SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.
Munoz -photo Shawnee Co.
Just before 8a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 400 block of SE Lafayette Street in Topeka on a report of gunshots in the area with two possible victims, according to Lt. Chris Heaven.
Upon arrival, officers located a Hispanic/Male 30’s in the west alley suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital.
A private vehicle had already taken a second Hispanic-Male unknown age, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to St. Francis Hospital.
Both gunshot victims suffered injuries that appear to be life threatening, according to Heaven.
Police arrested 28-year-old Daniel R. Munoz Munoz for two counts of Aggravated Battery and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.
Just before 8a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 400 block of SE Lafayette Street in Topeka on a report of gunshots in the area with two possible victims, according to Lt. Chris Heaven.
Upon arrival, officers located a Hispanic/Male 30’s in the west alley suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital.
A private vehicle had already taken a second Hispanic-Male unknown age, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to St. Francis Hospital.
Both gunshot victims suffered injuries that appear to be life threatening, according to Heave.
The fort said in news release it will be conducting a training exercise involving small arm fire, artillery and demolitions.
The exercise is known as Gauntlet and is part of the 1st Infantry Division commander’s Combat Training Center certification program.
Fort Riley says to expect significant noise June 11 through June 13, and on June 17.
More than 18,000 soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade and numerous National Guard and Army Reserve units will be part of the exercise. The fort says the Gauntlet is designed to test command and control at all levels in field conditions.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the death of a woman who led an investigator to the body of her 5-year-old stepson (all times local):
Lucas Hernandez
A prosecuting attorney says law enforcement will continue to work to determine how a 5-year-old Wichita boy died, despite the death of his stepmother, who had been the focus of the investigation.
Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said Friday that Emily Glass’ death does not mean authorities plan to wrap up their work in the case of Lucas Hernandez, whose body was found last month after Glass reported him missing in February.
Glass was found dead early Friday after Lucas’ father reported she had committed suicide. Authorities have not determined the cause of death.
Bennett said Glass was the main person of interest in the case and he couldn’t say whether other people might have “levels of culpability” in the boy’s death.
Seven registered nurses at HaysMed were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon. They completed the yearlong RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.
The program began a year ago in July 2017 and the nurses spent the first 3 weeks in a classroom setting. The remainder of training focuses on clinical experience, one on one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on the job training. Additionally, nurses receive training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, periop and others.
The RN Residency class included Danelle Glines, RN, Tabitha Greathouse, RN, Andrew Heimann, RN, Tara Hoekman, RN, Katie Rabe, RN, Shelby Rohr, RN and Amanda Rudman, RN.
The RN Residency Program at HaysMed is one of only two in the state and has been offered since 2008. Shari Hertel, RN heads the program and has oversight of all the training. HaysMed also works closely with critical access hospitals in the region through a rural residency program to provide training to nurses practicing in the rural setting.
“The ever-changing health care landscape presents challenges and opportunities to new nursing graduates.” Said Hertel. “Our evidenced based residency program goes beyond basic orientation and provides a clinical preceptorship focused not just on delivering competent care, but also in how to develop and grow in the nursing profession. The positive clinical outcomes benefit not only the participating nurses, but also our patients.”
Currently there are 10 nurses scheduled in the next program which begins in July and six nurses enrolled in the Rural Residency program. The program is open to newly graduated RNs.
— HaysMed
ALFALFA COUNTY —An earthquake shook many area of Kansas Saturday morning.
Location of Saturday’s quake and where residents felt it -USGS image
The quake just before 9a.m. measured a magnitude 4.5 and was centered approximately 26 miles east of Cherokee, Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Cherokee is 90-minutes south of Pratt.
Residents from across central Kansas reported feeling the quake. The USGS reported a pair of Kansas quakes on June 4 including a 2.9 temblor in Salina County and a 2.6 in Reno County.
There are no initial reports of damage or injury from Saturday’s quake.
