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Month: January 2019

$75,000 damage after fire at Kansas home

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SHAWNEE COUNTY — An accidental fire at a Kansas home caused significant damage.

Thursday afternoon fire at a home in Topeka-photo by Rick Felsburg courtesy WIBW TV

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, crews responded to a fire at a home in the 600 Block of SW 9th Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Michael Martin.

Upon arrival, fire crews reported smoke and flames coming from the back southern 2nd floor of the residence.   Fire suppression crews were able to extinguish the fire, containing it to second floor and attic spaces of the home.  The remaining portions of the dwelling sustained significant water damage throughout.

Estimated structural dollar loss is $50,000 to the dwelling and $25,000 contents loss.

The fire was caused by a space heater appliance and or a related electrical issue, according to Martin.

Multiple occupants of the home were able to escape unharmed.  Fire crews did not find working smoke detectors at the home.

🎥 Report to city: ‘Retail is not going away’

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An analysis of retail business in Hays by Retail Strategies was presented to the city commission Thursday.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“There’s a lot of potential here,” according to Clay Craft, portfolio director of Retail Strategies, Birmingham, Alabama.

That was the tag line on the final slide Craft presented to Hays city commissioners Thursday night in an update from the national firm hired in March 2018 to provide a retail recruitment and retention program for the city.

Craft said he likes to joke the company is the “Match.com of retail.”

“The pitch to locate in a town must be very specific to what that retailer is looking for,” he told the commission. Retail Strategies focuses on recruitment of national retailers which may also help draw smaller businesses to a town. The company is currently in contact with 9,703 retailers, according to Craft.

The 45-minute presentation about Hays was jam-packed with data, information, analytics, and the status of the town’s retail sector.

Customized trade area for Hays (Click to enlarge)

Commissioners saw a catchment map indicating most shoppers come to Hays from an area to the northwest of the city. The compilation is from mobile data collection.

Tracked in the retail corridor were Walmart Supercenter, Big Creek Crossing, Home Depot, and Hobby Lobby from Nov. 2017 to Nov. 2018.

“Big Creek Crossing has the most spread out area drawing people to Hays,” Craft reported.

“Even more than Walmart?,” asked Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller, who was surprised.

Craft explained that Walmart has more competition. There are more Walmart stores in the area than there are shopping malls similar to Big Creek Crossing.

Most shoppers come to Hays from an area northwest of the city. (Click to enlarge)

Commissioners also learned millennials are driving retail, and mobile platforms are very important in their shopping habits.

Although e-commerce is growing, demographic data from groups Retail Strategies works with finds 78 percent of consumers still prefer “bricks and mortar” shopping – buying in stores. “They like to touch things. They want to want to try on that coat before they buy it.”

Commissioners asked about tweaking the data to answer other questions.

Shaun Musil noted he has a lot of customers from the Scott City area in southwest Kansas visit his downtown business the Paisley Pear and Wine Bistro. “Do you guys have the ability to find out what they’re coming to Hays for?,” Musil asked.

When Musil asks his southwest Kansas customers why they came to Hays, “99 percent of the time it’s because of Fort Hays State University or the hospital.”

Mayor James Meier, a pharmacist who works for HaysMed, wondered how many people are coming to Hays for a doctor’s appointment and then doing their retail shopping. He also works for other pharmacies in towns within the Hays retail trade area.

“It never ceases to amaze me when I ask why somebody why they picked the doctor that they picked, that they pick it based on what other stores they can go to when they go to their doctor’s appointment,” Meier related.

(Click to enlarge)

Over the past year, Retail Strategies has been identified potential zones for retail recruitment in Hays.

A map filled with green dots represented “a slice of some of the properties we’ve inventoried. We added a bunch more today and took some away, so it’s a static document of a living, breathing tool we use. We’ve got attributes and information collected on all these properties.”

Craft spoke of just a few properties Retail Strategies is currently working on, including Big Creek Crossing, the former Hastings store, Tebo Village where Pasta Jay’s restaurant closed last month, the site of the former Ambassador Hotel, property the city has optioned to buy at 93 acres at the northeast corner of 27th Street and Commerce Parkway north of Interstate 70, and the former Carlos O’Kelly’s restaurant.

