TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has initiated an investigation into reports of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy of the four Catholic dioceses of Kansas, and asks all victims to report clergy abuse to the agency.
On Nov. 15, 2018, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt requested that the KBI investigate allegations of sexual abuse by members of the Catholic clergy in Kansas. Since then, the KBI has convened an internal task force of six special agents who will conduct a thorough investigation into abuse reports received from the public, including accounts from anyone who has been victimized by members of the clergy, including church employees, church volunteers, or any others in positions of authority within the church, and complete a review of church documents.
If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual abuse committed by a member of the clergy, please report this to the KBI by calling 1-800-KS-CRIME, or by sending an email to: [email protected]. The KBI asks victims to report all incidents of abuse, no matter how long ago they occurred, and even if they were previously reported to law enforcement, or the church.
The KBI task force will work with prosecutors and law enforcement partners to determine if any sexual abuse incidents should be considered for prosecution.
DOWNS — Arloa Byleveld, 97, passed away February 2, 2019.
She was born on August 30, 1921 to Benjamin and Gertrude (Voss) Koops at Dispatch, Kansas.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William J. in 1987; son, John V. in 2017; sisters, Georgia Domoney and Virginia Van Schooneveld.
Arloa is survived by her son, Kent (Carolee) Byleveld of Flower Mound, Texas; daughter, Dianne G. Sees of Fort Morgan, Colorado; brother, Gail Koops of Loveland, Colorado; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Memorial service will be Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, rural Cawker City. No visitation.
Memorials may be given to Downs Care and Rehab Center or the church in care of Domoney Funeral Home PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a murder and have a suspect in custody.
Fortiz -photo Sedgwick Co.
Just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting call at Hydraulic and Mt. Vernon in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.
Upon arrival, officers located 22-year-old Anthony Slaughter of Wichita in the street with a gunshot wound to his body. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died, according to Davidson.
The investigation revealed, a disturbance occurred between 26-year-old Jose Fortiz and Slaughter behind the Rumba Latina Club, 1953 S, Hydraulic. During the disturbance Fortiz fired multiple shots from a handgun, striking Slaughter.
Police have arrested Fortiz. He is being held on requested charges of 1st degree murder and an outstanding warrant, according to Davidson. There was no bond amount reported early Tuesday.
Investigators will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.
Last week, the Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation. The Senate will be returning to General Orders where we will see the first committee bills to have a vote from the entire Senate. There was no floor action on bills this week on the Senate floor.
SENATE BILL 22 – TAX
The Senate Select Committee on Federal Tax Code Implementation approved Senate Bill 22 last Thursday. The bill which would allow Kansans to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses, was created in response to President Trump’s historical tax cuts of 2017. The bill is expected to deliver millions from the unexpected tax windfall back to individuals and businesses in Kansas. Numerous proponents of the legislation stressed the point that inaction or failure to pass the bill, would result in a tax increase for Kansans with the possibility of Kansas-based companies leaving the state to find more affordable options. The windfall directly linked to the Trump tax cuts belongs to Kansas taxpayers, not government and Senate Bill 22 would allow Kansans to fully benefit from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The Kansas Senate is expected to debate SB 22 this week.
SENATE BILL #9 – KANSAS PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SYSTEM REPAYMENT
The Senate Ways and Means committee sent SB9 to the full Senate for debate – this is the KPERS repayment bill for $115M which is the $97M payment plus interest (at the interest rate of 8%). The $115 million payment would be credited to the public-school unit within KPERS, which has an unfunded liability of more than $6 billion and retains the system’s lowest actuarial funded ratio of 61.6 percent. The bill aims at rectifying a 2016 decision to delay the payment until this session year. KPERS serves about 300,000 current and retired government workers and has $19B in assets with about $1B in contributions coming in each year. In 2018, $1.7B in total benefits were paid out in retirement, life insurance withdrawals and disability payments. It is managed by a nine board of trustees and has a 25-year rate of return of 8.1%.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Senate Transportation Committee
The Secretary of Transportation Commissioner, Julie Lorenz, presented a report to the committee with an update of the department. Kansas has the 4th largest system in the nation with 142,046 miles of public roads and 24,833 bridges across the state. $600 million of freight is transported daily; there are 2 million plus registered drivers in the state with 2.4 million plus registered vehicles. KDOT has six districts with 1,600 employees and employs 600 employees at the headquarters in Topeka. Senate District #36 spans four of these districts. Traffic fatalities decreased in 2018 with seatbelt usage up at 84% but not to the national average of 90%. The entire report can be found at www.ksdot.org along with 511 updates on road conditions and also includes a link www.safetravelusa.com with travel information for surrounding states.
