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Month: March 2019

Ellis County Landfill hours of operations changes

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The Ellis County Landfill/Transfer Station is advising that effective April 01, 2019 the hours of operations for our facility will be changing as recently approved by the Ellis County Commission.

The new operating schedule will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There will be no dumping allowed fifteen (15) minutes prior to closing each day as well.

If you have any questions or concerns on this matter you may contact the Ellis County Landfill at (785)-628-9460 or the Ellis County Public Works office at (785)-628-9455.

Kan. House approves using CBD oil with small amount of THC

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House has approved a bill that provides legal protection for people who treat medical conditions with CBD oil containing a small amount of the chemical in marijuana that produces a high.

The House approved the bill Wednesday on an 89-35 vote.

The bill allows people charged with possessing CBD oil with up to 5 percent THC to defend themselves in court if they can prove they are using the oil to treat a severe medical condition. Parents also could give the oil to their children with chronic conditions.

Supporters say CBD oil with THC can reduce seizures and relieve pain.

But law enforcement and medical groups say the bill would be difficult and expensive to enforce.

The legislation now goes to the Senate.

RCT to open season with ‘About Time’

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Ward Craig and Teressa Roe

Russell Community Theater opens its 2019 season with “About Time”, April 30-May 4, 2019 at the RCT Playhouse located at 5th and Kansas in Russell.

RCT volunteer, Bob Roe, steps into the director chair to present a “slice of life” show by Tom Cole. His cast includes RCT veterans Teressa Roe and Ward Craig.

In “About Time”, an elderly married couple is found in the kitchen of their condominium at breakfast, lunch, dinner and finally for a late snack.

The couple talks about everything under the sun, including food, sex, children and aging. She is slowing down some and he can’t get around like he once could. But they are both still sharp as tacks, and the snappy dialogue proves humor is one of the essential factors in survival during the aging process.

Through the four scenes, they grapple with what it means to share – and come to the end of – a life together.

Performances run Tuesday through Saturday, April 30-May 4 at the RCT Playhouse, 5th and Kansas, Russell. Show time is 8:00 p.m. Admission is $12 or by season ticket.

“About Time” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

For more information, call 785-483-4057. Please find us on Facebook.

Police: 16-year-old Kan. girl arrested with loaded gun on school bus

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen found with a gun on a school bus.

Just after 7 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a disturbance call in reference to a 38-year-old parent concerned about a handgun missing from her home, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The woman believed her 16-year-old daughter was in possession of the gun on a school bus.  Offices located the juvenile on the bus at Maple and Glenn in Wichita with the loaded handgun in her backpack, according to Davidson.

Police arrested the juvenile without incident and booked her into the Juvenile Detention Center on requested charges of criminal possession of a firearm by a juvenile and theft, according to Davidson.

There were no threats made to any students, no disruptions to any school and no one was injured.

Investigators will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Semi topples light pole on Vine

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By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

A semi collided with a light pole near the corner of Vine and Seventh streets in south Hays just before 3 p.m. this afternoon.

Fire, police and Midwest Energy crews responded to the accident scene to deal with a live wire.

No one appeared to be hurt.

A Midwest Energy employee said no one lost power, but power might temporarily be out to a series of street lights in that area of Vine.

A portion of Vine was temporarily blocked as crews worked the wreck, but traffic was still flowing.

Powerball jackpot third largest; Super Kansas Cash at record high

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TOPEKA – The Powerball jackpot for the Wednesday drawing is an estimated $750 million with an estimated cash option of $465.5 million.

Wednesday’s jackpot is the fourth largest in U.S. lottery jackpot history and third largest in Powerball jackpot history.

In 2016, Powerball set a world record jackpot of $1.586 billion. The three winning tickets were sold in California, Florida, and Tennessee.

If hit Wednesday, it would be the first Powerball jackpot won in 2019. The Powerball was last hit on December 26, 2018, in New York. Since the new year, the Powerball jackpot has rolled 25 times.

Additionally, the Super Kansas Cash jackpot has climbed to an all-time high of $6.2 million for the Wednesday drawing!

Super Kansas Cash is a Kansas-only game and jackpots are paid in one lump sum.

