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Month: March 2019

Weekend chase in Stockton results in arrest

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STOCKTON — A police chase in Stockton resulted in an arrest Friday.

The Rooks County Sheriff’s Office reported that just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, a deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.

According to a news release, the suspect immediately fled into the city of Stockton and onto side streets.

The vehicle became disable and the suspect fled on foot. He was arrested a short time later, with the assistance of the Stockton Police Department.

Daniel Reid was arrested on suspicion of fleeing or attempting to elude, interference with a law enforcement official, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, driving under the influence of drugs, transporting an open container of alcohol, no vehicle liability insurance, criminal use of weapons, reckless driving, driving on left in no-passing zones, unsafe turning or stopping, failuyre to yield, damaged windshield, and speeding.

“Reid is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

Marcella Briand

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Marcella Briand, 94, passed away on March 9, 2019 at the Cedar Village Care Center in Ness City, Kansas. She was born on October 5, 1924 in Ness City, Kansas the daughter of Philip and Antonetta (Wasinger) Leiker.

Marcella was a nurse’s aide at Grisell Memorial Hospital, Ransom and was a medical assistant for Dr. Prakorn in Ness City. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church and Altar Society and was a Sacristan. Marcella loved to sing and play the piano. She sang in the Sacred Heart Choir, she was a Cantor, led the Singing Seniors and loved to sing in the local Christmas cantatas. She volunteered at Prairie Mercantile and for Meals on Wheels. She was the site manager of the Golden Years Leisure Center, Ness City for many years and was very involved in all areas of the center. She was an active member and former secretary of the Ness County Historical Society.

She married Maurice “June” Briand Jr. on December 13, 1950 in Ness City. He died June 8, 1995.

Survivors include her son, Marc Briand of Mission, KS; her four daughters, Suzanne Clark (Steve) of St. Helena Island, South Carolina, Michele Gillaspie of Seattle, WA, Laura Briand of Olathe, KS, and Simone Briand (Roger Wilder) of Overland Park, KS; two brothers, Ronald Leiker of Orinda, California and Kenneth Leiker of Vinita, Oklahoma; two sisters, Mildred Koob and Edna Brown both of Wichita; six grandchilden, Willa Fowler, Laura Weston, Cody Giess, Wacy Giess, Lilah Wilder, and Annabelle Wilder; and three great-grandchildren, Aubrey Everett, Riley Giess, and Waverly Weston. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, June Briand, two brothers, Alvin and Norbert Leiker; and three sisters, Lorena Leiker, Henrietta Haas, and Dorothy Hurd.

Vigil will be on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be on Saturday, March 16, 2019, 11:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ness City.

Memorial contributions may be given to Cedar Village.

James D. Bird

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James D. Bird, son of Basil and Susan (Howell) Bird, was born August 5, 1935, in Hill City, and passed away at the Logan Manor in Logan, Kansas, on March 9, 2019, at the age of 83.

Jim attended several schools and graduated from high school in Plainville, Kansas. Following his graduation from high school, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in France and Germany as a jet mechanic. On November 29, 1960, Jim and (Sydnia) Delores Richardson were united in marriage in Clayton, Kansas, where they owned Bird’s Service Station. Delores passed away February 23, 1990. Jim later married Gayle Hinz on June 29, 1990, in Clayton. In 2000, Jim retired and they moved to Almena, Kansas, and later moved to the Norton Manor.

Jim enjoyed fishing, reading, playing pool, ping pong, and raising a few sheep. Jim was an avid fan of the K.U. Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, and Boston Celtics (before Larry Bird retired.) His greatest joys in life were his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include: his wife, Gayle Bird; three sons, Richard Bird, Hays, Kansas; James (Teresa) Bird, Leoville, Kansas; and Russell (Angie) Bird, Clayton; one step-son, Merlin (Deonne) Hinz, rural McCook, Nebraska; one brother, Charles (Jackie) Bird, Arvada, Colorado; two sisters, Sharon (Rodney) Wente, Quinter, Kansas, and Ginger (Ron) Hazlett, Burlington, Kansas; six grandchildren and six step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Delores, one step-son, Mark, one brother, Eldon Bird, and two sisters, Imogene Thayer and Normagene McIntyre.

