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Month: December 2018

Marvin Eugene Brack

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Ellis resident, Marvin Eugene Brack was born June 19, 1930 in Ellis County, Kansas, to Isaac and Bertha (Schum) Brack. He passed away Monday, December 17, 2018 in Hays, Kansas. Marvin was 88 years of age.

Marvin was a graduate of Ellis High School, and went on to serve our country in the United States Army. On February 27, 1957, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Scheck. They later divorced. Since 1983, he has been in a relationship with his loving girlfriend, Doris Gallion. He served in the Korean War as a tank commander in the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, from August 20, 1952 to June 4, 1953. He worked for the railroad, drove a water well truck, delivered bank statements, installed dishwashers, and scrapped metal. Marvin loved to dance, and spend time with grandkids.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Norma; longtime girlfriend, Doris Gallion; five children, Roger (Maxine) Brack of Ellis, Kansas, Larry (Melissa) Brack of Hill City, Kansas, Marilyn (Mark) Dinkel of Ellis, Robert Alan Brack of Topeka, and Rose Brack Smilie of Ellis; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Parker of Victoria, Texas, Shawn (Michelle) Brack of Kansas City, Missouri, Erica (Shaun) Bammes of Manhattan, Kansas, Mindi Robbins of Abilene, Kansas, Elizabeth Brack of New York, Emily Brack of Hays, Tyler Brack of Hill City, Kansas, and Tiffany (Jacob) Lehman of Ellis; sixteen great-grandchildren, Alexander Coleman of Victoria, Texas, Brady Parker of Victoria, Texas, Kelsey Brack of Ellis, John Linch, Jr. of Ellis Jayden Lehman of Ellis, Blaisen, Brenna, and Brogan Bammes of Manhattan, Brecken and Layton Robbins of Abilene, Journilyn, Levi, Briley, Axen Brack of Hill City, and Maverick and Kennedy Brack of Kansas City; and brothers, Morris and Adair, both of Ellis. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Palmer and Gilbert; and sister, Vada LaCore.

Visitation and viewing will be Thursday evening, from 5 to 7, and Friday morning from 10:00 to 10:30 at the funeral home in WaKeeney. Anyone wishing to have viewing, should do so at the funeral home, as viewing is not allowed at the Veterans’ Cemetery.

A graveside committal service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney. Military honors will be provided by Fort Riley Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Marvin Brack Memorial Fund. Contributions to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Kan. cuts fine against Norton/Phillips Co. hog farm for unapproved building

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas regulators have slashed a fine against a northwest Kansas swine operation for ignoring orders to halt the construction of unauthorized facilities capable of holdings tens of thousands of hogs.

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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment slashed to $34,000 the fine levied for building confined feeding facilities in Norton and Phillips counties without permits and for ignoring the state’s cease-and-desist orders to halt the work. A pair of consent agreements covering Rolling Hills Pork and Old Stone Pork dismissed a majority of the original $147,000 fine imposed in January, the department said.

KDHE can demand payment of up to $25,000 from Rolling Hills Pork and as much as $21,000 from Old Stone Pork if the businesses again violate state law before October 2020.

FHSU women’s basketball holds steady in national polls

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After climbing in the polls each week this season, the Fort Hays State women’s basketball team is listed in the same spot in both national rankings as it was last week. The Tigers are listed sixth in the WBCA Division II Coaches Poll while sitting in fourth in the D2SIDA Media Poll. It’s the first time the Tigers are in the same spot in back-to-back weeks in the coaches standings since they were seventh in consecutive weeks in January and February of 2016.

While their ranking stayed the same, the Tigers picked up a few extra points in the coaches poll to close the gap on fifth place. Fort Hays State was once again listed atop one ballot, earning 476 points in the voting process. After sitting 15 points back of fifth-place Bentley last week, the Tigers are just five points behind the Falcons this week.

The Tigers remain the top of four MIAA programs listed in the coaches poll, with No. 15 Central Missouri also holding steady while No. 22 Central Oklahoma and No. 23 Emporia State both slid up one spot. The Jennies are the lone conference rival ranked in the media rankings, listed 22nd.

