

Posted on March 20, 2018

Longtime Wallace, Kansas, resident David Renner, 74, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 17, 2018 at his home in rural Logan County.

He was born Sept. 3, 1943 in Colby, Kansas, son of James “Floyd” and Elnora (Moos) Renner. He grew up in Cheyenne County Colorado, attending Smokey Angle Country School, Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School and one year at Cheyenne County High School.

He served his country in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1965 as a shipfitter metalsmith aboard the USS Oriskany Aircraft Carrier. During his service, David constructed a platform that President John F. Kennedy stood on to deliver a speech while aboard the ship.

On May 13, 1967, he married Virginia Teichmer at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wallace and together they had three sons. During their marriage they lived in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, Shickley, Nebraska, then moved to the Teichmer family farm in Kansas in 1974. He worked at Cornhusker Hog Farm and owned a bar and grill, Everybody’s Place, while living in Nebraska. After moving to Kansas, he owned Renner Construction and farmed and ranched. He was a member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs, Kansas.

A highlight of his life was riding horseback at the age of 16 from Cheyenne Wells, Colorado to Cheyenne Wyoming, round-trip, with his brother Larry and friends Nick and Adrian Mousel. The trip lasted 90 days during which the boys rode down Colorado Blvd in Denver, resulting in a law that horseback riding be banned in downtown Denver. David will be remembered fondly as an animated storyteller, an avid card and game player, seven-iron golfer, inventor who held two patents, chief political commentator, a loving husband, hands-on father and grandfather and good friend and neighbor. David didn’t know a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He taught his children and grandchildren honesty, hard work and how to have fun.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Jim Renner, brother-in-law Paul Galli, brother-in-law Donnie Teichmer and granddaughter Kalee Renner. Surviving family includes his wife Virginia, son Jeff (Nancy) of Dodge City, Kansas; son Gene (Angi) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; son Joe (Michelle) of Oakley, Kansas; seven grandchildren Jacob Renner Clark, Nathan Renner, Ryan Renner, Alison Renner, Payton Renner, Jada Renner and Levi Renner; and two great-grandchildren Max and Berkeley Clark; brothers Larry, Murry (Carol), Roger (Hope); sisters Rosie Galli and Netty Eastlake (Sparky), sister-in-law Fern Renner, brother-in-law Walt Teichmer and many other family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. MT on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs, with Father Norbert Dlabal and Father Andrew Rockers officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Wallace Cemetery, Wallace, Kansas.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. MT Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs. A Vigil and Rosary Service will begin at 7 p.m. MT at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are designated to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, Kansas.

Ryan William Struss

Posted on March 20, 2018

Ryan William Struss, age 35, of WaKeeney, passed on to Heaven Thursday, March 1, 2018 in WaKeeney. He was born May 8, 1982 to Laura and Kevin Struss. He was delivered by Dr. James J. Hamilton at the Trego County Hospital, WaKeeney.

Ryan cherished his family. He loved farming, especially in John Deere tractors. He always said farming was his dream. He had many friends and was always known for his stories of the fun times he had at Cedar Bluff Lake, at Chuck’s Bar, and the Rose with his friends. When he entered a room, you could count on him having a smile on his face, while whistling a tune. Ryan loved “Sonny Boy” the family’s Shitzu dog; he spoiled him like no other. Ryan was a great friend, son, brother, cousin, and uncle to many. He will always be remembered for his giving nature and stubborn stature. Joking with everyone was a staple in his life; there was never a dull moment with Ryan!

Left to mourn his passing are his parents, Kevin Struss and fiancé Kellie Acker and Laura and husband Charlie Crook; sister, Jodi and husband Ron Desair; step brothers, Chuck (Lexi) Crook and Spencer Harvey. Ryan also had a lot of surviving extended family that will miss him dearly, including nieces, Addison Desair, Ayla Werth, and Whitney Desair; nephews, Connor and Brendan Karnes, Treygan Desair, and Charles E. Crook V; aunts, Carol Cavell, Marguirite McFarling, Sherry Cook, Krista Dietz, and Cindy Dietz; uncles, Richard Cook, Jim Dietz, Mike Cavell, and Ron McFarling; first cousins, Tate, Miles, Amy, Bridget, Hayden, Carson, Tatum, and Skylar Cook, Megan McFarling, Elizabeth McFarling, Cody Sandlin and family, Clair and Austin Dietz, Derek Dietz and families, Terah and Eric Bursch and family, Myles and Mary Cavell and family, Anna Cattua and family, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Julia Struss; grandparents, Elmer and Armella Struss, and Ferd and Wanda Dietz; brother, Kurt William Struss; and uncle, Ken Dietz.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney. Burial will take place at a later date.

