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Month: April 2018

Sheriff: Suspect injured in Kan. marijuana wax lab explosion

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BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects after an explosion and fire.

Location of the fire and explosion-google map

Just after 5p.m. Friday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office responded along with the Great Bend Fire Department to the 70 block of Southeast 20 Road, for a  possible structure fire, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The fire was extinguished and during the subsequent investigation it became apparent there had been a butane explosion. The resident had fled from the area. Deputies contacted the Sheriff’s Office detectives who responded to the scene and obtained a search warrant.

Upon investigation it became apparent that a clandestine lab was in use for the manufacture of marijuana wax, also called BHO or DAB.

This is a fairly recent phenomenon in the drug culture, according to Bellendir.  In this type of operation the active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is extracted from the plant in a highly concentrated form. The process uses butane and other flammable substances. This is the first lab of this kind the Sheriff’s Office has located in Barton County.

Sheriff’s deputies seized a substantial quantity of marijuana, finished BHO, drug paraphernalia and processing equipment at the scene.  Over 100, 10 ounce bottles of butane were also seized.

The resident later returned to the scene with severe burns but refused medical treatment. Deputies have not reported an arrest.

Tractor and Farm Safety youth course offered in Hill City

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COTTONWOOD EXTENSION

A Tractor and Farm Safety course will be offered on Saturday, April 28 in Hill City at the 4-H Building from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is for youth 14 – 15 years of age, who will be doing farm work this summer for pay.

Federal law requires youth 14 – 15 years of age who will be working on a farm for someone other than their parents, operating a tractor or other farm machinery to complete the Hazardous Occupation Training course.

A pre-registration fee of $15 is due by Wednesday, April 25th to your local Extension Office. This includes refreshment breaks, lunch and rental of a student manual.

To register call the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 785-628-9430 or your local Extension Office by April 25th.

Lt. Governor joins USDA Under Secretary in visit to drought areas

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Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann, USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey and FSA state executive director David Schemm look at a dryland wheat field is in rural Pratt County while touring drought conditions in south central Kansas on Friday.

KDA

MANHATTAN — Lt. Governor Tracey Mann hosted Bill Northey, the USDA Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service, on a trip to south central Kansas on Friday, April 6, to visit drought-affected fields and to speak with farmers and ranchers in the area.

They were joined by David Schemm, USDA FSA state executive director in Kansas; Jackie McClaskey, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture; Tracy Streeter, director of the Kansas Water Office; and Rich Felts, president of Kansas Farm Bureau.

A roundtable discussion at the Kanza Cooperative in Pratt gave area farmers, ranchers and industry partners an opportunity to talk about their experiences and concerns with the representatives from state and federal agencies who have a voice in policy issues. The group discussed a variety of issues including crop insurance, the Conservation Reserve Program, trade, farm programs and more.

“Agriculture is the backbone of the Kansas economy, and Governor Colyer and I will work with local farmers and ranchers to understand the challenges they are facing and do what we can to support them throughout this drought,” said Lt. Governor Mann.

State and federal government officials were hosted by local farmers and ranchers and representatives from the Kanza Coop in Pratt during a visit to drought-affected areas of south central Kansas on Friday.

The group walked wheat fields near Pratt, Kansas, which have been distressed by the drought conditions currently impacting much of Kansas.

Governor Colyer signed a drought declaration for the state on March 6, and the conditions have only worsened since that time, with the newest U.S. Drought Monitor showing 49 counties in D2 (severe) or D3 (extreme) drought levels and now 6 counties at D4 (exceptional) levels. Pratt County is at the D3 (extreme) drought level.

 

Recruiting During a Time of Low Unemployment is May 9

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Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association will hold its monthly meeting from noon to 1 p.m. May 9 at the Fort Hays State University Robbins Center (Eagle Communication Hall), One Tiger Place.

Registration is from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m., with a short business meeting starting at 11:30 a.m.

The program for the May meeting will be “Recruitment During Time of Low Unemployment” presented by Mike Henke, business trainer and consultant.

The program will be submitted for HRCI and SHRM continuing education credits.

This month’s meeting is free for guests. Guests can RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 785-628-7320. WKHRMA members can RSVP at wkhrma.shrm.org. The deadline to RSVP is noon on May 4.