Fort Hays State will play all three ranked league opponents over a two-week span early in January, with two of the contests coming on the road. After ringing in the new year against defending champion Central Missouri on January 3 in Warrensburg, Mo., the Tigers will host the Bronchos of Central Oklahoma on January 12. FHSU will wrap up the tough stretch with a road game against the Lady Hornets on January 17.

The Tigers are now 61-22 all-time while ranked, including a 57-21 mark under head coach Tony Hobson. Fort Hays State is now 6-1 all-time as the No. 6-ranked team in the WBCA Coaches Poll, just two wins shy of its most wins at any spot (No. 10, 8-2).

Below are the complete national polls for December 18, 2018.

WBCA Coaches Poll – Week 5 D2SIDA Media Poll – Week 5
Rk Team (1st) Rcd. Pts. Prev. Rk Team (1st) Rcd. Pts. Prev.
1 Union (Tenn.) (20) 11-0 595 1 1 Union (13) 10-0 372 1
2 Indiana (Pa.) (3) 8-0 568 2 2 Bentley (1) 12-0 356 2
3 West Texas A&M 9-0 541 3 3 West Texas A&M 8-0 346 3
4 Drury 11-0 523 4 4 Fort Hays State 9-0 326 4
5 Bentley 12-0 481 5 5 Northwest Nazarene (1) 9-0 320 5
6 Fort Hays State (1) 10-0 476 6 6 Lewis 7-1 294 6
7 Northwest Nazarene 9-0 456 7 7 IUP 8-0 292 7
8 Ashland 9-1 410 8 8 Drury 10-0 258 10
9 University of the Sciences 8-0 402 9 9 UC San Diego 8-0 254 9
10 UC San Diego 8-0 347 10 10 North Georgia 6-1 232 11
11 Grand Valley State 9-1 345 11 11 California 8-0 206 12
12 Virginia Union 9-1 315 12 12 Augustana 12-1 194 14
13 California (Pa.) 8-0 304 14 13 Jefferson 10-0 193 17
14 Alaska Anchorage 7-1 271 13 14 Grand Valley 8-1 174 T15
15 Central Missouri 7-2 235 15 15 Florida Southern 7-1 164 13
16 North Georgia 7-1 232 16 16 USciences 8-0 162 8
17 Florida Southern 8-1 209 17 17 Alaska Anchorage 7-1 142 T15
18 Black Hills State 8-1 175 18 18 Virginia Union 9-1 116 19
19 Thomas Jefferson Univ. 10-0 169 19 19 Ashland 8-1 105 21
20 Lewis 8-1 153 20 20 Southwestern Okla. 9-1 90 22
21 Angelo State 6-1 121 22 21 Angelo State 6-1 88 23
22 Central Oklahoma 9-1 118 23 22 Central Missouri 7-2 47 24
T23 Augustana (S.D.) 11-1 65 NR 23 Anderson (S.C.) 8-2 43 NR
T23 Emporia State 8-2 65 24 T24 Glenville State 9-1 23 RV
25 Stonehill 9-2 52 25 T24 St. Mary’s (Texas) 8-2 23 18

Police find wanted Kan. man with counterfeit cash, drugs

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COWLEY COUNTY— A Kansas man is in custody after an arrest in in west Arkansas City on a warrant and related charges after a brief chase on foot.

Martinez -photo KDOC

According to a media release, Ramon Paul Martinez, 38, of Winfield, was arrested on suspicion of counterfeiting U.S. currency, distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school and obstructing apprehension — all of which are felonies — as well as misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He also was arrested on a warrant through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City for felony theft of property with a value between $1,000 and $25,000.

Officers on Friday spotted Martinez, who they knew to have an active warrant for his arrest, in the 400 block of West Central Avenue. He quickly left the area on foot, moving between several houses.

Martinez then was spotted walking southbound at the intersection of Central and Fifth Street.

Police approached him, called him by name and instructed him to stop, but Martinez began running from them. He tripped and fell, and subsequently was taken into custody without further incident.

Martinez was found in possession of both drugs and suspected counterfeit U.S. currency.

Martinez is being held in the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $19,000 bond through Arkansas City district court.

‘Laverne and Shirley’ star, director Penny Marshall dies at age 75

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Penny Marshall / shutterstock.com
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Penny Marshall, who starred in “Laverne & Shirley” before becoming one of the top-grossing female directors in Hollywood, has died. She was 75.Mashall’s publicist, Michelle Bega, said Marshall passed away in her Hollywood Hills, Calif., home on Monday due to complications from diabetes.

