RILEY COUNTY — One person was injured in a fire Tuesday in Manhattan.
Tuesday house fire in Manhattan-photo courtesy Manhattan Fire Dept.
Crews had the fire in the basement of the home in the 2500 Block of Meadowood Drive under control in about 20 minutes, according to the Manhattan Fire Department. Two residents were home at the time. One was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities have determined the fire was incendiary, according to Assistant Fire Chief Sam Dameron.
The Riley County Police Department is assisting with the investigation.
Damage is estimated at $35,000, according to the fire department.
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RILEY COUNTY — One person was injured in a fire Tuesday in Manhattan.
Crews had the fire in the basement of the home in the 2500 Block of Meadowood Drive under control in about 20 minutes, according to the Manhattan Fire Department. Two residents were home at the time. One was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities have not released what caused the blaze.
Damage is estimated at $35,000, according to the fire department.
Sharon L. Anderson, age 66, passed away May 30, 2018 at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas. She was born March 1, 1952 in West Palm Beach, Florida to Ernie and Betty (Tardy) Delburn. She married Stephen Anderson on January 31, 1985. He preceded her in death.
Sharon was a RN for several central Kansas facilities and home health care providers. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Ness City. She enjoyed reading and being with her family.
She is survived by a son Shane Anderson and wife Jennifer and children, Robbie, Kevin and Donny all of Great Falls, Montana; a daughter, Olivia Anderson and her daughter Grace both of Claflin, Kansas; step daughters, Margie King and Sammie and family and Kimberly Waters of Florida; and a brother, Kevin Delburn of Florida.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Donny Anderson.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].
RUSSELL – Join the excitement of the Ad Astra Music Festival for their fifth summer of collaborative concerts and celebration of community. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 15 for the 2018 season, when musicians from all over the country join local musicians to present ten unique performances. The festival spans three weekends in July and includes both main stage and chamber music performances as well as the festival’s new Sunday Evening Series.
The four main stage performances are large-scale events featuring many world-class performers, suitable for large audiences. Tickets to each event are $10.
The main stage concerts include Brahms’ Requiem, performed by the joined forces of the Russell Community Choir, Ad Astra High School Honor Choir, and the Ad Astra Chamber Choir, Jazz at the Barn, featuring Russell native and Ft. Hays State University trumpet and jazz professor, Brad Dawson and his crew of jazz musicians in an intimate, outdoor setting, Semiconciousness, which explores music composed within the last decade that illuminates our hopes, fears, and unspoken ideas, and the dramatic and beloved Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.
Additionally, the festival’s three chamber music performances in the Deines Cultural Center place audiences intimately close to smaller casts of performers. Limited seating available. Tickets to each event are $10.
Kate Soper’s 2014 opera, Here be Sirens, The Elements, a recital featuring the 2018 Young Artists singing the music of Franz Schubert and Matthew Piatt about Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water, and Cannonballs Fly, an evening filled with musical responses to war and peace, featuring the Ad Astra String Quartet, mezzo-soprano Katelyn Mattson-Levy, tenor Michael Davidson, and pianist Matthew Piatt. The public can save $20 by buying season tickets to the seven ticketed events for only $50. Tickets will be available at the Russell Economic Development Office, Espresso Etc., and on the festival’s website: www.adastramusicfestival.org.
This year, the festival is also collaborating with local churches to offer sacred music during the festival’s new Sunday Evening Series. Three performances bring the historical music of the church home to Russell and provides an opportunity for people of all denominations to join together for these meditative events. Each performance begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
The City of Hays is looking for career-minded individuals who want to serve their community by protecting its citizens as a Full Time Police Officer. Typical work schedule includes seven 12-hour shifts every two weeks which provides, on average, 3.5 days off each week. Weekends and Holidays required.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen & at least 21 years of age within 6 months of application. No felony or domestic violence convictions required. Valid driver’s license & High School Diploma or GED required. KLETC Certification or College Degree preferred but not required.
Paid on-the-job training for the right candidate. All Police Officers are required to live within a 40-mile radius of the City of Hays within 180 days of employment. Job offers contingent on pre-employment tests.
***Tattoos allowed with approval of the Chief of Police.***
COMPENSATIONS & BENEFITS
2018 Base pay range: $39,106 – $61,098. Additional wages for overtime and holidays. Placement in the pay range depends on experience & certification. Lateral transfers accepted. The City of Hays offers great benefits. Visit www.haysusa.com for a full list of the benefits provided.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted online at www.haysusa.com. Questions about the position may be sent to Human Resources at [email protected] or by calling 785-628-7320.
Aptitude and Physical Test Date
The test date is set for June 23. Interested applicants must attend this test date after completing their online application in order to continue on in the hiring process. Applicants will receive more information about the testing process after the application is received.
WABAUNSEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries.
photo Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff
Deputies have located a silver GMC Pickup believed involved in the recent burglaries and thefts in Wabaunsee County, According to Sheriff Rob Hoskins.
The truck was stolen in Shawnee County and located Tuesday evening by the Topeka Police after a pursuit. The occupants fled on foot and may have been located Wednesday by the Kansas Highway Patrol. The KHP did not release details early Wednesday.
A blue Dodge Ram Quad Cab pickup truck involved has not been located, according to Hoskins.
The truck has a very distinct black brush guard on the front, black bumpers and grill, black rims and a black tool box or fuel tank in the back.
It appeared to have a temporary tag on the back. However, the suspects have been stealing registration plates and swapping them out, according to Hoskins. The occupants have been armed and are considered dangerous.
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WABAUNSEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries in Wabaunsee County.
According to the sheriff’s Department, there have been several burglaries to homes and outbuildings in the south east area of the county. Individuals are breaking into homes in the afternoon and evening hours.
The sheriff’s office alerted residents to be very cautious. The alleged burglars were observed by property owners and one of the suspects was armed with a handgun and possibly in a blue pickup and a silver pickup.
“These individuals have stolen everything from ATV’s to the copper wire and air conditioner units from homes.
Use caution if strangers are knocking or approaching your homes, report any vehicles that do not belong in the area or look out of place and call 911.”
Phillipsburg resident Maxine Walker passed away Monday, June 11, 2018 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg at the age of 87.
She was born June 26, 1930 in Oberlin, KS, the daughter of Orville & Opal (Sweet) Smallberger. She married Verle L. Walker on June 14, 1953. He preceded her in death on April 4, 1995.
Survivors include her daughter, Jean Stapel (David) of Phillipsburg, and three grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 16, at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Chris Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 14, from noon – 9 p.m. and again Friday, June 15, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Maxine Walker Memorial Fund. Online condolences to: www.olliffboeve.com.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- First District Congressman Roger Marshall (R-Great Bend) welcomed the announcement by the Department of Transportation (DOT) that $7.4 million worth of grants will be awarded to Kansas First District airports.
DOT Secretary Elaine Chao announced the distribution of $677 million in airport infrastructure grants June 8. Rep Marshall’s district received grants for 16 airports, with Salina Regional Airport receiving the largest single grant for a replacement aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle to assist in meeting safety requirements. This is the DOT’s first allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.
“Kansas has long-standing ties to the aviation industry, but in order to stay competitive, we must go further than maintaining our airport infrastructure,” Rep. Marshall said. “These grants will not just help our local airports remain efficient and safe, but will help with longer term planning for future development projectsthat keepour rural communities competitive. I am thankful the DOT is keeping our aviation industry robust for years to come.”
Airports that received funding:
Beloit- $150,000
Concordia- $247,447
Salina- $886,500
Syracuse- $301,000
Ulysses- $486,000
Smith Center- $423,000
Liberal (2 airports)- $1,558,222
Phillipsburg- $463,973
Leoti- $600,000
Manhattan- $450,000
Herington- $219,141
Hill City- $559,346
Russell- $405,000
Colby- $243,757
Emporia- $360,000
Read more on the projects in focus at these airports: HERE
The discharge of fireworks will be allowed in the unincorporated areas of Ellis County this Fourth of July holiday.
At Monday’s Ellis County Commission meeting, the commission approved a resolution that keeps in place a ban on the sale, purchase and discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Ellis County. But it relaxes the ban on the discharge of fireworks on July 2-4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
According to information provided to the commission, the city of Ellis allows fireworks July 3-5 from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
The city of Victoria has not approved the discharge of fireworks yet for 2018.
In other business, the commission approved the donation of six old emergency radios to the Gorham Fire District.
The Ellis County Fire Department and the Gorham Fire District work together in a number of emergency situations each year and Director of Fire and Emergency Management Darin Myers said this will allow the two departments to communicate better.
The Gorham Fire District also covers approximately 35 square miles in east-central Ellis County.
According to Myers the Gorham Fire District only has one 800 MHz mobile radio and one portable radio.
Ellis County was going to sell the radios to a company in Great Bend for $1,200 to help off-set the cost of the new radios recently purchased by Ellis County.
The commission also heard budget requests from 12 outside agencies that Ellis County helps to fund. In 2018 Ellis County appropriated $1.07 million to those agencies.
