ELLSWORTH COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Ellsworth County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Kenworth semi driven by Marino Ramirez, 26, Beaver, OK., was westbound on Kansas 156 one mile north of Ellsworth. The driver braked to avoid striking a farm implement, jackknifed into the eastbound lanes and struck a 2017 GMC Yukon driven by Christina L. Sanchez, 36, Great Bend.
The Yukon rolled and came to a rest at the east ditch. Sanchez died at the scene and was transported to Ellsworth County Medical Center.
Two passengers in the Yukon Christian Villalovos,16 and Ethan Sanches, 3 Great Bend, were transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Ramirez, a passenger in the semi Melissa Recendez, 23, Beaver, OK., and two passengers in the Yukon Alyse Sanchez, 14; Matthew Allison, 16 both Great Bend were transported to the hospital in Ellsworth.
The drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. Details on seat belt usage by the children in the Yukon were not available.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Friends,
I’ve been working hard to preserve NAFTA. Last week the President decided to impose taxes on our allies. I have said time and time again, tariffs must target the bad actors. I urge the administration to focus their efforts on the problem-China, not Mexico, Canada and Europe. The administration’s announcement to implement tariffs on the aluminum and steel industry unfairly hurt our American manufacturers and stalls the progress of our trade negotiations.
As we saw in Friday’s job report, our economy is booming; I am concerned that these actions will impede economic growth.
Thanks to pro-growth policies like the #TaxCutsandJobsAct, consumer confidence is the highest it’s been in 18 years. Hardworking Americans can feel the economy booming and they are growing more hopeful and optimistic about the future. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to an 18-year-low of 3.8 percent with 223,000 new jobs added in May! This month’s jobs report is something all Americans can celebrate.
From fishing with my son, Cal, to honoring our fallen soldiers at Fort Riley and Newton I have been undoubtedly grateful to be back home in Kansas. Throughout the week I welcomed the Secretary of Agriculture to the Wheat State where we discussed the state of our agriculture industry. Later in the week, I sat down with members of the Kansas Chamber and special guest Vincent DeVito, Energy Counselor at the Department of Interior to discuss the future of our energy policy. While a very busy week, I have enjoyed meeting and addressing some top issues in the Big first, and some quality family time.
HONORING OUR VETS
Last week, week our nation paused to recognize and remember our fallen soldiers. I was honored to be a part of the Fort Riley and Newton Memorial Day services. I believe it is important to tell the stories of those who serve their country both past and present so that we don’t take for granted the freedoms that we all so enjoy. As a former Captain in the Army Reserve, I saw first-hand the many sacrifices our men and women in uniform make. On Monday we paid tribute to those who gave their all by remembering their valor and courage.
U.S. Sec. of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
USDA SECRETARY IN KANSAS
I had the opportunity to welcome U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to our district last week. On Monday, Secretary Perdue, Governor Colyer, and I participated in the Memorial Day service at Fort Riley. Later in the week, the Secretary toured our NBAF facility, participated in an Ag panel at River Creek Farms, a Q&A session hosted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and delivered the keynote address at the Kansas FFA Convention. It was an honor to have the Secretary in Kansas and have him meet the great men and women of the state’s agriculture industry.
RIGHT TO TRY ACT
Wednesday President Trump signed the Right to Try Act into law. I was a cosponsor of this bill which passed through the House in March. This legislation will offer individuals with a terminally ill diagnosis the option to try medications that are in the FDA clinical trial phase.
For too long these methods of treatment have been out of reach for terminally-ill citizens. Access to clinical trials, where these resources were found, were extremely limited. With the passage of Right to Try, experimental drugs, which have passed phase one safety trials by the FDA, will offer families a fighting chance when all other resources have been exhausted.
OIL AND GAS ROUNDTABLE
The future of the energy sector is vital to the Kansas economy. The Big First is home to eight out of the 10 Kansas ethanol plants as well as many oil and gas rigs. Last week I participated in a roundtable discussion with the Kansas Chamber and special guest Vincent DeVito, Energy Counselor at the Department of Interior, to talk about the future of U.S. energy. During the roundtable, we discussed how the federal government could better partner with the private sector to encourage energy production rather than hinder it. We can improve the energy sector through transparent science, reduced regulation, and improved trade opportunities.