The last time the Super Kansas Cash jackpot was hit was in the January 10, 2018 drawing. On Monday, Super Kansas Cash had three tickets match the first five numbers, but not the Super Cash Ball. Each ticket is worth $2,000. Two tickets were sold in the south central region, and one ticket was sold in the north central region.

— Kansas Lottery

Kan. high schools reluctant to lose A’s and F’s in favor of standards-based grading

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By STEPHAN BISAHA
Kansas News Service

When a student comes home with a C on their report card, it often isn’t clear what that means.

Are they average in geometry? Or did their math proficiency get dragged down by poor class attendance?

Wichita Public Schools is hoping to clarify those grades by isolating academics from everything else that happens in the classroom.

DCJOHN / FLICKR, CREATIVE COMMONS

“We really want to focus on what it is that students know and what can they do,” said Christy O’Toole, the executive director of Curriculum and Instruction for Wichita Public Schools.

For years, elementary schools in Kansas have graded academic performance separately from other skills. Whether a student forgets a pencil or hands in their work late doesn’t affect their final score — often reflected as a number between zero and four.

But Kansas middle and high schools have been slow to adopt the same practices. They’ve found it difficult to lose the A’s and F’s in high school when GPAs are obsessed over by students and their parents.

Standards-based — or standards-referenced — is a method of grading where the teachers emphasize a student’s mastery of one of the state standards. Wichita Public Schools is narrowing its focus on what it sees as critical content.

“If we did ( all the state standards) in the course of a child’s life, K-12, we’d need 15,000 hours, but we only have 9,000 hours with a child,” said Andi Giesen, assistant superintendent at Wichita Public Schools. “So we’re narrowing the focus to the critical content.”

Wichita will start implementing standard-referenced grading in its elementary schools next school year. Other elementary schools in the state have used standard-based grading for years.

Augusta public schools began the practice about seven years ago. Report cards still report nonacademic performance — students receive grades in areas like group work and responsibility.

“When we were kids and parents went to parent-teacher conference, they said, ‘Johnny got an A in math and a B in science’ but they really don’t know what their child knows and what they don’t know,” said Holly Francis, assistant superintendent at Augusta Public Schools.

The practice stops after Augusta students move past fifth grade. While standard-based grading is common in Kansas elementary schools, it’s rare at the middle and high school levels.

“Everyone understands that zero to 100 scale,” said Ryan Arnold, administrative intern with Highland Park High School in Topeka. “That equates to a certain scores for the GPA. And the colleges recognize that as well.

“In my opinion that’s been the kind of sticking point for high schools.”

Wichita Public Schools will implement its new learning standards in its middle schools in 2020 and high schools in 2021. Parents won’t notice much of a difference on the final report card, however, with the grades converted to traditional A’s and B’s.

Yet Wichita high schools will be the exception, with few schools willing to change how grading is done past eighth grade when college applications depend on them.

Advocates point to Iowa for its above-average adoption of standard-based grading. Yet less than 20 high schools in Iowa have made the conversion, according to Matt Townsley, assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Northern Iowa.

Townsley said for students at schools that haven’t switched, their performance remains foggy.

“It’s possible for a kid to get B’s on all their tests in a high school course and then they complete a bunch of extra credit crossword puzzles, bring some Kleenex boxes to school and get a bunch of homework right and that pads their grade and brings it up to an A,” Townsley said. “It’s really just not an accurate communication of what a student has actually learned.”

Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. Follow him on @SteveBisaha.

Sylvia R. Gobin

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Sylvia R. Gobin, age 86, of Rocky Ford, Colorado, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019 at her home in Thornton, CO. She was born to the late Dr. Byron B. and Ruth Blotz on July 27, 1932.

Sylvia married Edward B. Gobin in 1949 who predeceased her in 1992. Sylvia was also predeceased by her parents and sister, Edith Cover.

Sylvia will be lovingly remembered by her children, Robert (Debi) Gobin of Pueblo, Patricia A. Soden of Thornton, Richard (Debra) Gobin of Canon City, and Katherine (Elden) Klaus of Hays, Kansas. Sylvia will also be remembered by her seven grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter and her faithful companion, Roxy (her dog).

She loved her family and constantly uplifted them and brought them together, building such a strong foundation of love and support that not everyone is fortunate enough to experience. Although there are not enough words to express how much she will be missed, we were all so blessed to share our lives with such a caring, generous, beautiful, loving, quick-witted and bright light.