Marshall starred alongside Cindy Williams in the hit ABC comedy “Laverne & Shirley,” which aired from 1976 to 1983. As a filmmaker, she became the first woman to direct a film that grossed more than $100 million with “Big,” the 1988 comedy starring Tom Hanks. She also directed “A League of Their Own,” ”Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and and the Oscar-nominated “Awakenings.”

Her acting career dated back to 1953 when she appeared at the age of 10 on “The Jackie Gleason Show,” according to IMDB.com.

UPDATE: Teen shot after strangling woman, escaping on horse remains hospitalized

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SMITH COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues its investigation of the attempted murder of a woman in Smith County, as well as an officer involved shooting of the the 15-year-old suspect who remains hospitalized in serious condition in a Kearney, Neb., hospital, according to a media release from the KBI.

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Just after 10:20 a.m. Saturday, the Smith County Sheriff’s received a 911 call, and responded to 10021 O Road in Smith Center. Upon arriving, they located a 66-year-old white female victim who reported being restrained, beaten, and strangled. She was taken to a local hospital, and is expected to recover.

The suspect, a 15-year-old black male, fled the area on horseback. When he was located by Kansas Highway Patrol troopers at 100 Road and L Road, in Smith County, he was armed with a firearm. KHP and Smith County Sheriff’s deputies spent a few hours attempting to apprehend the suspect. Then just before 2:20 p.m. the suspect fired at troopers. Two troopers returned fire, striking the subject.

They rendered medical aid and EMS responded. EMS transported him to a local hospital. He was then flown to a Kearney, Nebraska hospital where he underwent surgery.  The identity of the subject will be withheld because he is a juvenile.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Lb. Brewing Co. brews beer to support victims of Calif. wildfires

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Lb. Brewing Co. of downtown Hays released an extra special beer Monday. The “Resilience Butte County Proud IPA” was brewed with other breweries across the country on Giving Tuesday to support victims of the California wildfires.

When the Camp Fire started in the hills above Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, California, on November 8, 2018, it soon became the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The fire burned more than 153,000 acres, killed at least 85 people, and destroyed more than 13,000 homes. Many of Sierra Nevada’s employees and community members were severely impacted by this tragic event.

In the days following the fire, Sierra Nevada announced plans to brew the Resilience Butte County Proud IPA, a fundraiser beer for Camp Fire relief. They also established the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund, aimed at long-term community rebuilding support. The recipe was released to craft breweries around the world, in the hope that others would brew the IPA to raise additional money for the fund.

“There was an overwhelming response from craft breweries; I think this shows just how special our industry is,” said Brendan Arnold, head brewer at Lb. Brewing Co. “The brewing industry has a great sense of community. We are honored to be a part of this project and contribute to the Butte County community.”

Roughly 1,400 breweries brewed the Resilience Butte County Proud IPA to raise money for the relief effort. More than 17,000 barrels — or 4.2 million pints — will be released in mid-December. Every dollar Sierra Nevada receives will go to those impacted by the Camp Fire. Lb. Brewing Co. will donate 100 percent of sales of the special brew to the relief effort.

On Thursday, December 20, Lb. Brewing Co. and 1,400+ breweries around the world will raise a glass for “Resilience Night.”

For more info, visit www.sierranevada.com/resilience-butte-county-proud-IPA

— Submitted

🎥 School board determines characteristics wanted in new superintendent

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Five groups of Hays school district staff and administration, along with community members, were quizzed Monday about characteristics they want to see in the next USD 489 superintendent.

The search for John Thissen’s replacement is underway by the Kansas Association of School Boards Leadership Services Field Specialist Gary Sechrist.

The input was shared with Hays school board members Monday night.

“Our focus is to have some trends starting to develop,” said Sechrist. “The characteristics are really important for us and for you. When we start vetting of candidates, we do our best to try to match candidates to the characteristics that you wish.”

School board members were then asked the same questions, who concluded there are five traits they would use to choose between equally qualified candidates. The board said they want someone who is a genuine leader with a successful track record, is innovative, and has integrity.

They also talked about the strengths of the school district as well as the critical needs the new superintendent should address.

