Downtown Hays Development Corp. and Eagle Communications will present the fourth annual Brews on the Bricks in downtown Hays on May 4.
“With the success of the past few years, overall ticket numbers have increased from 1,500 to 2,000. The event as a whole is expanding to include more tents, more breweries and more activities,” DHDC said in a news release.
Tickets, which have quickly sold out in years past, will go on sale Friday, Feb. 1.
Ticket sale locations will be:
• 7 a.m., Downtown Visitors Center, 1200 Main, Ste. 102
• 8 a.m., online sales at www.downtownhays.com
• 5 p.m., Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Co., 117 E. 11th
• 5 p.m., Defiance Brewery, 2050 East U.S. 40
There will be a total four-ticket purchase limit per person, per location.
Ticket prices are:
• VIP, $80 in office, $85 online
• General admission, $40 in office, $45 online
DHDC is partnering withe SafeRide and other entities to ensure event-goers arrive home safely.
For more information, call (785) 621-4171 or email [email protected].
On January 13, 2018 friends, family and community members gathered to show appreciation to Jim Lutters for his years of service to Ness County Law Enforcement.
The plans for this celebration began in early November when prior Sheriff’s Office employees learned Jim Lutters retired from the road and bridge department with no show of appreciation for his 38 years. Then in November 2018 Lutters was compelled to resign from the sheriff’s office after 39 years of faithful selfless service.
One thing for certain about Lutters that everyone can vouch for is if there was ever a problem along the K4 territory in Ness County, Jim could always help.
As fellow officers if we had a question about who has been where, who is mad at who or what family quarrels have been going on lately Jim could usually fill us in.
Along with having the knowledge, he also brought about a calming aura in times of crisis or intense situations; of at least half of the situations brought about in Jim’s area he was the calming force of the officers on scene.
When asked about his background, Jim said he started with Ness County Road and Bridge in October 1978. In February 1979, Jim started full time with the City of Ransom as the chief of police and the only city officer.
Jim said his early patrol cars included a 1968 Chevy with the red bubble top, a 1976 Highway Patrol Car and a 1980 Plymouth, which he drove until he left the Ransom City Department in 1995.
In 1980 Jim started working for the Ness County Sheriff’s Office part time. It’s an understatement to say Jim was a very busy guy in our community — ‘78 starting at road and bridge, ‘79 starting at the City of Ransom Police Department and in ‘80 starting with the sheriff’s office.
Some of the past sheriff’s Jim worked for were Chester Barrows and Gary O’Brien and one of his earlier patrol cars was also a Plymouth maybe a black and white.
As the years fly by and fade away, it can be difficult for we younger officers to retain the many stories and memories that Jim has told, some several times but they never got old.
There are always stories that everyone knows about, but then there are those horrific situations that we in law enforcement can’t talk about and are forced to live with in silence. Jim has been there more times than anyone would dream of.
In one story Jim has told us, he talks of holding a small child and comforting them after the death of a family member. No matter how young or old you are, that is a memory that no one can shake.
When asked what [one of] Jim’s most memorable moments in law enforcement was, he spoke of a burglary at the Ransom city Tavern. Jim said it was about Christmas time in 1984 or 1985 when a burglary motion alarm went off in the Tavern, and he went to investigate assuming it would be another false alarm.
Jim said he arrived at the bar to find a car parked in the alley, and as he got closer, the door to the tavern came open and the person went back inside. After a short amount of time, the suspect came out of the Tavern surrendering to Jim saying that he wasn’t going to cause him any problems.
“That night we learned the suspect had also burglarized the Ransom Gas Station and the Brownell COOP. When the undersheriff got there, he admitted to another 12 burglaries that got clear down to Meade County or farther,” Jim said.
Jim believed that suspect ended up in prison and later got out, only to start making counterfeit money.
When asked to give one of the best and worst things about working as a deputy for the county, he said one of the best things is “the people you work with, sometimes there’s some bad in the bunch, but the majority of them are good and there are a lot of good people in the community you get to see.”
One of the negative aspects of being a deputy in a small community Jim said was “the accidents. You never know when you pull up who you are going to be helping. It could be a stranger from out of town, someone you talked to in the store a couple of hours ago or a family member. The most extremely difficult thing to deal with is drunk driving and death notifications from fatality accidents.”
Any deputy who works in a small community has the extreme misfortune of having to contact loved ones or close friends at one point or another whether it be in times of need or when conducting enforcement actions against them, none of which are easy.
Jim never faltered and never let emotion stand in the way of his ability to help those around him, he didn’t care what amount of time it took out of his personal life if it was for the benefit of someone or something else.
