July 2018 – Page 22 – Hays Post Archive

Longtime KNEA General Counsel to retire

Posted on July 24, 2018July 25, 2018

KNEA

TOPEKA – Since 1979, whenever public education became the focus of a policy initiative or debate, David Schauner would train his eye upon the issue. Indeed, the duties of the position of KNEA General Counsel are many- from representing the largest professional association in Kansas to representing individuals and arguing before the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Supreme Court.

Schauner has served as the KNEA General Counsel for over 39 years, having created the legal services program that significantly enhanced the legal and professional rights of Kansas educators.

In announcing his retirement, Schauner looks back on four decades of improving the rights of educators and making Kansas schools a better place for teachers and students. When asked about the highlight of his career he replied, “giving teachers a meaningful voice in their daily professional life.” As a native Kansan, Schauner applied his considerable talent and skill to a career as an educator and as an attorney for educators. When scholars look upon the history of litigation around public education in Kansas, David Schauner is and will always be a legend.

“The value our legal department brings to our organization is immeasurable and replacing David Schauner is an almost impossible task,” said Kevin Riemann, KNEA Executive Director.

“Kansas NEA is fortunate to have the perfect candidate ready to assume the role of General Counsel. Marjie Blaufuss brings almost three decades of experience working for KNEA as a staff attorney.”

Also a native Kansan, Blaufuss earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Emporia State University and taught students with severe disabilities before attending law school at the University of Kansas. Blaufuss worked as a research attorney at the Kansas Court of Appeals prior to joining KNEA.

World opera premiere in Kansas features history of kaleidoscope

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

OPERA KANSAS

WICHITA – Opera Kansas is proud to announce Anthony Green’s Mr. Brewster’s Invigorating Invention as the winner of the the Zepick Modern Opera Competition.

The competition seeks short operas in English that have a STEAM theme (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) that can be used in the Kansas public school system. The Opera Kansas production will be the world premiere of this fascinating new opera that focuses on science and the composer behind the invention.

Sir David Brewster (Photo courtesy National Galleries of Scotland)

Mr. Brewster’s Invigorating Invention is about the history and science of the kaleidoscope. Sir David Brewster was a Scottish physicist who invented the kaleidoscope in 1816. Soon millions of kaleidoscopes were in homes across the world. He has been called ” the father of modern experimental optics.” This production will use creative digital media in bringing the science and colors of the kaleidoscope to life.

The music of Anthony R. Green (b. 1984) ranges from works for solo instruments and voice to large scale ensemble pieces and multimedia productions. His works have been performed and featured in festivals in over 20 countries, as well as broadcast on national, international, and online streaming radio.

An active pianist, Green has worked with student and professional composers alike for premieres or performances of new music. He has performed across the USA, as well as in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Cyprus, Israel, Germany, and South Korea.

When not composing or performing, Green is the associate artistic director of Castle of our Skins, a Boston-based concert and education series organization dedicated to celebrating Black artistry through music. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Boston University, and a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory, and has been a resident artist at Escape to Create (Florida), the
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts (Nebraska), the Visby International Centre for Composers (Sweden), Space/Time at Cove Park (Scotland), atelier:performance (Germany), and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts (Nebraska).

The world premiere will be held at the Wichita Center for the Performing Arts, 9112 East Central, August 25., at 7 p.m.

Actions announced to alleviate long lines for KS driver’s license

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer and the Department of Revenue have announced three new actions designed to alleviate long lines in driver’s license offices.

“Effective July 20, we are moving to end our relationship with QFlow and will replace them with a more effective line management system that better meets our expectations and those of the people it serves,” Governor Colyer said. “I look forward to getting a new system in place quickly that will offer Kansas credential holders a more effective way to get into offices across the state.”

The search for a new queuing system is already underway.

