Fred calls his plumber. “Can you please come fix my kitchen sink again?”
The plumber replied, “You know, Fred, I’m always at your disposal.”
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Month: May 2018
HHS boys golf second in Liberal; wins WAC title
LIBERAL, Kan. – The Hays High boys golf team wrapped up their regular season with a second place finish at the Liberal Invitational Tuesday at the Liberal County Club. The Indians were three strokes back of Garden City but it was good enough to claim the Western Athletic Conference team title.
Tradgon McCrae shot a 4-over-par 76 and won his fifth individual title on the first hole of a playoff and was named the WAC Golfer of the Year. Josh Norris shot a 79 and finished fourth. Allen Zollinger was seventh with an 81. Both were named All-WAC with Peyton Kieffer receiving honorable mention recognition.
Mark Watts was named the Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
Team Results
1. Garden City 324
2. Hays High 327
3. Liberal 343
4. Dodge City 347
5. Great Bend 365
Top-Ten Individual Results
1. Tradgon McCrae-Hays, 76
2. Sion Audrain-Garden City, 76
3. Cameron Riley-Liberal, 77
4. Josh Norris-Hays, 79
5. Aaron Schafer-Garden City, 80
6. Luke Gleason-Dodge City, 81
7. Allen Zollinger-Hays, 81
8. Mason Shaddix-Garden City, 82
9. Cole Streck-Great Bend, 85
10. Ethan Goertzen-Dodge City, 86
Kansas could see higher gas prices as a result of Iran sanctions
Pump prices could range from $2.80 to $3.00 a gallon by the summer driving season.
TOPEKA – Motorists in Kansas, as well as drivers across the United States, could see higher prices at the gas pumps due in large part to the re-imposition of economic sanctions on Iran, warns AAA Kansas. By summer, Americans could see the national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline ranging from $2.80 to $3.00. The summer driving season is only 20 days away, and it runs along the bookend summer holiday weekends, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Today’s average gas price in Kansas is $2.58, up 12 cents in the past month. One year ago, gas cost $2.18/gallon on average across the Sunflower State.
Motorists are already seeing much higher gas prices. Currently at $2.81, today’s national average is the highest since 2014. Consumers abhor $3 gasoline, but not as much as they used to do. More than ever before, consumers are also willing to pay more for gas during summer and even into the fall, as a 2018 NACS consumer survey reveals.
“Though anticipated, today’s White House decision brings a wide variety of global and domestic impacts,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman.” In the United States, one of the largest potential impacts could be increased crude oil prices due to reinstated sanctions on Iran. In turn, this could lead to increased gas prices later this summer.”
However, most motorists might not see any immediate impacts at the gas station. It can takes weeks, sometimes months, for the market increase to translate over to retail prices. The retail increase will be dependent on how expensive crude oil price goes and the duration at which crude sells at the higher price point in the market.
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On one hand, if in the end crude oil remains at $68-$70/ a barrel (bbl.), prices will not be that much more expensive this summer than they are now.
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On the other hand, if crude sells for $70+/bbl. for an extended amount of time, the national average could hit $3/gallon this summer.
Spending more on gasoline concerns consumers because it reduces savings and spending for everything else we need, notes AAA Kansas.
There are practices and behaviors drivers can undertake to increase gas mileage and, thus, save money on fuel, AAA Kansas says:
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Accelerate gradually. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
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Anticipate your stops. When approaching a red light, let your foot off the gas as early as possible.
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In summer, drive during cooler parts of the day. Cooler, denser air can boost power and mileage.
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Avoid long warm-ups in the morning. They’re unnecessary and waste fuel.
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Use air conditioning. Today’s air conditioners create less drag on the engine than driving with the windows open.
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Maintain recommended tire pressure. Low pressure reduces fuel economy and can damage tires.
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Keep the air filter clean. Clogged filters reduce fuel economy and increase exhaust emissions.
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Drive the speed limit.
Kansas Vendors invited to participate in Russell’s Downtown Market
Russell Main Street
RUSSELL – For the first time, the Downtown Russell Market Pop-up Event will take place the Saturday before Father’s Day, June 16, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. We would like to invite all types of vendors to join us for a busy weekend in Russell, with over 1,000 spectators planned to arrive in our community for a Father’s Day Softball Tournament, we are anticipating a lot of foot traffic.
The market event will take place outdoors on the bricks in Downtown Russell. We are currently searching for vendors of all categories ranging anywhere from antiques to clothing. Food, music, and children’s activities will also be available. Vendors will be set up in the parking stalls between 6th and 8th street while Downtown businesses utilize the sidewalks for sales and specials.
If you are interested in joining us the cost per vendor booth is $30.00 for Non- Members and $20 for Members. Booth space is approximately 12’x15’. We ask that all booths be set-up before 9:30 am the day of the event. Event will take place rain or shine. Each vendor is responsible for all their own display tables, racks, tent, etc. Power is limited, please document on the registration form if electricity is needed, there will be an additional $5 fee for electricity.
