Hays Post
Merle McLaren, 89, of Hays was honored Saturday night with the Wild West Festival All American Citizen Award.
McLaren served in the Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He is a member of the VFW Honor Guard.
He ran the Hays GMC dealership and was instrumental in development on north Vine Street.
Rex Arnold Gebhards, lifelong Weskan farmer and rancher passed from this life on Monday night, July 2, 2018. He was a kind, generous and loving soul who will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had opportunity to know him.
Rex was born in Goodland, Kansas to Sheila Dobbs Gebhards and Jim Gebhards on March 10, 1954. They took him home to the farm south of Weskan where he spent most of the rest of his life, except for his college years in Hays, Kansas where he earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education in 1976 and a short time teaching elementary school in Great Bend. He then decided to return to the farm to work with his dad.
Rex enjoyed the life of a farmer and rancher, especially gardening and raising colorful flowers in unique “found” planters like chair seats and old washer tanks. He liked raising chickens, cats and several beloved dogs, most especially his last canine companion Digsby whose ashes will be buried with him.
He enjoyed hosting his “city” cousins but never faulted them for their lack of country “smarts”. The girl cousins were outnumbered by the boys but often found Rex as their protector when things took a turn for the worse in the horse tank or on the car hood sled in the pasture.
Life on the farm was not as laid back as John Denver would have you believe. Rex worked hard, making the best of the tools and equipment at hand. He and Randy finally gave up the use of a particularly evil pair of fence pliers by placing them in Jim’s “eternal” tool box when they placed his ashes there in July, 2015.
People found Rex a good listener, one who put you at ease and wanted to hear what you had to say. He didn’t judge, wanting to understand what was going on with those he met. He didn’t just listen, he actively helped. He offered gardening advice when he saw a tree in need of care, he traveled to collect furniture when told of a need, and performed many more acts of generosity known only to those who enjoyed his kindness.
Going before Rex were his dad, Jim; his grandparents Herman and Elizabeth Gebhards and F.H. and Elsie Dobbs; aunts Edith Dobbs, Velma Gebhards Smart, and Loretta Gebhards Smart; and uncles Logan Dobbs and Dale Gebhards. He is surely enjoying listening to and catching up with them.
Left behind with broken hearts are his mom, Sheila; his big (in age but not height) brother Randy and his wife Lou Ann; Aunts Irene Gebhards Gittinger and Sheila Kay Gebhards: Dobbs, Gittinger, Gebhards and Smart cousins, and friends too many to name.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 10:30 AM MT at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Galen Crippen and Reverend Paul McNall officiating. Burial will follow in the Weskan Cemetery, Weskan, KS.
Memorials may be designated to the Wallace County Ambulance Service and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.
At 6:04 a.m. Monday, City of Hays emergency dispatchers were alerted to a house fire at 512 W. 17th. The Hays Fire Department, assisted by Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Hays Police Department and Ellis County EMS was immediately dispatched.
Arriving firefighters found a room and contents fire in the bathroom area of the home. Two hose lines were used to control the fire. The building suffered smoke damage throughout the home. Firefighters checked the entire home for fire extension.
One victim was transported to Hays Medical Center for treatment and one firefighter was treated for injuries on-scene and released.
Six fire trucks and 21 firefighters responded. The last crew left the scene at 8:17 a.m.
“The Hays Fire Department would like to remind our citizens the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home,” the HFD said in a news release. “Please call the Hays Fire Department (785-628-7330) to take advantage of our free smoke alarm program.”
— HFD
All four juveniles have been found and are safe, according to police.
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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have issued an alert involving four juveniles who allegedly ran away from the Wichita Children’s Home just before 11p.m. Sunday.
According to officer Paul Cruz, the children are ages 13-17, 2 girls and 2 boys.
One of the juvenile’s is 13-year-old Taurus Hampton. He is mentally disabled and police are asking the public’s help in locating them.
If anyone has information, please call 911 or EMCU (316 660-9478).