High Plains Mental Health Center – requested $281,646
High Plains is a mental health community based in Hays that serves 20 Kansas counties
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas – requested $240,000
DSNWK serves individuals in 18 counties in northwest Kansas
Hays Area Children’s Center – requested $135,000
Money requested goes toward infant toddler special services
Ellis County Council on Aging Recommendations for Senior Citizens’ Agencies – $134,475
Hays Nutrition Center/Hays Senior Center – request is same as last year
Ellis Nutrition Center – request is same as last year
Senior Companion Programs/Foster Grandparents – request is same as last year
Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging – requested $14,500
The request is an increase of $2,412
They are able receive matching grants for those funds
Victoria meal site – requested a $15 increase over last year
They are trying to improve the utilization of the Victoria Senior Meal Plan
Ellis County Historical Society – requested $96,767
They have expanded the services they offer including taking part in the annual Art Walk
They are also working on a new fundraiser and ways to increase memberships
Soil Conservation District – requested $75,000
They work on the local level on conservation projects and programs
ACCESS Transportation – requested $60,000
They are planning on increasing rates to $2 a ride inside the city and $4 in the county
CASA of the High Plains – requested $9,000
Provides court appointed volunteers to assist with abused or neglected children in the court system
Humane Society of the High Plains – requested $4,500
All the money goes to cover care for animals that are brought to the shelter from the county
Ellis Alliance – requested $4,835
The Alliance represents the Ellis Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation of Ellis, Ellis Industrial Development Corporation and Travel and Tourism
Hays Arts Council – requested $3,385
Junior Free Fair – requested $5,000
They are using the money to finish the horse area and for upkeep of facilities
County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes said all agencies were told to keep their request the same as before. The only group that requested an increase was the Ellis County Council on Aging recommendations for senior citizens’ agencies.
There is one more outside agency that will submit their budget request to the commission at a later date.
The commission will hold a special budget work session on Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Ellis County Courthouse. Members of several county departments will present their budget requests.
The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a chip seal project on a portion of K-383 in Norton County on June 18.
Crews will be working on a 14-mile stretch from the Decatur County line to the west U.S. 36 junction. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and directed through the work zone via flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours. Minor delays not exceeding 15 minutes should be anticipated.
KDOT expects work to be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting. APAC Kansas of Emporia is the primary contractor for the project with a total contract cost of $457,000.
TOPEKA — Governor Jeff Colyer today announced that the Kansas Department of Transportation is increasing the exchange rate for local public agencies seeking to fund local projects with state funds through the Federal Fund Exchange Program, returning the exchange rate to $.90 in state funds made available for every $1.00 in federal funds awarded a local agency, upon that agency’s request.
“By participating in the Federal Fund Exchange Program, we are hoping to increase the control that localities have over their transportation projects and make sure that funds are available when they need them,” said Governor Colyer. “It is important to me that local governments have access to resources for local projects with less federal regulation and bureaucratic red tape. We want Kansas solutions for Kansas transportation issues.”
The Federal Fund Exchange Program is a voluntary program allowing local public agencies the option to sell all or a portion of their federal funds for state transportation dollars, which provides greater flexibility of use and allows local agencies the opportunity to fund larger projects that may not have been possible with federal funding.
“We value the partnership we have with local public agencies and we are looking forward to maximizing our capacity to help them improve their local transportation infrastructure,” said Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson. “We want to continue providing a statewide transportation system that meets the needs of the people of Kansas.”
Federal funds exchanged for state funds can be used for local projects such as road construction, maintenance or preservation, safety improvements, sidewalks, ADA ramps, bridge construction, rehabilitation or repair, and low water crossings. The funds exchange program allows local agencies to deposit federal funds over a period of years to bank funds for larger projects or to fund projects that would not have fallen under federal requirements.
Max Dibble, Phillips County Commissioner and Kansas Association of Counties President, said, “Restoration of the $.90/$1.00 ratio in the federal funds exchange program will allow counties to further stretch our transportation dollars. This means safer local roads and bridges for our citizens, farmers and businesses depending on them.”
Dibble/Courtesy Phillips County Review
Michael White, Executive Director of the Kansas Contractors Association commented that, “our economy depends on good roads and infrastructure. We appreciate the Governor and KDOT’s leadership to leverage innovative opportunities for transportation funding. This is a perfect example of how we can all work together – at the local, state and federal level – to repair and grow our economy through results-driven infrastructure investments.”
“As we travel the state and talk to cities, we repeatedly hear transportation funding and infrastructure development is critically important to maintain and grow our state,” said Erik Sartorius, Executive Director of the League of Kansas Municipalities. “We appreciate the Governor and KDOT for reinstating the 90-cent exchange rate for local projects. These funds are used to build important projects in cities including the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of roads and bridges.”
The exchange rate was $.90 for fiscal years 2011-2017 and was at $.75 for fiscal year 2018. Approximately $30 million in federal funds has been eligible for the program. The new rate will take effect with all new contracts.
