TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has added a new data set to its online health data query tool, Kansas Information for Communities (KIC). Emergency department data from the state’s general hospitals is now available on the KIC page.
“Using KIC, individuals and policy makers will be able to see the diagnoses that bring almost 900,000 residents to emergency departments at Kansas hospitals,” said KDHE Acting Secretary and State Health Officer Lee A. Norman, M.D. “This information can provide an insight into the injuries and illnesses affecting Kansans, many of which are preventable.”
Using the KIC emergency department data, individuals will be able to produce statistics on the number of ED visits by county, race, ethnicity, sex and various diagnosis categories. The diagnosis codes are grouped using a clinical classification software developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The same categories are used in the hospital discharge or inpatient diagnoses that are reported in the KIC hospital discharge query tool.
KIC can produce counts, rates and age-adjusted hospital ED or inpatient rates. Other data sets contained in KIC include hospital discharge procedures, births, deaths, pregnancies, cancer and population. Data used in KIC is deidentified with some small counts or unreliable rates suppressed.
The KIC web site also hosts a variety of other statistics, data and resources. The URL is https://kic.kdheks.gov.
Fans of the musical comedy series Church Basement Ladies will finally get to know more about the men of East Cornucopia Lutheran Church, in the new production “Rise Up O Men” coming to the Oakley High School Auditorium, Monday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. Central.
This sidesplitting, uplifting peek into the lives of the rural Norwegian Lutherans who audiences first fell in love with in 2005 is the sixth chapter of the story begun in the original Church Basement Ladies. Rise Up O Men features familiar faces: Mrs. Mavis Gilmerson, Mrs. Vivian Snustad, and Mrs. Karin Engleson who would never leave the basement kitchen unattended, of course (who would make bars for the youth group meeting?). But as they busy themselves with preparations for their churches participation in the town’s 1964 Centennial Celebration, we get to see their coming and goings from the eyes of the menfolk, who have their own problems to solve. Karin’s husband Elroy, farmer Carl and Great War vet Arlo are joined in brotherhood by series staple Pastor E.L. Gunderson. Their camaraderie unites them as they deal with furnace salesmen, looming retirement, rival Protestant denominations, the Pastor’s bad jokes, and Arlene’s even-worse cooking.
“We’re ready to introduce some new faces to the many fans who’ve become part of the Church Basement Ladies family over the years,” said Troupe America’s Curt Wollan, who has produced all six of the shows. “We’ve also got a lineup of original musical numbers that we’ve caught our preview audiences humming on the way out of the theatre—between the belly laughs and the songs, Rise Up O Men is an exciting addition to the Church Basement Ladies canon.”
The series of Church Basement Ladies productions are inspired by the bestselling book Growing Up Lutheran by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson. This latest chapter in the lives of these rural Minnesota Norwegians was developed by Greta Grosch, who wrote the scripts for the second, third, fourth, and fifth musicals in the series. Longtime Minneapolis StarTribune theatre critic Graydon Royce contributed additional material. Composer and songwriter Dennis Curley wrote the music, with lyrics by Dennis Curley and Greta Grosch.
Originally produced by Troupe America Inc, the original musical comedy, “The Church Basement Ladies”, opened at the Plymouth Playhouse in Minneapolis September 2005 to a response so enthusiastic that its initial run lasted two-and-a half years. Five sequels have expanded the universe of these familiar and beloved “Steel Magnolias of the Prairie,” making The Church Basement Ladies the most successful show in Troupe America’s 30-year history. Millions of Americans discovered a heartfelt connection to its deeply funny church matriarchs through regional and national touring productions. WPAA has brought all Church Basement Ladies comedies to northwest Kansas over more than a decade. This season’s WPAA programs are made possible through the generous support of area businesses and individual donors, including a major gift from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, Kansas. Admission by WPAA season ticket or $20 adults, $10 students at the door.
The Republican-controlled Kansas House approved wide-ranging tax legislation Thursday. The measure would reduce sales taxes on food, which could help Kansans across the income spectrum. It would also give some big corporations a break, and that will likely spark a showdown with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.