The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 30 traffic stops Fri., July 6, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Disturbance – Noise–300 block E 12th St, Hays; 1:15 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E 17th St, Hays; 2:51 AM
Disturbance – General–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:19 AM
Urinating in Public–400 block E 15th St, Hays; 8:09 AM
Disorderly Conduct–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:26 AM
Animal At Large–1400 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 9:52 AM
Animal Call–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 11:01 AM
Theft of Vehicle–700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:34 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block W 16th St, Hays; 11:50 AM
Found/Lost Property–300 block E 24th St, Hays; 12:45 PM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:23 PM
Civil Dispute–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:30 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–13th St and Vine St, Hays; 1:33 PM
Search Warrant–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:58 PM; 3:42 PM
Mental Health Call–500 block E 14th St, Hays; 2:39 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–800 block Vine, Hays; 3:17 PM
Dead Animal Call–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:53 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–3000 block E 14th St, Hays; 4:03 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–27th St and Canal Blvd, Hays; 10:25 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–500 block E 11th St, Hays; 4:44 PM
Burglary/residence–300 block E 13th St, Hays; 5:11 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block W 33rd St, Hays; 6:07 PM
Water Use Violation–1100 block Oakmont St, Hays; 6:17 PM; 6:35 PM
Animal Injured–27th St and Walnut St, Hays; 7:49 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Injury–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:28 PM
Suspicious Activity–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:54 PM
Mental Health Call–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 10:38 PM
Animal Call–1100 block Drum Ave, Hays; 10:54 PM
Welfare Check–1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 11:01 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block Main St, Hays; 11:38 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:41 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 40 traffic stops Sat., July 7, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Intoxicated Subject–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:05 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:21 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:50 AM
Intoxicated Subject–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:02 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 2 AM; 2:07 AM
Disorderly Conduct–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 2:23 AM
Driving Under the Influence–27th and Hall, Hays; 2:26 AM
Aggravated Battery–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:15 AM; 1:25 AM
Missing Person–500 block E 13th St, Hays; 3:46 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 9:05 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:05 AM
Driving Under the Influence–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 12:23 PM; 12:36 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1700 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 12:25 PM
Mental Health Call–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 12:47 PM
Water Use Violation–3300 block Country Ln, Hays; 1:35 PM
Mental Health Call–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 2:04 PM
Civil Dispute–200 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:34 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 2:42 PM
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 2:43 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 1 AM; 6:30 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–100 block Main St, Hays; 8:49 PM
Disorderly Conduct–100 block Main St, Hays; 9:03 PM
Disturbance – Noise–800 block Ash St, Hays; 11:36 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Sun., July 8, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Intoxicated Subject–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:42 AM
Found/Lost Property–1400 block Ash St, Hays; 1:55 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block W 15th St, Hays; 2:11 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:21 AM
Disorderly Conduct–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:10 AM; 2:18 AM
MV Accident /DUI–500 block W 20th St, Hays; 3:22 AM
Animal Call–200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 8:30 AM
Animal At Large–1500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 11:26 AM
Theft (general)–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 7/7 1 PM; 7/8 12:30 AM
Drug Offenses–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1:28 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1:04 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 29th St, Hays; 1:37 PM; 1:40 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:25 PM
Welfare Check–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 3:18 PM
Suspicious Activity–100 block W 6th St, Hays; 4:08 PM
Welfare Check–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:52 PM
Criminal Threat–2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 8:15 PM
Disturbance – Fight–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:25 PM; 10:31 PM
Welfare Check–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 10:32 PM
ATCHISON COUNTY —The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Atchison Police Department have issued a $5000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for detonating an explosive device in the 100 block of North 8th Street in Atchison, according to a media release.
Just after 2:30a.m. Friday, Atchison Police and Fire were dispatched on reports of an explosion in the downtown area. Upon arrival, authorities found considerable damage to numerous structures in the 100 block of North 8th Street.
Investigators from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded to the scene and began a “post-blast” investigation.