VISITATION: Wednesday, March 13, 2019—5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – 215 W. Main – Norton, KS
FUNERAL SERVICE – Thursday, March 14, 2019—10:30 a.m.
PLACE – Norton Christian Church – Norton, KS
INTERMENT – Clayton Cemetery – Clayton, KS
MEMORIAL – James Bird Memorial Fund

Frances Marie (Harry) Roesch

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Frances Marie (Harry) Roesch was born November 7, 1920, in Bartley, Nebraska, to Victor M. and Della (Blair) Harry. She passed away on March 11, 2019, at the age of 98, in Colby. As a child, Frances lived with her mother and brother in McCook, NE, until the third grade. They moved to Atwood where she attended school, graduating from Atwood High School in 1939. Frances met Charles F. “Fritz” Roesch and they dated throughout high school. They were married on August 3, 1941, at the Atwood Methodist Parsonage. They began their life together at their farm, on the south Beaver Creek, later building a home eight miles west of Chardon. There they raised their three children, Charles Edward “Chuck”, Richard Lee “Dick” and Marcia Jean.

Frances and Fritz were avid Colby Eagle fans, supporting their children in school sports and activities. They loved to play cards with their neighbors and friends. They took many vacations with Leigh and Beulah Shirley and attended Shrine events together.

Frances continued to live on the family farm after Fritz’s death in 1981. She retired from the farm and moved to Colby in 1984. Frances became a member of RSVP in 1987, where she enjoyed volunteer work. She especially enjoyed being the Pick-Pocket Clown at the Girl Scout carnivals, helping at Santa City, craft fairs and playing bingo.

Frances was baptized in 1950, at the Stevens Chapel, southwest of Atwood. In 1999, she was baptized at the Christian Church of the Plains, in Colby.

Frances was lovingly known by her grandchildren as “Grandma Francie” or “Granny Franny” and they all knew where her cookie/candy cabinet was and that there was Coca Cola in the fridge. She will be remembered as kind and thoughtful. She always thanked the people who cared for her and always asked what she could do for them.

Frances will be sadly missed by her family, sons, Chuck (Beatriz) and Dick (Linda) and daughter Marcia (David) Wagoner; grandchildren, Tracy (Dwight) Coleman, Imperial, NE, Mandy (Brad) Leitner, Atwood, Kim (Josh) Schwarz, Colby, Karen Bryant (Jim Wright), Manhattan, Bradley (Angie) Wagoner, Quinter, and Scott (Jessica) Roesch, Colby; eleven great grandchildren, Wade Elwood, Mallory Oxford, Macy Coleman, Taylor Leitner, Lexi Leitner, Jason Bryant, Ethan Bryant, Cali Wagoner, Riley Wagoner, Cora Roesch and Ladd Roesch; great-great grandson, Whitley Elwood; numerous relatives, friends and the many special caregivers, doctors, nurses and staff at Colby Health and Rehab.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Vera and Eva; brother Everett Harry and her husband Charles F. “Fritz” Roesch.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019, also at the Mortuary, with burial in Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to Hospice Services of NWKS or RSVP, sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, Po Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Caroline Peterson Searls

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Caroline Peterson Searls, age 81, of Bella Vista, Arkansas passed away March 4, 2019. She was born the daughter of John and Ruby McCain, January 5th, 1938 in McDonald, Kansas.

Caroline was a co-owner for Ford Garage and worked for Beamgard Learning Center and Atwood Citizen Patriot before retiring. She enjoyed quilting and was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of Bella Vista Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Deloit Peterson and daughter, Shawna Peterson.

Left to cherish her memories is her loving husband of 18 years, Jim Searls; son, Robert (Pennie) Peterson of Trenton, Nebraska; stepchildren, Mike (Lisa) Searls of Parker, Colorado and Sherry Lynn Nissen of Rancho Cucamonga, California; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2019, at the United Methodist Church, Atwood.

Gary Duane Wolf

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Gary Duane Wolf, 79, of Colby, died Friday, March 8, 2019, at Hays Medical Center.