Jim said “It was great, this get together. I really appreciated seeing all the different people come to this.”
This gathering hosted nearly 50 people including prior coworkers, friends and family. We don’t feel there is any right way to thank someone in two hours for giving a community half of their life, but this get together was a great show of appreciation by everyone.
Jim was presented a Canvas print of his patrol vehicle and patches in front of a Ness County Sunset, a shadow box of patches with a picture of him and signatures from his coworkers as well as a plaque recognizing his 39 years of service to law enforcement.
The hosts and former co-workers would like to thank everyone who attended and all others for their continued support.
Listen as the ‘Voice of the Chiefs’ Mitch Holthus recaps last week’s AFC Divisional Playoff win over the Colts and previews Sunday night’s AFC Championship game with the England Patriots.
The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday mornings on your home for Chiefs football, KFIX (96.9-FM), at 8 a.m. during the Chiefs season.
HOXIE — Sheridan County’s newest member of the sheriff’s department will be arriving soon.
Dak, the county’s first K9 officer, will begin training next week in Omaha, Neb., with his partner Deputy Adam Babcock.
The department is also accepting donations to help support the K9 program supplies, including such necessities as a dog cage for the patrol vehicle, kennels, veterinarian expenses, food and other necessities.
Donations can be dropped off at the sheriff’s office at 940 Eighth St., Hoxie, or mailed to P.O. Box 899 Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Upon request, donations will remain anonymous.
Kansas goes further than any other state in kicking local and state government out of decisions about nutrition labels and portion sizes, leaving that and other food policy up to federal lawmakers.
In a recent study, New York University researcher Jennifer Pomeranz said Kansas did more to limit local control than the 13 other states that passed similar laws.
Local rules for nutrition labeling are not allowed under Kansas law. MADELINE FOX / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
A 2016 Kansas law keeps counties, school districts, councils and other lower levels of government from enacting restrictive policies around food sales. So even if a city with a really high obesity rate wants to require calorie listings, it can’t.
Food policy preemption bills have been cropping up across the country. In 2013, Mississippi — which then had the highest rate of obesity in the country — banned its cities and counties from preventing restaurants from selling super-sized soft drinks or forcing eateries to post nutritional information about meals.
Kansas is among 14 states to pass new laws restricting municipalities’ food and health efforts. But Kansas went further than others by also limiting the state Legislature’s power, Pomeranz said.
“The state basically handed over to the federal government control of these issues,” she said. “It’s basically saying ‘we’re not acting, and the locals can’t act either.’”
The Kansas law, which went into effect in July 2016, prevents local authorities from restricting portion sizes, taxing soda and sugary drinks, and banning “incentive items” — such as toys in a Happy Meal. The bill was mostly cribbed from the American Legislative Exchange Council, an organization of conservative state legislators and representatives from the private sector who draft and share state-level legislation.
For health advocates in Kansas, the bill felt like a solution in search of a problem.
The legislation seemed to reflect national anxieties about efforts elsewhere — such as when former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg famously tried to ban super-sized sodas. But, Missty Lechner, community advocacy advisor for the American Heart Association in Kansas, said it didn’t reflect what advocates and food policy councils were actually trying to do in Kansas.
“No one was talking about wanting to ban soda sizes,” Lechner said.
What localities have considered includes requiring park concession stands to provide healthy options alongside hot dogs, nachos and other typical snack foods. But Lechner says some have been scared off by the state law.
The language of the law has also created confusion. Based on ALEC’s model, it lacks some definitions that would specify what the legislation means in Kansas. When Pomeranz, the NYU researcher, analyzed the testimony on Kansas’ bill, she found that both proponents and opponents talked about issues the bill didn’t address, such as labeling for genetically engineered foods.
Adam Mills is president of the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association, which testified in favor of the bill at the time. He said his organization, working with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the state regulatory department, was trying to avoid a patchwork of federal and local rules dictating how restaurants and hotels can serve food.
“Safe food delivery is extremely important to our industry as we continue to comply with complex food safety regulation,” he said in an email.
State lawmakers did ultimately add in allowances for some policies Kansans have been pushing, such as ensuring healthy concession foods. The 2016 law also protects the popular Double-Up Food Bucks program, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match for the value of food stamps at participating grocery stores and farmer’s markets.
Otherwise, attorneys say it’s not always clear what local rules are and aren’t permitted. Natasha Frost, an attorney at the Public Health Law Center, said it’s had a “chilling effect”, with local authorities steering clear of policies they think might not be allowed.
“Where we’re concerned is where innovative ideas might be stifled,” Frost said.