(Click to enlarge)

Retailers opened about 14,000 stores in 2018. Craft said 2019 store expansion plans are becoming increasingly food-based with a lot of growth in discount grocery. Specialty food —fast casual and organic grocery are becoming mainstream.

Once all the numbers are crunched, the resulting top four categories for retail recruitment to Hays are restaurants, specialty grocery, apparel, and sporting goods.

“The retail gaps help inform us but it is not the end all be all,” Craft cautioned. “None of this information is end all be all because commercial real estate is so nuanced.”

And that’s why Retail Strategies does three-year contracts with cities, Craft said, with the strategy updated annually.

“Retail is not going away. Retail is complicated and it takes 18 to 36 months to close a deal.”

Hays currently has a one-year contract with Retail Strategies at a cost of $50,000 with the option to renew for two additional years at $45,000 each year.

At the end of Thursday’s work session, City Manager Toby Dougherty requested a 15-minute executive session which included the two representatives of Retail Strategies.

No action was taken.

United Airlines offers $89 travel sale from Hays Regional Airport

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CITY OF HAYS

United Airlines has launched a sale offering low fares for travel to both Denver International and Chicago’s O’Hare airport from Hays Regional Airport. Tickets under the fare special must be purchased by February 26, 2019 with travel completed by May 22, 2019. Travelers can find more information or make a booking at flyhays.com. Seats and days are limited, and blackout dates apply. See full fare rules and terms and conditions below.

Customers may also book flights to hundreds of domestic and international destinations from Hays Regional Airport on United Airlines through United’s hubs at Denver and Chicago. Effective April 9, 2019 new United Jet flights to Chicago O’Hare began complementing the United Jet service to Denver, which has operated since 2014. Bookings can be made at united.com or by calling United Flight Reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331).

The sale comes after the airport announced that 2018 was a banner year for boardings, with over 12,000 passengers flying out of Hays.

“2018 was the best year on record for enplanements at Hays Regional Airport,” said Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. “I want to thank everyone who supported the local economy by Flying Hays. We look forward to exceeding this new record in 2019.”  Dixon said.

Learn more about the Hays Regional Airport at flyhays.com.

UNITED AIRLINES SALE FARE RULES

Tickets | Tickets must be purchased at least 14 days prior to departure, but no later than February 26, 2019.

Travel Period | Travel must be completed by May 22, 2019.

Fare Validity | Fares shown are valid in the Economy (Coach) cabin on United/United Express carriers and certain codeshare operated flights only. Flights are operated by SkyWest Airlines, doing business as United Express.

Minimum Stay | Not Required.  Fares are one way.

Blackout Dates | Travel is not valid on February 15, 16, 17, 18, March 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 30, 31 and April 19, 20, 21, 22, May 17, 18 and 19, 2019.

Miscellaneous | Fares, fees, rules and offers are subject to change without notice. Seats are capacity-controlled and may not be available on all flights or days. Fares are nonrefundable except during the first 24 hours af​ter purchase. Other restrictions may apply. ​​​​​​​

Basic Economy terms and conditions:

Flight changes are not allowed: ​Basic Economy fares are non-changeable and nonrefundable, except as stated by the United 24-hour flexible booking policy.

Seat selection and group and family seating: Seats​ are automatically assigned prior to boarding and can’t be changed. Customers traveling together, including families, will not be able to sit together.

Carry-on bags: You’re allowed one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) or less. Mobility aids and other assistive devices are also permitted. View our baggage policies. You’re not allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you’re a MileagePlus Premier member or companion traveling on the same reservation, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or Star Alliance Gold member. Everyone else who brings a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate will be required to check their bag and pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.

Changing a flight: Ticket changes are not allowed. This includes advance changes and same-day changes, even for Premier members. Basic Economy fares are nonrefundable.

Premier qualifying credits: M​​ileagePlus members will still earn award miles based on the fare and their MileagePlus status. MileagePlus members will not earn Premier qualifying dollars, Premier qualifying miles, Premier qualifying segments or lifetime miles, or earn toward the four-segment minimum.

