Ellis County’s next “Strategic Doing” will be held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 18, at The Press Restaurant in the Hadley Center, 230 East 8th Street, Hays. The meeting will include information about writing strong grant proposals and how to secure funding from various available sources.
This event is open to current Strategic Doing teams, as well as others in the community who would like to learn more about the projects and the process. During previous Strategic Doing meetings, participants have identified and prioritized community needs into eight areas, which designated teams are now working to address. These areas include:
• Becoming a more open, welcoming and inclusive community.
• Distribution of social service information in a like environment.
• Filling youth activity gaps in the community.
• Business development, including recruitment, retention and economic development.
• Effective transportation in the region for people, roads, and medical access across cities/towns and counties.
• Education initiatives and communication.
• Helping senior citizens become self-sufficient.
• Retention of graduating students, both from high schools and secondary education, including university, technical schools and professional academies.
Hosted in partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Strategic Doing aims to guide Ellis County residents through the process of prioritizing, planning and implementing sustainable county-wide community improvement projects identified by community members at-large. Projects and ideas that develop from these meetings will be eligible to apply for funding through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Grant Fund at Heartland Community Foundation or directly to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to Sandy Jacobs at 785-621-4090 or [email protected].
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Friends,
Lat week I called on my colleagues to deliver a comprehensive solution to our nation’s immigration system. We must end the sluggish pace at which we are addressing border security and immigration in Congress.
I also am working very hard behind the scenes to repair our trade deals. I met with both the Mexican and Cuban Ambassadors to continue to advocate for new and better trade relationships. As both self-imposed and retaliatory tariffs continue to weigh on our producers and manufacturers I want you to know I am working tirelessly on trade. Our President has promised to deliver new and better agreements, I will continue my work to ensure we achieve those.
In other news, we saw a touching story out of Salina, Kansas where a WWII vet’s family was reunited with their fallen soldier’s wartime memorabilia after more than 70 years. I’m so proud of my staff that worked hard to track down the family.
Simmons Pet Food, Emporia
Kansas sees *pet*ential in this growing industry
I recently visited the Simmons Pet Food factory in Emporia and quickly learned how Kansas is not just a leading provider of food for Americans, but for domesticated animals as well. Simmons Feed Ingredients boasts an innovative array of proprietary animal nutrition products, serving customers in all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world.
The reason I visit great companies such as Simmons Pet Food is because of the value they bring to our Kansas communities. Being the home to not just one but three leaders in the pet food manufacturing industry means reliable jobs for families in the area. Simmons employs more than 600 people, and recently announced a $38 million expansion to the Emporia facility.
We discussed the negative impact the steel and aluminum tariffs are having on their business, as their pet food is distributed in cans made of these materials. I have called for the Commerce Department to target bad actors in their steel efforts, not allies who supply steel and aluminum that Kansas manufacturers so desperately need.
We got the BEEF!
Kansans do the best job of telling their stories. That’s why it is always a pleasure to have folks in D.C. that take the time to come by our office. Last week attendees of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Young Cattlemen’s Conference spoke on several key issues that we have partnered on to support our state’s beef industry. Stability in trade markets, livestock transportation regulations that take consider animal welfare and the 2018 Farm Bill were items that topped their list. I’m proud to have been a vocal supporter of each of these. Kansas’ First District leads the nation in cattle sales each year, demonstrating the importance of this industry to our state’s economy.
Small Business Committee looks at barriers for veteran-owned businesses
In recent years the VA has adopted rules and policies that increase barriers for veteran-owned small businesses, adding additional requirements that can delay or prevent these small business owners from contracting with the VA. Thursday, the Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations discussed the senseless road blocks imposed on our nation’s veterans.
I appreciate the Committee taking a look at such an important issue, and I look forward to continuing discussions as to how best help our veterans transition back to civilian life.