WKHRMA is an affiliate chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), a local professional organization for persons engaged in personal or human resource management. For more information on WKHRMA, visit wkhrma.shrm.org.

Kan. deputy recovering after crash chasing reported stolen vehicle

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OSAGE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a weekend chase that injured a Kansas deputy

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Osage County Deputy Richard L. Smith, Jr., 53, Lyndon, was in pursuit of a suspect driving a reported stolen vehicle southbound on Fairlawn four miles east of Osage City just before 11:30p.m. Friday.

The chase started in Franklin County, according to Osage County Sheriff Laurie Dunn.

Upon approaching the T-intersection at 245th, the suspect vehicle was blowing up dust, obstructing the deputy’s view. The deputy’s 2015 Dodge Charger struck a ditch and came to rest in a field.

Other law enforcement officers continued the pursuit and arrested 37-year-old Joshua D. Smith of Lawrence. He remains jailed on requested charges of driving while suspended, possession of stolen property, flee and attempt to elude and warrants in Douglas County.

Deputy Smith was transported to the hospital in Topeka. “He has been released from the hospital but is very sore,” according to Dunn. Deputies did not arrest a woman in the reported stolen vehicle.

Hays natives inducted into FHSU Tourism, Hospitality Honor Society

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FHSU University Relations

Nine tourism and hospitality management students at Fort Hays State University recently participated in the 2018 induction ceremony for the Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society in FHSU’s Memorial Union.

“Professional benefits of ESD include an opportunity for outstanding students to distinguish themselves in the eyes of educators, recruiters and industry executives in an increasingly competitive industry,” said Dr. Stacey Smith, chair of the Department of Applied Business Studies.

Educational benefits include the opportunity for ESD chapters to provide a stimulus for students to strive for academic excellence.
Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society, established in 2014, recognizes outstanding tourism and hospitality management students. It is sponsored by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education.

“Today, there are over 90 active Eta Sigma Delta chapters throughout the world,” said Smith. “The growth is a testament to the dedication of both students and professionals in hospitality and tourism to the pursuit of academic, professional and personal excellence.”

The students are listed by hometown.

ARRIBA, Colo. (80804): Adam Daniel, senior, is a Flagler High School graduate.
GARDNER (66030): Alexandra Fox, senior, is a Gardner Edgerton High School graduate.
HAYS (67601): Brooke Forinash, junior, is a Hays High School graduate.
Cyrus Haynes, junior, is a Solomon High School graduate.
Taryn Rupp, sophomore, is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
HOYT (66440): Delaney Da Silva, junior, is a Royal Valley High School graduate.
VALLEY CENTER (67147): Alexandria Glidewell, junior, is a Valley Center High School graduate.
WICHITA (67226): Katelyn Neer, junior, is a Pittsburg High School graduate.
YORBA LINDA, Calif. (92886): Karla Vargas, junior, is a Buena Park High School graduate.

Two record lows in Hays last week

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Last week was one for the record books in Hays – the record books at the K-State Agricultural Research Center.

A new overnight low was set Friday night. The temperature fell to 12 degrees, breaking the low of 14 degrees for April 6 set just 9 years ago in 2009.

Tuesday, April 3, was also a record-breaker with a 15 degree overnight low.

In between those two record setting overnight lows was a daytime high of 75 degrees on Thu., April 6.

Friday night’s cold front also brought a little bit of wet snow.

There was 0.05 inches of the white stuff recorded, yielding 0.04 inches of precipitation. Hays has received 9.5 inches of snow so far this season.

The precipitation total to date in 2018 is 1.41 inches.

Ruth A. Smith

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Agra resident Ruth A. Smith passed away April 5, 2018 in Smith Center at the age of 102. She was born August 12, 1915 in Phillips County, the daughter of Ira & Lillie (Jacobs) Cox.

Survivors include her son Arnold & wife Linda of Madison, KS, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Becky Saddler officiating. Burial will follow in the Agra Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Tuesday & Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Agra United Methodist Church.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Ellis Co. Commission will hear report from treasurer at Monday meeting

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By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will review the treasury’s investment income, discuss the purchase of asphalt and get update on the fire department’s fire protection rating at Monday’s commission meeting.

Treasurer Lisa Schlegel will provide an update to the commission on an investment program she has implemented. Under the program the treasurer’s office invests idle funds in an effort to increase earnings for the county.