Gobin’s , Inc. was founded in 1967 in Rocky Ford by Edward and Sylvia Gobin. Sylvia was dedicated to operating the family business which continues to be managed and operated by four generations and has expanded to several locations.

She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, P.E.O. and participated in numerous community events. She served as the local Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, as well as volunteering for both Rocky Ford and La Junta hospitals. Sylvia enjoyed playing bridge and was a part of several bridge clubs. Her other interests included supporting her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in their sporting and other school activities, traveling, cards and other games, reading and gardening.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Community Presbyterian Church; 303 S. 9th Street, Rocky Ford, CO with Rev. Steve Culver officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the Berkley Hospice; 10697 E. Dartmouth Ave., Aurora, CO 80014; Denver Hospice; 501 S. Cherry Street, Ste. 700, Denver, CO 80246 or a Hospice of Donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford – Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.

Michael A. Aldridge Sr.

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Michael A. Aldridge Sr., age 67, from Russell, died Sunday, March 24, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

Services are pending at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Andrea ‘Sue’ Metzler

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Andrea Sue Metzler, 62, of Brewster, KS was called home to our Lord on March 25, 2019 in Crossville, TN after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sue was born May 8th, 1956 in Colby, KS the youngest child of Alvin and Allie Helin. She attended Brewster High school where she had many friends and participated in multiple sports and activities. During High School, she worked at Unitec in Brewster along with serving food in her parents’ restaurant in Brewster. Many of her close friends will recall countless hours riding horses with Sue or listening to tunes in the basement of the Helin home. Sue graduated in 1974 and attended Fort Hays State University.

Sue didn’t have to look very far to find the man of her dreams. In 1967, Bill’s family moved, not just to Brewster, but right across the street from the Helins! On June 14th, 1976, she married William “Bill” Metzler, her best friend and longtime sweetheart, at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Sue was a devoted wife and mother and together they raised three children while traveling around the US wherever Bill was stationed. When Bill retired in 2018, they settled in the mountains of TN, where Sue could enjoy the breathtaking mountain views.

Sue’s favorite past times were traveling and watching sports. She loved watching the Kansas City Royals, Denver Broncos, and the KU Jayhawks! One of her favorite memories was when she had the opportunity to attend a Royals game with her father, Alvin. She and Bill also enjoyed cruising with family. Their most recent, being this Feb. when all the Metzlers were able to enjoy a Caribbean Cruise together. Although Sue’s health was failing, they were so thankful to share this memory together. Her favorite vacation was a surprise anniversary trip spent with Bill and her family in the mountains of Tennessee. Bill and Sue loved being with family and enjoyed watching their grandchildren participate in as many activities as they could. Sue accepted Christ as a young girl and was a woman of deep faith. While her sweet smile will be missed here on earth, her family is comforted by her heavenly homecoming.

Sue is survived by her husband Bill of Tennessee; her three children, Melissa (Dave) Wilhelm of Orlando, FL, Timothy (Amy) Metzler of St Cloud, FL, and Rachel (Chris) Bromley, of Holly Springs, NC; her brother, Jerry (Doris) Helin, of Colby, KS; her sister Daryl Ann (Russell) Jorgensen, of Brewster, KS and eleven grandchildren, Kaylee Wilhelm, Alanna Wilhelm, Quinn Wilhelm, Aria Metzler, Lily Metzler, Brie Metzler, Jasmine Chandler, Anthony Chandler, Nick Chandler, Kelsey Bromley, and William Bromley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin Helin and Allie (Lewallen) Helin and her father-in-law, Merle Metzler.

Services will be held at 10:30 on Saturday March 30th at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Brewster, KS followed by interment at the Brewster Cemetery. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21.

Shirley Louise (Marsh) Hundley

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Shirley Louise (Marsh) Hundley, 81, of Atwood, KS, formerly of Horton, KS passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Center in Atwood. She was born March 28, 1937 to John Frederick (Fred) and Louise (Kupferschmied) Marsh of Fanning KS, the fourth of four children.

She was baptized and confirmed as a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church (RLDS) of Fanning on May 1, 1945; now known as the Community of Christ Church. She graduated from Highland High School in 1955.