The youth tour winners met with Nex-Tech CEO, Jimmy Todd, to go over travel arrangements prior to the trip. Pictured are Levi Hickert, Jimmy Todd, and Angel Mong.
LENORA — A free trip to Washington does not come along every day, but for two students, it became a reality. Through its association with the Foundation for Rural Service, Nex-Tech sponsored two students to attend the FRS Youth Tour, June 2-6. Students apply by written application, which includes an essay addressing the benefits of attending the Youth Tour and impact that it may have to their career goals. This year’s winners were Angel Mong and Levi Hickert who joined nearly 100 other students from across the country at the FRS Youth Tour.
Youth tour participants receive a first-hand glimpse at how the legislative and regulatory decisions made in Washington, D.C. affect how their local service providers operate in their own hometowns. The trip features a comprehensive overview of the communications industry and the critical role communications plays in rural America. In addition to the educational component, the Youth Tour also introduces students to various historical landmarks.
Angel, an upcoming senior at Wheatland High School, is the daughter of Marilyn and the late Tim Mong. In her essay, Angel shares that she finds our country’s history extremely fascinating, and she wants to experience the history and culture of D.C. Angel wants to become a teacher and feels the Youth Tour will give her an opportunity to increase her worldly knowledge and learn about our nation’s capital.
Levi is the son of Kevin and Sondra Hickert. He will be a junior at Hays High School. Levi writes that the learning experience he will gain from the Youth Tour will help him with educational and occupational decisions for his future. Pursuing a course of study in Engineering, Levi feels that increasing his knowledge of governmental regulations and communications will be beneficial to project planning and development.
“We are excited to provide Angel and Levi with this wonderful opportunity,” said Jacque Beckman, Nex-Tech’s Youth Services/Training Specialist. “Educating them about government processes, the telecommunications industry, and our nation’s history will make them stronger individuals and will prepare them as future leaders and contributing citizens.”
The City of Ellis, Kansas, is accepting applications for a Full Time Entry Level Police Officer or a Lateral Transfer Police Officer. Police Officers are required to enforce local, state, and federal laws as well as serve papers and complete other various tasks.
Minimum requirements are U.S. citizen, High School diploma or GED, 21 years of age, valid driver’s license, no felony, serious misdemeanor or domestic violence convictions. Police Officer employed with the city of Ellis is required to establish residence with the Ellis School district USD 388. KLETC certification is required for lateral transfers. A background check will be conducted on each applicant. Applicant must pass a pre-employment drug screen, written test, oral interview, and physical and mental health evaluations. Applicant will provide a current driving history and current credit report.
The City of Ellis is an equal opportunity employer offering a highly competitive benefit package including paid family health insurance. Starting pay for Police Officers is $15.90 an hour. Lateral transfers will receive $17.22 an hour after they complete field training.
To apply, go to the city of Ellis Kansas web page click the job opportunities link and fill out the application. Send the application either by mail to the Ellis Police Department 815 Jefferson St. Ellis, Kansas 67637 or by email to Chief Taft Yates at [email protected]. You may also contact the Ellis Police Department by phone at (785) 726-4462 or the Ellis City Clerk by phone at (785)726-4812 for an application.
Three Fort Hays State University faculty members recently presented at the National Social Science Association convention in Las Vegas.
Dr. Pelgy Vaz, professor of sociology, Dr. Carrol Haggard, retired associate professor of communication studies, and Lynn Haggard, retired librarian at Forsyth Library, presented “Academic and non-Academic Strategies to Enhance Student Learning.”
The presentation described existing academic and non-academic programs and practices that enhance students’ learning and college experiences. It also focused on integrative and holistic approaches to student learning and comprehensive support services provided to students.
Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.
By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute
What is being built by this business? In the case of one Kansas company, it might be decorative metal railings for a Big 12 football stadium or for Oklahoma City’s Bricktown entertainment district. These are among the key projects of this entrepreneurial company in rural Kansas.
Ted Bender is founder and owner of Bender Steel in Whitewater, Kansas. He grew up between Newton and Hesston, and took agricultural education classes at Moundridge from agricultural instructor Larry Goering. Here he learned to weld. That skill would become the basis of his career.