Economy Plus and upgrades: Travelers with Basic Economy fares are not eligible to purchase Economy Plus seating or premium cabin upgrades, or use their Economy Plus subscription benefits.​

MileagePlus and Premier member seating benefits: MileagePlus members, including Premier members, will not be eligible to use paid upgrades, mileage upgrades, Complimentary Premier Upgrades, Regional Premier Upgrades, Global Premier Upgrades or any other upgrade types. Complimentary Economy Plus seating will not be available for MileagePlus Premier members.

Boarding groups: Travelers with Basic Economy fares will be assigned to the last boarding group, with the exception of MileagePlus Premier members and their companions on the same reservation, primary cardmembers of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card and Star Alliance Gold members.

If you are planning to check bags: Please review our baggage policies to determine if any service charges apply.

Taxes and fees

Fares are subject to availability and may change without notice. Fares may not be available on all days or on all flights. Fares listed are per person and include government taxes and fees. Some restrictions may apply. Fares do not include applicable charges for baggage or optional services.

A fee will be charged for tickets issued by United. Service charges for ticketing with a United representative in the 50 United States and Canada are $25 by phone, $30 at a City Ticket Office and $50 in person at the airport. Ticketing charges may vary outside of the U. S. and Canada and based on MileagePlus status level. Ticketing service charges are nonrefundable. To avoid ticketing service charges, book and purchase your tickets on united.com.

Police: Dog dumped in Kansas was abused, reward offered

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SEDGWICK COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged animal cruelty.

On Tuesday morning, an unknown individual in a yellow station wagon was observed leaving a dead brown pit bull in a ditch at the intersection of Orme and Main in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The dog had scaring on the chest and face indicative of dog fighting, according to Davidson.

The animal abuse investigator for the Wichita police department is actively investigating the case. Police have little additional information and are asking the public for help with the case.

In addition, the Wichita Animal Action League with their donor support is offering a $3,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

Norton police warn of scam involving calls about newspaper subscriptions

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NORTON — The Norton Police Department is warning residents of a potential scam regarding newspaper subscriptions.

“We have recently received reports that people are receiving phone calls from individuals stating they are with the Norton Telegram and that their information and payment is needed in order to renew their subscription,” the department said in a social media release. “The Telegram staff will not ask for personal information over the phone. As always, if you receive a call and believe it may be a scam, feel free to contact the Police Department.”

The NPD can be reached at (785) 877-5010.

Opal A. Rexroat

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Downs, Kansas — Opal A. Rexroat, 76, passed away January 14, 2019. She was born November 18, 1942 in Portis, the daughter of Omer and Neva (Fields) Rieschick.

She was a retired bookkeeper and homecare provider.

She is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Kimberly.

She is survived by her husband Richard of the home, son Justin (Hiedi) Rexroat of Beloit, three grandchildren, sister, Dorcas (Robert) Schweitzer of Osborne, and two brothers, Darrel (Della) Rieschick of Sacramento, California and Alfred (Deanna) Rieschick of Andover.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 21, 2019 at 2pm at the United Methodist Church in Downs. Visitation will be Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 4-5:30pm at the church. Memorials may be given to Downs Senior Center and the church in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs KS 67437.

Auditions for ‘Pigtails, Pints and Performers’ set

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Auditions for the talent show will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Hays Community Theatre building, 121 E. Eighth St.

To let them know you plan to attend, send a Facebook message to the Hays Area Young Professionals group or call the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce office at 785-628-8201 and ask for Nicole.

If you are not able to make it in person, you also have the opportunity to submit a 90-second video to the Hays Area Young Professionals Facebook page.

Proceeds of the talent show, which will be Feb. 18 at Thirsty’s, will go to the Hays Community Theatre.

Steven P. Walter

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Steven P. Walter, 63, of Belleville, Illinois, born Thursday, June 30, 1955, in Belleville, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois.

Steven was a roofer by trade and in his youth, was a member of the Black Knights.