There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ryan Struss Memorial Fund. Donations to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR WESTERN WEAR IF POSSIBLE TO HONOR RYAN.

Tiger women tabbed 9th in preseason USTFCCCA Coaches’ Poll

Posted on March 20, 2018March 21, 2018

NEW ORLEANS – With one outdoor meet behind them, the Fort Hays State women’s track and field team has been ranked in the No. 9 spot in the USTFCCCA Coaches’ Preseason Poll released Tuesday (March 20). The Tigers captured 83.50 points in the installment to earn the ranking.

FHSU’s 83.50 points were tabulated from the computer-based system within the poll. The Tigers are one of three MIAA programs to earn a nod in the preseason installment, alongside No. 15 Pittsburg State and No. 20 Emporia State.

Fort Hays State is coming off their first outdoor meet of the 2018 season after a strong showing at the Emporia State Spring Invite this past weekend. The Tigers ended the event with Madison Wolf leading the way with her automatic qualification mark in the javelin at 167 feet, 3 inches. This throw is the top in Division II and would rank eighth in Division I. Close behind is teammate Alexcia Deutscher who ranks No. 2 in Division II with her distance of 157 feet, 9 inches. This mark was good for a provisional for Deutscher. Rohey Singateh also claimed a provisional in the long jump with her length of 19 feet, 2 ¾ inches.

The Tigers are back in action on March 30 when they host the Alex Francis Classic in Hays.

Below are the latest USTFCCCA rankings.

Rank Institution Points
1 SF State 199.72
2 Angelo State 155.66
3 Fresno Pacific 114.90
4 Chico State 95.71
5 Academy of Art 91.25
6 Concordia (Ore.) 90.59
7 UC San Diego 90.24
8 Central Washington 85.52
9 Fort Hays State 83.50
10 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 82.62
11 Cal State LA 82.54
12 Seattle Pacific 81.72
13 Edinboro 75.99
14 Saint Augustine’s 73.41
15 Pittsburg State 72.65
16 Cal State Stanislaus 69.20
17 Western Washington 64.94
18 Azusa Pacific 63.21
19 Point Loma Nazarene 61.20
20 Emporia State 59.50
21 Nova Southeastern 59.30
22 Harding 58.89
23 Saint Leo 58.86
24 Concordia (Calif.) 58.01
25 Alabama-Huntsville 57.84

Petitioners hope to end Salina’s pit bull ban, free dog

Posted on March 20, 2018March 20, 2018

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Petitioners are rallying to lift a ban on pit bulls in a north-central Kansas town.

The online petition calling for an end to Salina’s ban has more than 85,000 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon.

The petition was created by Joshua Allen, whose pit bull Lyha and her three puppies were taken by Salina Animal Services, a no-kill shelter. Allen also asks the city free Lyha and the puppies.

Photo courtesy the online petition -Free Lyha! Lift the Breed Ban in Salina, Kansas

Salina has banned possessing pit bulls within city limits since 2004. Owning one is a misdemeanor usually carrying a fine of up to $200.

Allen calls Lyla “a loving dog who has never shown any aggression ever.”

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has long opposed breed-specific legislation, saying there’s no evidence such laws increase safety.

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks teams for Bowl For Kids’ Sake

Posted on March 20, 2018

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 19th-annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake is right around the corner, and you can help BBBS change the game for Ellis County children.

Form a team of five or six individuals with your co-workers, family or friends, and work together to raise funds needed to match a child with a Big.

Celebrate with BBBS’ signature bowling party May 2 at Centennial Lanes. Session times will be at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

For more information about signing up a team, call 785-625-6672 or visit www.4kidsake.org/Ellis.

Academic Leadership Journal in Student Research reborn at Fort Hays State

Posted on March 20, 2018March 16, 2018

FHSU University Relations

The Academic Leadership Journal in Student Research has returned to Fort Hays State University after a two-year absence. FHSU’s Graduate School and Forsyth Library have joined to relaunch the journal.

The journal was first published under the guidance of Dr. Jerry Spotswood, assistant dean of the Graduate School until he left FHSU in 2016.

Dr. Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, dean of the Graduate School, and Deborah Ludwig, dean of Forsyth Library, began studying in the summer of 2017 the feasibility of restarting the journal, using the library’s FHSU Scholars Repository to administer the publishing process from submission through review and finally publishing, including hosting the content.

“Because both the FHSU Graduate School and Forsyth Library are hubs of knowledge discovery and creation, we feel the two are obvious partners for publishing a journal,” said Bonds-Raacke.