During the following years, Ted worked for a local manufacturing company and for various local farmers, including Mr. Goering. Then Ted married his wife Amy and moved to the Whitewater area, northeast of Wichita.
In 2003, Ted started his own business, primarily doing farm equipment repair. He also had a hay business and traded in antique tractors.
2008 marked a turning point in his business. “A guy from our church asked me if I wanted to do some welding on a handrail for a project he was working on,” Ted said. Ted took on the project and it went so well that this type of custom welding became a major part of his business.
Today, Bender Steel is a full service metal fabricator of products such as steel fencing, architectural steel structures and custom design elements. “We’ve built everything from bike racks to trash cans to decorative fences,” Ted said. Among the company’s most popular products are the custom, ornamental handrailings.
The company’s website says: “Our team can handle everything from the beginning stages of design to the installation of the completed project. Our technicians have experience in AutoCAD to begin the design process and produce professional shop drawings. We have the ability to fabricate plasma-cut projects as well as bend, shear, and roll steel. Our experienced welders can weld everything from aluminum to steel. Once the project is produced, we can sandblast, paint and install it.”
From Ted Bender’s one man shop, the company has expanded to include 14 employees. Bender Steel has worked on projects from Kansas City to Oklahoma City. For example, the company’s products can be found near the Wichita riverfront, a bridge over Interstate 70 near the Kansas Speedway, bus stop shelters in downtown Wichita, a unique new waterfront park called A Gathering Place for Tulsa, and Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan.
“We built every piece of exterior rail (on the KSU west stadium renovation),” Ted said. “It’s fun to think that everybody touches our product and our customers are happy.”
What are the keys to the growth of the business? “We owe it all to the Lord, one hundred percent,” Ted said.
What about advice to other small businesses? “Building relationships with customers is really important,” Ted said. “We need to meet and exceed expectations and make sure things are right in the end.”
He pointed out the importance of going the extra mile for the customer. “Long after the pain fades from your extra effort, the customer will remember that you took care of them,” Ted said. “It’s all about people, not about money.”
Ted reflected on the basis for his business today. “It starts with faith and family,” Ted said. “My wife Amy has been very supportive through all of this. We have seven beautiful children, and I thank God every day for them.”
He also gives thanks for the agricultural education instructor who taught him to weld. “Larry Goering was a fantastic ag teacher and a fantastic mentor for a lot of us,” he said.
All this has led to this successful business located near the rural community of Whitewater, population 718 people. Now, that’s rural.
What is being built by this business? There are lots of products, but more than that. We salute Ted Bender and the people of Bender Steel for making a difference with their craftsmanship. In the end, this is not only about metal products.
“We don’t just build rails, we build relationships,” Ted said.
Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.
It was another busy week on the KAYS Eagle Morning Show. Here’s what you missed!
Monday
Hays Recreation Commission Superintendent Roger Bixenman
Roger made his monthly visit to the show to talk about the things coming up at the Hays Rec for June:
Kids Day at Larks Park this Saturday (June 9th)
Deadline is upcoming for tennis lessons for those ages 8-18
Fort Hays State Jr. Golf Camp is on Wednesday, June 20th for ages 8-14. Still looking for about 10 more people to sign up
National Yoga Day June 21st @ Hays Rec
Vance Chartier & Ed Holzmeister – The Society of 40 Men & 8 Horses
Vance and Ed were on the Eagle Morning Show to talk about the history and rededication of the Kansas Merci Boxcar that is open to the public coming up on June 16th.
Here’s Vance with a little on the history of the boxcar:
If you would like a tour (by appointment) of the boxcar, give Vance a call at 785-623-6747
The rededication will be on June 16th at 3pm at Veteran’s Park
Protect & Serve: Ellis County Undersheriff Scott Braun
Undersheriff Braun made his monthly visit to the show to talk about the new uniforms coming to the sheriff’s department
Thursday
Fort Hays State University Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Joey Linn
Dr. Linn was in for President Tisa Mason on the Eagle Morning Show. Here are some of the things that he talked about.