KS, AR, MN lead trade talks with Cuba Ambassador
I joined Senator John Boozman, Representatives Rick Crawford, Tom Emmer, and the Cuban Ambassador to the United States, José Cabañas, in a roundtable discussing the benefits of opening markets between Cuba and the United States. The panel mainly focused on strengthening agricultural trade between the two countries.
Improving our relationship with Cuba could lead to a stronger agricultural economy in our country. With farmers concerned about access to international markets a $2 billion potential market remains largely untouched just over the horizon in Cuba. I took time to emphasize the importance of opening more markets to export wheat and other commodities from our state and nation. Our Kansas farmers need access to opportunities to increase commodity prices. Because of Cuba’s proximity, U.S. wheat, corn, sorghum and other exports to the island have a solid advantage over competitors both in shipping costs and delivery times. If the U.S. was able to sell its goods to Cuba, Kansas could top $55 million in new sales, with a 25 percent increase in wheat sales.
Enough is enough.
I took to the House floor to address our broken immigration system. It is imperative that immigration reform provides a work visa for guest workers so that our state can continue to be an agricultural powerhouse. Working with former chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Bob Goodlatte, such a program was developed and introduced in the Ag Act which I am proud to cosponsor. The program would replace the outdated, seasonal-only, H-2A visas with new H-2C’s for our dairy and feedlot industries. H-2C’s are much more efficient and are particularly important for our state’s livestock industry.
Later in the week we met as a Republican conference to further discuss an immigration bill, which would PRE-fund border security, so as to avoid repeating past mistakes. With members are still negotiating the details, we agreed that the remaining policies should closely follow the “four pillars” laid out by President Trump in his State of the Union speech. These pillars include securing the border, legal status for children brought here by their parents at a young age, the ending of the visa lottery, and limits to chain migration.
The brokenness of our immigration system and border security is on full display. Last month the Department of Homeland Security apprehended 50,000 people crossing illegally. I am looking forward to what we expect will be several votes on immigration in the House and keeping my promises to the people of the first district. This reform is crucial to our economy, our security, and our future!
WWII Veteran finds dog tags of Fallen Beloit soldier
Military veterans and their stories are a topic particularly close to my heart, which is why a recent story that has taken root in our district regarding a Kansas-born WWII war hero is so touching.
In February, our office fielded a call from a friend of 1st Lieutenant James Garberg, a WWII vet from Minneapolis, Minn. While going through his war time memorabilia Mr. Garberg found the dog tags of one of his soldiers, Ernest Childers Jr. from Beloit, Kan. Mr. Garberg and Mr. Childers, Jr. were part of the 32nd infantry regiment that retook Attu Island back from the Japanese in 1943. Lt. Garberg had carried Childers from the battleground after he suffered injuries that he later died from.
When Lt. Garberg’s friend, Lt Col. (Ret.) Mike DePuglio, contacted the office for help with finding Childers’ next of kin or any living descendants to return the tags to, we were glad to help. After a search, our caseworker found the fallen soldier’s nephew who was overwhelmed with emotions by the news of his uncle’s Lieutenant finding and returning the dog tags.
Friday, June 8 in our Salina District Office, Ernest Childers accepted the dog tags, marking the first time these tags have been in the possession of a member of the Childers family in over 70 years. What an incredible honor it is to have witnessed this story unfold firsthand over the course of the week!
Kansas Opportunity Zones
On the House floor I discussed one specific aspect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Federal Opportunity Zones, which are designed to promote economic development and job creation in communities throughout our country. The Treasury Department recently selected 29 opportunity zones in 17 different counties across the 1st District of Kansas. When a tract is deemed an opportunity zone, it allows taxpayers to defer capital gains tax if they invest in prioritized local projects. This is a win-win scenario for both businesses and communities that will spur growth and expansion.
Letha Mae Harris, 81, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, June 04, 2018, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas.