“Both departments are deeply involved in facilitating the growth and promotion of student research as well as sharing our expertise,” she said. “It is only natural that we would extend that commitment to student scholars around the world.”

Dr. Kim Chappell, assistant professor of advanced education programs, and Jennifer Sauer, coordinator of scholar services and electronic resources librarian at Forsyth Library, will be the editors.

“Faculty act as indispensable guides, mentors and research partners for students interested in pursuing research,” said Sauer. “Academic Leadership Journal in Research will provide student scholars with a credible venue for publishing the results of those efforts and with an introduction to the scholarly publishing process.”

The journal is an open access, peer reviewed international journal dedicated to the publication of student research (undergraduate and graduate) within all disciplines and of pedagogically based professional work that explores the intersection of student research with teaching and faculty research. It will be published annually.

The journal’s mission is to provide a forum for exceptional student research and to promote collaboration between students and teachers in the classroom, laboratory, and field.

The journal’s URL is https://scholars.fhsu.edu/aljsr.

Knights of Columbus to host fish fry

Posted on March 20, 2018

The Munjor Knights of Columbus Council will host a fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday March 23 at the parish hall in Munjor.

Bagged homemade noodles will also be available for purchase as well.

Car dealer sued in crash that injures Kan. police officer

Posted on March 20, 2018March 20, 2018

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The family of a Wichita police officer who was run over by a suspect in a stolen SUV is suing the car lot that owned the SUV.

Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay traveled to visit Arterburn in August 2017

The lawsuit filed Monday contends Eddy’s Chevrolet Cadillac lot failed to report that the SUV had been stolen almost two months before Brian Arterburn was critically injured in February 2017. Arterburn was unconscious for several days and underwent multiple surgeries.

The suit says Arterburn now requires around-the-clock professional care. It seeks more than $75,000 in damages.

The driver charged with running over Arterburn while fleeing from police is scheduled to go on trial in August. The Eagle reports that Eddy’s didn’t immediately comment on the case.

County approves agreement to bring nurse practioner to health department

Posted on March 20, 2018

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission Monday night signed an agreement that would allow the hiring of a nurse practitioner at the Ellis County Health Department.

Barbara Wasinger, Ellis County Commissioner

Commission chairperson Barbara Wasinger said the nurse practitioner will help fill health care needs for people who do not have a primary care physicians. She said during an interview Tuesday morning on the KAYS Morning Show she envisions the nurse practitioner doing screenings and then referring patients to doctors in the community when necessary.

“We are not a primary care facility,” Wasinger said Monday night. “We are a referral site, and we are trying to catch people who are falling through the cracks.”

Wasinger said the health department has seen a gap in women’s health, especially preventive care, such as PAP smears.

The health department will be able to offer school and sports physicals under the nurse practitioner. Wasinger said getting into a physician for these exams can be difficult and costly.

The agreement stipulates the health department’s nurse practitioner will be overseen by Dr. Lynn Fisher of First Care Clinic. Wasinger said she was pleased to see this type of collaboration happening in the community.

The cost for the nurse practitioner visits has not yet been set. However, Wasinger said the health department has never been a for-profit entity. The county is mainly trying to obtain some cost recovery for services. County administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes said grants may be available to offset some of the cost of the nurse practitioner’s services.

The contract with the nurse practitioner, Maren Moody, is set to start April 23, the first day the new health department office will be open at 2507 Canterbury.

Smith-Hanes said the renovation of the building is on schedule. A grand opening for the new building is set for May 10.

Wasinger also noted at the meeting Monday Ellis County is ranked the ninth county in the nation for health outcomes, a piece of information that was recently announced at county health assessment town hall.

The commission also approved the purchase of a Chevy Tahoe from Hays Chevrolet for the EMS Department at a cost of $39,954. The commission decided to accept an in-county bid over the low bidder from Great Bend. Commissioner Marcy McClelland said the move will keep tax dollars in Ellis County and the county will be able to service the vehicle locally. The difference in the two bids was $978, a 2.5 percent difference.

Marcy McClelland, Ellis County Commissioner

“These taxpayers dollars should be kept in Ellis County,” McClelland said.

Linda Beech, family consumer science extension agent, announced her retirement Monday night after 39 years as an extension agent. Her last day will be May 31, and a retirement reception will be from 4 to 6 p.m. May 18 in commission chambers.

The commission approved payment of the 2018 CIC Peopleware annual maintenance agreement in the amount of $60,710.

County counselor Bill Jeter announced Ellis County will have a tax lien sale and plans to make the sales annual from now on.