KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office says it will not file charges against a member of the Kansas Board of Regents who was arrested in a domestic battery case.
Brandau-Murguia -photo Wyandotte Co.
A spokesman for District Attorney Mark Dupree says an investigation into allegations against Ann Brandau-Murguia resulted in the decision not to charge her. Brandau-Murguia is also a member of the Unified Government in Wyandotte County and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Board of Trustees.
She was arrested Feb. 16 on suspicion of domestic battery. She said at the time that the dispute happened after a confrontation between her and a long-time friend resulted in an argument and physical contact.
Her attorneys, Robin Fowler and Tricia Bath, said Monday Brandau-Murguia would not comment further on the issue.
The Ellis County Commission will consider approving changes to the county zoning and subdivision regulations at Monday’s meeting.
The Ellis County Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and voted on proposed changes at its March 28 meeting.
One of the major additions was regulations on fences on properties less than 40 acres.
Among the additions is a permit would be required to build, replace or extend a fence or wall. All fences are also limited to 6 feet in height unless it is in the front yard, which is limited to 48 inches.
Those changes do not affect agricultural districts.
ELLIS – Ellis city council members will consider approving the improvements on Washington Street during their meeting tonight. They’ll also discuss the use of the city campground for local organizations.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
AGENDA
Monday, April 16, 2018
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes from Regular Meeting on April 2, 2018
Bills Ordinance #2043
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire Department Monthly Report – Chief Dustin Vine
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discuss Sidewalks on South Monroe Street
Discuss City Stockpile for Concrete and Asphalt
Consider Approval of Washington Street Improvements
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Ratification of Invoices for Property Demolition
Consider Approval of Purchase of Chlorine for Water Treatment Plant
Consider Authorization for Consultant of Record Agreement
Discuss Use of Campgrounds for Local Organizations
GREAT BEND — Until Monday, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir remained silent concerning a Class A misdemeanor charge issued by the Barton County Attorney’s Office.
Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir
On Nov. 1, the county attorney issued a summons for Bellendir to appear in court following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
According to court records, Bellendir is accused of “ill-treating a man in handcuffs by speaking to him in a vulgar, insulting, rude or angry manner” while serving an arrest warrant on Aug. 10 in Great Bend.
Bellendir is also accused of striking the confined man — Nathan Manley, Ellinwood — on the side of his head.
Manley has previous convictions for drugs and burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Following Monday’s Barton County Commission meeting, Bellendir addressed commissioners and the media concerning the charges and announced he had turned down a plea bargain agreement offered by the county attorney’s office.
“We will continue to do what we do, and I’m going to continue to be sheriff as long as I can,” Bellendir said. “They may get me in the end, but I’ve decided to fight and stand up for my office. I’m not going to tolerate misrepresentation from another elected official’s office that I believe are untrue.
“The misdemeanor charge is the least of my concern. The action that might be taken by Kansas C-Post that holds law enforcement certification has given me no indication of what they intend to do.”
C-Post is the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, which reviews certification by Kansas Law Enforcement Officers. Barton County Attorney Amy Mellor, who brought charges against the sheriff, is a voting member on the C-Post’s 12-member board.
Bellendir’s trial is currently set for 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, in Barton County District Court.
Hays set three record lows in a row Saturday, Sunday and this morning.
Saturday’s low was 18 degrees, which beat the record of 19 degrees set in 1933. Sunday’s low was 16 degrees, which beat the previous record of 19 degrees set in 1951. Hays set yet another record low this morning with a mark of 16 degrees. That beats the previous record of 19 degrees, which also was set in 1951, according to the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays.
This was the fourth record low temp in the past 13 days.
Despite snow on Saturday, Hays has still only received .07 inches of moisture for the month. Peak wind gusts reached 51 mph Saturday.
However, earlier in the week, Hays approached a record high. April 12’s high temp of 89 was just one-degree from matching the 1972 record.
Russell reached 95 on Thursday, which is the earliest day in the year for a temperature this high since records began in 1950, according to a Facebook post from the National Weather Service.
The NWS has forecast today to be sunny with a high of 57. Fire warnings have been issued through Friday, when most of the state is supposed to see rain. Tuesday and Wednesday gusts could reach 40 mph.
SEDGWICK COUNTY ‑ A discarded cigarette is blamed for a fire at an apartment building on Sunday
Sunday apartment building fire -photo courtesy KAKE
Just after 3:30p.m., fire crews responded to the Aspen Park Apartments, 8405 West Central in Wichita, according to Captain Kelly Zane with the Wichita Fire Department.