Letha was born on August 05, 1936, in Norton County Kansas, the daughter of George E. and Evelyn G. (Cramer) Hendrickson. She grew up in the Norton county area and attended local schools. She also lived in Calvert county, Kansas and Almena, Kansas areas before moving to Colorado. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Albert S. Harris on November 30, 1974, in St. Rose Lima, Denver, Colorado. They were blessed with 4 children Randy, Ronda, Barry and Stephanie. She worked as a waitress for F.W. Woolworth and worked there for 40 years until her retirement in 1994. She was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell was a former member of St. Rose Lima Catholic Church in Denver. She enjoyed playing bingo and couponing. Mostly she enjoyed spending time with her family and organizing family barbeques and especially enjoyed spending time with her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Surviving family include her children son Randy Gonzales of Hays, Kansas, daughter Ronda Towery of Russell, Kansas, son Barry Harris of St. Petersburg, Florida and daughter Stephanie Beste of Denver, Colorado; 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; brothers Larry Hendrickson of Denver, Colorado and David Hendrickson of Hays, Kansas and a sister Alice Hawks of Almena, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister Donna Maltsbarger.
A memorial service to celebrate Letha’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary Chapel. Services will conclude at the mortuary. Family will greet guests the day of the service. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
As the Ellis County Commission continues working on the 2019 budget, commissioners will hear budget requests from outside agencies at Monday’s commission meeting.
According to information provided to the commission by County Administration Phillip Smith-Hanes, outside agencies received $1.07 million in 2018. That included the $23,000 provided to the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development. Smith-Hanes said that money is expected to be transferred to road and bridge for 2019.
Twelve agencies will provide presentations Monday and one next week.
In other business, the commission will consider a resolution allowing the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County July 2 to 4.
They will also consider donating six radios to the Gorham Fire District.
The commission will meet as the Public Building Commission with the regular commission meeting to follow at the County Administrative Center at 718 Main St. in Hays.
The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 34 traffic stops Fri., June 8, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Driving Under the Influence–7th and Vine St, Hays; 2 AM; 2:05 AM
Animal At Large–100 block E 17th St, Hays; 7:50 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block E 19th St, Hays; 8:27 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 13th St, Hays; 8:33 AM
Water Use Violation–2700 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 9:02 AM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6/7 12 PM; 6/8 12 PM
Identity Theft–2300 block Allen St, Hays; 3:50 PM
Found/Lost Property–200 block Ash St, Hays; 3:55 PM
Welfare Check–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 06/08/2018 04:01:37 PM
Water Use Violation–200 block E 6th St, Hays; 4:12 PM
Juvenile Complaint–1600 block Allen St, Hays; 4:29 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–3000 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 4/1 12 PM; 6/9 5 PM
Parking Complaint–200 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:05 PM
Disturbance – Noise–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:22 PM
Criminal Trespass–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 6/6 6:30 PM; 7:30 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 29 traffic stops Sat., June 9, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Suspicious Person–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 6/8 11:45 PM; 6/9 12:10 AM
Suspicious Activity–22nd St and Main St, Hays; 1 AM; 1:10 AM
Intoxicated Subject–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:47 AM
Driving Under the Influence–600 block Fort St, Hays; 1:56 AM
Animal Call–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:27 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:15 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–200 block W 34th St, Hays; 9:53 AM
Suspicious Activity–500 block Mission Mt, Hays; 12:11 PM
Mental Health Call–2000 block Patio Dr, Hays; 12:20 PM
Animal At Large–2400 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 6:40 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–300 block Main St, Hays; 10:30 AM; 7 PM
Suspicious Person–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 8:33 PM
Intoxicated Subject–1800 block Main St, Hays; 11:01 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 36 traffic stops Sun., June 10, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:09 AM
Disturbance – General–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:46 AM
MV Accident /DUI–1100 block Fort St, Hays; 1:51 AM
Driving Under the Influence–300 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:05 AM
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 8:23 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block Ash St, Hays; 11 AM
Found/Lost Property–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 8:53 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–400 block Autumn Ln, Hays; 1:30 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block E 18th St, Hays; 1:35 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–1000 block E 33rd St, Hays; 1:50 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–300 block E 23rd St, Hays; 2:48 PM
Driving Under the Influence–19th and Milner, Hays; 3:55 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 5:53 PM; 5:55 PM
Shoplifting–700 block E 13th St, Hays; 5:55 PM
Sex Offense–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8 PM
Drug Offenses–1500 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:44 PM
Independent candidate and Ellis resident John Walz has filed for the Ellis County District 1 seat on the Ellis County Commission.