Investigators determined the cause of the explosion was likely an improvised explosive device placed outside the Hair Spital Barber Shop, 120 North 8th Street.
The blast shattered windows and spread debris across a one block area of downtown Atchison.
Investigators would like to speak to with anyone who may recognize the minivan seen in security videos near the blast moments before the device detonated. The vehicle may be a 2004-2008 Nissan Quest, according to police.
Anyone with information about this vehicle or the explosion is asked to contact the ATF at 1-888-ATF-BOMB (1-888-283-2662), contact ATF through its’ website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips, or text 63975 using the code ATFKC. Tipsters can remain anonymous. A $5000.00 reward is available for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Mary Ellen Thornton, age 66, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.
She was born on March 26, 1952 in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of Victor Calvin & Ruth May Hendrickson Eichbush. She was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1972 moving from Hays, Kansas. She was currently working at Heartland Foods as a store clerk.
She was member of the United Methodist Church in Hays, Kansas and a member of AA of Scott City, Kansas
On June 5, 1972 she married Jack R. Thornton in Hays, Kansas. He survives.
Survivors include her Husband – Jack R. Thornton of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter – Melissa Dawn Jorgenson of Johnstown, Colorado, One Brother – David Eichbush of Hays, Kansas, One Sister – Ruth Lahendro of Aikens, South Carolina, Grandchildren – Gage Malchow of Scott City, Kansas, Alec Malchow of Johnstown, Colorado, Kelby Jorgenson of Johnstown, Colorado, Great Grandchildren – Vincent Malchow of Scott City, Kansas, Ivy Jorgenson of Johnstown, Colorado and Misty Dawn Jorgenson of Johnstown, Colorado.
Mary was preceded in death by her Parents & One Sister – Barbara Kubot.
Memorial Services will be held at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.with Steve Payne presiding.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may made to the AA in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.
Inurnment will be on Monday, July 16, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in the Mount Allen Cemetery in Hays, Kansas.
By JOHN P. TRETBAR
The latest crude-oil production tally from the Kansas Geological Survey shows a continuing decline. K.G.S. reported 3.05 million barrels of new Kansas production in March, for a three-month total of 8.7 million bbl. That’s about 200,000 barrels less than last year’s first-quarter total. Annual production last year was the lowest since 2006. Ellis County continues to lead the state with production of about 659,000 barrels, an improvement of nearly 90,000 barrels over the first quarter of last year. Barton County produced 423,000 barrels and Russell County produced 392,000, both about the same as last year’s three-month totals. Stafford County is down slightly to just over 256,000 barrels produced in the first quarter of this year.
Here are the top ten oil-producing counties in Kansas for the first quarter of 2018, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.
Ellis County: 658,208 bbl
Haskell County: 622,114 bbl
Barton County: 423,779 bbl
Finney County: 419,227 bbl
Russell County: 392,380 bbl
Rooks County: 381,155 bbl
Ness County: 377,193 bbl
Stafford County: 256,731 bbl
Graham County: 233,664 bbl
Butler County: 199,389 bbl
Logan County: 193,385 bbl
Baker Hughes reports 1,052 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of five oil rigs. North Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana were all in the plus column, while Texas reported a drop of four rigs. Independent Oil & Gas Service reports 21 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up five, and 29 west of Wichita, down two. Operators are moving in completion tools to four leases in Barton County and six in Ellis County.
Independent Oil & Gas Service reported 56 newly-completed wells last week across Kansas, 26 east of Wichita and 30 in the western half of the state. Two wells were completed in Ellis County, and one in Russell County. Operators have completed 791 wells so far this year.
Kansas operators filed 48 new drilling permits last week, 34 in eastern Kansas and 14 west of Wichita, for a year-to-date total of 854 permits. Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties report one new permit each.
Energy regulators in Texas report big increases in that state’s oil and gas production during the month of April. Preliminary figures from the Railroad Commission of Texas showed average production of more than 2.7 million barrels per day, up from 2.6 million a year earlier.