He was preceded in death by his:

Brother: Paul Douglas
Sister, Cynthia Ann
Surviving are his:

Wife of 43 years: Mary, nee Kreutzer, Walter of Belleville, IL, formerly of Victoria, KS

Parents: Victor and Carol Jean, nee Conner, Walter of Mascoutah, IL

5 Children
Nicole (Doug) Clayton of Fenton, MO,
Mathew (Stacie Giovanetti) Walter of Belleville, IL
Stephanie (Greg) Giedeman of Belleville, IL
Michelle (Anthony) Bergeron of Brooklyn Park, MN
Jonathan Walter of Belleville, IL
Sister: Brenda (Robert) Bryant of Mascoutah, IL

12 Grandchildren
Chloe Walter
Sophia Walter
Taylor Hurst
Cole Clayton
Chase Clayton
Logan Giovanetti
Bailey Walter
Riley Giedeman
Anthony Bergeron, Jr.
Parker Walter
Veronica Giedeman
Victoria Giedeman

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, St. Louis, MO.

Visitation: A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 18, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at East Lodge #504, 9950 St. Clair Ave in Fairview Heights, IL.

Thursday’s prep basketball results

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BOYS PREP BASKETBAL
Garden City 44, Wichita Northwest 39
Golden Plains 52, Western Plains-Healy 38
Logan 59, Palco 36
Maize South 70, Topeka Seaman 51
St. Paul 47, Erie 43
Ulysses 61, Valley Center 44
Adolph Rupp Tournament
Rose Hill 53, Garden Plain 40
Adolph Rupp Tournament
Minneapolis 62, Winfield 55
Army National Guard Invitational Tournament
Fort Scott 54, Riverton 47
Providence, Ark. 67, Frontenac 52
Webb City, Mo. 93, Wichita Independent 46
Baldwin Invitational Tournament
Augusta 70, Bishop Seabury Academy 40
KC Harmon 87, Anderson County 64
Basehor-Linwood Tournament
KC Piper 49, Basehor-Linwood 47
Washburn Rural 57, Ottawa 36
Bill Hansen Memorial Tournament
BV Northwest 94, Carthage, Mo. 49
Pittsburg 71, Carl Junction, Mo. 50
Burlington Invitational Tournament
Paola 49, Prairie View 34
Rock Creek 48, Labette County 36
Caney Valley 68, Sabetha 61
Independence 53, Burlington 45
Burrton Invitational Tournament
Goessel 59, Pretty Prairie 41
Berean Academy 56, Little River 36
Burrton 68, Fairfield 42
Inman 53, Hutchinson Central Christian 33
Canton Galva Tournament
Bennington 45, St. John’s Military 36
Ell-Saline 72, Canton-Galva 65
Cougar Classic
Marion 46, Elyria Christian 36
Solomon 37, Wakefield 26
Herington 55, Peabody-Burns 52
Rural Vista 52, Centre 38
El Dorado Bluestem Classic Tournament
El Dorado 51, Wichita Collegiate 43
Kapaun Mount Carmel 71, Circle 34
Wichita Campus 72, Gardner-Edgerton 70
Wichita Trinity 57, Great Bend 45
Flint Hills Shoot Out
West Franklin 44, Chase County 40
Flint Hills Shootout
Northern Heights 45, Lyndon 29
Hillsboro Trojan Classic Tournament
Eureka 61, Republic County 51
Remington 51, Clay Center 43
Hesston 54, Holcomb 37
Riley County 50, Hillsboro 44
Hoisington Winter Jam
Otis-Bison 48, La Crosse 34
MCL Tournament