Madeline Fox is a reporter for the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics. Follow her on Twitter @maddycfox.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Friday in Montgomery County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Honda Accord driven by Carla D. Tewell, 29, Broken Arrow, OK., was involved in a pursuit in Chautauqua County eastbound on US 166 highway two miles north of Caney.
As the Honda crossed over US 75 highway into Montgomery County, the driver failed to negotiate the curve. The Honda traveled through the guard rail, down the embankment and rolled 4 times.
Tewell was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Frontier Forensics. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office has not release details on what prompted the chase.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is extending the deadline to participate in the 53rd NCDA Annual Poetry and Art Contest, an initiative of the National Career Development Association, to February 1, 2019.
The contest theme is “Using Careers to Break Barriers, Empower Lives & Achieve Equity.”
The National Career Development Association promotes career development through its annual celebration of National Career Development Month. Every November, career development professionals are encouraged to celebrate with career related activities including the annual Poetry and Art Contest.
Entries will be judged on how they celebrate and inspire career development with a positive tone while emphasizing the national theme.
Size: Submit each poem on a single sheet of paper 8.5″ x 11″ in 12-point font.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ART
Lettering: Simple bold lettering is preferred. Captions are to be used to convey the theme, attract attention, and to achieve goals of clarity, vigor and originality. All lettering will be considered part of the design.
Media:
Category 1 (C1): Standard use of ink, pencil, poster paints, magic marker, acrylics, and oils.
Category 2 (C2): Use of photos, clipart, graphic art software, collage, cut and pasted paper, and mixed media.
Size: All art must be created in 8.5″ x 11″ format, including matte, to be eligible.
All state award winners will be notified and sent to NCDA by Feb. 20, 2019
The winning entries for each division will be recognized on the NCDA website in May 2019 and displayed at the Annual Global Career Development Conference in June. National winners will also receive a special certificate and a congratulatory gift from the NCDA
Basketball Score Sheet – Jan. 18
Girls
Orange and Black Classic in Colby
Hays 68 Scott City 50
Colby 46 Highland Park Colo. 42
Fountain-Fort Carson 73 Goodland 45
Hoisington Winter Jam
Otis-Bison 49 Russell 44
Salina Invitational
Liberal 54 Salina South 37
Wichita West 46 Buhler 51Abilene 41 Concordia 26
THURSDAY
Mid-Continent League
Trego 44 Smith Center 39
Norton 59 TMP 29
Plainville 48 Ellis 47
Phillipsburg 51 Oakley 30
Northern Plains League Tournament
1st place
Thunder Ridge 47 Osborne 26
3rd Place
Sylvan-Lucas 38 St. Johns/Tipton 50
5th Place
Lakeside 50 Lincoln 29
7th Place
Southern Cloud 37 Chase 32
Northwest Kansas League
Hoxie 50 St. Francis 52Rawlins Co. 58 Decatur Comm. 50
Greeley Co. 22 Dighton 35
Quinter 50 Wallace Co. 58
Boys
Orange and Black Classic in Colby
Maize 67 Scott City 45
Pine Creek 66 Colby 51
Hays 79 Goodland 50
St. John’s Mid-Winter Classic
Central Plains 42 St. John 31
Wichita Sunrise 58 Ness City 39
Hoisington Winter Jam
Victoria 60 Russell 59
Pratt 21 Hoisington 34
Salina Invitational
Andover 66 Salina South 50
Wichita South 31 Salina Central 59
Buhler 40 Abilene 47Liberal 49 Concordia 41
THURSDAY
Mid-Continent League
Phillipsburg 68 Plainville 45
TMP 48 Hill City 45
Trego 49 Norton 43
Ellis 50 Oakley 47
Northern Plains League Tournament
1st place
St. Johns Tipton 42 Osborne 52
3rd Place
Sylvan-Lucas 57 Rock Hills 41
5th Place
Lakeside 34 Southern Cloud 44
7th Place
Natoma 35 Chase 38
Northwest Kansas League
Wallace Co. 53 Rawlins Co. 40
Hoxie 58 Dighton 41
St. Francis 51 Quinter 41
Decatur Comm. 38 Greeley Co. 57
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach is considering running for the U.S. Senate in 2020.
He told The Associated Press on Friday: “I am seriously considering it.”
Four-term Republican Sen. Pat Roberts announced earlier this month that he would not seek re-election. Kobach said he does not have a timetable for deciding whether to seek the GOP nomination.
Kobach is out of political office after eight years as Kansas secretary of state after losing the governor’s race last year. Kobach has been a vocal ally of President Donald Trump and had Trump’s endorsement.