2018 FHSU graduate Selam Ball demonstrates the determination and resilience of FHSU students
Dr. Laura Wilson, associate professor of geosciences and chief curator at Sternberg Museum of Natural History and Kristopher Super, FHSU alum, co-authored a research article about a rare bird fossil Super found just before his freshman year at FHSU.
Upcoming events
FHSU Professor Greg Kandt
Greg joined the Eagle Morning Show to talk about aqaucise for people in the community ages 50+.
Aquacise has started for the summer but it is NOT too late to get signed up. It will run through the end of July. For more information and to register, visit this website: www.fhsu.edu/hhp/aquacise/index
What is aquacise? Here’s Greg with more:
Greg also explained the benefits of fitness in the water:
Here’s what’s coming up next week on the Eagle Morning Show!
Hays Arts Council Brenda Meder
Protect & Serve: Hays Police Department
Marketing Director w/Smoky Hills Public Television: Callie Kolacny
Downtown Hays Development Corporation Executive Director: Sara Bloom
TOPEKA – The Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) invites professional and amateur photographers to submit photographs for its seventh annual photo contest to showcase the natural beauty of ranching and grazing lands across the state. The competition offers Kansans the chance to explore and capture the many activities, seasons and faces of Kansas’ ranching tradition.
Participants should submit photos expressing the mission of RTK: “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.” This may include landscape, livestock and people, with preference to grasslands, grazing land, ranchers, cattle and much more.
Participants may enter up to five photos. The entry deadline for the contest is August 15, 2018. Entries will be judged by a panel of professionals in the field of photography and by RTK representatives.
All prizes for the contest are sponsored by Wolfe’s Camera of Topeka. Wolfe’s will award 10 photo cards to all 10 category winners. Categories include: Grand Prize, Landscape, Livestock, People, Youth (ages 5-17), Kansas Livestock Association Member, Fan Favorite via Facebook voting and Honorable Mentions. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of an 11”x 14” stretched photo canvas or a 12” x 18” metal print of their winning photo.
For full contest rules and to enter, visit www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org (News, Events, Photo Contest). For questions, please contact Samantha Weishaar at (785) 273-5115 or [email protected].
Six weeks of protests by the Poor People’s Campaign nationwide and in Topeka aim to raise awareness of social and economic inequalities.
Protesters in the Kansas Capitol this week. STEPHEN KORANDA / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
Translating those demonstrations into changes in state policy, says at least one analyst, will likely demand more sustained efforts.
Protesters occupied part of Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s office recently and 18 people were arrested. This week, Statehouse police arrested 16 people protesting in favor of Medicaid expansion outside the office of Gov. Jeff Colyer.
The protests over recent weeks have focused on a variety of issues including poverty, voting rights and immigration policy.
Durell Sharrone is one of the leaders of the Kansas chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign. He said the group’s goal is to create a grassroots movement by raising awareness of those issues.
“Speak … against those conditions, for others to stand and think, ‘That is immoral. That is wrong and we will not have it,’” Sharrone said.
He said the six weeks of protest are a start, and they hope the campaign will continue into the coming years.
University of Kansas Professor Randal Jelks studies American social movements. He said protests raise awareness of issues and can motivate people who might otherwise sit out the political process.
“You do have to make people cognizant that these are issues facing them and facing their children for the future,” Jelks said.
However, Jelks said creating policy changes generally takes more than just protests.
“It takes getting out the vote, turning out voters,” he said. “You go out and try to elect candidates that are going to represent the public policy issues that you think are important.”
The national branch of the Poor People’s Campaign will be pushing voter registration.
Sharrone said the Kansas chapter could be urging new candidates to run for office.
“If that’s what it takes,” he said. “We are saying that it is time that you work on behalf of the people or it is time that you are fired.”
Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for KPR a partner in the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda. Kansas
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