To be included in this year’s Russell Downtown Market, vendors must register online at russellmainstreet.com/downtown-market or mail registration form and payment to 207 E. 8th Street in Russell. For more information, call 785-483-2897.
Ellis High School student journalists earn state honors
LAWRENCE — The Kansas Scholastic Press Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2018 State Contest, which rewarded the best student journalism from around the state. To earn the chance to compete in the State Contest, students qualified through Regional Contests in February.
In the State Contest, students from 82 different schools competed in 21 different categories in 3 different classifications. KSPA will award more than 350 awards for entries into the contest.
From Ellis High School, the following students won awards:
● Kyrsten Frickey, Copy Editing, Honorable Mention
● Ali Weber, Cutline Writing, 3rd place
● Lauryn Becker, Editorial Cartoon, 3rd place
● Dawson Sproul, Online Photo Gallery, 3rd place
● Breonna North, Sports Photography, 3rd place
● Kyrsten Frickey and Sierra Schmidt, Yearbook Theme and Graphics, Honorable Mention
● Dawson Sproul, Headline Writing and Design, Honorable Mention
The University of Kansas hosted the day of the competition at the Memorial Union. Nine different categories, such as editorial writing and sports writing, took place on the day of the contest. Students used notes provided in prompts to inspire their writing and cartooning entries.
Earlier in the week, students submitted hundreds of other entries – in 12 different categories – to an online contest that featured design, photography and online categories.
“Teaching students the bedrock skills of writing, editing, designing and photography is what our contest is all about,” said Eric Thomas, KSPA executive director. “The judges for the contest look for solid grasp of the fundamentals first and then seek entries that go above and beyond with creativity. This year’s winners showcased both creative excellence and solid skills.”
KSPA enlists the help of journalism teachers, professional journalists, university faculty members and other journalism experts to judge the entries.
— Submitted
Police: Kansas man wounded in ambush robbery
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated robbery and searching for suspects.
Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to the 1500 block of SE Quincy in Topeka after reports of gunshots, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.
At the scene, officers found an adult male victim who had been shot. The investigation revealed the victim was ambushed by two suspects described as black males wearing masks and he was robbed of personal belongings. His wounds were considered non-life threatening, according to Ekis. No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police Department.
Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex hosts youth tournament with fix to fields
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex was host to one of its biggest tournaments of the year this past weekend with some improvements to its fields.
The sports complex hosted 53 teams for an NBC points tournament for youth baseball teams from 8 and younger to 14 and younger. This year’s participation is up from 33 teams last year. Each team has 10 to 11 players.
The city of Hays has been working to replace dirt in the infields that had been lost to wind erosion. Work was done on the south fields this year, and the city and the complex director hope to complete work on the rest of the fields next year, said A.J. Preisner, complex director.
The erosion on the fields is a hazard. It creates a lip between the dirt infield and the grass outfield. This can cause balls to pop up as they roll from the infield to the outfield and strike a player who is trying to field the ball. It has been especially a problem for the rec teams and younger players who play closer to the infield.
The lips can also be a tripping hazard.
“We here in the western part of the state get wind blowing the majority of the time. It is hard to control. We have brought in as much in-fill mix as we can. This is our seventh season, so for not doing it for six years, it definitely needed to be built up,” Preisner said.
The city brought in 750 tons of a mix of sand and red shale. The repairs cost the city about $39,000.
Tournaments like the one last weekend can be a significant economic boon to the local economy. Preisner shared an example of spending from a survey completed by one of the teams that came from Wichita.
The team reported they booked 20 hotel rooms and spent about $120 per family. They also ate breakfast, lunch and dinner in Hays during the two days and spent an average of $25 per family on retail items. Thirty-eight of the teams that were in this weekend’s tournament were out-of-town teams, traveling from as far as Manhattan to play.
Tammy Wellbrock, executive director of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, said these types of sporting events are a good opportunity for local businesses to showcase their goods and services.
“The chamber recognizes that it is common when people spend their entire day or weekend in Hays they are going to spend money at hotels and restaurants and make incidental purchases, and that must have a major impact on the economy and the city sales tax, plus repeat customers.
“We don’t have a mechanism to show how many of these families are here for the first time and then return to Hays for other leisure purpose. I myself came here as a senior to watch state basketball. I loved it so much I chose to come here for college. We don’t know how one visit for one reason may influence a decision for another down the line.
“Many chamber members and businesses truly appreciate the opportunity to showcase their goods and services to a new audience,” Wellbrock added, “and we will continue to work together to get these types of events hosted here.”
Kan. man who brought pellet rifle to city hall remains in jail
HUTCHINSON — Formal charges have been brought against a Kansas man who showed up at Hutchinson City Hall last week with what was thought to be an assault weapon.
Johnny Klaassen, 60, Hutchinson was charged with disorderly conduct — a misdemeanor. He was also charged with possession of meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia
On May 3, Klassen was arrested after city personnel called 911 and reported a man with what appeared to be an assault weapon.