The sticker-shock begins in Oklahoma for oil producers and drivers, as the state’s first tax hike in nearly thirty years took effect last week. Gasoline goes up three cents a gallon, and the Gross Production Tax on oil and gas wells jumps from two to five percent. A spokesman for the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association told the Enid News & Eagle most drillers have already planned operations for this year, but suggests bearish impact in the patch could likely show up next year. The Daily Oklahoman reports the new fuel tax rates are expected to bring in $105 million during the budget year that began July 1. The changes are expected to raise an estimated $100 million from oil production and another $71 million from natural gas.
BP plans to sell its stake in a large northern Alaska oil field to ConocoPhillips. The Anchorage Daily News reports the company hopes to increase its holdings in an offshore oil field near the UK instead, and focus its Alaska operations on the Prudhoe Bay field. The company said the operators at the Kuparuk field will remain the same, and the state of Alaska will see little change in taxes and royalties.
Suncor on Monday provided an update on the company’s Syncrude oil sands facility in Alberta, Canada, following a power disruption on June 20. Power and steam systems have been fully restored, the assessment and repair for the transformer is underway, and the safe and staged return to operations has begun. Company officials hope they’ll be back to nearly 70% of capacity in August and say they could ramp up to full production by mid-September. That’s roughly two months more down time than originally announced. The outage is providing a boost to Canadian oil prices, as it temporarily creates much-needed spare capacity on the region’s pipelines.
Cenovus Energy’s acquisition of oil sands assets last year from ConocoPhillips has propelled the company to Canada’s number three energy firm in terms of production volume, behind Canadian Natural Resources and Suncor Energy. That’s according to the Dutch auditing firm KPMG. Cenovus doubled its production in May 2017 after spending $17.7 billion to become 100 percent owner of the Foster Creek and Christina Lake oil sands projects.
Despite earlier optimism, China’s independent or “teapot” refineries are not buying as much crude oil, or at least they’re not taking delivery. Reuters reports four supertankers chartered by BP have been held up or delayed off the coast of China for the last two months. That comes amid escalating global trade tensions, rising crude oil prices, an oversupplied domestic fuel market and tighter government tax scrutiny.
RIVERSIDE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a train has struck a patrol car that got stuck on railroad tracks near Wichita.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office says the deputy got out of the patrol car early Saturday before the collision. The train came along minutes after the deputy lost control of the patrol car while responding to a 911 call and got stuck on the tracks.
The crash is under investigation.
Wichita – Ronald Persinger, 62, passed away Wednesday, July 4th, 2018.
He was born October 10th, 1955 to Norman and Vivian Persinger in Fort McClellan, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Persinger and Vivian Shaw.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Cheryl Persinger; daughters, Carrie Cecil (TJ), Ronda Rosenberg (David); son, Aaron Gerstenkorn (Carin); grandchildren, Sierrsha McAllister, Brenna Rosenberg, Leilani Day, Aidan Emberton, Georgia Emberton, Charlie Cecil, Joshua Cecil and brother, Rusty Persinger (Eileen).
Visitation will be held from 1-5 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2018, family will greet friends from 1-3 pm, at Smith Family Mortuary 1415 N Rock Rd, Derby, Kansas 67037. Funeral Service: 2:00 pm, Monday, July 9th, 2018 at Smith Mortuary, Derby 1415 North Rock Road Derby, Kansas 67037. Interment to follow at Plainville Cemetery, Plainville, Kansas on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cheryl Persinger to help with final expenses. www.SmithFamilyMortuaries.com
June 30, 2018
Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Age 64, died suddenly on June 30th. He was born on August 15th, 1953 in Hays Kansas to Edgar and Geneva Dies. He served in the Air Force from 1974 to 1994. Retired, he enjoyed his life traveling and spending time with his family and friends.