Governor Colyer also indicated that easier access to driver’s license services would soon be available with the expected October launch of the ability to process renewals through the iKan mobile application. When this new service is launched, it will significantly reduce traffic at DMV offices by allowing Kansans to renew their driver’s licenses from their computer or mobile phone.

“This is a long-envisioned move and we are working hard to get it off the ground as quickly as possible,” Governor Colyer said. “It’s vital that we modernize our technology to ensure that Kansans have access to government services in a way that is safe, convenient, and easy to use.”

Governor Colyer and Secretary Williams also announced additional service hours at the Mission and Olathe driver’s license offices. Both offices will now process customers for an additional 14 hours per week, with new hours from 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday until August 20. Service will also be available on Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

“I appreciate Secretary Sam Williams and his team of driver’s license examiners and managers who have stepped up to offer expanded hours,” Governor Colyer said. “I’m thankful for the way everyone involved is invested in coming together to solve this problem and working to provide the best possible service to Kansans.”

Johnson County residents will also have the option to visit a temporary setup at the new tax office in the Rosana Square shopping center at 7600 W. 119th St. Suite A, Overland Park, KS. That temporary space should be available in the next two weeks.

The space for a third Johnson County office is currently under contract negotiations.

Governor Colyer also urged Kansans to get familiar with the option of Real ID, and to use the Real ID checklist before going in to the office.

“The federal government requires additional documentation to obtain a Real ID driver’s license. While this new credential does take a bit more time, ensuring sure you know which documents are required beforehand can help speed things up.”

The Real ID checklist is found at ksrevenue.org/realid.

Kan. officer charged for crash while responding to 911 call

Posted on July 23, 2018July 24, 2018

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas police officer has been charged with felony aggravated battery for a two-vehicle accident while responding to a 911 call on March 16, according to a media release.

Just after 10:38 p.m. on March 16, a citizen called 911 to report a burglary in progress. Wichita police officer Samuel Dugo and other officers responded. As Dugo approached the intersection of Pine and Broadway in downtown Wichita, a motorist driving a Ford Ranger pickup pulled out from a stop sign and attempted to cross the intersection.

Dugo was driving a WPD Chevy Tahoe. The two vehicles collided in the intersection. The 71-year-old motorist was ejected from his vehicle and suffered severe injuries.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) investigated the collision and determined Dugo was travelling at 79 mph and did not use his emergency lights or sirens. The posted speed limit was 30 mph.

On June 19, the case was presented to District Attorney Marc Bennett. Dugo was charged with one count of aggravated battery (recklessly causing great bodily harm.)

Dugo has been with the department since 2016. He has been on unpaid leave since June.

Woman convicted of murder, arson in KC firefighters’ deaths

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – A nail salon manager has been convicted of setting a fire that killed two firefighters in Kansas City.

A Jackson County circuit judge on Monday found 46-year-old Thu Hong Nguyen guilty of two counts of second-degree murder, second-degree arson and second-degree assault.

Her sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 14. She could be facing to up to 30 years in prison for each murder charge.

Forty-three-year-old Larry Leggio and 39-year-old John Mesh were killed when a brick wall fell on them as they fought a fire at a three story building containing Nguyen’s nail salon in October 2015.

Two other firefighters were seriously injured.

Authorities say Nguyen lit a fire in the salon’s storeroom and that she was the last person seen leaving.

V. Kay Melia

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

Longtime Goodland, Kansas, resident V. Kay Melia, 88, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2018, surrounded by his family, at the Parker Adventist Hospital in Parker, Colorado.

Kay was born on May 9, 1930 near Bucklin, Kansas to Gordon and Lula (Skeen) Melia. He attended school in Bucklin, Kansas and graduated from Bucklin High School in 1948. He went on to Fort Hays State University where he received his bachelor’s degree.

On May 1, 1950 Kay started his broadcasting career at KIUL AM in Garden City as a nighttime radio announcer. Shortly after, on June 11, 1950, Kay married Marilyn Johnson at the Methodist Church in Garden City. In November of 1950, Kay and Marilyn moved to Emporia where Kay was the first ever sports director for KSTW AM, doing play by play for Emporia High School and Emporia State College. In early 1952 Kay was drafted and served as a cryptographer in the US Army during the Korean War.

After returning from serving in Korea, Kay took a new job at KAYS in Hays in November 1953. Kay spent 7 years at KAYS, eventually becoming the voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers and Sales Manager for the station.

While in Hays, Kay and Marilyn’s three children were born. Marty in 1955, Marla in 1956 and Mindy in 1959. Also during this time, Kay completed his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State.

In 1960, KAYS Inc. purchased what is now KLOE Radio in Goodland, and Kay was appointed General Manager, and moved his family to Goodland. In addition to KLOE Radio, Kay would eventually manage KLOE TV and the Goodland Cable TV Company, all owned by KAYS, Inc., now known as Eagle Communications. Kay would continue managing the stations and Cable TV for Eagle Communications until retiring in 1993, when son Marty succeeded him. Kay would continue to work for the stations part time until 2009.

Kay was a member of the Goodland United Methodist Church, Goodland Elks Lodge, VFW and Sugar Hills Golf Club, and was a K-State Master Gardener.

In 1963 Kay was appointed to succeed Max Jones on the Goodland School Board during the time the Board decided to build the Max Jones Fieldhouse and Vocational Technical School. He was also a member of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters board, where he served as president, and the National Association of Broadcasters where he was Vice Chairman of the Board. Kay is a member of the Kansas Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Preceding Kay in death was his wife Marilyn, his parents and brother Max.

Kay is survived by his three children; Marty (Kathy) Melia of Goodland, Kansas; Marla (Bob) Cherryhomes of Conifer, Colorado and Melinda (Dana) Kroner of Westminster, Colorado. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Sarah (Trevor) Linton, Goodland, Kansas; Marcy Melia, Goodland, Kansas; Andrew (Jen) Melia, Atwood, Kansas; Daniel (Kolby) Melia, Burlington, Colorado; Kelsey Cherryhomes Conifer, Colorado and Brennan Cherryhomes Conifer, Colorado. Plus 9 great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Kay will be held on Thursday July 26, 2018 at 10:30 AM MT at the United Methodist Church in Goodland. Burial will follow in the Goodland Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Memorial contributions may be designated in Kay’s name to the Goodland Public Library or Goodland Regional Medical Center Home Health Care, and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral service arrangements have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Survivor of fatal Kan. restaurant fire released from hospital

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

SEDGWICK COUNTY — One of the women critically burned in a fatal restaurant fire on May 12 has been released from the hospital, according to Captain Jose Ocadiz.

Fatal restaurant fire photo courtesy KWCH

Investigators are working to schedule an interview with her as they try to determine the cause of the fire.

Just after 9p.m. on May 11, fire crews were dispatched to Rostizeria Los Reyes, 512 West 21street North to help a police officer that had arrived on the scene of a woman with severe burns, according to Ocadiz.

As the officer was able to extinguish the patient, he learned there was another woman inside. The officer used his expandable baton to break the front glass to get access to the other woman victim in the fire, according to Ocadiz.

Emergency crews were then able to transport the code red patients to a local hospital.

The officer who saved the women on fire suffered minor burns to his hands.

In June 51-year-old Rosa Martinez died from injuries in the fire according to Ocadiz.

At that that time, the second victim remained hospitalized and unable to speak and unable to tell investigators the cause of the fire.

4 Kansas women hospitalized after SUV rolls

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

EDWARDS COUNTY — Four people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Monday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Durango driven by Sandra Oreuga, 29, Macksville, was westbound in the 300 Block of Q road eight miles south, south west of Macksville.

The driver lost control of the SUV. It traveled into the north ditch and rolled.

Oreuga and passengers Claudia Bautista, 28; Ma D. Nunez-Martinez, 35, St. John; Norma Garcia, 36, Macksville, were transported to Edwards County Hospital.

All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

News From the Oil Patch, July 23

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

By JOHN P. TRETBAR

For the first time, the government reports weekly crude production in the United States of 11 million barrels per day. Weekly totals from the Energy Information Administration, rounded to the nearest 100,000 barrels, have been hovering at 10.9 million barrels per day for several weeks.

Baker Hughes reported a dip in the national rig counts, dropping five oil rigs and two gas rigs to 1,046 nationwide. The counts were down three in Oklahoma and down five in Texas. Canada reports 211 active drilling rigs, up 14 over the last week. Independent Oil & Gas Service reports the statewide drilling rig count in Kansas was flat last week, 19 active rigs east of Wichita, down one, and 30 in western Kansas, up one. The total is more than two percent higher than a week ago, and nearly 29% higher than a year ago. Drilling is underway or about to begin at four sites in Barton and Stafford counties. Operators are moving in completion tools to four wells in Barton County and five in Ellis County.

Operators filed 21 new drilling permits last week across Kansas, 906 so far this year. There are 13 new permits in eastern Kansas and eight west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. Independent Oil & Gas Service reported 37 newly-completed oil and gas wells across Kansas for the week, 20 of them east of Wichita and 17 in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 853 wells so far this year.

Meridian Energy group moves forward with efforts to build a refinery situated in the heart of the Bakken Shale region of North Dakota but also about three miles from a national park. Meridian has let a contract for site, civil design and construction services for the first new refinery to a Bismarck, North Dakota firm. Earlier, three environmental groups filed another lawsuit, this time to block the air-quality permit granted by the state’s health department last year. Another lawsuit challenges the zoning decision.

The State of North Dakota set production records for oil and gas in May, but did not meet the state’s goals to reduce flaring. The state’s Oil and Gas Division reported production of 1.24 million barrels per day for the month of May, beating the previous record from December of 2014 by more than 17,000 barrels. The gas capture rate fell 2% short of the state’s goals, which are set to go up in November.

North Dakota on Friday demanded $38 million from the federal government to reimburse the state for costs associated with policing large-scale and prolonged protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline. An administrative claim against the Army Corps of Engineers contends the agency allowed protesters to illegally camp without a permit and failed to maintain law and order, which “…required North Dakota to provide a sustained, large-scale public safety response.”

A tanker is scheduled later this month to deliver the largest shipment of crude oil from Vancouver to China since January 2015. The Aframax tanker Serene Sea left a Kinder Morgan terminal in Vancouver July 4 with about 514,000 barrels of Canadian crude, and is expected to arrive in southern China July 26. Such shipments are rare, but Reuters reports they’ve picked up in recent months. For years, Canadian officials have pushed for an escalation in crude exports to rapidly growing Asian markets, but companies in oil-rich, and land-locked Alberta have limited capacity to move crude to the nation’s western coastline. Most of that winds up in the U.S.

Pipeline takeaway capacity in the Permian basin is tight and getting tighter. The US Energy Information Administration reported on one indicator, the number of drilled but uncompleted wells in the basin, which were up another 164 wells in June, following increases of 169 in May and 133 in April. Platts reports some experts are concerned that wells will need to be “banked,” held up for the next year or so, until new midstream pipeline capacity comes online late next year. Permian production is expected to add another 73,000 barrels per day in August, according to a government report. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts production among the top seven shale basins will rise 143,000 barrels per day in August, the second highest jump on record.

Concho Energy completes its merger with rival RSP Permian in a $9.5 billion deal. Concho becomes the largest unconventional shale operator in the Permian Basin with more than 1.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent in proved reserves.

The US has urged Russia and China to clamp down on repeated breaches of the oil sanctions regime imposed on North Korea, saying America had evidence of at least 89 illegal ship-to-ship oil transfers this year. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made that call at the UN, the day after Russia and China rejected a call to step up sanctions.

HPD Activity Log July 20-22

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 28 traffic stops Fri., July 20, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Animal Injured–400 block E 21st St, Hays; 7:43 AM
Animal At Large–400 block E 21st St, Hays; 8:45 AM
Weapon Possession,Transport,Concealed–2700 block 40 Hwy, Victoria; 6/30 7 AM; 8:30 AM
MV Accident w/Animal–200 block W 33rd St, Hays; 10:09 AM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 10:33 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–1300 block W 42nd, Hays; 10:49 AM
Burglary/vehicle–500 block Ash St, Hays; 7/19 5 PM; 7/20 10:50 AM
Document Service–200 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:44 AM
Found/Lost Property–1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 1:47 PM
Theft (general)–2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 2:46 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:46 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 33rd St, Hays; 5:20 PM
Civil Dispute–1300 block Schwaller Ave, Hays; 6:47 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 7:28 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 2/8 8 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7/5 8 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 10:53 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 37 traffic stops Sat., July 21, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–900 block Oak St, Hays; 12:14 AM
Driving Under the Influence–100 block E 7th St, Hays; 12:38 AM
Suspicious Activity–300 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:34 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E 11th St, Hays; 2:24 PM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:29 PM
44 – Traffic Stop–100 block E 7th St, Hays; 4:20 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–4700 block Vine St, Hays; 12 AM; 7:19 PM
Found/Lost Property–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 5 PM; 8:43 PM
Welfare Check–1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 10:39 PM
Parking Complaint–1100 block Amhurst Dr, Hays; 11:10 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Sun., July 22, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Criminal Damage to Property–600 block Park St, Hays; 1:04 AM
Welfare Check–Hays; 12:54 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 1:25 AM
Disturbance – Noise–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 1:35 AM
Disturbance – General–700 block Park St, Hays; 1:46 AM
Aggravated Battery–200 block W 4th St, Hays; 12 AM; 2:30 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 4:15 PM
Disturbance – General–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 5:10 PM; 5:23 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–900 block Walnut St, Hays; 6:23 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 8:14 PM
Civil Dispute–2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays; 9:23 PM
Suspicious Activity–600 block E 5th St, Hays; 11:26 PM; 11:31 PM

Police believe teen, woman were murdered at Kan. home

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a murder scene.

Crime scene tape at the home where police were conducting the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV

Just after 12:15 p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a residence in the 3400 blk of SE Girard in Topeka in reference an unknown trouble call that came through police dispatch, according to Lieutenant Andrew Beightel.

Upon officers arrival they discovered a 17-year-old boy and woman gravely injured. AMR personnel also responded and pronounced both subjects deceased at the scene.

Police are investigating these deaths as homicides. The names of the victims are not being released at this time until the next of kin have been notified.

Brenda Arnelle Blain

Posted on July 23, 2018

Brenda Arnelle Blain was born on June 4, 1937 to John and Beulah Blain and was raised in Goodland, Kansas. She married the love of her life, Chester Charles Frankenfeld, in 1957. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2017. During their marriage Brenda and Chuck lived in Goodland, Denver, Stratton, and Phillipsburg. Brenda and Chuck had 4 children, Bryan (Chip), Bruce, Camie, and John.

Brenda Frankenfeld was a caregiver of others. Taking care of her husband, children, grandchildren, and anyone else that needed her was a priority and something she did well.

Brenda enjoyed all things associated with being a wife and mother. Her house was always clean and open to any friends: her’s or her children’s. She was the type of hostess that made sure everyone was comfortable and well fed. Brenda would tell stories about learning to cook from her father-in-law, Chet Frankenfeld. Every one of her family members can name a favorite meal that she would make for them because everyone enjoyed her wonderful cooking.

Some of Brenda’s interests and hobbies included sewing and doing crafts. Brenda was very creative and spent hours upon hours mastering her skills. She sewed wedding and bridesmaids dresses for her daughter Camie and daughter in-law Stephanie. Brenda also enjoyed taking care of her yard, sharing recipes, playing bridge, and cheering on her beloved Denver Broncos.

Listening and dancing to music were other pastimes of Brenda’s. You could find her listening to music on the radio at home or asking Chuck to take her for a drive with the family so she could go get an ice cream and hear Candlelight and Silver on KLOE in the car. Dancing at the Elks and VFW were special times she shared with her friends, family, and her husband.

Entertaining others with stories was something Brenda did well. She was a wonderful storyteller and loved hearing other people laugh.

Brenda was very active in her family’s lives. She was the type of mother and grandmother who attended all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She loved going to their events and watching them. She was also a defender and protector of the family. Brenda let it be known that when her children had made poor decisions that she would be the one to reprimand them, no one else needed to be involved. And as most of you know, there were more than a few bad decisions between the four children and some of the grandchildren.

Brenda loved living in Goodland and enjoyed being a member of the Sugar Hills Country Club. Brenda and her daughter Camie won the Sweet Sue tournament one year and without a doubt this was one of her fondest memories she held. Some of her other special memories included playing golf with her friends and family and chairing the infamous Sweet Swinger tournament.

Brenda cherished spending time with her husband Chuck. During the last six years she devoted her life to being his primary caregiver. Her love and patience with her husband while he suffered with Alzheimer’s knew no boundaries. Chuck preceded her in death by just three short months.

Brenda Arnelle Frankenfeld, 81, passed away on July 20, 2018 at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Nebraska surrounded by her children.

Surviving family members are her children, Chip and his wife Jenny of Sterling, CO; Bruce of Sterling, CO; Camie Schneider and husband Randy of Phillipsburg, KS; John and his wife Stephanie of Denver, CO; Grandchildren, Mike (Melissa) Frankenfeld; Dustin (Amber) Frankenfeld; Kamie (Damien) Wagner; Chris, Matt, and Emily Schneider; Jeff and Ashley Frankenfeld; Great-grandchildren, Taylor and Connor Frankenfeld, Charli and Morgan Frankenfeld; Krissy, Kaden, Kaylee, Korbin, and Kelton Wagner; sister-in-law, Virginia Blain; nieces, Carla Schmidt and Jeri Ann Blain; cousins, Jeff Eberhart, Jill Eberhart County, Mike O’Halloran; and Donna Frankenfeld.

Funeral service will be Friday, July 27, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street in Goodland. Interment following service at the Goodland Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m MT at Bateman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s -Team Sonny (https://act.alz.org/goto/team_sonny), First Christian Church of Phillipsburg, Prairie Wind Villa of Phillipsburg, and Remembering Ron Schneider Cancer Memorial and may be left at the services or mailed to Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. Online condolences may be left at www.batemanfuneral.com

Kansas man jailed after ignoring road closed signs, crash

Posted on July 23, 2018July 23, 2018

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a Sunday crash.

A driver ignoring road closed signs resulted in an excavator on its side at a bridge construction site in southwest Saline County. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff’s Office

Just after 9a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to a bridge construction site on Muir Road near Falun Road in southwest Saline County, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

They found an excavator belonging to King Construction in the hole of the bridge construction site and an unoccupied 2005 Chevy Trailblazer with heavy front-end damage.

An investigation revealed the driver of the Trailblazer Francisco Merrell, 27, Salina, ignored road closure signs and struck the excavator.

Deputies were able to locate Merrell walking on a road near the scene. They booked him into Saline County Jail on charges that included false information or report concerning the accident, interference with a law enforcement officer, false report of a law enforcement officer for action, possession of marijuana, possession of a stimulant, and use/possession of drug paraphernalia/human body. Authorities did not release damage estimates for the vehicles.

Damage estimates for both the excavator and the Trailblazer were not available.