Walz filed the required paperwork Friday, according to County Election Officer and Clerk Donna Maskus.
Independent candidates have until 12 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, to file for the general election. They have to file by petition and collect signatures from 4 percent – or 67 – registered voters from District 1.
Walz works for the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department.
He is the fourth candidate to file for the position.
SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated assault involving an off-duty officer and have made an arrest.
Hogue-photo Shawnee Co.
Just before 5:30 p.m. Sunday, an off-duty Topeka police officer was the victim of an aggravated assault by use of a firearm in the lot of 1401 SW Wanamaker in Topeka, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.
The officer was able to call in the location, description, and direction of the suspect. The vehicle was initially found by a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper eastbound on Interstate 70 and 75 Highway. Officers from Topeka police, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Capital Police arrived to assist with a high-risk stop between Mac Vicar and 1st Street.
There happened to be a AAA driver arrive at the same time. They helped to shut down the highway for the safety of the travelers.
Authorities took Randal S. Hogue, 31, Topeka, into custody. Authorities also discovered a stolen handgun and an illegally altered shotgun in the vehicle.
Randal then attempted to escape custody while at the Law Enforcement Center during interviews. Randal was captured and taken to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections under suspicion of Aggravated Assault(2x), Aggravated Escape from Custody, Obstruction, Criminal Use of a Weapon, Theft-Firearm, and Driving While Suspended, according to Jones.
Hansen MuseumLOGAN — The Dane G. Hansen Museum takes great pride in hosting a two-day watercolor painting workshop with Laurie Albin at the Dane G. Hansen Museum, 110 W. Main, Logan, Kansas. This workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on June 22 and 23, 2018, with a lunch break each day. At this workshop, Laurie will introduce basic watercolor techniques and present step-by-step demonstrations providing guidance and inspiration. Day 1 of the workshop, students will practice newly introduced techniques by painting a floral. Day 2, students work from a custom sketch with the goal of completing a work ready for the frame. This workshop is available to all skill levels.
Instructor Laurie Albin is a Kansas Watercolor Society Signature member and has been painting watercolors from over 42 years. Laurie is an experienced instructor, for ten years, she had a teaching studio in WaKeeney, Kansas and for the past eleven years Laurie has been teaching secondary art in public schools. To view Laurie’s art, go to www.albinstudio.com.
This learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program with funds from the Hansen Foundation. Cost of the workshop is $120.00 with discounts available for members of the Dane G. Hansen Museum. For more information, please call 785-689-4846.
Museum Hours are M-F 9-12 & 1-4; Sat. 9-12 & 1-5; Sun. & Holidays 1-5. The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. We are handicapped accessible and there is never an admission fee. For more information about this and other exhibits, contact Shari Buss at 785-689-4846.
Eugene “Gene” Jacobs, age 96, of Hays, KS, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society-Hays.
Gene was born on July 1, 1921 in Pfeifer, KS to John and Pauline (Roth) Jacobs. He married Lillian Klaus on February 23, 1952 in Pfeifer, KS. She preceded him in death on September 3, 2014. Gene graduated from Schoenchen High School. He was an avid athlete and excelled in all sports. After high school, he attended Fort Hays College and was on the football team. Gene’s memberships included Holy Cross Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, and third degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166 in Schoenchen. He was co-founder of the Ellis County Volga German Society and Holy Cross Charities. He was also a board member of Gorham Coop and USD #432, Victoria for numerous years. He was a lifelong farmer in the Pfeifer area, oil pumper, and retired from the City of Russell as a well supervisor. Gene loved to watch sports and was a fan of KU Basketball and the KC Royals. He attended several K-State Football Bowl games as a KU fan. Most of all, Gene enjoyed attending his granddaughter’s sport activities. He was never a stranger to anyone, had numerous stories and jokes with an infectious smile and will be dearly missed.