When officers arrived, they discovered Klassen left westbound on a bicycle. Authorities intercepted him and saw the gun slung over his shoulder. Klassen apparently wanted to talk with a city department head about a bill.
Klassen was taken into custody and remains jailed on a $6,100 bond.
Sunny, warm Wednesday
Today Sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 10pm and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. East southeast wind around 7 mph.
Thursday A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am. Sunny, with a high near 90. South southeast wind 6 to 16 mph.
Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 6 to 13 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
TMP softball splits with Great Bend
By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post
Game 1: Great Bend 5, TMP 4
Game 2: TMP 8, Great Bend 7
HAYS, Kan.-TMP and Great Bend split a doubleheader on Tuesday at the Monarch Sports Complex in Hays. Great Bend broke open a 2-1 game in the top of the 7th inning with three runs in game number one. TMP would answer with three runs in the bottom of the inning and had the tying run at second base when the game ended. Emilee Augustine paced the Lady Monarch offensive attack going 4-4 with two doubles.
The Lady Monarchs took their first lead of the night on a Ciera Seib two RBI single in the bottom of the second inning to put TMP up 2-1. The Lady Panthers answered with five runs in the top of the third inning before TMP scored three in the bottom of the inning to pull within one run at 6-5. The game remained tight with Great Bend holding a 7-6 lead going into the bottom of the seventh. The Lady Monarchs were able to plate two runs and pick up the 8-7 victory when Lexi Gottschalk lifted a sacrifice fly to right field that scored the winning run.
Bailey Lacy pitched both games for TMP going 1-1 on the night. Augustine finished 6-7 from the plate with three doubles on the night. The Lady Monarchs run their record to 15-5 on the year and will be in Goodland on next Tuesday for 3A Regional play.
MELISSA SCHOEPF INTERVIEW
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Hays High baseball honors seniors versus Andover Central
It wasn’t the final games at Hays High School for baseball team seniors. The Indians will be hosting the state qualifying tournament next Wednesday. Still, Tuesday marked an evening to honor six seniors for the commitment to Hays High baseball. Between games Dawson Harmon, Cole Murphy, Hunter Brown, Nick Fisher, Dago Cano and Trey VanPelt were recognized along with their parents.
Game 1
Andover Central 9 – Hays 7
Highlights
A tight game through three innings was blown open in the top of fourth by five Andover Central runs. Trey VanPelt had just brought the Indians back within a run at 4-3 following a two run double in the bottom of the third. The Jaguars scored a run on a throwing error and then followed that with three singles, two walks and a sacrifice bunt for a hit to take an 8-3 run.
Nick Fisher entered the game with the bases loaded and nobody out and promptly got out of the inning with a double play ground ball and an infield single. Trailing 9-3, the Indians tallied three runs on no hits in the fifth and one more in the seventh but fall 9-7. Hays had the winning run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh but a sinking line drive was caught on the run in center field to end the game.
Palmer Hutchison took the loss for the Indians in game one.
Hunter Brown and Trey VanPelt each recorded two hit games. VanPelt drove in three runs. The third coming on a bases loaded hit-by-pitch.
Game 2
Andover Central 15 – Hays 7
Highlights
It was once again the fourth inning that cost Hays in the second game. Trey Riggs opened the third inning with a solo home run to tie the game at 3-3. In the top of the fourth the Jaguars scored eight runs on four hits, four walks, a hit batter and an Indian error. The runs would be too much for Hays to over come.
The Indians added four more runs before the end of the game which included a three run home run from Cody Petersen in the sixth.
Hunter Brown, Cody Petersen and Dom Bainter each recorded two games in the loss.
Coach Frank Leo
Hays falls to 11-7 after the double header. Andover Central improves to 13-5. Cody Petersen took the loss in game two.
Person of interest in murder admits role in Kan. coin scam
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A woman considered one of two people of interest in the slaying of a Nebraska woman has pleaded guilty in an unrelated gold coin scheme in Kansas.
Court records show Bailey Boswell entered the plea Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Lincoln. Prosecutors agreed to drop several other counts in return. Sentencing is set for Aug. 3.
Aubrey Trail is accused in the scam and also is considered a person of interest in the death of 24-year-old Sidney Loofe. Court records don’t show that he or Boswell have been charged in the homicide.
Trail’s pleaded not guilty in the coin case, but a plea hearing is scheduled for him later Tuesday.
Investigators say Trail used a false name when he persuaded a Kansas couple to enter a joint venture to purchase a gold coin and then sell it.
Trail and Boswell were arrested Nov. 30 near Branson, Missouri.
Monarchs girls’ soccer blanks Word of Life
WICHITA, Kan. – The TMP-Marian girls’ soccer team won their tenth match of the season Tuesday, beating Word of Life out of Wichita 10-0. The contest was called inside of 50 minutes by mercy rule.
The Monarchs improve to 10-4-1 on the season heading into their regular season finale Thursday against the Wichita Classical School at the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex.