Eric Norris, Hays, has been appointed the acting State Librarian.
OFFICE OF THE GOV.
TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer announced today the appointment of Eric W. Norris, of Hays, as Acting State Librarian replacing interim State Librarian Cindy Roupe.
After receiving a Bachelor’s in English from University of Kansas and a Masters in English from Fort Hays State, Mr. Norris served as a reporter and columnist for the Hays Daily News before starting as a librarian in 2005. He then went on to receive a Masters in Library Science before becoming the Director of the Hays Public Library, a position he held for six years.
“We are excited to add someone of Eric’s expertise to the team,” said Governor Colyer. “I look forward watching Eric exercise his leadership to strengthen the state’s libraries. I am confident that he will make an incredible impact in this new post.”
“I believe there are three skills necessary for a successful career in public librarianship: customer service, budgeting and planning, and leadership” said Norris. “I am thankful and excited for this new opportunity to serve the people of Kansas, and look forward to working with librarians and educators to lead and strengthen our profession.”
Mr. Norris is also a member of the Kansas Library Association and formerly served on the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), 109th House Dist.
Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House
March 9, 2018
Cybersecurity
Last session, the Government, Technology, and Security Committee was created to evaluate Cybersecurity making sure a system is in place to protect citizens and state government from dangerous attacks and breaches on personal and critical data. Kansas has not been immune from cyberattacks and release of personal information. This Committee advanced two measures to the House for debate.
Last Thursday, the House debated these two bills. The first one, House Bill 2332, amends stipulations of required meetings for the Information Technology Executive Council (ITEC). This was necessary to increase the effectiveness and attendance of the ITEC meetings.
House Bill 2359 creates the Kansas Cybersecurity Act. This bill creates the Kansas Information Security Office (KISO). The bill also spells out the Information Technology and Cybersecurity duties of Executive Branch agency heads.
The bill also creates the Cybersecurity State Fund, which is financed with an annual basic rate per employee for all government and non-government entities connecting to state network services.
Both bills passed on Monday, March 5 each with a 115-0 vote.
State Revenues
On Friday, March 1, the Kansas Legislative Research Department released the revenue numbers for monthly receipts in Fiscal Year 2018. With the February revenues included, the total State General Fund receipts are up $275 million from the November estimate. Individual income tax receipts are $269 million above the estimate. The Kansas Legislative Research Department cautions that, as with the previous two months, a large portion of the growth in individual income tax receipts above the forecast appears to have been driven by the recently enacted change in federal tax law. However, these numbers are enlightening, especially since we will be addressing the issue on K-12 Education finance, and other budgetary matters, later this month when we begin work on the budget bill.
More Bills In the House
On Wednesday, the House debate two bills regarding K-12 education. The first bill, House Bill 2757, reinstates due process rights for teachers in statute as it is currently for community and technical college employees. I voted “no” on this bill as I contend that the local school boards should be allowed to negotiate due process as has been the case since 2014. The bill did pass out of the House, 73-48, however the future of the bill is uncertain in the Senate.
House Bill 2758 would require that school districts adopt anti-bullying policies and procedures that would cover incidents of bullying, harassment, and/or cyber-bullying. I voted “yes” on House Bill 2758 and it passed with a vote of 120-1.
On Friday, the House debated Senate Bill 405 which would amend the current law regarding the number of animals permitted in a confined animal feeding facility. The bill also establishes the animal unit measurement calculation for chicken facilities that use a dry manure waste system and, if they do have this type of waste system, then they would need to obtain a federal permit if there are 125,000 or more broilers or 82,000 or more laying hens. This bill derived from the concerns and discussions of Tyson building a poultry facility in the state of Kansas. The bill advances on to final action on Monday, March 12.
Appropriations Committee
This week in the Appropriations Committee, we were busy in continuing the budget reports from the respective budget committees. Monday, we started the week with continuing discussion on the budget for the Kansas Department of Transportation. We then delved into the budgets for the Kansas Highway Patrol, Correctional Institutions, and Sentencing Commission.
