TOPEKA – As we enter the busy holiday season, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is sharing important food safety practices by encouraging Kansans to follow some simple tips to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Clean your hands for 20 seconds with soapy water before touching any food. Wash hands and surfaces often during food preparation. Always serve food on clean plates and avoid reusing plates that previously held raw meat and poultry.
Separate raw and cooked foods to avoid cross contamination. Use a separate cutting board for cooked foods and raw foods and always wash them after use. Do not cut raw vegetables on the same cutting board as raw meat. Wash any utensil after preparing one food item before going on to the next item.
Cook using a food thermometer to make sure all food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature; turkey, stuffing, and casseroles should be 165°F; veal, beef and lamb roasts should reach 145°F; and ham, pork, ground beef and egg dishes should be 160°F. When reheating, leftovers should be thoroughly heated to 165°F.
Chill leftovers within two hours of cooking. Keep track of how long items have been sitting on the table and discard anything that has been out longer than two hours. Keep hot foods hot, 140°F or hotter, and cold foods cold, 40°F or below. Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw food in the refrigerator, in a cold-water bath or in the microwave.
Report suspected foodborne illnesses to KDHE by calling 877-427-7317. Often, calls from concerned citizens are how outbreaks are first detected.
Need more information? Visit the following food safety websites and enjoy your holidays.
(Back row, from left) Cheyenne Born, Michelle Gottschalk, Michaela Keller, Maddy Guffey, Clara Crawford, Morgan Bittel, Haley Schmidt, Madison Gottschalk (Front row, from left) Evalyn Miller, Rylee Werth, Cassie Waldschmidt, Grace Beisner, and Camryn Frickey.
TOPEKA — On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Ellis High School cheerleaders competed in the KSHSAA Spirit Game Day Cheer Showcase in Topeka.
They competed against 21 other schools in Class 1-2A. The cheerleaders performed in crowd-leading, band chant, and fight song categories.
The Ellis High School Cheerleaders were named Class 1-2A Game Day Cheer Showcase Champions for the second year in a row. They are coached by Kristi Bittel.
Thanksgiving Eve Is Big Party Night For Students, Others, Home For The Holiday
WICHITA – The day of frenzied shopping that follows Thanksgiving is commonly referred to as Black Friday. But, in recent years, some have started referring to the night before Thanksgiving as ‘Blackout Wednesday’ or ‘Drinksgiving’ because of the heavy alcohol consumption or binge drinking done by college students and others, home for the holiday and reuniting with friends and family at bars, restaurants or homes.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the day before Thanksgiving sees more impairment-related crashes than any other day of the year. Those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs endanger not only themselves, but also others they share the road with – such as their passengers, other motorists and their passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
“While ‘Blackout Wednesday’ or ‘Drinksgiving’ may be clever ‘buzz’ words, there’s nothing clever about being buzzed or drunk and getting behind the wheel,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA Kansas. “Drivers also need to remember that prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs can impair the ability to drive safely, as well. Combining any of these drugs with alcohol can increase the impairment factor more.”
From 2012 to 2016, more than 800 people died nationwide in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period (6:00 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday), making it the deadliest holiday on our roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
During that same period in Kansas (2012-2016), over the 5-day Thanksgiving holiday, there were 188 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 109 injuries and four fatalities.
On average, across Kansas, three persons are injured every day, and one person is killed every four days in alcohol/drug-related crashes. And the crashes tend to be more severe. Vehicle occupants in alcohol- or other drug-related crashes are more than 2.5 times more likely to be injured or killed than those involved in crashes where alcohol or other drugs were not a factor.
Each week across Kansas, more than 250 drivers are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence). A DUI conviction will result in jail time, the suspension or revocation of driver’s license, a fine of $500 to $2,500, participation in an alcohol or other drug treatment program and, where alcohol is cited as a contributing factor, the purchase and installation of an ignition interlock device by the offender. This device requires the offender to blow into a device that measures blood alcohol concentration prior to starting the car. It’s embarrassing and a hassle.
The Kansas Highway Patrol, along with local law enforcement, will be increasing patrols to foster safe roadways during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week, with a special eye out for impaired drivers.
AAA Kansas is reminding anyone headed out Wednesday night or throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and planning to drink:
Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Don’t risk it.
Make a plan ahead of time to have a sober, designated driver
If you don’t have a designated driver, call a friend or family member, taxi or car share service such as Uber or Lyft to get you home safely
Never let family or friends drive if they have had too much alcohol to drink
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement
“It is never OK to get behind the wheel of a vehicle when you are buzzed, drunk or otherwise impaired,” AAA Kansas’ Steward reiterated. “The risk of injury or death for yourself, passengers and others on the roads is not worth it, especially when there are other ways to get home safely. AAA Kansas wants everyone to safely enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with their friends and family and not have to deal with a tragedy caused by impaired driving.”