Highway Patrol Colonel Mark Bruce spoke to the Kansas Senate Transportation committee about the challenges of recruiting and retaining troopers within the Kansas Highway Patrol. He broke down the current makeup of the agency and its attempts to employ a diverse organization that also reflects the population it serves. He detailed efforts to retain current troopers through a competitive compensation plan, training, as well as incentives to keep officers on the job longer through deferred retirement strategies. The KHP has had recent success in its last two graduating classes from the academy with records reached in class size, and the number of minority and female graduates. However, despite those successes a recent study in 2018, determined that agency staffing is over 150 troopers short of what is necessary for the KHP to meet its traffic safety mission. Colonel Bruce indicated he would continue to work with the legislature to increase trooper numbers in order to adequately protect the citizens of Kansas.
Ethics, Elections and Local Government
The new Secretary of State, Scott Schwab, gave his first annual report to the committee with information about the office. The website at www.sos.kansas.gov has a new look and highlights the different services the office provides such as the business section to search for Kansas businesses, applying for Notary stamps, filing annual corporation reports, obtaining Certificate of Good Standings and locating charitable organizations registered in the state. The office also oversees cemeteries in Kansas which must be registered and file a report. The site lists all lobbyist’s and legislator’s campaign reports under the campaign finance tab along with election statistics. The Secretary reported a record number of persons registered to vote for the 2018 general election and a record number of votes cast in gubernatorial year 2018. It was also the highest voter turnout for a gubernatorial year since the passage of the National Voter Registration Act in 1994. The election also included the highest percentage of ballots cast before Election Day (advance votes) for a gubernatorial election. There were 232 total candidates for state and national office with the Kansas House of Representatives electing 28 new members as a result of the primary and general elections.
SENATE BILL #32 – INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL INSURANCE COMMITTEE
Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking legislation that would allow them to offer member healthcare benefit overage. Committee testimony noted nationally nearly 65% of farmers polled say healthcare is one their largest threats to their operations. In the past 5 years new farm income has declined by nearly 50% while insurance costs have increased by more than 200%. KFB members agree and are seeking options to the Affordable Care Act coverage which has become unaffordable for many producers. The KFB member health benefit coverage would be available to any KFB member and anyone may join KFB by applying and paying membership dues. According to the bill, each individual will be rated, and they will select their plans based on their needs. Members may apply for the healthcare benefit coverage by completing an application and the program is voluntary. The plans will be fully insured and backed by the resources of Kansas Farm Bureau.
TOLL-FREE LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE
Kansas residents can access information on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, public policy issues and more by calling 1-800-432-3924. Calls are answered by experienced reference/research librarians at the State Library of Kansas and kept confidential. Lines are open weekdays 8AM-5PM. Callers can also leave brief messages to be delivered to legislators as well as request copies of bills, journals, and other legislative documents. In addition to calling the hotline, residents can also text questions to 785 256-0733, email or instant message at kslib.info/ask. The State Library is located on the 3rd floor, north wing of the Capitol.
NATIVE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF KANSAS
Marysville business owner, Don Landoll, was recognized as the Business Leader of the Year for 2018 at the annual Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas Banquet. The Board of Directors of the organization selected Don for his many years of success and leadership in his industry and contributing to the betterment of the lives of Kansans through exceptional ingenuity, vision, intelligence and perseverance. Landoll Corporation was founded 55 years ago and continues to thrive in Marysville and Marshall County. Congratulations to Don!
2019 Keep it Clean Kansas Calendar – Kansas Department of Health and Environment
This yearly calendar features the winning artwork of Kansas students’ grades K through 12 who entered the calendar contest. The Bureau of Waste Management has sponsored this contest since 2000 to encourage students, their families and other Kansans to respect and take care of our Kansas land, water and air. Cooper Miller, a kindergartener from Phillipsburg Elementary School was a runner-up and is featured on a page of student artwork of all grades. Lexi Meitler, a kindergartener at Minneapolis Grade School drew the artwork for the January calendar page. Jordyn Wisinger at Phillipsburg High School was the 2019 Grand Prize Winner and is the front cover artist of the KDHE calendar. Calendars are available at no cost at KDHE by calling Julie Coleman at 785-296-1600.