Ellis 50, Oakley 47
Trego 49, Norton 43
Hays-TMP-Marian 48, Hill City 45
Phillipsburg 68, Plainville 45
Smith Center 55, Stockton 53
McLouth Invitational Tournament
Silver Lake 61, Maur Hill – Mount Academy 50
McPherson Invitational Tournament
Lawrence Free State 61, Mill Valley 44
McPherson 70, BV West 65
SM East 67, Manhattan 65
Shawnee Heights 49, Wichita West 47
Nemaha Central Thunder Classic
Atchison 75, Horton 41
Falls City, Neb. 67, St. Mary’s 48
Nemaha Central 45, Marysville 42
Northern Plains League Tournament
Sylvan-Lucas 57, Rock Hills 41
Lincoln 59, Tescott 29
Pike Valley 66, Natoma 57
Osborne 52, St. John’s Beloit-Tipton 42
Southern Cloud 44, Lakeside 34
NWKL Tournament
Greeley County 57, Oberlin-Decatur 38
St. Francis 51, Quinter 41
Hoxie 58, Dighton 41
Wallace County 53, Rawlins County 40
Orange and Black Tournament
Colby 62, DSST Green Valley Ranch, Colo. 55
Maize 61, Goodland 20
Scott City 55, Hays 47
Pleasanton Tournament
Oswego 72, Altoona-Midway 61
Uniontown 50, Marmaton Valley 43
Osawatomie 71, Humboldt 56
Pleasanton 49, Heritage Christian 41
Ralph Miller Classic Tournament
Andover Central 65, Leavenworth 54
Chanute 56, Emporia 52
Olathe North 79, Goddard 58
Republic, Mo. 47, Coffeyville 47
Royal Valley Panther Classic Tournament
Royal Valley 47, Wabaunsee 45, OT
Santa Fe Trail 53, Chapman 49
Salina Invitational Tournament
Andover 52, Buhler 41
Salina Central 69, Concordia 23
Salina South 65, Abilene 51
Wichita South 61, Liberal 49
SCBL Tournament
Sedan 44, Oxford 26
Caldwell 63, West Elk 22
Southeast Lancer Classic
Parsons 82, Southeast 43
Spring Hill Invitational Tournament
KC Schlagle 73, KC East Christian 54
KC Sumner 63, Veritas Christian 53
Goddard-Eisenhower 56, Spring Hill 47
Olathe South 46, BV Southwest 27
St. John Mid-Winter Classic
Nickerson 53, Larned 47
Ness City 77, KC Christian 68
Wichita Sunrise 75, Macksville 56
St. Thomas Aquinas Tournament
Bishop Miege 104, Kauffman Charter, Mo. 41
Olathe East 70, Lee’s Summit Community Christian, Mo. 31
St. Thomas Aquinas 76, Frontier School of Excellence Charter, Mo. 22
Sterling Invitational
Wichita Sunrise 66, Rainier Beach, Wash. 45
Beloit 54, Smoky Valley 49
Hutchinson Trinity 67, Hugoton 56
Topeka Invitational Tournament
Lawrence 82, Topeka West 66
Topeka 63, KC Washington 56
Wichita East 64, Topeka Hayden 43
Wichita Southeast 79, Highland Park 56
Tournament of Champions
Dodge City 79, Hutchinson 72
Junction City 74, Derby 60
SM South 69, Wichita North 26
Wichita Bishop Carroll 73, Newton 57
Twin Valley League Tournament
Linn 46, Onaga 42, OT
Troy 74, Wetmore 69
Hanover 64, Clifton-Clyde 33
Washington County 48, Frankfort 45
Centralia 63, BV Randolph 54
Viking Classic Tournament
BV North 80, KC Wyandotte 50
SM Northwest 89, KC Turner 58
Grandview, Mo. 70, Lansing 37
SM West 63, Blue Springs South, Mo. 60
Wilson County Classic
Douglass 45, Cherryvale 43