Now through Dec. 3, 24/7 Travel Stores customers will be able to donate at the register to Education and Outreach Programs for Kansas kids from Pheasants Forever, a wildlife habitat conservation nonprofit organization.
24/7 Travel Stores and Pheasants Forever are partnering to get more Kansas kids introduced to hunting, wildlife habitat conservation, and shooting sports.
Customers have the opportunity to make a donation to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever at the register, and also to purchase PF/QF merchandise directly in the store. A portion of the proceeds from which will go to PF and QF.
The goal is to raise at least $30,000, providing much-needed financial support for Pheasants Forever as they work to have 120,000 Kansas kids participate in their Education and Outreach program by 2023.
Each dollar that is donated will be matched at a 4:1 ratio, meaning that each dollar given will be turned into $4 for Kansas kids.
Brandon Wilmoth, regional representative for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever in Kansas says, “Programs like this one, with 24/7 Travel Stores, work to bring important funds in for the organizations’ traditional habitat mission, but also critical programs that create new hunters. For example, we now have three ‘shooting trailers’ here in Kansas that PF and QF chapters, and other organizations, can use to hold youth shooting events. The trailers travel to fairs, schools, festivals, hunter safety classes and other outdoor events. The goal is to expose kids to the shooting sports, which can in turn lead to creating new hunters.”
ABOUT 24/7 TRAVEL STORES: 24/7 Travel Stores has 10 locations to serve guests and travelers along the I-70 and I-135 corridors throughout Kansas. These stores are operated by local teams that live and shop in the surrounding area.
A Thomas County man was injured in a vehicle accident just before midnight Tuesday in Rawlins County.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Ernest J. Leija, 21, Gem, was driving a 2004 Ford Explorer east on Road G, a half mile west of Highway K-25 at 11:41 p.m. Leija lost control of the SUV as he moved to the right when meeting an oncoming vehicle.
The SUV left the roadway, overturned and came to rest in a field on the south side of the road.
Leija was taken to the Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood and later was flown to Swedish Medical Center in Eagle, Colorado.
Sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 31. South southwest wind around 6 mph.
Thanksgiving Day
Sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night
A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 43. South wind 9 to 18 mph becoming west southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Windy, with a northwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 21 to 26 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 33.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Saturday Night
Rain likely before 1am, then rain and snow likely between 1am and 3am, then snow likely after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Very windy. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to stealing scrap metal from a railroad terminal operation in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Justin Drescher, 49, Kearney, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. In his plea, Drescher admitted he was working as a truck driver for Razorback Rail Services when the crime occurred. Razorback was a primary subcontractor providing maintenance and repair work for the Kansas City Terminal Railway Company. As part of the scheme, Dresher and other Razorback employees were told where to find scrap rail and metal belonging to KCT. They transported the metal to Razorback to be sold instead of placing it in KCT’s metal bins with a competitive scrap metal business. Razorback and its employees, including Drescher, received payment for the stolen scrap metal.
Sentencing is set for March 19. He faces a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
WICHITA, Kan. – Marshawn Blackmon hit two free throws with four seconds to play to lift the Newman Jets to a 76-75 win over Fort Hays State Tuesday at Fugate Gymnasium. It’s only the second time Newman (3-2) has beaten the Tigers (2-3) in the last 25 meetings between the two.
The two free throws came after Brady Werth banked in a jumper with 13 seconds left to give the Tigers a 75-74 lead.
Mark Johnson Postgame Interview
Game Highlights
The Tigers shot 53-percent from the floor and went 10-of-22 from beyond the arc but were hurt by 17 turnovers which resulted in 27 Jets points.
Newman outscored the Tigers by eight at the free throw line and hit 16 of their 19 foul shots in the second half.
Marcus Cooper led four Tigers in double-figures with 16 points. Aaron Nicholson, who hit a corner three with 1:13 to play to put FHSU up 72-70, added 14, 10 of them in the second half. Kyler Kinnamon scored 13 before fouling out and Brady Werth added 11 despite playing only 17 minutes because of foul trouble.
WICHITA, Kan. – Lanie Page scored a season-high 20 points, Carly Heim added 11 and Tatyana Legette pulled down 12 rebounds to lead the Fort Hays State women to a 72-60 win over Newman Tuesday at Fugate Gymnasium.
Tony Hobson Postgame Interview
Game Highlights
The Tigers (3-0) used a 16-4 first half run to build an 11-point lead and were up 38-30 at the half. They pushed the lead to 14 early in the fourth quarter only to see it trimmed to seven late in the game.
Lanie Page then was fouled on a layup. The three-point pushed the lead to 10 to put the game out of reach.