Survivors include his two daughters, Patty Way and her husband Larry of Wichita, KS, Debbie Hoffman and her husband Tom of Hays; two sisters, Flo Beilman and Rosie Ziegler; two granddaughters, Whitney Woods and her husband Adam of Norman, OK, Kaylee Hoffman and her significant other, J.T. Thurston of Shawnee, KS; step-granddaughter, Brandi Way of Wichita, KS; one great-grandson, Zaddik Woods and three step great-grandchildren, Ryan, Tayton & Mallory. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lillian; four brothers, Lee, Florian, Adolph & Marcy Jacobs; three sisters, Armella Schulte, Erma Chrnalogar & Marietta Hillenkamp.
A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pfeifer, KS. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 12, from 4-8:00 PM and Wednesday from 9-10:00 AM at the Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.
A Schoenchen Knights of Columbus Council #4166 rosary will be held at 6:30 PM followed by a parish vigil service at 7:00 PM both at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made in Gene’s loving memory to Holy Cross Charities and/or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Hays.
To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or via email to [email protected].
Arrangements are by Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.
Jacob Lee Christie was born February 26, 1990, in Hiawatha, Kansas, to David Christie and Denise (Heineken)(Christie) Miller. He was loved deeply by two sets of parents, David Christie, Mik Christie, and Tim and Denise Miller.
Jacob was baptized at the First United Methodist Church, Hiawatha, Kansas, in 1990. He had a heart as big as they come. He was a loving and accepting young man that never met a stranger. Jacob loved his family, his friends, and life on the farm. As a boy he was active in 4-H and FFA, along with several other school organizations. He shared so many wonderful memories with both the Millers and Heinekens, and life will never be the same for either family without him. Jacob enjoyed hunting and fishing and proudly hosted his dad and Uncle Dean for deer season in the Kensington area, and spent time hunting in the Effingham area, as well. He also enjoyed attending Nascar Race Events and the yearly Christie family reunion in Branson with his dad.
After graduating from West Smith County High School in 2008, Jacob attended Kansas State University for 2 years. He joined the Army National Guard in 2012, completing Basic Training at Fort Jackson and AIT at Fort Lee.
Jacob enjoyed working outside, and also had an interest in electricity. He worked for Heineken Electric, Inc., BIH Plumbing and Electric, and also American Family Insurance. He was indispensable on the farm during wheat harvest and every time something needed repaired, because he was such a natural mechanic. Following the death of his little sister, Courtney, in 2015, (the day after his 25th birthday) Jacob struggled to find meaning in life. Jacob will always be remembered for his courage in difficult times. Though the battle proved to be too much, on June 8, 2018, we know he is now at rest in the arms of Jesus.
Jacob is survived by families, Tim, Denise, Elly, and Logan Miller, and David and Rhonda (Schuetz ) Christie, beloved stepmother Mik Christie, Jordan Gormley and Lindsey Rhodd. Grandparents Nancy Heineken, Nancy Christie, Darlene Miller, Toni Hull, and Ed and Deb Christian also survive, along with many Uncles, Aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by a sister, Courtney Faith Miller, and grandfathers, F. Robert Christie, Leon J. Heineken, and Dean T. Miller.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at Heartland Worship Center in Agra, Kansas. Following cremation, Jacob will rest beside his sister in the Family Memorial Garden at the Miller home, and honored in a private family service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations will be accepted to the Jacob Christie Memorial Fund and designated at later time.
The Janousek Funeral Home of La Crosse, Kansas, has announced Funeral Services for Anna M. Schenk, 92, La Crosse, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse.
HCF