Someone discarded a cigarette on a 2nd story deck, according to Zane.
The fire caused $1.5 million dollars in damage. Sixteen apartments are uninhabitable. Authorities reported no injuries.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will take the stage for a grand finale dance performance during a Styles Dance Center show tonight at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, Hays.
A silent auction will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the lobby with the dance performance to follow at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $7.
Raffle tickets are for sale for a woven rug art piece created by individuals served by Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. The art piece was created during a collaborative on-going art program between Fort Hays State University and DSNWK’s adults day program at Reed Developmental Center.
The event, Dancing Together with DSNWK, is hosted by Styles Dance Center and FHSU leadership class 310. Proceeds from the event will go towards programs and services provided by DSNWK.
DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities from 18 counties in northwest Kansas since 1967.
Downtown has an evening of shopping, food and prizes scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Tickets are only $10 for Shop Hop on the Bricks, and they are still available.
The event will include drawings for gift cards and prizes ranging in value from $50 to $500 from downtown businesses. A ticket to the event will earn you an entry into the drawing. You can earn additional entries for every $25 spent at a participating business. Special discounts for attendees will be offered.
In addition, businesses will have the option of offering refreshments. This may range from appetizers to more fancy fare, Sara Bloom, DHDC executive director, said. Alcohol may be served at some establishments, so it is being billed as a 21-and-older event.
“I think it is a known fact in the retail world that after Christmas in January and February it can be a little slow for retailers. March and April are when people start shopping again and start thinking about graduation and Mother’s Day and other events that are coming up,” Bloom said, “so downtown really likes to reach out to the community at that time, remind them of the great gift options that are downtown and the unique options that are downtown.”
For people who have recently moved to the community or who are not familiar with downtown, this is their opportunity to explore downtown.
Bloom said this is a great time to visit downtown because of all the new businesses. The Niche, a painting and craft studio, just celebrated six months on the Bricks. German eatery Das Essen Hutte, which was briefly located in Big Creek Crossing, recently opened a location downtown. Bronze On Tanning is also new. The business offers ear piercings and other products in addition to tanning.
“This is a great event to enter businesses that you may or may not have been in before or maybe you are entering your favorite business and they are going to have some special discounts and food and drink for you as well,” Bloom said. “It is just a great time to see everything that downtown has to offer and do some shopping for your friends and family or maybe just for yourself.”
Only 300 will be sold. Tickets can be purchased at the DHDC office at 106 W. 12th St. or online at https://www.downtownhays.com/
Most of the events are indoors at downtown businesses, so the event is scheduled to proceed even if it rains.
Elaine L. (Karst) Becker, 90, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Milberger, Kansas, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.
Elaine was born January 5, 1928 in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Hubert and Martha (Nuss) Karst. She grew up on the family farm near Galatia, Kansas. She attended a rural school in the Galatia area and graduated from Great Bend High School in 1944.
Elaine was united in marriage to LaVern H. Becker on September 30, 1945 in Milberger, Kansas. This union was blessed with two children; Janet and Martin. They made their home on a farm in the Milberger area. LaVern preceded her in death on May 19, 1995.
Elaine was a devoted wife and homemaker for her family. She was known as the “Income Tax Lady” due to the fact that she helped her neighbors and friends do their taxes. She was a Bookkeeper at the Russell Livestock Commission and also a Receptionist at Stricker Farm – Sewing Industry. She was an active member of the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church; where she was a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the ALCWomen, and was the Church organist and Choir Director for over 50 years. She was also very active in her community. She was a Sunflower 4-H Leader, was on the Russell County Extension Executive Board, the Russell County Republican Central Committee, the Russell Prairiesta Committee, the Milberger Activity Association, Germans from Russia Association; the Martin Luther Home Board of Directors and the Prairie Mates FCE. In her spare time she enjoyed cooking for her family and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
Surviving family include her daughter, Janet Funk (Wayne) of Russell, Kansas; son, Martin Becker (Susan) of Russell, Kansas; five grandchildren, Doug Funk (Teema), Warren Funk (Erica), Deric Funk (Mandy), Ryan Becker (Micah) and Megan Becker; seven great grandchildren, Riley Becker, Reagan Becker, Elijah Becker, Silas Becker, Lakin Funk, Camille Funk and Kaitlyn Funk; and three step great grandchildren, Chloe Dohe, Macy Howard and Makayla Howard.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Orlen Karst.