The Tigers overcame a tough night at the foul line, hitting only 16 of their 30 free throws.
OVERLAND PARK (AP) — A group of Kansas residents is fighting for records relating to a suburban Kansas City teenager who was shot to death by a police officer in January.
The Kansas City Star reports that the city of Overland Park has denied most of citizen group JOCO United’s requests to release records over the shooting of 17-year-old John Albers. The push for records comes after authorities released dash cam video of the encounter in which an officer fired 13 times into a minivan that Albers was backing out of his family’s garage.
The group argues that the video didn’t answer questions about how a 911 call to check on Albers’ welfare turned into violence.
Member Mark Schmid says the public is forced to rely on the Johnson County district attorney’s conclusion that the shooting was justified.
GREAT BEND — Amy Mellor has served as Barton County Attorney for just under two years, and nearly half of that time if not more has been experienced with a rocky relationship with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. For this reason and more, Mellor stated she plans to resign her position in December, 2018.
Mellor wrote this letter addressing it, “To the Citizens of Barton County”:
“During my 23-year career as a law enforcement officer and my 10 years as a prosecutor, I’ve long appreciated and worked to maintain the spirit of mutual cooperation among our law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, including county attorneys’ offices. While it is impossible to avoid all conflicts and differences of opinion, we rely on communication, collaboration, and pillars like our judicial system to ensure that we’re working for the best interest of all citizens.
I felt it would be appropriate to share the attached letter I received this week from the Barton County Sheriff and explain to our community why I am planning to resign from my position as the Barton County Attorney in December, 2018.
The Sheriff’s letter, actions, and public commentary make it clear that he is not interested in cooperation and instead would prefer to bully me and my office. This began more than a year ago when I was advised by administration at the Great Bend Police Department that a report had been filed with that agency regarding the Sheriff’s actions during an arrest.
I wrote a letter to an assistant director with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), requesting an investigation. Contrary to statements made by the Sheriff and his attorney, the assignment of agents to investigate was made by the KBI administration in Topeka, rather than by my husband. I recused myself and my office from this matter from the beginning because of the perceived conflict.
Unfortunately, Sheriff Bellendir continues to blame me and my husband for what has transpired as the result of his actions. I had hoped that once the criminal matter was concluded, healing could begin and all parties could act like adults and perform our duties. Based on Sheriff Bellendir’s continued actions and his letter, this is clearly not possible.
It saddens me to see this behavior, and I don’t believe it would benefit our county to continue working in such a hostile environment. Additionally, I do not agree with the Barton County Commissioners’ endorsement of Sheriff Bellendir’s actions. I believe their message condones law enforcement’s mistreatment of suspects and inmates. All citizens should be protected by our laws, and I have always believed that members of law enforcement should be held to a higher standard; law enforcement officers are not exempt from the law.
It never was personal for me, it was and is about what is right and what is wrong.
Beyond that, the Sheriff’s proposed hiring of independent counsel would, in my opinion, be an improper use of taxpayer funds. It would also further distract the county offices from our joint responsibility in protecting our communities and citizens.
If elected officials in Barton County continue to use these bullying tactics to work against one another and address perceived conflicts, I’m concerned for the future of Barton County.
To the citizens of Barton County, thank you for your support throughout my time in serving you. I will continue to pray for grace, mindfulness, and a spirit of cooperation for all who work to protect and improve our communities.
Sincerely, Amy Schartz Mellor
Sheriff Brian J. Bellendir
Bellendir addressed this letter to Mellor on Monday:
Amy,
After consultation with city, county, and state leaders as well as numerous local citizens, it has become clear, a majority of the citizens of Barton County are demanding change in your office. To that end, on Monday, November 26, 2018 I will be addressing the Board of County Commissioners in open session. I will be requesting the commissioners retain independent counsel to research and investigate removing you from office either by ouster or recall.
There is substantial public support for this action and I anticipate numerous citizens will attend.
Most Sincerely, Sheriff Brian J. Bellendir
Mellor was sworn into office on Jan. 9, 2017. In an uncontested race, she earned just under 97 percent of the vote at 9,294. She took over for Doug Matthews after Matthews served as County Attorney for 12 years. Matthews and his office was criticized for moving slowly or not at all on certain cases for prosecution.
Mellor spent time as an officer and detective with the Great Bend Police Department from 1983 to 1995 before deciding to go to law school at the age of 47. Before coming back to Great Bend to work in the County Attorney’s Office in 2010 as an assistant to Matthews, Mellor was an attorney with Wyandotte County and interned with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office while going through law school at Washburn University.
crashes than any other day of the year. Those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs endanger not only themselves, but also others they share the road with – such as their passengers, other motorists and their passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