We continued budget discussions on Tuesday, with the budgets of the state hospitals, namely Osawatomie and Larned State Hospitals, as there has been much needed attention regarding these two state institutions. Then on Wednesday and Thursday, we concluded the week’s discussion by deliberating the budgets of the Kansas Lottery, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Corporate Commission, and the Department of Commerce.
We also had two bill hearings this week. The first bill was on monetary transfers, which is Senate Bill 276. The second bill, House Bill 2582, is in regards to claims against the state of Kansas.
Contact Information
As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, visit www.troywaymaster.com or email me at [email protected]. Also, if you happen to visit the statehouse, please let my office know.
It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Fort Hays State held on late for a thrilling 78-75 win over Southwestern Oklahoma State in the opening round of the NCAA Central Regional Friday (Mar. 9). Up by just one, the Tigers got a defensive stop with just 1.2 seconds remaining before Taylor Rolfs went to the free-throw line and hit a pair. The last-second three-point attempt by the Bulldogs was off the mark and the Tigers survived.
FHSU Postgame Press Conference
Game Highlights
With the win, Fort Hays State moved to 26-6 overall on the season, while Southwestern Oklahoma State saw its tremendous season end at 26-5 overall. The Bulldogs were the regular season champions of the Great American Conference. The No. 6 seed Tigers will take on the winner of No. 2 seed Central Missouri and No. 7 seed Minnesota State-Moorhead on Saturday night (Mar. 10) at 5 pm.
Every time the Tigers looked to be pulling away, the Bulldogs reeled them back in. FHSU led 14-5 early before SWOSU went on a 15-2 run that spanned from the 2:38 mark of the first quarter to the 7:28 mark of the second quarter. The teams locked in a tight battle the rest of the second quarter and FHSU snuck ahead at halftime 32-31 on a Rolfs baseline jumper with 17 seconds remaining.
The Tigers worked their way out to a seven-point lead at the 5:53 mark of the third quarter, but the Bulldogs used a quick 7-0 run to erase the lead and knot the score 46-46 with 4:31 remaining in the quarter. The Tigers ended the quarter on a 5-0 run, capped with a Carly Heim three-pointer from the left wing, to take a 61-56 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Emma Stroyan scored the first four points of the fourth quarter and the Tigers found themselves with a nine-point lead, their largest of the game, with 9:16 remaining in the game. Once again, the Bulldogs went on a furious run, this time an 8-0 stretch, to cut the lead back to one with 8:03 to go. At the 6:55 mark, SWOSU took its first lead since late in the first half. The Bulldogs took their last lead of the game at the 5:18 mark, on a pair of Hayden Priddy free throws, making the score 71-70.
Kacey Kennett had one of her finest games as a Tiger, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and an assist. At halftime, she already had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. She found 10 more points in the second half to finish with an even distribution of points it each half. Her three-point field goal with 3:39 remaining in the game broke a 71-71 tie and put the Tigers up by three.
Fort Hays State held on to its lead the rest of the way. The Bulldogs sliced the lead to one two more times, but their shot with six seconds remaining attempting to take the lead fell off the mark. Stroyan pulled down the rebound and then a jump ball went Fort Hays State’s way. Rolfs hit the pair of free throws to get the lead to where SWOSU could only tie on a desperation attempt. The last shot fell off the mark.
Aside from Kennett’s stellar performance, the Tigers were very balanced in their scoring effort with five players finishing in double figures. Tatyana Legette had 15 points, while Stroyan, Rolfs, and Belle Barbieri all had 10. Barbieri nearly posted a double-double in her 17 minutes off the bench, finishing with nine rebounds.
Tyra Aska led SWOSU with 21 points on a 9-of-14 effort from the field, while Hailey Tucker had 19 points and Priddy had 18. The Tigers were able to hold the three-point heavy shooting Bulldogs to just 30 percent beyond the arc (9-of-30). Tucker buried five of the nine good attempts from long distance for the Bulldogs.
Phillipsburg resident Rose Erickson passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, KS at the age of 83.
She was born August 23, 1934 in Prairie View, KS, the daughter of Herman & Elizabeth (Tillema) Wolters. On Nov. 4, 1955 she married Norman A. Erickson in Prairie View. Rose worked as a bookkeeper at the Coop Refinery in Phillipsburg for many years.