He was born December 8, 1939, in Colby, KS, to Willard “Bus” and Alice (Weber) Wolf. On May 17, 1960, he married Alice M Garrett, in Levant, KS.

Gary often looked for ways to make life better for his family, working as a mechanic, ranch hand, and farmer. He later became a successful entrepreneur, starting Wolf’s Irrigation and Repair in Rexford. He then designed and fabricated golf cart trailers and for 12 years owned and operated Lobo Retail Liquor in Colby. Gary enjoyed fishing, making frequent trips to surrounding lakes. He loved his dogs and horses. He was a founding member of the Colby Saddle and Bridle Club and served on the Thomas County Fair Board. The greatest loves of his life were his wife, kids and grandkids.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Alice, of the home; children, Brenda (Vic) Mazanec, of Colby; Orba Smith, of Selden and Justin (Amanda) Wolf, of Colby; brother Lloyd (Karen) Wolf, of Hutchinson; 9 grandchildren, Cole (Elizabeth) Mazanec, Raya (Aaron) Wagoner, Trent (Raquel) Mazanec, Lissa (Macy) Sexson, Ashley (Brett) Arnberger, Randi (Matthew) Smith, Drew (Kelly) Stevenson, Tinsley Wolf and Deegan Wolf; 12 great grandchildren and many nieces , nephews, and friends.

The funeral service is 2:00pm Friday, March 15, 2019 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby with burial to follow in Beulah Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to CCC Endowment- Rodeo, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Rodney L. Walters

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Rodney L. Walters, age 60, Hays, KS, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society-Hays.

He was born on November 9, 1958 in Stafford, KS to Lester Walters and Colleen Kay (Madden) Robinson. On March 17, 2000, Rodney was united in marriage to Janet L. Hollis in Hays, KS. She preceded in him in death on April 21, 2018.

Rodney is survived by his loving family.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be made via email at [email protected]. Arrangements are made with Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Community Fun Fest planned for World Water Day celebration

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The public is invited to celebrate World Water Day at a Fun Fest on March 14, in the Sternberg Museum lobby. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.

The Fun Fest will take place from 10 a.m. until noon, with information and activities focusing on water conservation and water quality in the community. Local watershed specialists and experts from the Department of Water Resources will be on-hand to answer questions and provide information about local issues affecting our water.

“The Fun Fest gives kids, parents, and adults a chance to see how easily they can affect their local water supplies. The event allows participants to get involved and see first-hand just how dynamic water is, where it travels, and how easily it is harmed while also seeing how simple things can protect water,” said Stacie Minson, KSU Watershed Specialist.

Attendees will be able to participate in several hands-on activities during the Fun Fest, including observing “Waste Water Critters” under microscopes, exploring groundwater models, learning more about water’s incredible journey and investigating how our community uses its water.

For those interested in taking an active role in water conservation at home, there will be material on how to prevent pet waste from contaminating waterways, a display about how to make and use rain barrels, and information about CoCoRaHS – the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, a nationwide grassroots volunteer network of weather enthusiasts who measure and report precipitation in their own backyards.

There also will be opportunities to register for door prizes, which include: friendly household alternative cleaning baskets, Water $mart conservation buckets, rain gauges, rain barrels and pet prize packs.

This year’s Fun Fest is sponsored by the Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds and the City of Hays Department of Water Resources.

– SUBMITTED –

Trial set for August in shooting of Riley County officer

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MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A 38-year-old man accused of trying to kill a Manhattan police officer is now scheduled for trial in August.

Authorities on the scene of shooting and barricade situation photo courtesy WIBW TV

Mark Harrison faces one count of attempted capital murder of a police officer. Prosecutors say he fired 33 shots during a three-hour standoff with police in January 2018.

One shot hit Riley County Police Sgt. Pat Tiede in the leg. The defense has argued that shot hit Tiede after it ricocheted off a sidewalk.

In February, Harrison was found not guilty on two counts of attempted capital murder, stemming from shots that hit an armored SWAT vehicle with two officers inside. The jury couldn’t reach a verdict on the count involving Tiede.