YOU’RE FIRED
In December, the nation was shocked to learn that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had hired medical providers who had a history of sexual misconduct, and had on numerous occasions engaged in unethical, unprofessional behavior. The VA’s hiring of many of these providers was not only appalling, but also violated federal law. I joined Representatives Rutherford (R-FL), Biggs (R-AZ), Norman (R-SC), Jones (R-NC), Stivers (R-OH), Yolo (R-FL), Bergman(R-MI), Comstock (R-VA), Pearce (R-NM), LaMalfa (R-CA), Meadows (R-NC), Walters (R-CA) to address this faulty hiring practices within the VA. Read our op-ed HERE.
Ultra Electronics, Manhattan
ULTRA ELECTRONICS
As a leader in the aviation industry, Kansas is home to many of the nation’s top-performing military aviation manufacturing businesses. Located out of Manhattan, Ultra Electronics is at the forefront of this industry’s creative and innovative production. On Wednesday, CEO Randy O’Boyle showed me around their facility. Ultra Electronics is a defense, security, transport, and energy company, comprised of specialist businesses designing, manufacturing and supporting electronic and electro-mechanical systems.
One of the most promising aspects of Ultra Electronics is how it’s able to bring on bright, capable employees. Randy and I discussed how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act opened opportunities to increase employment to Fort Riley veterans and local technicians. I am proud to see a Kansas-based company take the lead in such an important industry in America’s economy and I hope they continue to be a shining example to other businesses in how they emphasize veteran employment to fill promising career fields.
Foley Equipment, Colby
GRAND OPENING
Last week I was proud to attend Foley Equipment’s ribbon cutting for their new facility in Colby, Kansas. Their new location is impressive, and will be a great addition to northwest Kansas. #jobsjobsjobs
OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A former assistant principal at a northeastern Kansas middle school faces a felony charge after being accused of sending sexually explicit messages to a student.
Kilgore -photo Johnson Co.
40-year-old Eric Kilgore was booked into the Johnson County jail in Olathe on Thursday and released on $50,000 bond Friday. He is charged with unlawful electronic solicitation of a minor under 14.
Kilgore is accused of sending the messages via Snapchat to a student at Piper Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas, earlier this year, when he was assistant principal there. The girl told her parents, who called school officials and police.
Piper Superintendent Tim Conrad says Kilgore was immediately placed on leave and fired in March.
NEW YORK (AP) — Four more deaths have been linked to a national food poisoning outbreak blamed on tainted lettuce, bringing the total to five.
Health officials have tied the E. coli outbreak to romaine lettuce grown in Yuma, Arizona. The growing season there ended six weeks ago, and it’s unlikely any tainted lettuce is still in stores or people’s homes, given its short shelf life. But there can be a lag in reporting, and reports of illnesses have continued to come in.
In an update Friday on the nation’s largest E. coli outbreak in a decade, health officials said 25 more cases have been added, raising the total number of illnesses to 197 in 35 states. At least 89 people were hospitalized.
Previously one death had been reported, in California. On Friday, health officials said they had learned of four more — one in Arkansas, one in New York, and two in Minnesota.
The first illnesses occurred in March, and the most recent began on May 12, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Many of the new cases were people who became ill two to three weeks ago, when contaminated lettuce was still being sold. Some said they did not eat romaine lettuce but were in close contact with someone who got sick after eating it.
Most E. coli bacteria are not harmful, but some produce toxins that can cause severe illness. People who get sick from toxin-producing E. coli come down with symptoms about three to four days after swallowing the germ, with many suffering bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps and vomiting.
Most people recover within a week, but some illnesses can last longer and be more severe.
GARDNER, Kan. (AP) — A Catholic priest from Kansas is facing charges for allegedly stealing more than $42,000 from his parish after losing a large amount of money gambling.
Cramer-photo Johnson Co.
68-year-old Joseph Cramer is charged with felony theft and two counts of felony computer crime. He is free on bond but does not have a listed phone number.
Court documents say Cramer lost more than $67,000 at casinos over seven months in 2015 and 2016 while serving as pastor at Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner, Kansas. Authorities say the money was stolen from the parish around the same time.
Cramer was placed on administrative leave last year after the thefts were alleged. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas says Cramer has since resigned as pastor.
KANSAS CITY (AP) – A police chase in suburban Kansas City ended with four people dead, four seriously injured and a driver charged with murder.
First responders on the scene of the deadly chase, crash –photo courtesy KCTV
On Friday, police in Independence tried to pull over a Jeep, which fled into Kansas City and crashed into another car at an intersection.