Celebration of Elaine’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger. Burial will follow at the Milberger Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday, April 16, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday at the Mortuary. Memorials have been established with the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church or the Prairie Mates FCE. Contributions and condolence may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
Jerald (Jerry) A. Ross, 67, was born December 12, 1950, at Russell, Kansas, the son of Lee E. and Mary Catherine (Quint) Ross, and died April 12, 2018, at his home. Jerry graduated from Luray High School in 1969. He loved high school sports and played football at Butler County Community College. He then transferred to Fort Hays State University where he graduated with an Industrial Arts degree in 1973. On April 12, 1975, he married Cindy Borger in Meade, Kansas. Jerry and Cindy were blessed with three children—Jennifer, Jeralyn and Jonathan.
Jerry loved wheat harvest. In his younger years he owned and operated a custom cutting business and traveled from Oklahoma to South Dakota. Later he enjoyed giving his kids and grandkids a ride on the combine. He was proud to teach his son and grandsons about the farming operation. He also enjoyed reminiscing about the “good old days” growing up on the family farm west of Luray. In more recent years, he loved attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events as he was proud of each and every one. Jerry also had many odd jobs over the years including working at Larned State Hospital as an MHDD. His most recent job was a cashier at Russell Travel Center where he enjoyed meeting new people, as he never met a stranger.
Throughout his life, Jerry was a member of various civic organizations including the Bunker Hill Lions Club and the local Kiwanis Club. While his family was actively involved in 4-H, he served on the Russell County Fair Board. He was also proud to be a Russell County Commissioner for several years. Jerry was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and had served on the Property Committee. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone.
Surviving family includes Cindy of the home, daughters Jennifer McNett (Douglas) of Larned, Kansas, and Jeralyn Jefferson (Ellis) and son, Jonathan Ross (Heather), of Russell, Kansas. Jerry was also blessed to have 9 grandchildren: Ross, Reed, Ella and Emma McNett; Jasmine and Ellise Jefferson; and Brygette, Jaxon and Karrsyn Ross. He is also survived by 7 brothers–Joe Ross (Carol), Abilene, KS; Richard Ross (Jeanette), Olathe, KS; Kelly Ross, Oklahoma City, OK; Gary Ross, Plano, TX; Brad Ross (Linda), Raymore, MO; Robert Ross, Nashville, TN, and Harlan Ross (Kim), Manhattan, KS; 2 sisters–Cathy Nelson (Larry) and Mary Pat Waymaster (Lance), both of Russell, KS, as well as many nieces and nephews, and his mother-in-law, Katherine Borger, of Meade, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Mary Catherine Ross.
The funeral service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at 10:30 A.M. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the mortuary with family available to greet people from 6 to 7 P.M. The family has set up a memorial to be given to Pheasants Forever or St. John’s Lutheran church and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
Lifelong Sherman County and Wallace County famer Jesse Lee Craft, 87, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018 at his home in Goodland, Kansas.
He was born on January 5, 1931 in rural Sherman County, to Everett and Elva (Dillinger) Craft. He married Doris Sieck on August 8, 1948 in Goodland. They started farming just two miles from where they both grew up. They were blessed with three daughters, Shirley, Karen and Marsha.
Jesse loved farming, but as he always said, “we had our ups and downs”. He served his community and was involved and served on many different state and local boards. He especially liked anything that involved young ones, 4-H, sports, etc.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother Darrell Craft and his wife Connie, and an infant great grandchild Hadley Grace Schilling.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years Doris, of the home in Goodland, his three daughters Shirley (Ron) Busse of Edson, Kansas, Karen (Les) Lampe of Shawnee, Kansas and Marsha (Ron) Schilling of Edson, KS; eight grandchildren, Justin (Amity) Ihrig, John (Tisha) Ihrig, Jessica (Tom) Nittler, Anne (Nate) Rahmeier, Paul Lampe, Cash (Amanda) Schilling, Chance (Emily) Schilling and Clay (Kaycie) Schilling, seventeen great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorial services for Jesse will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 2:00 PM MT at the United Methodist Church in Goodland with Pastor Zach Anderson and Pastor Brent Flanders officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Goodland Cemetery. The family would like to invite everyone to the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall after the service for a time of fellowship and refreshments.