Rebuilding internal relationships as well as those with the public were cited as top concerns along with facilities improvements. The board also wants to improve long-range planning, professional pathways for teachers and ways to retain current staff and attract new employees.

Current staff was praised for being innovative and important to the goals of the school district. Community resources were also cited as a strength for USD 489.

Each board member will draft their top three to five interview questions of superintendent candidates to be compiled January 7.

Applications will be screened Jan. 28 by a three-person team chaired by KASB. The board will hear the report during their regular meeting that evening at 6:30 p.m. Sechrist said the board should expect three to four vetted candidates.

The top candidates will be interviewed by school board members first week of February.

Thissen gave his letter of resignation to the board on Oct. 19. He will remain in place through his current contract, which ends June 30, 2019.

In other business Monday:

  • 2017/2018 audit report was presented by Adams, Brown, Beran, & Ball
  • Principal Martin Straub shared revisions to the 2018/2019 Hays High School Curriculum Guide
  • Announcement of Keith Hall as new director of Finance & Support Services starting Jan. 2. Hall most recently served as the Osborne USD 392 Superintendent and elementary school principal.

 

Sheriff: Kan. man jailed after attempt to meet 16-year-old for sex

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BAXTER COUNTY, Ark. — Law enforcement authorities in Arkansas are investigating a Kansas man on sex allegations.

O’Brien photo Baxter County

Early Saturday, following a complaint and surveillance, deputies arrested a Junction City man after receiving a complaint that he was driving to Mountain Home, Arkansas, to pick up a 16-year-old girl he had been communicating with on social media, according to Sheriff John Montgomery.

The girl had been sending sexually explicit photos and videos to him at his request, according to the sheriff.

The parents were concerned for the safety of the child. The man had arranged to meet her at a business parking lot on Highway 5 South of Mountain Home near the girl’s house.

A sheriff’s deputy set up surveillance at the location. At approximately 12:47 a.m., he observed a vehicle drive past the area twice, then pull in and park.

After parking, the man sent a text message to the girl stating he was close by. The man then walked from his car along Highway 5 South past the girl’s house, then to the meeting location.

The man went behind the building. The deputy then approached and made contact with the man, who was identified as 31-year-old Andrew Mitchell O’Brien of Junction City. After a brief exchange, deputies arrested and took  him into custody.

During a search of his vehicle, deputies found handcuffs, vodka, condoms as well as two cellphones believed to have been used in commission of the crimes. All of these were seized and taken into evidence.

Deputies transported O’Brien to the Baxter County Detention Center. He is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond on requested charges of Engaging Children In Sexually Explicit Conduct for Use in Visual or Print Medium – Felony
Contributing to the Delinquency of Juvenile – Felony

He will appear in Circuit Court to answer on Dec. 20, according Montgomery.

Investigators also determined O’Brien is on active military duty stationed at Fort Riley. The military base was contacted regarding the incident, and the military police have also placed a detainer on him.

 

Christmas tree disposal site now open

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The Christmas tree disposal site is open through Jan. 14.

CITY OF HAYS

Citizens are encouraged to bring Christmas trees to the free disposal site located north of the Public Works building at 1002 Vine Street. This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees inside the orange snow fence area.

Signs will be posted to direct citizens.

Please remove all plastic, ornaments, and lights before leaving the tree.

The disposal site will be open Tuesday, December 18, 2018 through Monday, January 14, 2019.

Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the Highway 183 Bypass and is available for pickup free of charge.

If there are questions, please call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

Jesse (Jesus) Magaña

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Jesse (Jesus) Magaña, 86, passed away December 17, 2018. He was born December 25, 1931 in Kanopolis, KS to Jesus E. and Sara M. Magaña.

Jesse married Diana Lee Schwerdtfeger in Kanopolis on June 6, 1953. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War and was a farmer/stockman and president of Rancho Milagro Kansas, Inc. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, American GI Forum, and the St. Ignatius Catholic Church.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Diana Magaña of Kanopolis; daughter, Famia Magaña Quattlebaum (John) of Spring Branch, TX; son, Audie Magaña (Susie) of Junction City, KS; son, Clay Magaña (Terry) of Wichita; daughter, Velinda Magaña of Kanopolis; son, Jesse Magaña (Lori) of Manhattan, KS; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Frank Magaña of Kansas City, KS; and brother, Concepcion Magaña of Wichita. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Sara; great grandchild, Cataleya Francisca Garcia-Moreno; and siblings, Theresa Magaña and Albina Mesa of Kanopolis; Socorro Hernandez of Salina; Esperanza Rios of Parma, Ohio; Celestino Magaña of Cleveland, Ohio; Andrew Magaña of Chula Vista, California; and Virgina Caldwell of Tucson, Arizona.

Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Thursday, December 20th, at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with family present from 5-7 p.m. and rosary/vigil service at 7 p.m.

Funeral mass: 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 21st, 2018 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Kanopolis, with burial following in the Kanopolis Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ignatius Catholic Church and Harvest Bible Church, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

Kan. security firm with guards facing murder charges may close

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KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas security company says it may go out of business because of licensing problems that began when two of its employees were charged with fatally shooting a man outside a Missouri bar.

Location of the fatal June shooting –image courtesy KCTV

The latest blow to Overland Park, Kansas-based Force One Security is the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners voting Monday to deny its appeal of a license revocation. It mostly does business in Missouri.

After the two guards were charged in July with leaving their post to investigate a wreck and killing a motorist, the company was placed on probation for five years and fined $5,000. The board then revoked the company’s license to operate in Kansas City in September because two of its employees failed their firearm qualification test.

Josephine Verbena (Hofts) Simms

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Josephine Verbena (Hofts) Simms, 98, daughter of Henry and Rena (Steinman) Hofts, was born April 30, 1920, on the family farm near Ruskin, Nebraska. She died in the presence of her family on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the Republic County Hospital in Belleville, Kansas.

The Hofts family later moved to Republic County, Kansas. Josephine graduated from Republic High School in 1940. Upon graduation, she attended Kansas Normal Teachers training; she graduated on June 13, 1940 and taught at a country school for one year. On December 26, 1940 she married Kenneth A. Simms at Washington, Kansas. The marriage was kept a secret the remainder of the school year because at the time women teachers could not be married. To this union four children were born: Roger, Douglas, Bryan, and Jennifer.

Kenneth and Josie farmed the Simms family homestead for 65 years. She was a devoted wife and mother. Josie was an active member of the Republic Methodist Church, Republic HDU and the Republic Senior Citizens Center. She was also a member of the Republic High School Alumni Association, a clothing leader in the Republic Pioneers’ 4-H Club, and a member of Friends of Pawnee.

Josie’s hobbies included writing a daily diary for 40 years, raising chickens, gardening, and sewing, collecting dolls, and attending auctions.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 2003, a son Roger K. Simms in 1997, her older sisters Lena Banks and Minnie Sankey and her younger brother Glenn Hofts.

Josephine will be forever remembered by her younger sister Florence Elliott, Hays; children: Douglas G. Simms (Paula), Belleville, Bryan J. Simms (Carolyn), Republic, and Jennifer J. Loring (Gary), Scandia; daughter –in-law Nancy Simms, Belleville; nine grandchildren, Christine (Michael) Conn, Snoqualmie, WA, Jimmy (Anne) Simms, Daykin, NE, Andrea (Joe) Fischer, Belleville, Terah (Lee) Isaacson, Houston, TX, Paige (Jose’) Gonzalez, Chicago, IL, Jordan (Lauren) Isaacson, Superior, NE; Nathan Isaacson, Manhattan, KS, Michael (Leah) Loring, Concordia, KS, Shalynn Loring, Concordia, Ks, Jeanette (Alan) Sheets, Belleville, KS, Edward (Chloe) Simms, Stilwell, KS; great grandchildren: Spencer & Libby Conn, Tucker & Riley Simms, Laurel & Alex Fischer, Vivienne, Natalia, and Alexander Howell, Isaac Gonzalez, Avaleigh, Sawyer, and Mason Isaacson, Ensley Loring, Jaclyn, Joni, and Audrey Sheets, Henry, Max, and Charlie Simms; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11:00am Friday, December 21, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, Republic, Kansas with Pastor Lance Rundus officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband Kenneth in Lake Cemetery rural Republic. Memorials may be made to the Republic Methodist Church. Viewing will be Thursday, December 20th from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas who is assisting the Simms family with these arrangements.

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