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL
Emporia 51, Topeka Hayden 44
Galena 35, Northeast Vernon County, Mo. 25
Golden Plains 64, Western Plains-Healy 9
KC Schlagle 104, KC Harmon 16
Lakeside 50, Lincoln 29
Lawrence Free State 56, Gardner-Edgerton 26
Logan 50, Palco 34
Republic, Mo. 40, Olathe East 35
Troy 48, Linn 33
Wellsville 69, Anderson County 32
Army National Guard Invitational Tournament
Nevada, Mo. 65, Frontenac 47
William Chrisman, Mo. 63, Fort Scott 18
Basehor Linwood Tournament
Basehor-Linwood 43, Holton 34
Blue Valley 49, Ottawa 20
Benton, Mo. 46, Olathe North 42
KC Piper 60, Central (St. Joseph), Mo. 43
Bennington Tournament
Bennington 50, Stafford 26
Bill Hansen Memorial Tournament
Kickapoo, Mo. 64, Chanute 17
Burlington Invitational Tournament
Caney Valley 43, Prairie View 30
Independence 49, Rock Creek 48
Burlington 55, Paola 46
Sabetha 48, Labette County 31
Clerc Classic
Indiana Deaf, Ind. 68, Kansas Deaf 18
Cougar Classic
Rural Vista 80, Herington 53
Wakefield 17, Elyria Christian 13
Marion 67, Peabody-Burns 22
Centre 55, Solomon 45
Flint Hills Shoot Out
Mission Valley 44, Central Heights 35
Hi-Plains League Tournament
Stanton County 46, Southwestern Hts. 33
Syracuse 40, Lakin 37
Cimarron 49, Sublette 40
Meade 48, Elkhart 33
Hillsboro Trojan Classic
Holcomb 50, Remington 31
Republic County 35, Hillsboro 21
Clay Center 42, Riley County 23
Hoisington Winter Jam
Hoisington 43, Ellsworth 37
KA-MO Tournament
BV North 66, SM West 36
MCL Tournament
Phillipsburg 51, Oakley 30
Plainville 48, Ellis 47
Norton 59, Hays-TMP-Marian 29
Trego 44, Smith Center 39
McLouth Invitational Tournament
Maur Hill – Mount Academy 66, Bishop Seabury Academy 19
Jefferson West 45, Silver Lake 38
Northern Plains League Tournament
Pike Valley 33, Rock Hills 23
Wilson 45, Tescott 31
Thunder Ridge 47, Osborne 26
Southern Cloud 37, Chase 32
St. John’s Beloit-Tipton 50, Sylvan-Lucas 38
NWKL Tournament
Dighton 35, Greeley County 22
Wallace County 58, Quinter 50
Rawlins County 58, Oberlin-Decatur 50
St. Francis 52, Hoxie 50
Orange and Black Tournament
Hays 59, Goodland 36
Scott City 56, Fountain-Fort Carson, Colo. 40
Pleasanton Tournament
Oswego 61, Altoona-Midway 31
Humboldt 52, Heritage Christian 33
Pleasanton 46, Osawatomie 37
Royal Valley Panther Classic Tournament
Chapman 57, Santa Fe Trail 41
Royal Valley 53, Wabaunsee 45
Salina Invitational Tournament
Andover 53, Abilene 45
Liberal, Mo. 51, Wichita West 29
Salina Central 64, Concordia 31
Salina South 36, Buhler 35
SCBL Tournament
Flinthills 46, Udall 44
Sedan 51, Oxford 37
Argonia 62, Caldwell 51
South Haven 47, West Elk 35
Sterling Invitational
Wichita Sunrise 65, Beloit 51
Hutchinson Trinity 57, Hugoton 48
Sterling 65, Southeast Saline 41
Tonganoxie Invitational
Eudora 41, Metro Academy 27
KC Sumner 53, Tonganoxie 27
DeSoto 66, KC Bishop Ward 37
Wamego 37, Bonner Springs 28
Twin Valley League Tournament
Wetmore 55, Washington County 49
Valley Heights 45, Axtell 27
Frankfort 45, Hanover 44
BV Randolph 53, Doniphan West 45
Centralia 53, Clifton-Clyde 41
Wilson County Classic
Cherryvale 47, Yates Center 42
Fredonia 59, Neodesha 51

Kelly budget spends on Kan. schools and child welfare, Republicans worry about cost

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By STEPHEN KORANDA

In her first budget as governor, Democrat Laura Kelly aims to inject cash into what she calls critical state services.

The proposal unveiled Thursday also would start to wean the state off money diverted for years from highway construction and upkeep.

But the bill met a predictably harsh reception from some Republicans. They argued the spending plan would lead to budget deficits.

To invest in services, while preserving a savings account, the budget would stretch out payments intended to fill a deficit in the state pension plan. It also continues transfers from the highway fund, although it would take less money from roads than in recent years.