She is survived by her husband, Norman, of Phillipsburg and a sister, Dolores Walcott of Albuquerque, NM.
Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will be Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, KS, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in the Prairie View Reformed Church, Prairie View, KS with Pastor Aaron Rust officiating.
Friends may sign the book Tuesday, March 13, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Services. Online condolences to: [email protected].
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say an 11-year-old boy is believed to have been accidently shot by his older brother with a rifle.
The boy was treated Thursday evening at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after being taken there in a personal vehicle.
Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office determined the boy had been shot in the ankle with a .22 caliber rifle by his 16-year-old brother outside their residence. The injury is not life-threatening.
Sgt. Kristen Channel says the sheriff’s office is still investigating, but it appears the shooting was accidental.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A new law in Kansas promises harsher sentences repeat drunken drivers who kill or injure others.
Gov. Jeff Colyer on Friday signed “Caitlin’s Law.” It takes effect in July and stiffens penalties for drivers who cause accidents while intoxicated or while circumventing restrictions placed on them because of DUI convictions.
Colyer said state officials hope tougher penalties will send a message to people with a history of driving under the influence. The presumed prison sentence for a person with a previous DUI conviction will be nearly 8 years, rather than 5½ years.
The new law is named for Caitlin Vogel, a Stilwell special education instructor killed by a drunken driver in 2016 with two previous DUI convictions at the time of the accident. Her 26th birthday would have been Friday.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A lawsuit alleges a special needs student in Kansas was sexually assault by another student on a school bus.
The Kansas City Star reported Thursday that the lawsuit filed against First Student alleges the company was negligent by not having an adult monitor on the bus when the assault occurred in April 2016.
A message seeking comment from First Student was not immediately returned.
The teen was a Lenexa resident and student at Shawnee Mission South High School.
The lawsuit filed in Johnson County District Court alleges an adult monitor on the bus got off before it left the school. It contends the girl was seated two rows behind the driver and “continually molested” by another student who sat down beside her.
David A. Weber, 62, a lighthearted, loving soul of rural Oakley, died Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at the Logan County Hospital, surrounded by family and the prayerful community he loved.
He was born December 13, 1955, in Oakley, to Celestine and Katherine (Brungardt) Weber. Growing up, David enjoyed playing and helping on the farm, which was his lifelong passion. In 1974, he graduated from Grinnell High School. After graduating high school, he went to Goodland Vo-Tech for two years to master his carpentry skills. He enjoyed working with his hands, and making improvements to his own farm equipment. David married the love of his life, Cheri Jacobs, on June 12, 1982, in Leoville, KS.
Together they moved to Wichita, where Cheri continued her education, and he worked for Hereford Cattle Operations, in Haven, KS. They then moved to Great Bend, where David worked in the maintenance department at the Black Angus Restaurant and Hotel, and helped on the family farm. In 1990 David, Cheri, Erica and Stephanie returned to the family farm south of Oakley. David began his own farming operation in 1992. He was a devoted family man, and was passionate about serving St. Joseph’s Church, school, community, surrounding area and others in need.
Most people comment on David’s loving generosity, as he always took the time to visit or call. In addition, he was known for his sense of humor and friendly smile. He served on the board for the Gove County FSA Committee, as well as, the St. Joseph School Council. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and previously served as Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight. David remained an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish, including the school up to his death.
He was preceded in death by his father, Celestine J. Weber; son, Matthew David Weber; sister-in-law, Rose Weber and nephew, Joseph Weber.