According to a prepared statement from Schlegel, the investment income for the first-quarter of 2018 has already surpassed all of the interest income generated in 2017.

Public Works Director Bill Ring will present the commission with bids for cold-mix asphalt and for six miles of cold-in-place recycling of asphalt road surface.

Monday’s meeting starts with the Public Building Commission at 5 p.m. with the regular commission meeting to follow at the Ellis County Administrative Center.

HPD Activity Log April 6-8

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The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and conducted 25 traffic stops Fri., April 6, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

44 – Traffic Stop–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 12 AM
Urinating in Public–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:33 AM
Intoxicated Subject–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:48 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 7:20 AM
Suspicious Activity–300 block E 23rd St, Hays; 4/5 7 PM; 4/6 7:26 AM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 31st St, Hays; 8:22 AM
Burglary/vehicle–500 block Ash St, Hays; 4/5 9 PM; 4/6 11:15 AM
Miscellaneous Investigation–2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 12:23 PM
Parking Complaint–2500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 3/16 1:23 PM; 4/6 1:23 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–300 block E 22nd St, Hays; 2:18 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block E 12th St, Hays; 5:17 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 5:24 PM
Animal Call–300 block E 13th St, Hays; 8:18 PM
Liquor Offense, sell, furnish, transport–2200 block Vine St, Hays; 8:53 PM
Stalking–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:06 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 10 PM
Battery – simple–1700 block Vine, Hays; 10:23 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 11 traffic stops Sat., April 7, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-Hit and Run–500 block Elm St, Hays; 12:55 PM
Driving Under the Influence–900 block Ash St, Hays; 1:50 AM; 2:08 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2000 block Hall St, Hays; 5:19 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–4100 block Smoky Hill Dr, Hays; 12 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–400 block E 20th St, Hays; 8:34 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–500 block Elm St, Hays; 8:46 AM
Theft (general)–1000 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 4/1 5 PM; 4/4 8 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:01 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–400 block W 24th St, Hays; 12:20 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–200 block W 23rd St, Hays; 4/6 12 PM; 4/7 12:41 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 11th St, Hays; 3:22 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–1200 block E 33rd St, Hays; 5:37 PM
Sex Offense–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:48 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:52 PM; 9:02 PM
Domestic Disturbance–1400 block E 19th St, Hays; 9:46 PM
Drug Offenses–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 11:50 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 19 traffic stops Sun., April 8, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:07 AM
Battery – simple–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 2:25 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1100 block Cody Ave, Hays; 9:50 AM
Drug Offenses–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:18 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1700 block Ash St, Hays; 1:22 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–500 block W 36th St, Hays; 5 PM; 5:10 PM
Mental Health Call–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:12 PM

Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs

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April 27 – 28, 2018
2018 Kansas Storytelling Festival
Downs, Kansas

FRIDAY EVENTS- Registration 1:00 Registration Area north of Memorial Hall

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Grand Opening, Memorial Hall
Dino O’Dell
Kim Weitkamp

3:00 – 3:45 p.m.

Memorial Hall: Bil Lepp

Downs Depot: Pippa White

Christian Church: Kim Weitkamp
“Tongue and Pen”***(workshop) A masterclass for storytellers and story-writers of all levels of expertise!

4:00 – 4:45 p.m.

Memorial Hall: Local Legends – Jesse “Buffalo” Jones (frontiersman & wildlife preservationist), Howard Herman Ruede (early Osborne County homesteader), Elsie Reasoner Ralph (America’s first female war correspondent), and Sarah Jane (a tribute to the women and girls who homesteaded the prairies).

Depot: Dino O’Dell

Christian Church: Andy Offutt Irwin
“Pin the Tale on the Personal Narrative”***(workshop)

5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Supper with the Storytellers
Senior Center (additional admission)

7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Memorial Hall
Tall Tale Contest – Cheer on your favorite as these
contestants vie for the shovel: Sherry Adams Dodson, Keyta Kelly, Jim Lee, & Vivian Ross

8:30 – 9:15 p.m.
Memorial Hall
Olio of Stories and Songs
Featured storytellers bring us a sampler to enjoy

9:15 – 10:15 p.m.
Christian Church: Kim Weitkamp
Ghost Stories (not for those under 12)