VISITORS FROM SENATE DISTRICT #36
The first three weeks of the legislative session was a busy one with people visiting from home for meetings and to celebrate Kansas Day on Friday – 158 years of statehood. The Municipal Judges, Electric Cooperatives members and Title Company representatives from District #36 had their annual meetings and receptions this month. Members of the Joint Law Enforcement community, County Clerks & County Appraisers, American Legion & VFW, School Board officials, agriculture Retailers & Co-ops and officials from city and county government were in Topeka for their annual events. Doctors across the state attended the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians annual legislative day with Dr. Jen Brull and Dr. Fisher from Rooks County stopping in.
Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is the 36th Dist. state senator and serves as the Senate Majority Whip. The 36th Senate District includes Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties and portions of Marshall and Phillips counties.
Time was when, with a little parliamentary break dancing, 63 votes ran the 125-member Kansas House of Representatives. Something about a “majority of a quorum,” and more broadly majority rule.
Well, not sure that works anymore, this majority rule business that you explain to your kids.
The House this year passed a rule that requires 70 votes to pull a bill out of a committee to the House floor for possible debate. Oh, and it takes another70 votes to override leadership of the chamber to set the bill for debate and eventually a final action vote that either passes the bill to the Senate or kills it.
Used to take a simple majority of 63 to get a bill on the calendar for debate, and then 63 again to pass it. It now takes 70 votes to get to the point where 63 pass a bill.
Now, if it’s a bill that is popular, or politically advantageous, there’s generally no problem to have hearings in a committee which can consider, possibly amend, and then forward the measure to the full House. Majority rule isn’t a big deal when a bill is either popular or relatively inconsequential in the operation of the state.
Another distinctive license plate for members of a group or club that members pay a premium for? As long as it isn’t a flashy distinctive license plate for parolees, or maybe actuaries, there’s generally no real problem.
But say…that members of the House have a bill that would–let’s just use as an example–expand Medicaid in the state to about 150,000 relatively low-income Kansans. The governor likes it, the folks running the House generally don’t.
That bill is in a House committee, and its future isn’t very solid, and it just might take an extraordinary action to pull the bill out of committee and forward it to the calendar and to a floor debate and vote.
Of course, there are some reasons that just pulling a bill out of committee complicates the mechanics of the House, getting the debate calendar updated, giving members of the House a chance to familiarize themselves with the issue and maybe to draw up amendments to it that they might want. Getting ready for a debate even on a relatively simple bill can be time-consuming, and that’s why it might not look like it from the street, but legislating isn’t simple.
Now, we’re not going to hear much about that rule until it gets to an issue like debating Medicaid expansion. So far much of the discussion of the new House has been focused on making sure everyone with Internet access can scan through committee minutes to see who actually thought up a bill and who introduced it and how everyone on the committee voted on its amendments and passed the bill out of committee. It’s that transparency stuff that few folks have the time or maybe bandwidth to spend their time on.
Once a bill gets to the floor of either House or Senate, the votes are widely made public. But it’s that in-committee stuff that has drawn a lot of attention while the decision to hold or pass a bill out of committee is still largely that of the chair. The chairman can just not ask for a vote to pass a bill to the full House, or if things don’t look good from the chair’s viewpoint, can adjourn the meeting with just a rap of the gavel.
This might be a year that rules determine what happens to major legislation.
Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com
BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills Public Television’s local program, Doctors on Call, will focus on concussions and concussion management with Andy Hurla from Russell Regional Hospital. This episode will air Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.
Doctors on Call is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The program airs LIVE on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
During the program, viewers can call 800.337.4788 with their questions for the doctors.
To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to [email protected]. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.
George Allen Morrill, 70, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday Jan. 30th, 2019. He passed away quietly in his home with his wife by his side after suffering a long illness.
George was born Nov. 7th, 1948, in Great Bend, Ks. He was the son of Ernest and Jane Morrill. Survivors include: wife, Ruth (Hanson) Morrill, Sons, Joshua, Paola, Ks., and James, New York, NY and four grandsons, Isaac, Chillicothe, Mo., Aaron, Jacob, and Seth, Paola,Ks. One sister, Marsha Morrill, Lindstrom, Minnesota.
George owned and operated Morrill Hay Co. which he founded in 1970 until 2017, growing the business from a few hundred acres to nearly 10,000 acres at one time. Morrill Hay Company was a custom harvesting business, processing Alfalfa hay and supplying local feed yards, at one time employing 25 to 30 people. George was gifted in business and business management and was very servant minded, wanting the best for his customers.