Harrison’s new trial is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Fire hydrant inspections Tuesday

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HFD

The city of Hays Fire Department (HFD) will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Tue., March 12, 2019, weather permitting, in the area of north of 41st St. and west of Hall St. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in Hays and flush all water mains annually.

Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency.

Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes.

The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains.

Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer.

All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public. Drivers are asked to avoid driving through water discharging from a fire hydrant during the short flushing period.

For more information please contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330.

Agents seize $77 million of cocaine at U.S. port

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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Customs agents have seized the biggest shipment of cocaine recovered at the ports of New York and New Jersey in 25 years.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says 3,200 pounds of the drug in 60 packages were seized at Port New York/Newark on Feb. 28. The street value is estimated at $77 million.

It’s the biggest cocaine seizure at the ports since 1994.

A Customs spokesman says the container was recovered from a ship that originated in South America.

Customs officers turned the drugs over to federal Homeland Security officials for investigation.

New Medicaid expansion plan in Kan. includes key one-word change

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By JOHN HANNA

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A “poison pill” in Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan for expanding Medicaid aimed at reassuring wary Republican legislators wouldn’t actually end the expansion if the federal government backed off its promises to cover most of the cost.

Kelly has said her proposal is based on an expansion plan that passed in 2017 with large, bipartisan legislative majorities, only to be vetoed by Kansas’ then-conservative GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. But the new Democratic governor’s “working group” of Medicaid advisers suggested a key, one-word change when it comes what would happen if the federal government backed off its commitment to cover 90 percent of the expansion.

The 2017 bill said the state “shall” end expanded Medicaid health coverage for tens of thousands of Kansas residents if the federal government drops its funding percentage. Kelly’s proposal says the state “may” end expansion — meaning she or a future governor could opt to continue with less federal money.

Documents obtained by The Associated Press through an open records request show that an initial draft of Kelly’s proposed legislation contained the 2017 “poison pill.” Kelly’s advisers on Medicaid expansion suggested the weaker language and it changed before Kelly released her proposal to the GOP-controlled Legislature.

“The working group wanted to provide the state with some flexibility in managing the new Medicaid program, while also protecting the state’s finances should federal funding be reduced,” Kelly spokeswoman Ashley All said Monday.

It’s not clear how many legislators are aware of the change. Top Republicans remain adamantly opposed to Medicaid expansion, viewing it as costly to the state despite the promised federal funding, and no committee has had a hearing on Kelly’s specific proposal.

House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, a conservative Wichita Republican, said if the federal government backed off its funding promises, “screaming and the gnashing of teeth” over ending an entitlement program would prevent state officials from doing it.

“The only way it can be shut down is if it’s forced by law,” he said.

Kansas is one of only 14 states that have not expanded their Medicaid programs or had voters approve a ballot initiative. Supporters argue that expansion would cover thousands of struggling families and boost troubled rural hospitals.

The 2010 federal Affordable Care Act encouraged states to expand Medicaid by offering to cover almost all of the cost.

With conservatives questioning how long Congress would stand by its promise, given federal budget deficits, Kansas’ 2017 bill stipulated that if the federal government’s share of funding dropped below 90 percent, the state was required to end the expanded coverage within a year. A poison pill has been included in a majority of expansion proposals since 2013.

“I think that’s going to have to be an element of any bill,” said Rep. Russ Jennings, a moderate Lakin Republican who supports expansion. “Because of the cost implications.”

Emails released to the AP show that members of Kelly’s team were working on a draft of her bill in December. The Medicaid working group met Jan. 18 in a Statehouse conference room, four days after Kelly took office.

A suggestion to change the poison pill language came from that meeting, according to notes circulated to members by email afterward by a Kelly staffer. The notes did not say who suggested the change, but “shall” became “may.”

“There were a lot of little tweaks that were done, but that was the only substantive change, at least in my mind, from the 2017 bill,” said April Holman, executive director of the pro-expansion Alliance for a Healthy Kansas and a member of Kelly’s group.

Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, a Kansas City Democrat and another working group member, said it wanted to avoid ending expansion because the federal government “went down one point” on its funding percentage.

But she said she would support a full-strength poison pill “if that’s the hold-up between passing Medicaid expansion and not.”

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