Police say car passengers 29-year-old Aaron Daniel and 28-year-old Shawn Johnson of Kansas City were killed, plus a third person whose name hasn’t been released.
Police say a 27-year-old woman in the Jeep also died. Three others in the Jeep and another person in the car were seriously injured.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office says 24-year-old Victoria Brown, of Kansas City, is suspected of being the Jeep’s driver and has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder.
HARPER COUNTY — A statewide Silver Alert was canceled Saturday after a missing Kansas man was found safe in El Dorado, according to Harper County Dispatch.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Saturday issued the alert for the 70-year-old man who was missing from Attica, Kansas
Wilson -photo courtesy KBI
On Friday, Claude E Wilson Jr left his home in Attica to an unknown destination. He was last seen in Blackwell, OK just after 4p.m., according to the KBI.
Wilson entered a Domino’s Pizza in the area, he told staff he did not know how he had gotten to Blackwell, he was confused and asking for directions to get home to Attica.
Staff gave him directions and he left. Just after 4:30p.m. Wilson returned to the same Domino’s Pizza and seemed even more confused. Staff provided him with food and drink and drew him a map to get home. He has not been seen or heard from since this time.
Mr. Wilson is a white male, 6-foot tall, weighing approx 225 lbs with brown eyes and grey hair. He has a beard and mustache. When last seen, Wilson was wearing a blue t-shirt with white writing, blue jeans, black shoes, black baseball cap, carrying a cane. Mr. Wilson suffers from dementia.
He was driving a white over red 1978 GMC pickup bearing KS antique tag 181685.
He was last seen headed west from Domino’s toward I-35.
The Ellis Count Relay for Life was Friday night at the Downtown Pavilion.
Mary Ann Randa was recognized with a community engagement award. Bernita Kinderknecht was also honored. She was a long-time supporter of Relay for Life. She died last year, and her family dedicated her memorials to this year’s Relay for Life campaign.
The Ellis County Relay For Life has been going since 1999. Nationally it started in 1986 by a single individual and others started joining in.
All donations made are 100 percent tax deductible.
All the profits go to the American Cancer Society to be used in research. Money comes back to the locals in many forms. Here are a few:
“Road to Recovery” – provides transportation for cancer patients to their treatment.
“Hope Lodge” – provides lodging for patients and their caregivers when treatment is away from home at no cost.
“tlc” – provides wigs and mastectomy products
“Look Good Feel Better” – volunteer cosmetologists help women to cope with skin changes.
Cancer Survivor Network
This year’s local goal is $35,000. The Relay will have its annual golf tournament next weekend. The total amount raised will be available after that.
Donations can still be made online by going to the Relay for Life website.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The local district attorney says seven more rides are opening at a Kansas water park where a 10-year-old boy died in 2016 but another four remain closed.
Photo courtesy Schlitterbahn
The Schlitterbahn park in Kansas City, Kansas, started its season on May 25 with only six attractions open following a state audit. The local district attorney’s office said Friday that another seven rides substantially comply with state regulations.
A state notice listed 11 alleged violations covering dozens of audit findings, mostly record-keeping and safety-sign issues.
Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio said the park has yet to ask the state to re-examine the remaining four rides. They include two waterslides, a surfing ride and a chair-lift ride.
In August 2016, Caleb Schwab died while riding a 17-story waterslide that has been closed since his death
Marilyn J. Hockersmith, 71, of Oakley, died Wednesday, May 30, 2018. She was born July 1, 1946, in Colby, KS, to Ralph and Armella (Lintel) Kruse. Marilyn graduated from Oakley High School. On December 27, 1962, she married Lanny Hockersmith, in Oakley. Together they made a life farming. Not only was she a wonderful farm wife, but an amazing cook, gardener, quilter, and artist. There wasn’t a role she couldn’t fill. Her family was her top priority, especially spending time with her grand-kids. Her home was a gathering place where she enjoyed hosting. She has taught us about unconditional love, forgiveness, strength and faith. Her selflessness was apparent to anyone that knew her, always willing to help. Much of the community remembers painting ceramics in her shop, H&H Ceramics. She also loved sharing her knowledge of gardening by working at Golden Plains Garden Center in Colby, KS. Marilyn’s great strength was evident in her fight against cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones at home during her last days.