George was a good and godly man, giving his life to the Lord in 1985 at the age of 37. He was a generous man with a constant smile. He loved his family and doted on his four grandsons. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.
Two scriptures that brought much comfort to George and the family are:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15 and, Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with Pastors Ryan Webster, Duane Kershner and Rob Schmutz presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday with family present from 6-8 p.m.
Memorials may be given to Roca Blanca Missions, 8242 S Harvard Ave Ste D, Tulsa, Ok 74137, Ministry Outdoor Adventures, PO Box 71, Haven, Ks 67543 or
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, all in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Dorthea Mae Cauble (James) was born May 14, 1928 on the farm in Zook, Kansas. Her early years were spent in western Kansas in Big Bow on a homestead. The Dust Bowl drove the family back to Zook where she went to grade school and high school and played on the high school basketball team and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She went to work after high school in Larned as a secretary for a year before attending Haviland Business College. She met the love of her life when her brother brought Dale James home from Fort Hays State for a hunting trip. When she was really tired she would say, he shot, I fell, end of love story.
They married March 23, 1951 in Larned at the first of many celebrations of their life together. After a short honeymoon, they lived in a small trailer in Hays while Dale finished college. They loved their early life together weathering a flood and snowstorms and added more lifetime friends. After graduation, they returned to the family farm in Shields, Ks. Raising their three children, Rose, Diana and Danny, Dorthea was the epitome of the farmer’s wife and helpmate. She loved her friends, quilting, gardening, sewing, and being involved in all her children’s activities. They loved owning a stock race car (although she never let him drive it) and dragging their children along every weekend to the races. After raising her own three kids, she actively participated in her grandchildren’s lives, passing on her values and love to all her grandchildren.
She was a Shields 4-H leader for 20 years. She belongs to TOPS for over 20 years, ESA Sorority for 10 years, UMW, As You Like It Club, and was a founding member of the Lane County Red Hat Society. She was an active member of The Joy Center as a board member and president. She loved to golf and was a member of the Lane County Country Club. She was a member of the Shields Methodist Church and later the Dighton United Methodist Church.
She loved to watch sports, especially basketball, going to all the Dighton games with her friends whether she had a child or grandchild in school or not.
After her husband passed away in 2003, she continued to manage their farm and moved to Dighton. In 2016, she moved to assisted living in Wichita to be closer to her doctors, and daughter Rose. This was just another chapter in her life that she once again took on with delight, meeting new friends immediately and finding ways to make this chapter as special as the others. Dorthea died on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at Via Christi Village in Wichita.
Dorthea was preceded in death by her husband Dale James, 2003, son Danny James, 2016, granddaughter Hope James, 2012 and brother Ronnie Cauble, 2017. She leaves behind her two daughters Rose Meals and husband Paul, Wichita, Ks, and Diana James-Cairns and husband Wally, Redwood City, Ca. Grandchildren Becky Cole and fiance Clint Brooks, Maize, Matthew James, Dodge City, Luke James and Julie, Olathe, Ks, Abby James and Dale James, Hays, Bridget James and Kaitlyn Danielson, Dighton. And 7 great grandchildren, Taylor, Kaden, Kaylee, and Tatum James, Lexi Cole, Tanner Stacy, and Natalie Raub. She also leaves behind a legacy of friendships with people from all walks of life. She had a big heart and was loved by all.
Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM Thursday at United Methodist Church in Dighton with Rev Berniece Ludlum officiating. Burial will be in Shields Cemetery. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 PM Wednesday at Boomhower Funeral Home in Dighton. Memorials are suggested to the JOY Center or United Methodist Church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com
Mable Ruth Bohl, daughter of Joseph and Hilda (Saltzman) Perrill, was born on April 6, 1924 and passed away peacefully at the Andbe Home on January 29, 2019 at the age of 94.
Mable grew up on the family farm in Decatur County with 3 brothers and 5 sisters. She graduated from Lenora High School in 1943 and married William (Willie) Bohl, Jr. on January 27, 1945. Willie and Mable made their home in Norton County. Willie passed in 1971 and Mable resided in Norton until her death.
Mable was an American Legion Auxiliary member since 1970 and an Eagles Auxiliary member since 1972. She worked at the Andbe Home for 33 years as Head Housekeeper.
She held many Officer roles over the decades dedicating her time and service within the Legion Auxiliary. Her most proud accomplishment was the honor of being State Auxiliary Chairwoman for the Cadet Law Academy Program for 20 years from 1983 to 2003.