That would let Kansas plow money into schools, child welfare and an expanded Medicaid program that would offer health coverage to an added 150,000 or so Kansans.

Kelly’s budget also shoots to end a years-long school funding lawsuit. It would add $92 million a year more for schools to comply with a court decision from last year.

The budget follows a theme Kelly has repeated, that she inherited problems from her Republican predecessors and that she can’t restore state services in a single year.

“It’s going to take time for Kansas to heal from the damage inflicted over the last eight years,” Kelly said in a statement, “so we don’t have a moment to lose.”

Larry Campbell, the budget director for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, laid out the administration’s spending plan to lawmakers on Thursday.
CREDIT STEPHEN KORANDA / KANSAS NEWS SERVCIE

Kelly’s budget director, Larry Campbell, told lawmakers in a budget briefing that the spending plan invests in services while allowing Kansas to weather economic uncertainty that, he said, could include a possible recession in the coming months or years.

“We need a cushion, and we need tools back in the toolbox to address the unforeseen economic challenges coming,” Campbell said.

At the end of fiscal year 2020, Kelly’s budget would leave Kansas with a $686 million reserve. That’s 9 percent of state spending and a decrease from the $761 million the state had banked at the end of fiscal year 2018.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning said lawmakers don’t want to extend the payoff schedule in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, or KPERS. Without the restructured pension payments, he said, the numbers in the budget don’t work.

“This whole budget is built on a house of cards,” Denning said after the meeting.

Kelly’s also pushing to expand the health care program Medicaid. She’s budgeted $14 million, although the administration says the cost would rise in the following year.

That is an underestimate of the true cost, Denning said.

“We know that it’s impossible,” Denning said.

Yet Denning applauded the proposal to reduce transfers from the highway fund.

Medicaid expansion will likely have bipartisan support in the Legislature. A bill passed both chambers in 2017 but was vetoed by then-Gov. Sam Brownback.

Democratic Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore said even if the cost estimate isn’t exact, Medicaid expansion is something lawmakers need to do because of the benefit it could offer to Kansans and struggling rural hospitals.

“I absolutely believe we have to invest in that,” Wolfe Moore said.

The spending plan also makes investments in a variety of other services.

  • It would spend $22 million to give state employees a 2.5 percent raise.
     
  • The plan would reverse a funding cut universities absorbed in 2016. Those cuts had already been partially restored and finishing the job will cost almost $9 million.
     
  • To tackle problems in the state’s troubled child welfare system, the budget proposes hiring 55 more social workers at a cost of $4 million. The plan would also spend more than $7 million on services aimed at keeping children in their homes so they never enter the foster care system in the first place.

The governor’s spending plan serves as a template for state lawmakers. Now, budget writers from the House and Senate will begin digging deeper into the bill and developing their own spending priorities.

“It’s kind of a rosy picture,” said Republican Rep. Troy Waymaster, the top budget writer in the House. “We have to go back and do a complete analysis.”

Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for the Kansas News Service Kansas. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda.

Mary Glad

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Mary Glad was born September 16, 1924 in Logan County, Kansas to Roy and Mary Tauscher Bretz. She departed this life on Friday, January 11, 2019 at her residence in The Villas of Green Valley in Green Valley, Arizona.

Mary grew up on a farm and ranch in Logan County. She graduated from Winona High School. She attended Fort Hays State College and eventually received her Bachelor of Science Degree. Her teaching career started at a one room school in McAllister, Kansas. She continued her career at the Weskan School, where like many of her fellow single teachers that lived in the old “Teacherage” she met her future husband, Melvin Glad. They were married June 13, 1948 and enjoyed 57 years together.

Mary started as a substitution clerk in 1950 at the Weskan Post Office and became Postmaster in 1980. She retired and spent time with Melvin traveling to all the grandchildren events.