He is survived by his wife, Cheri, of Oakley; daughters, Erica (Luke) Hayden, of Hutchinson, KS, Stephanie (Scott) Storie, of Aurora, CO and Joni Weber, of Oakley; grandchildren, Makayla Hayden, Alec and Emily Storie; his mother, Katherine Weber, of rural Oakley; brothers, William (Barbara), John (Nancy), Jacob (Michele), Edwin (Karen) and Leonard (Donna) and sisters, Margie (Gary) Dohm and Mary Ann (Phillip) Rietcheck; twenty-seven nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Visitation is 4:00-6:00 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2018 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley. A vigil will take place at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the church, with burial to follow in the Church Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or School or the Joey Weber Endowment Fund at DSNWK, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
MARQUETTE, Kan. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Kanopolis Lake recently discovered vandalism to an ancient petroglyph and is seeking information from the public, according to a media release.
courtesy photo
Petroglyphs are images and designs made by engraving, carving or scratching away the dark layer of rock varnish on the surface to reveal the lighter rock underneath. At Kanopolis Lake, these petroglyphs are believed to be over 150 years old and created by Native Americans.
Now, visitors see two names that have been added over a bison. The damage is irreversible.
“It is very sad someone would think to destroy something so important and valued by so many,” said Tim Meade, archaeologist for the Corps of Engineers. “Petroglyphs are considered to have important spiritual meaning to Native Americans representing the works of their ancient ancestors. These have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Kanopolis Lake over the years.”
The Corps is seeking information concerning the defacement of this petroglyph.
“Resources at Kanopolis Lake are managed for the benefit of the American public and the Corps staff works hard to ensure these resources are available for future generations,” said Ryan Williams, Kanopolis Lake park manager. “The assistance of the public in a case like this is critical.”
Violators may be prosecuted under Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations and the Archaeological Resources Protections Act of 1979.
To provide information on this vandalism, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Kanopolis Lake directly at 785-546-2294.
ELLIS COUNTY – A Hays woman was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Friday.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Lincoln Town car driven by Shirley Horn, 60, Hays, was northbound on Highway 183 at the south end of Hays. The vehicle struck a deer in the roadway.
Horn was transported to Hays Medical Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
Horizon Appliance & Electronics is seeking full-and part-time sales associates for its location at 1507 E. 27th St. in Hays. Hourly rate plus commission. For more information or to apply, contact Kelly Koenke via email at [email protected]. Use the subject line: “Job Application” and Attention to “Hiring Manager.”
The Sales Associate’s responsibilities include working closely with customers to determine their needs, answer their questions about our products and recommend the right solutions. You should also be able to promptly resolve customer complaints and ensure maximum client satisfaction. To be successful as a Sales associate, you should stay up-to-date with product features and maintain our store’s visual appearance in high standards.
Responsibilities
· Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent sales service
· Assess customers’ needs and provide assistance and information on product features
· Welcome customers to the store and answer their queries
· Follow and achieve department’s sales goals on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis
· “Go the extra mile” to drive sales
· Maintain in-stock and presentable condition assigned areas
· Actively seek out customers in store
· Remain knowledgeable on products offered and discuss available options
· Process POS (point of sale) purchases
· Cross sell products
· Team up with co-workers to ensure proper customer service
· Build productive trust relationships with customers
· Comply with inventory control procedures
· Suggest ways to improve sales & Marketing (e.g. planning marketing activities, changing the store’s design)
Requirements
· Proven work experience as a Retail Sales associate, Sales representative or similar role
· Basic understanding of sales principles and customer service practices
· Proficiency in English
· Basic Math skills
· Working knowledge of customer and market dynamics and requirements
· Familiarity with inventory procedures
· Solid communication and interpersonal skills
· A friendly and energetic personality with customer service focus
· Ability to perform under pressure and address complaints in a timely manner
· Availability to work flexible shifts
· High school degree; BS degree in Marketing or related field would be a plus
NEWTON, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas missionary couple has been sentenced to two years and eight months behind bars for giving brutal, religion-inspired beatings to two of the three children they adopted from Peru.
James and Paige Nachtigal
James and Paige Nachtigal, of North Newton, were sentenced Thursday for several child abuse counts. They entered Alford pleas to the charges in August in which they acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence for convictions but admitted no guilt.
The Nachitgals were arrested in February 2016 after an 11-year-old boy was found walking barefoot in a field and told authorities he feared returning home because he hadn’t done his homework and that was a sin. His 11-year-old sister’s leg was broken. A teenage sibling who escaped the brunt of the abuse described the 11-year-olds being deprived of food before the sentencing.