The Kansas House on Thursday debated who would benefit from a tax cut package and what it would cost the state. The measure is likely to be in Gov. Laura Kelly’s hands soon. STEPHEN KORANDA / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
Senate leaders introduced the initial version of the bill earlier this session in response to the federal tax overhaul of 2017. They pushed for the legislation to allow Kansans to continue itemizing on their state taxes even if they no longer do so on their federal returns because of larger standard deductions. They also wanted to free Kansas businesses from owing state taxes on overseas income that Congress incentivized them to repatriate.
Supporters of the proposal in both the Senate and the House said without it the federal tax cuts would trigger a state tax increase on businesses and people who itemize.
Opponents argued it amounts to a tax break for big business and the wealthy and would prompt the state to forfeit an estimated $400 million in revenue over the next three years just as its finances are stabilizing.
“I understand the temptation to keep the money,” Republican state Rep. Les Mason said during the House debate Thursday. “Are we going to do the right thing? Are we going to get this money back to the rightful owners?”
To make the legislation more palatable, House lawmakers bundled in a provision to cut the sales tax by 1 percentage point, which alone would lower state tax collections by around $175 million over three years. Another added provision would offset that some by collecting more from online purchases, raising an estimated $88 million during that time.
If lawmakers advance it with another vote, the bill will head to negotiations between the chambers to reconcile the changes made by the House.
Gov. Kelly hasn’t explicitly threatened to veto the bill, but she has said that tax cuts should not be a priority right now. Instead, she said the Legislature should come up with the money to satisfy the Kansas Supreme Court that school funding is adequate.
“It is time to put the priorities of Kansas families first and fund our schools,” she said last month. “With a Supreme Court deadline fast approaching, the Legislature should be focusing on education, not another irresponsible tax plan.”
The state’s finances are on solid ground since lawmakers reversed many of the tax cuts passed in 2012. But, Kelly has said making major tax changes could cause a repeat of the fiscal troubles Kansas faced during former Gov. Sam Brownback’s tenure.
In a way, the internet tax collections and food sales taxes are a political dare legislators may drop in front of Kelly. The food sales tax cut and internet sales tax provisions appear quite popular and they could be used to pressure her to sign the bill into law or stoke criticism if she vetoes it.
“It’s all about the hate of our governor,” Democratic state Rep. Cindy Neighbor said on the House floor. “It’s time to quit playing party politics.”
Reducing the food sales tax has broad support as a way to benefit lower-income Kansans, but it never happens because of the huge financial cost to the state budget.
Some House members blasted the bill for only cutting the state food sales tax from 6.5 to 5.5 percent. Local sales taxes further raise the rate.
Uncertainty over the cost of the bill is also a sticking point, with supporters and opponents alike questioning the accuracy of the estimates.
“It’s a shot in the dark,” Republican Senate President Susan Wagle said earlier in the session. She wondered aloud how much Kansas could stand to lose if the legislation doesn’t pass and businesses leave the state for a more favorable tax climate.
The uncertainty is exactly why Democrat Jim Gartner opposed it Thursday in the House. Without knowing the true cost, he said the bill could put the state in dire financial straits if the country enters a recession.
“What are we doing?” he asked on the floor. “We have no data. No concrete data.”
The Kansas Small Business Development Center will host four free tax workshops at Fort Hays State University over two days in April for small business owners.
Carl York, tax specialist, and Brett Gerber, state auditor, will provide business owners with all the information they need to know about taxes for their business.
The first workshop, “Small Business Tax Workshop,” is from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, April 16, in the Memorial Union’s Cavalry Room. This workshop will cover Kansas retailers’ sales tax and compensating use tax, goods and services subject to sales tax, record keeping and filing requirements, form preparation, exemption certificate, and withholding requirements.
“Labor: Understanding Regulations, Forms, and Reports,” is from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, in the Union’s Cavalry Room. Topics covered include unemployment insurance tax liabilities, steps for filing tax returns, and new hire information.
The third workshop is “Contractor’s Tax Workshop,” from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on April 16 in the Cavalry Room. Sales tax on materials and labor, project exemption certificates, and sales tax returns will be covered. To register, visit https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/24581.
The final workshop is “Agricultural Sales and Use Tax,” from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 17, in the Cavalry Room. Topics covered will include how sales and use tax apply to ag businesses, exemptions, basic sales and use tax laws, and purchases tax.
The Kansas SBDC is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with Kansas Department of Commerce and Fort Hays State University.
Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 47. Very windy, with a west southwest wind 14 to 19 mph becoming northwest 28 to 33 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 47 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Blustery, with a north northwest wind 18 to 23 mph decreasing to 8 to 13 mph in the evening.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. East wind 6 to 9 mph.
Monday
A 20 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. East southeast wind 7 to 10 mph.
Monday Night
Rain. Low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday
Rain likely, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night
Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Wednesday
Rain. High near 52. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
TOPEKA – Registration is open for this year’s Kansas Rural Opportunities Conference in Dodge City.
The Kansas Department of Commerce hosts this conference annually to provide useful information about rural Kansas living, as well as to engage in a dialogue with rural Kansans to determine how the Department can bolster its efforts to improve the well-being of rural communities in the state.
The Conference will take place at the Boot Hill Casino & Conference Center in Dodge City on April 2-3.
New Commerce Secretary David Toland will be kicking off the conference and Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers will discuss the Office of Rural Prosperity. Lt. Governor Rogers and Secretary Toland will provide insight to community development efforts.
“The Kelly Administration is committed to ensuring that all Kansans have a high quality of life, regardless of their zip code,” said David Toland, Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.
“The Rural Opportunities Conference is a forum for learning about programs that can support and enhance rural communities, as well as an opportunity for residents to tell us their vision for the new Office of Rural Prosperity, which will be headed by Lieutenant Governor Rogers. Whether a business owner, local official, or just an everyday resident concerned about their community, the Rural Opportunities Conference is the place to be in April.”
HUTCHINSON – Fresh off their best offensive performance of the season the night before the TMP-Marian Monarchs struggled Friday night in a 62-50 loss to Girard in the 3A state semifinals at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
Bill Meagher postgame interview
The Monarchs opened up the game on a 7-2 run sparked by a Jackson Schulte three pointer and it appeared that the Monarchs would follow up Thursday’s hot shooting with another impressive performance but unfortunately the Monarchs would only hit two more three’s as they shot just 3-16 from three for 19%.
Even as the shooting woes continued the Monarchs were able to go step-for-step with the Trojans.
Girard used a 10-3 first quarter run to build a 15-12 lead after the first quarter.
The Trojans were able to build a five point lead a couple of times midway through the second quarter but Grant Ginther and Jackson Schulte completed a pair of three-point plays that cut the Trojans lead to 29-28 at the break.
With 6:00 left in the third quarter the Monarchs had closed within two at 34-32 only to see Girard outscore the Monarchs 12-3 to end the quarter and take a 48-37 lead into the fourth.
Girard was able to maintain the double-figure lead the rest of the way as they picked up the 62-50 win.
Jackson Schulte led the Monarchs with 13 points and Jared Mayers chipped in 11.
Game highlights
The loss drops TMP to 14-12 and they will take on Perry-Lecompton in the third place game Saturday.
Girard will face off with Beloit in the championship game.
RENO COUNTY — Authorities reported one of the children injured in Tuesday’s rural Reno County house fire has died.
Charolette Lynn Alley, 2, daughter of Hannah Perry and Dustin Alley died from her injuries, according to a social media report from the Reno County Sheriff. 70-year-old Judy Alley also died in the blaze.
First responders on the scene of Tuesday’s fatal house fire in Reno County -photo courtesy KAKE
Just after 2:30a.m., Tuesday, deputies were dispatched to the area of 9 E Horseshoe Lane, Pretty Prairie, in rural Reno County for the report of a structure fire with possible occupants still inside the residence.
Deputies arrived on scene within minutes of being dispatched and found a single story double-wide residence on fire, according to a media release.
The fire spread quickly to other parts of the structure It was reported that Hannah Lynn Perry, 21, was able to get out of the residence with her two children 2-year-old Charlotte and 1-year-old Wyatt and to the neighbor’s house across the street and call 911.
Hannah reported that her grandmother, 70-year-old Judy Kay Alley was still inside the residence.
The fire department was able to get the fire under control and found Judy Alley’s body.
Authorities have not reported the cause of the fire.
Four members of the 6888th (Photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense)
OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today, on International Women’s Day, announced that the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion were awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) by the Department of the Army on February 20, 2019 for the unit’s exceptionally meritorious performance during World War II. Sen. Moran sought the unit award on behalf of the women who served in the 6888th to recognize their service during their deployment to Europe.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the “Six-Triple-Eight” – was an all-black, all-female unit that served at home and in Europe during World War II, where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American service members and civilians.