Shirley married Jim Hundley on May 26, 1956 in Manhattan, KS. This union was blessed with six children, Debbie, Sandra, Brenda, Cheryl, Darryl and Melanie. She was a dedicated homemaker and stay at home mother to their children in their younger years. She helped with and supported her children faithfully in all their school, church and community activities including 4-H and FFA. Later in life, she worked at the Bank of Horton and in the Colby School District as a para professional.

Jim and Shirley were also House Parents for several years at the United Methodist Youthville Group Home in Dodge City, KS. They eventually returned to his roots of a dairy farm by working for Holste Homestead Dairy of Ludell, KS.

She was an active attender and participant in the United Methodist Church all of her adult life. In Horton and Atwood, she took the church bulletins to members in nursing homes and shut-ins and shared a summary of the sermon. She helped with Vacation Bible School and the LatchKey Kids after school program, and taught Sunday School. In addition, she was a member of United Methodist Women (UMW). She was also a 4-H Leader and supported Jim as an FFA advisor’s wife for 33 years. She was gentle, kind and nurturing; the quintessential example of a loving Christian mother. Her greatest joys in life were her faith, her family and serving the Lord. She also treasured spending time with extended family at reunions. She loved growing flowers, spending time with her kids, grandkids, and later great-grandkids and going to all their activities.

She was a loving sister and aunt, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Along with six children, her legacy will live on through her 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents, Fred and Louise Marsh; sister Virginia (Virgie) Marsh Twombly and husband Sam; brother Charles Marsh and wife Mary Lou; and brother Rollin Marsh and wife Sallye.

Survivors include daughter Debbie and husband Ed Poe, Oakley, KS; daughter Sandra and husband Don Wick, Smith Center, KS; daughter Brenda and husband Mark Wolters, Atwood, KS; daughter Cheryl and husband Gene Soderlund, Atwood, KS; son Darryl and fiancé Michelle Hoffman, Muscotah, KS; daughter Melanie and husband Michael Musselman, Clifton, KS; Grandchildren, Craig Poe and wife Lindsay, David Poe and wife Chris, Diane and husband Aaron Traffas, Holly and husband Luke Van Skike, Caleb Wick and wife Ashley, Calee and husband Michael Boller, Emily and husband Mark Rotert, Laura and husband Drew Basgall, Kevin and Abbey Wolters, Dakota and Cheyanne Soderlund, Riley Hundley and wife Sagan, Ramsey and wife Baylee, Raven and husband Caleb McElroy, Michaela, Luke, Lane and Levi Musselman; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 1 at the Community of Christ Church in Fanning, KS with Kathy Twombly officiating. The family will greet friends 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, KS. Burial will be in Wheatland Cemetery, rural Horton, KS. A memorial will be established in her name to the Good Samaritan Center in Atwood, KS and the Community of Christ Church of Fanning, KS. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

🎥 ‘Strong’ beer sales start April 1 in Kansas grocery & convenience stores

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Beginning April 1, Kansas grocery stores and convenience stores can sell 6% beer.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Beginning Monday, grocery and convenience stores in Kansas will be able to sell “strong” beer.

On April 1, 2019, state law will allow for the sale of beer containing up to 6% alcohol by volume under the current Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) licensing by cities in Kansas, including Hays.

An ordinance amending the current Hays Code of Ordinances is required to include the reference to the beer containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume.

Kim Rupp, Hays Finance Director, explained the statute change to city commissioners at their last meeting, as well as the current legal definitions of a cereal malt beverage and beer in Kansas.

“State statute defines CMB as any fermented but undistilled liquor brewed or made from malt or from a mixture of malt or malt substitute or any flavored malt beverage but does not include any such liquor which is more than 3.2% alcohol by weight.

“Statute further defines beer as a beverage containing more than 3.2% alcohol by weight obtained by alcoholic fermentation of an infusion or concoction of barley or other grain, malt and hops in water and includes beer, ale, stout, lager beer, porter and similar beverages that
have the same alcohol content,” Rupp said.

Rupp noted all current CMB licenses will remain in effect and will automatically qualify under the new ordinance.

Commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance.

Changes in the state law will also allow liquor stores to also sell other items including cigarettes, soda, and other mixers.

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