Proceeded in death by parents Edgar and Geneva Dies. Survived by wife Genette Ferris Dies. Children: David Dies, Tara Van Hemert (Scott), Tony Dies (Robyn), Nick Witter (Lisa), Angelique Kellogg (Matt), Veronique Walker (Brian), and Monique Stenzel (Ted). Grandchildren: Nicholas, Tessa, Vincent, Andrew, Isaac, Isabella, Chloe, Olivia, Matthew, Julieann, Corbin, Lillian, and Evelyn. Sisters: Carmen Armantrout and Dixie Dies.
His service with be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery 7601 34th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55450. A committal service is scheduled for Barry Dies at 1:45pm on Monday July 9, 2018. Please have your family and friends meet in Assembly Area 2 at 1:30pm. Enter Fort Snelling National Cemetery at the second gate marked Funeral Cortege, turn left when you reach your Assembly Area, and proceed to the end of the block to park. A Cemetery Representative will meet you at the Assembly Area, review forms and lead your vehicle procession to the Committal Shelter for the service. https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftsnelling.asp#gi
Following the ceremony, there will be a luncheon held at St. Lucas Community Church at 1195 Manning Avenue North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers.
Memorials may be sent in care of the family to:
Nick Witter
653 Cimarron
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State head softball coach Adrian Pilkington announced the addition of three transfers for the 2019 season. The trio includes Michaelanne Nelson, Allison Jurgensen, and Katie Adler.
A native of Perry, Oklahoma, Nelson transfers to FHSU from Connors State (Okla.) College, where she played two seasons. Nelson was an all-region selection at pitcher as a sophomore in 2018, finishing with a record of 18-7, a 2.79 ERA, and 139 strikeouts in 170.1 innings pitched. As a freshman in 2017, she finished with a record of 18-5 to go with a 1.34 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 135.2 innings pitched. Nelson was the Stillwater News Press All-Area Softball Player of the Year as a junior and then the VYPE Ponca City Area Comeback Athlete of the Year as a senior at Frontier High School. In her junior year of high school, she recorded 25 wins, 278 strikeouts and nine no-hitters, which included two perfect games. She suffered an ACL injury in basketball as a junior before coming back to have a big senior year in softball when she recorded 30 wins, 429 strikeouts, and six no-hitters, helping her team to the state semifinals.
A native of Wichita, Kansas, Jurgensen transfers to FHSU from Butler (Kan.) Community College. As a freshman in 2017, Jurgensen batted .416 with 27 extra-base hits (11 doubles, 5 triples, 11 home runs), 60 RBIs, and 47 runs scored, earning All-KJCCC First Team honors at third base and helping the Grizzlies to the NJCAA Division I National Championship. She also earned All-Tournament Team honors at the NJCAA National Championship site. She had her sophomore year of 2018 cut short due to injury, but still finished with a .242 batting average with three doubles, 11 RBIs, and 10 runs scored. Jurgensen played her prep career at Maize High School, where she was an all-state selection as a junior and senior.
A native of Riverton, Utah, Adler transfers to FHSU from Colby (Kan.) Community College. As a sophomore in 2018, Adler batted .395 with 16 extra-base hits (12 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs), 23 RBIs, and 36 runs scored, while adding 14 stolen bases. As a freshman in 2017, she hit .384 with 18 extra-base hits (15 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs), 38 RBIs, and 32 runs scored, adding five stolen bases. Adler batted .415 over her final two years of prep softball at Riverton High School, helping the school to a state championship as a senior.
Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association will hold its monthly meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Wed., August 8 at the Fort Hays State University Robbins Center (Eagle Communication Hall), One Tiger Place.
Registration is from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m., with a short business meeting starting at 11:30 a.m.
The program for the August meeting will be “Sexual Harassment” presented by Larry Michel and Ashley Fanning from Kennedy, Berkley, Yarnevich, and Williamson, Chartered.
The program will be submitted for HRCI and SHRM continuing education credits. WKHRMA members can RSVP at wkhrma.shrm.org.
The deadline to RSVP is noon on August 3.
WKHRMA is an affiliate chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), a local professional organization for persons engaged in personal or human resource management. For more information on WKHRMA, visit wkhrma.shrm.org.
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