“I am pleased to announce the awarding of the Meritorious Unit Citation to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion for their service during World War II,” said Sen. Moran. “This unit arrived in theater and successfully sorted and routed millions of pieces of mail for servicemembers and civilians sent by their loved ones with the expectation that they would be delivered. As we celebrate Black History Month and the start of Women’s History Month, it is important we pause to recognize the contributions and service of this historic unit.”
“It is a privilege to celebrate the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, who served as the first and only Black -American unit in the Women’s Army Corps to deploy overseas during WWII,” said Commander of U.S. Army Human Resources Command Major General Jason Evans. “Their service was of notable distinction as they cleared over a million pieces of mail, ensuring the delivery and boosting the morale of troops fighting in the European Theater. It is a tremendous honor to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of these women by awarding them the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The legacy of the 6888th will continue to inspire Soldiers today and for many more years to come as they take their rightful place in history.”
“This is very exciting and most gratifying for the women of 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and their families,” said retired Navy Commander and Chairman and Project Director for the 6888th Memorial Committee Carlton Philpot. “These women had a direct impact on the lives of so many at home and in the European Theater of Operations. If a letter was sent to and from the European Theater of Operations between 1943-1946, these women probably sorted and redirected it. The efforts of these women greatly enhanced the morale of those in Europe and at home. After waiting nearly 74 years, I’m sure I speak on behalf of so many when I say that many are very thankful for all of Senator Moran’s support and effort in getting these women this long overdue recognition they earned and deserve.”
More information about a Meritorious Unit Commendation can be found here.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court has denied a 37-year-old Kansas woman’s appeal of her conviction for killing her son.
Blansett -photo KDOC
Lindsey Blansett was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated assault in the December 2014 death of her son, Caleb, in Wellington. Prosecutors said she beat him with a rock and stabbed him to death. She was given a Hard 25 sentence.
Prosecutors argued during Blansett’s trial that she killed her son to spare him from suffering. Her defense argued she was mentally ill at the time and believed people were coming to her house to hurt Caleb.
Blansett’s appeal argued jury instructions not to consider her mental illness were erroneous.
The state Supreme Court said the instructions didn’t prevent the jury from considering how Blansett’s mental illness affected her ability to premeditate the crime.
SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on burglary and other charges after a Thursday arrest with the assistance of a K-9 officer
Just after 2p.m, a police patrol officer observed Christopher Rohan, 32, of Salina, outside a residence in the 600 block of South Fifth Street in Salina, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.
Rohan photo Saline Co.
Rohan was wanted for three felony warrants from Saline County District Court and three misdemeanor warrants from Salina Municipal Court.
After the officer called for assistance, one of the officers at the scene observed Rohan at the back of the residence. When Rohan spotted the officer, he ran south with police in pursuit.
A K-9 officer was deployed and tracked Rohan to the trunk of a car in a garage further south in the 600 block of South Fifth Street.
Police opened the trunk and the K-9 officer was deployed to get Rohan out. Rohan received a couple of bites that resulted in lacerations to his knees and right leg, according to Forrester.
Rohan was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, where he was treated, released and booked on requested charges of felony obstruction and burglary in addition to the warrants.
Hays High School Athletic Director Lance Krannawitter confirmed Friday that varsity basketball coach Rick Keltner has resigned. Keltner informed his team on Friday afternoon of the decision.
Keltner has been the head coach for the Indians the past 34 years. He directed the team to a 453-291 record. Keltner started his career at St. John’s-Tipton and, including those seven seasons, amassed a 536-357 record.
The Indians had just seven seasons with a sub .500 record and only two since the 1999-2000 season. The team made six state tournaments under Keltner with a three fourth-place finishes and a one third.
Hays High will begin the search for a new coach immediately.
HARVEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating multiple suspects on drug and additional assault charges after a police officer was involved in a reported altercation
On Friday officers responded to the 100 block of South Main in Newton to serve an arrest warrant, according to a social media report from police. Once at the residence the officers smelled the odor of drugs.
Upon entering the house a fight ensued and an officer was thrown through a wall. The officer was not injured, according to police.
Three people were taken into custody on warrants and charges related to the fight. The department is applying for a search warrant to search the residence.
There were multiple people in the residence at the time including men, women and children. Police released no additional details Friday afternoon.
KDHE
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