SATURDAY EVENTS- Registration 8:00 a.m. Registration Area near Memorial Hall
8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Coffee, Tea and Tellers Breakfast
United Methodist Church
(additional admission)

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Memorial Hall: Bil Lepp

Senior Center: Dino O’Dell
“How to Trick Earthlings Into Learning”****(workshop) Education can happen in the most inordinary ways

Downs Depot: Andy Offutt Irwin

Stuff ‘n Such Bldg: Kim Weitkamp

11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Memorial Hall: Kim Weitkamp

Senior Center: Bil Lepp
“Creating Tall Tales”***(workshop) change an ordinary story into a great tall tale

Stuff ‘n Such Bldg: Dino O’Dell

Christian Church: Pippa White

Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Food available at Memorial Hall & local restaurants
Quilt stories, Storyteller resources on sale at Memorial Hall
Book Sale at Carnegie Library 9am-5pm

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.

Master Storyteller, Sam Seymore, spends time with those who want to develop a Tall Tale and possibly compete in the October preliminary contest. Come & learn!

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Memorial Hall: Andy Offutt Irwin

Senior Center: Kim Weitkamp

Downs Depot: Youth Storytelling Showcase

Stuff ‘n Such Bldg: Pippa White

Christian Church: Bil Lepp

3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Memorial Hall: Master Storytellers’ Circle
Come hear Sam Seymore, Mike Nyhoff, Kenneth Lee, and Allen DeBey improvise before our very ears!

Senior Center: Pippa White
“How We Say It”***(workshop) Tips & ideas for those doing any kind of public speaking

Christian Church: Andy Offutt Irwin

4:00-5:30 p.m.

Memorial Hall: Swappin’ Grounds – Mike Nyhoff, Master of Ceremonies

Christian Church: Local Legends – Jesse “Buffalo” Jones (frontiersman & wildlife preservationist), Howard Herman Ruede (early Osborne County homesteader), Elsie Reasoner Ralph (America’s first female war correspondent), and Sarah Jane (a tribute to the women and girls who homesteaded the prairies).

7:00 p.m.
FESTIVAL FINALE- The Uncalled For Trio – Andy Offutt Irwin, Bil Lepp, and Kim Weitkamp in a joint story concert underwritten by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.
Memorial Hall
Admission with Festival Button or $8.00

Ft. Larned Weapons and Hunting on the Great Plains

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Fort Larned Old Guard Mess and Muster: Weapons and Hunting on the Great Plains
Sat., April 28, 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Fort Larned National Historic Site, 1767 Kansas Highway 156, Larned

This year’s meeting will focus on historic weapons used on the Great Plains by hunters, Indian people, and soldiers. Come hear about and see actual Indian firearms used at the Battle of the Little Bighorn (or Greasy Grass). All events are free except the sack lunch and dinner. Meal reservations must be made by April 17, 2018. Contact Leo Oliva at 888-321-7341 or [email protected] to make reservations.

Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Hilmes

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Kenneth “Kenny” Hilmes, age 66, of WaKeeney, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney, Kansas. He was born April 23, 1951, in Ransom, Kansas, to Henry J. and Armella (Luetters) Hilmes.

Kenny was a 1970 graduate of Ransom High School. On May 30, 1997, he was united in marriage to Brenda Deines in WaKeeney. They enjoyed 20 years of marriage together. He spent thirteen years of his working life as a farmhand for Louis Rosproy, then went on to work for Trego County Road and Bridge as a heavy equipment operator for 17 years, until retirement. He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Kenny loved to take time for a good fishing trip, or sit down to watch his favorite basketball team, the KU Jayhawks. He was also a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Usually, if you saw Kenny, you’d see his dog “Buddy” somewhere nearby. His kind heart will leave a lasting impression on many.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda of WaKeeney; two brothers, Fred (Gladys) Hilmes of Ness City, Kansas, and Dan (Ninfa) Hilmes of Othello, Washington; brother-in-law, Shawn (Kerah) Deines of WaKeeney; sister, Karen (Larry) Interman of Dodge City, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Carol Hilmes, Renea Williams, and Janelle Deines of WaKeeney; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald, Larry, and Alan; and sister, Sandra.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30, Monday, April 9, 2018, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home in WaKeeney. There will be a parish vigil service immediately following at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

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