She was preceded in death by her father Ralph and grandparents, Ben and Carrie Kruse and Herman and Mary Lintel.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Lanny; mother Armella Kruse; children, Troy (Jeanette) Hockersmith, J.R. Hockersmith, Clinton (Michele) Hockersmith and September (Brent) Mariman; siblings, Karol (Terry) Swart, Rodney (Mary Lou) Kruse, Ralph (Cheri) Kruse, Connie Renner, Berny (Missy) Kruse, Janice (late Rod) Wilkening and Robert (Chan) Kruse and grandchildren, Alex Benitez, Hannah Hockersmith, Jordon (Barbara) Hockersmith, Kayla (Nick) Hanna, Kenzie Hockersmith, Corey, Carsyn and Luke Hockersmith, Tanner and Nathan Lee and Jake Mariman.
Visitation is 3-5:00 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with a Vigil at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph School, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) – A suburban Kansas City man has been found guilty of stabbing his wife to death as their three children hid in the house.
Roldan-Marron-photo Jackson Co.
A Jackson County jury on Thursday convicted Vincente Roldan-Marron of first-degree murder in the January death of Yadira Gomez at their Independence home.
The Kansas City Star reports the couple’s oldest son testified that he hid his two siblings in the basement when his parents were fighting then hid behind a couch. From there, he said he saw his father retrieve a knife to kill Gomez.
The knife was one of four Roldan-Marron used to stab his wife 13 times.
Roldan-Marron was arrested after his son told his teacher the next day. Gomez’s grandparents are now caring for the children.
MANHATTAN — Anderson County FFA team members were recognized for placing first in the State Leadership Quiz Bowl Career Development Event (CDE) at the opening ceremony of the 90th Kansas FFA State Convention, May 30–June 1, 2018, on the Kansas State University campus.
The Leadership Quiz Bowl gives members an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of FFA and its foundation. The team answering the most questions correctly, in front of a live audience, is determined as the winner.
Anderson County FFA faced off against Ellis FFA in the final round on the opening day of the state convention. Anderson County FFA won, and Ellis FFA placed second. In the previous round, Norton FFA came in third and Buhler FFA placed fourth.
Competing on the winning Anderson County FFA quiz bowl team were: Ridge Pracht, Will Mechnig, Hailey Gillespie, Shylie Scheckel, Maya Corley and Becky Kropf.
Radio Ink magazine is known for world-famous lists. In April, they published a list of Radio’s Top- 20 leaders. It includes Eagle Communications’ President Gary Shorman.
“These are the radio industry’s best. They know how to motivate their teams to success. They are winning at sales, programming, and management. They are relentless in what they do, and they do not fail. This list is made up of radio’s most positive. They are the people who take the time to mentor others and make a lasting impact on careers. They give time back to the radio industry to help it grow. They may not be promoting themselves or be among the powerful executives we always write about, but they are making the radio industry run like a well-oiled machine.”
Gary Shorman was very detailed in his response when we asked him about the characteristics of a successful leader. “Team builder,” he says. “No one can win with a dysfunctional team, so do the opposite.
Find players who love their community and want to make it better. Find players who want to build their success year after year. Find players who want to be on a winning team. Once that is done, give them the opportunity to participate in decisions and goals, then give them the tools to succeed. At Eagle, I interview all our potential employee-owners before we bring them on board. I’m encouraged by what I see and how many of our newest have a strong desire to play on a winning team.
“Creativity. I get a chance to listen to a lot of radio stations. We win when our clients and advertisers win. That happens with creative marketing campaigns and continued brand-building. At Eagle, our businesses are the local businesses that compete with the big national companies. At one time it was the Sears & Roebuck catalog or the new Walmart store coming to town.
Today our customers battle for business with the brown delivery truck that brings products from around the world. To win, our local businesses need us to help tell their story on the radio and through our digital products. We win with creativity.”
Finally, he says, “Get results.
If something is not working, find another way. Ratings, no ratings. Good economy, bad economy. Stocks up, stocks down. Whatever is happening in the world, we all get paid for results. If you cannot find a way to get results, you will probably be working somewhere else.”
Shorman says leadership in any industry takes hard work and the ability to work with the people on your team.
“Radio is no exception. I have not met many leaders who made it to their position without learning the basics of the business and working harder than others around them to succeed. In any business, but especially radio, you must enjoy being a part of a team, loving those you work with and encouraging those who are facing challenges.”