State Treasurer Jake LaTurner already is running for Roberts’ seat. Other Republicans who’ve expressed an interest include western Kansas congressman Roger Marshall, former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle.
SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a late-night chase.
Gregory Smith -photo Shawnee County
Just before 10p.m. Thursday, police attempted to stop a man on a bicycle for suspicious activity in the area of 6th and SW Lincoln in Topeka, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.
The Officers activated their lights and sirens and the subject failed to stop initiating a short pursuit. The subject then ran on foot through the residential yards and was taken into custody.
Officers transported Gregory E. Smith, 51, to Shawnee County Department of Corrections for Felon in Possession of a firearm, Criminal Carry of a Weapon with Barrel less than 18 Inches, Obstruction, Aggravated Weapons Violation and other traffic charges.
Smith has previous convictions for burglary and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Hays forced Scott City into 20 first half turnovers while committing just six themselves on the way to a 40-22 halftime lead. Scott City shot 47% in the first half but the turnovers limited the Beavers to just 19 shot attempts. The Indians made just 31% of their shots but made 15 of 16 free throws as they pushed their first half lead as high as 20 at 40-20 late in the second quarter.
Scott City did not score for the first 5:30 but took leads of 9-8 and 13-11 before Hays seized momentum with a 12-2 run that lasted to the second quarter. The Indians added a 14-2 run before halftime.
Highlights
Hays never led by less than 12 in the second half. Scott City pulled within 13 early in the third before Brooklyn Schaffer knocked down a three pointer to restore order. Leading by 20 entering the fourth quarter the Indians saw the lead dwindle to 12 with 3:20 remaining but Scott City did not score for rest of the game. Hays scored the games final six points to win 68-50 over last year’s tournament winner.
Coach Alex Hutchins
Savannah Schneider scored a career high 25 in the victory. Jaycee Dale and Mattie Hutchison each added 10. Hays improves to 6-3 on the season and have won five of their last six games. Scott City falls to 6-4. The Indians will play either Highland Park or Colby for the Colby Orange & Black championship at 6:00 on Saturday in the Community Building.
Boys
Hays 79 – Goodland 50
Hays used a 15-0 first quarter run to establish control in their consolation bracket game against Goodland on Friday. Goodland took an early lead before the Indians held the Cowboys scoreless for 5:30 minutes during the 15 point spurt. Hays took a 38-21 lead to halftime after outscoring Goodland 20-13 in the second quarter.
Highlights
Neither team made much of a push through the first half of the third quarter as Hays continued to lead by double figures 44-29. The Indians pushed their lead above 20 for the first time with a 10-2 run before a three pointer from Goodland brought the score back to 54-35 at the end of the third quarter. Hays went on to win 79-50.
Coach Rick Keltner
Tradgon McCrae led the way with 15. TJ Nunnery and Tucker Johnson each added 11. The Indians are now 5-4 overall and will play either Christian Heritage from Del City, Oklahoma or Green Valley Ranch out of Denver, Colorado at 2:00 Saturday at Colby High School.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A key part of Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget plan appears doomed, creating potential trouble for her proposals to boost education funding and expand Medicaid.
Opposition hardened swiftly Friday, a day after the Democratic governor proposed cutting the state’s annual payments to its pension system for teachers and government workers.
The move would free up $145 million during the budget year that begins in July to allow Kelly to increase spending on public schools, expand Medicaid health coverage for the needy, finance other initiatives and maintain healthy cash reserves.
The pension system’s board of trustees voted unanimously Friday to condemn the proposal. Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature also have criticized it.
Budget Director Larry Campbell said that the proposal makes pension payments more manageable without endangering retirees’ benefits.
Downtown Hays Development Corp. and Eagle Communications will present the fourth annual Brews on the Bricks in downtown Hays on May 4.
There will be a total four-ticket purchase limit per person, per location.
On January 13, 2018 friends, family and community members gathered to show appreciation to Jim Lutters for his years of service to Ness County Law Enforcement.
In 1980 Jim started working for the Ness County Sheriff’s Office part time. It’s an understatement to say Jim was a very busy guy in our community — ‘78 starting at road and bridge, ‘79 starting at the City of Ransom Police Department and in ‘80 starting with the sheriff’s office.
One of the negative aspects of being a deputy in a small community Jim said was “the accidents. You never know when you pull up who you are going to be helping. It could be a stranger from out of town, someone you talked to in the store a couple of hours ago or a family member. The most extremely difficult thing to deal with is drunk driving and death notifications from fatality accidents.”
Today