Mable volunteered for decades at the American Legion Hall in Norton preparing and serving countless meals for many occasions held there along side her sister, Erma Hackney. She retired from the Auxiliary in her late 80’s and was able to continue her passion for quilting in her home. Many Norton residents brought their quilts to Mable so that she may finish them as they liked. Her living room was large enough that a full size quilt rack became a permanent piece of furniture and she could easily quilt while answering the Daily Double on Jeopardy or watching any sports broadcast, especially Royals baseball.
Mable enjoyed spending time with her nephew and nieces and their children, attending school activities, cheering them on at sporting events and family dinners.
Mable was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant son at birth and brothers: Lloyd, Elmer, Louis, sisters: Erma Hackney, Gladys Minshall, Ivalee Grove, Ellen Couchet, and Mille Byrne.
Survivors include many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.
Mable was laid to rest quietly, as she wished on Saturday, February 2, 2019 with a private burial in the Norton cemetery.
Francis J. “Frank” Ptacek, 85, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Kansas Soldiers’ Home in Dodge City, Kansas, surrounded by family.
Frank was born June 25, 1933 in Dorrance, Kansas. He was one of ten children born to Frank C. and Anna (Kepka) Ptacek. He grew up on a farm near Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1951. He then attended one year at Kansas State University before needing to return home and help on the family farm.
Frank served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. Throughout his service, he served within the Military Police and was stationed at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Frank was united in marriage to Betty LaFern Stickney on December 27, 1954 in Wilson, Kansas. This union was blessed with five children; Craig, Audrey, Carmen, Mark and Jerry. They lived in Russell for a few years before moving to Great Bend in the early 60’s. They then moved to Salina and lived there from 1970 to 1974, and ultimately made their home in Russell from 1974 to present. They spent many years watching their five children grow and create families of their own. Unfortunately, after a battle with brain cancer, Betty preceded him in death on August 30, 1993. Many years were spent missing Betty and he longed to be reunited with her in heaven. On December 4, 2013, Frank was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He spent the next five years within his home, being cared for by his children. On January 16, 2018, Frank was moved to the Kansas Soldiers’ Home at Fort Dodge.
Frank was a salesman most of his life and took great pride in his work. He instilled trust in others and people always sought him out for his help. He started out in the B.F. Goodrich store in Russell, sold insurance for American National Insurance in Salina, sold insurance for Farmers Insurance in Russell and sold cars for Paul McDonald Chevrolet in Hays, Kansas. He was an active member in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a 3rd Degree Knight and a past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Parish Council and the Cemetery Board. He was an athlete and a true sports fan that was very active in coaching when his children were growing up. He was the American Legion Baseball coach for many years and also coached Babe Ruth baseball. One of Frank’s greatest passions was watching all sporting events, but especially those that included his children and grandchildren. Frank never met a stranger, he had a kind and loving heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand and help others in need. He valued his faith and family above everything else.
Surviving family include two daughters; Audrey Dougherty (Mitch) and Carmen Vonfeldt (Alan) all of Russell, Kansas; three sons, Craig Ptacek (Pam) and Mark Ptacek (Tammy) all of Russell, Kansas and Jerry Ptacek (Karen) of Round Rock, Texas; sister, Anna Mae Janda of Lyons, Kansas, twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty; five brothers and three sisters; and special friend, Gertie Steinlage.
Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 7, 2019 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:30 PM, Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. Memorials have been established with St. Mary’s Catholic Church or American Legion Baseball. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
Diana Landau, 64, of Oakley, died Monday, February 4, 2019. She was born March 14, 1954, in Norfolk, VA, to Donald and Goldie (Willson) Young. She was a pharmacist in Lawrence, KS.
She was preceded in death by her mom, Goldie.
She is survived by her father Donald Young, of Colby; sons, Dustin Landau, of Gardner, KS and Kirk Landau, of Lawrence, KS; brother, Robert Young and 5 grandchildren.
There will be a graveside service at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 7, 2019 at Beulah Cemetery, Colby, KS. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
The first 2019 legislative coffee hosted by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce was held Sat., Feb. 2, at Fort Hays State University.
Area legislators on the panel were 40th Dist. Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland), 111th Dist. Rep. Barb Wasinger (R-Hays), 117th Dist. Rep. Leonard Mastroni (R-La Crosse), and 100th Dist. Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra) who had to leave early to attend a family funeral.