In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to the NWKS Shrine Club or to the United Methodist Church in Goodland and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Service arrangements have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Volunteer Marianna Dinkel and ARC Thrift Shop manager Morgan Hart sort through donations at the store. The thrift store needs volunteers.
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
The ARC of the Central Plains is growing its programs thanks to its expanded thrift store in downtown Hays.
But with that growth comes growing pains. The ARC needs not only more volunteers to work in the thrift store but also volunteers to work with developmentally disabled individuals in activity programs and as a coaches for Special Olympics.
At the end of 2015, ARC moved its Thrift Store from a space on 11th Street to a 30,000-square-foot building at 600 Main.
The new building expanded the store’s retail space by three- to four-fold. It also provided for expanded workspace, so more donations could be accepted and stored.
Morgan Hart, the Thrift store manager, said the increased space has helped the store better organize and display its products. This has increased sales, but Hart said the store needs more volunteers to keep up with all the new customers.
The day the Hays Post visited, a line of customers with shopping carts full of merchandise were waiting to check out.
Hart said the store especially needs cashiers to work on Fridays and Saturdays. However, the store also needs volunteers to sort and price donations and stock merchandise.
No experience is required. The store will provide on-the-job training. Work schedules are flexible, and volunteers need only be able to volunteer as little as an hour at a time.
Clara Korbe has volunteered at the ARC Thrift Store for more than 47 years.
“I have been able to meet a lot of good people,” she said. “I guess I am nosy. I like to see what people donate.”
Clara Korbe shows off a pair of novelty glasses that were donated to the ARC Thrift Shop. After 47 years as a volunteer, Korbe said she still has fun.
She pulled out a pair of rose-colored glasses that were shaped like playing cards, a recent donation to the store. Korbe, who manages the seasonal donations, laughed recalling a donation of fake human butts that were donated to the store. Another volunteer piped in, saying the store sold the items.
After a volunteer works for 30 hours, they are eligible for a 50 percent discount at the store. Korbe said she definitely takes advantage of her discount. She she is probably one of the store’s best customers. She recently found a Harley Davidson bicycle for her grandson and often finds brand-name clothing or items in nearly new condition.
The ARC Thrift Store is the main source of revenue for the ARC program. With increased business at the store, ARC has been able to add more programing and is looking to add even more. ARC’s programing is offered at no cost to the participants.
The ARC has added two new sports to its athletics program—soccer and softball. Co-ed softball started last year with 25 athletes and is a Special Olympics sport, and soccer will be a local sport. In total, ARC sponsors seven sports with 70 athletes. The athletes are currently in track season.
Brent Kaiser, ARC activities director, said you do not have to have any experience as a coach or athlete to be Special Olympics volunteer.
Arc Thrift Shop volunteers box up merchandise for a customer. The shop is in most need of volunteer cashiers.
“You just have to have a passion for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities—a drive to help them improve their quality of life,” he said. You don’t have to be well-versed in sports. I have volunteers who have never played a sport in their lives.”
The program has about 10 core volunteers who volunteer for multiple sports, but Kaiser said he could use two to three more volunteers per sport. Kaiser said he would like to recruit some younger volunteers.
The time commitment is about an hour per week for practice. Each season the athletes have one regional meet on a Saturday and a three-day weekend state meet in a larger community such as Wichita or Kansas City.
When the ARC moved into the new building on Main Street, it began using one of the rooms for activities.
With additional revenue coming from the expanded thrift store, ARC was able to add a co-ed softball program last year. Photo courtesy of the ARC.
ARC has already used the space for dances, bingo, Lego building and a special needs Boy Scout/Girl Scout troop. ARC officials hope to use that space to add more non-athletic activities, and the group is looking for volunteers to lead those classes.
This could be classes such as sewing, basic cooking skills, financial literacy or crafts. The ARC provides all materials. ARC officials have also discussed adding a gym program for young children. Right now Kaiser is the only person ARC has available to lead these types of activities
Kaiser said the ARC’s goal is to provide opportunities for those who have disabilities to be able to thrive and improve their quality of life.
Kathy McAdoo, ARC executive director, said the group is trying to offer more opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities without duplicating services offered by groups such as the Hays Recreation Commission and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.
If you wish to volunteer for an activity or coach ARC sports, you can contact Kaiser at 785-628-8831 or email him at [email protected]. Those volunteering directly with developmentally disabled individuals will need to pass a background check and complete several short online courses.
Those who wish to volunteer at the thrift store can also call 785-628-8831 and speak to McAdoo or Hart. The store is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