She is survived by her two daughters, Lenna (Gordon) Tope and Sonja (Dennis) Weeden. Five grandchildren, Allisha (Corey) Weitzel; Jordan (Aubrey) Hanavan; Dustin (Laura) Weeden; Tia (Bill) Duncan; Gabriel (Kristina) Weeden. Two step-grandchildren, Gunnar (Rieko) Tope and Kerry (Melody) Tope. Fifteen great-grandchildren, Adriana, Bryce and Lydia Weeden; Isaac, Josiah and Samuel Weeden; Brody and Mattea Weitzel; Lucy, Henry and Olive Hanavan; Uno and Go Tope; Angie and Caleb Tope. Mary and Melvin always provided unconditional love and support for their family, and she was blessed to live a long life and see the addition of all the great-grandchildren to her family. She is also survived by her brother, Tauscher Bretz and sisters, Lois Ann Siemers and Shirley McKinney.

Mary was pre-deceased by her husband, Melvin; grandson, Patrick Weeden; parents, Roy and Mary Bretz; brother, Lindy Bretz; and sister, Roma Boschwitzki.

Her last wish was to be buried at sunset on the western Kansas prairie. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at The Villas in Green Valley, Arizona. A family and friends gathering will be Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 1 p.m. MT at the Weskan Bible Church, Oak Street & School Avenue in Weskan, Kansas. Graveside service will begin at 3 p.m. MT at the Weskan Cemetery, 523 Weskan Avenue in Weskan with interment following at sunset.

Memorials will be designated by the family later and may be left at the services or mailed to Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. Online condolences and information www.batemanfuneral.com

James E. ‘Jim’ Albers

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Longtime Goodland, Kansas, resident James E. “Jim” Albers, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland, KS.  He was 58 years old.

Jim was born on April 1, 1960 in Oakley, Kansas to George F. and Helen Joan (Depperschmidt) Albers.  He was one of seven children.  He attended school in Colby, Kansas and graduated from Colby High School in 1979.

On June 9, 1989, Jim married Loraine M. Oren at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby.  To this union, four children; Sarah, Amanda, Troy and Christine were born.

Jim worked at CASE IH for about 40 years between Colby and Goodland before going to work at American Implement in Wheeler, Kansas as a Diesel Parts Mechanic.  Jim had a love for music and his faith.  You could always find Jim playing on his guitar or doing maintenance work at the Catholic Church in Goodland where he and his family were devout members. He loved playing croquet with Christine and DJing at any event. He loved any dog he came in contact with and they all loved him the same. Most importantly he loved his family and was willing to do anything for them.  

Preceding him in death was his father and one brother Gregory Albers.

He is survived by his mother Joan Albers of Kansas City, MO, his wife Loraine of the home in Goodland, his children Sarah Albers of Hays, KS, Amanda Albers of McPherson, KS, Troy (Braylyn) Albers of Goodland, and Christine Albers of Goodland.  He is also survived by his siblings, Mike (Patty) Albers of Colby, KS, Fred (Susan) Albers of Overland Park, KS, Bart (Mary Kay) Albers of Lawrence, KS, Mary (Rod) Jordan of Liberty, MO and Tom (Tina) Albers of Hays, KS.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 10:30 AM MT at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland with Father Andrew Rockers and Father Norbert Dlabal officiating.  Burial will follow in the Goodland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland with a Vigil and Rosary Service to begin at 7:00 at the Church.

Memorials may be designated to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 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.

Sandy Beyer

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Sandy Beyer, 64, passed away December 17, 2018 at her home. She was born January 2, 1954 at Hays to Elmer J. and Bertille (Meier) Herrman.

Previously from Great Bend and Wichita, she was an Encinitas, California resident. She was of the Catholic faith and a previous member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She was an Assistant Manager for Wal-mart. Sandra loved to read, garden and spend time with her family.

Survivors include, two sons, Shawn Beyer and Carissa, Kent Beyer and Mallory, all of Encinitas, California; mother, Bertille “Berdy” Herrman; one brother, Neal J. Herrman and Faye of Great Bend; one sister, Rebecca J. Desmarteau and Mike of Gardner, Kansas; four grandchildren, Hana and Owen Beyer, Virginia and Westley Beyer; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer J. Herrman; a brother, Eugene J. Herrman; and a sister, Bonnie Cutrano.

There will be a visitation at 9:30 a.m. followed by a rosary, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding. Inurnment will take place at the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the A.L.S. Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

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