TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Kansas House has approved GOP income tax relief proposals and a small cut in the state’s sales tax on groceries.
The vote Friday was 76-43 on a bill aimed at preventing individuals and businesses from paying more state income taxes because of changes in federal tax laws at the end of 2017. The measure also would drop the sales tax on groceries to 5.5 percent from 6.5 percent and includes provisions to increase tax collections from internet sales.
The Senate approved the bill last month but without the sales tax provisions. Senators expect to decide next week whether to accept the House’s changes or force negotiations.
GOP leaders contend the bill prevents a tax increase but Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said lawmakers should stabilize the budget first.
The Final Master Order for the R9 Ranch long-term water project is off the desk of the Chief Engineer of the Division of Water Resources (DWR), announced Hays Mayor Henry Schwaller on Thursday night.
“He (David Barfield) finished the order as he said he would. It is now under consideration by Division of Water Resources attorneys and then we will get to look at it as well,” Schwaller said at the end of the city commission work session. “Once that Master Order is reviewed, it will be issued.”
“It will become official,” added City Manager Toby Dougherty, “and the start of the Water Transfer (Act) is contingent upon an approved change order.”
“So, we cannot start that process until it is approved.”
The Final Master Order is set up to be contingently approved with a clause that if the cities of Hays and Russell are not successful in negotiating the transfer process, none of the changes will take effect, Dougherty explained.
The next step, he said, is for the cities to “start pressing the three agency heads to begin moving forward with the water transfer process.”
By state law, once the Final Master Order is issued, the Water Transfer Act will be triggered. The act still requires approval within 18 months from a three-person panel consisting of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary or the KDHE Director of the Division of Environment, the head of the Kansas Water Office, and the chief engineer of the KDA/DWR. The state agriculture department oversees the Division of Water Resources.
“So one step is down. Two more to go. We’re very excited about that,” Schwaller added.
Hays Post has passed the 15,000-follower mark on Facebook!
To thank our loyal readers, Eagle is giving away an Amazon Echo Dot home assistant and a cool tumbler on our Facebook page. To enter for a chance to win, click HERE!
Sam Harold Wright, 67, of Salina, passed away March 4, 2019. He was born Nov. 22, 1951 in Oberlin, to Harold and Ileen (Bainter) Wright and was raised in the Dresden, Kan., community.
He attended school at Dresden, Bird City and Norton, graduating from Jennings High School in 1973. After high school he moved to Salina to find work. He did job training at OCCK and later worked at several businesses until his health deteriorated.
Sam is survived by: sisters, Jane Kay Brown (Frank) of Salina, and Ianth Fay Gallentine (Larry) of Ogallaha, Neb.; brothers, Thomas Wright (Mary) of Salina, and Stephen Wright (Janet) of Hays; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; grandparents; and sister-in-law, Judy (Gaines) Wright.
Cremation has been chosen. Graveside service will be held for family and friends at a later date at The Dresden Cemetery, Dresden, Kan.
Memorials may be made to Windsor Estates Nursing Home, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS 67401.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting and have made a second arrest.
Reyna Wallace -photo Sedgwick County
Just after 6:30 p.m. February 17, police responded to a shooting call at the City Host Hotel in the 4400 Block of South Broadway in Wichita, according to Police Captain Brent Allred.
Investigators learned that there were three individuals inside a reported stolen 2004 Cadillac Deville that pulled into the motel parking lot, according to Allred. There was an argument inside the vehicle. A suspect identified as 31-year-old Christopher Kemmerly shot 34-year-old Justin Gaston one time with a shotgun as he exited the vehicle. The disagreement was drug related, according to Allred.
A 26-year-old male witness told police he fount Gaston injured on the ground and rendered aid until EMS arrived. Gaston died from his injuries at the scene.
On Wednesday, police arrested 34-year-old Reyna Wallace of El Dorado on one count of 1st degree murder. She allegedly was the third suspect in the stolen Cadillac at the time of the fatal shooting. The vehicle was later located in the area of 5500 south West Street fully engulfed in flames, according to Allred. Wallace made a first court appearance on Thursday afternoon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney and remains jailed on a $250,000 Bond, according to online jail records.
On February 18, police arrested Kemmerly. He was under state supervision for multiple crimes committed in Butler County, including aggravated arson, aggravated intimidation of a witness or victim, criminal use of explosives, criminal damage to property and a weapons violation, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
The Hays Public Library has hired Jeremy Gill to serve as the Kansas Room coordinator. In this role, Gill will oversee the Dorothy D. Richards Kansas Room.
Gill previously worked at Thomas More Prep-Marian and for the Fort Hays State Historic Site. He graduated from Fort Hays State University with both his bachelor’s and master’s in history.
“I am passionate about local, regional, and Great Plains history and am excited to assist patrons with research questions pertaining to these topics,” Gill said.
He also said he wants to improve access to resources and develop new programming for the library. Gill began working at the library on March 4.
The Dorothy D. Richards Kansas Collection contains nonfiction and fiction books about the history of Kansas and the West. Genealogy resources are available, as well as, a special collection having to do with Volga German families. In addition, there is microfilm of Ellis County newspapers and Ellis County Census Records.
Kylie Geist, RN, and Ann Arnold, RN, were recognized as HaysMed DAISY Award winners.
Geist works on the acute care unit, and Arnold works in the special nurse services unit.
Geist and Arnold were selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of staff and supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed. Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings.
“Their nominations epitomize teamwork, leadership and customer service,” said Terry Siek, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at HaysMed. “We are so fortunate to have nurses of (their) caliber and dedication working at HaysMed.”
Arnold
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.
To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to www.haysmed.com/daisyaward. For more information, call (785) 623-2388.
Are you detail-oriented and enjoy supporting your fellow coworkers? Would you like to have a vested interest in your company where you will see your efforts benefit the company and the community? If so, we are looking for you at Eagle Communications!
Eagle Communications is 100% employee-owned and we are hiring for a full-time Administrative Assistant. This person would be instrumental in the corporate office’s day-to-day operations. The position is located in Hays, KS.
Responsibilities:
– Answering phones and receiving the public.
– Data processing, recordkeeping, and filing.
– Developing and maintaining documents and forms.
– Providing support to management and employees.
– Planning and coordinating company meetings and events.
– Supporting community outreach efforts.
– Maintaining internal communications through emails, newsletters and social media.
– Scheduling conference rooms and corporate vehicle.
– General office upkeep including ordering supplies, mailing and shipping.
– Basic accounting and bookkeeping functions.
Qualifications/Experience:
-Two years related experience preferred.
– Familiar with Microsoft Office programs and Adobe Acrobat.
– Previous accounting or bookkeeping experience preferred.
– Knowledge of office equipment such as printers, copiers, and fax machines.
– Proper phone etiquette.
– Ability to speak and write clearly and accurately.
– Demonstrated proficiency in typing and grammar.
– Multi-tasking capabilities.
– Interpersonal skills and create a positive experience for others.
– Desire to be proactive and creative.
Salary:
Compensation is commensurate with experience, along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, and employee stock ownership plan.
Other information:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.
KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison without parole for operating a $4.7 million investment fraud scheme involving cattle.
Cameron Hager, of Clinton, Mo., was sentenced Tuesday and ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution to the victims of his crime. Hager pleaded guiltyin June to wire fraud and money laundering.
Hager operated 5A Holdings. He admitted that from July 2015 to September 2017 he solicited victims to invest in a “cattle fund” that would buy herds of cattle to be sold later at a substantial profit. He said he never intended to buy any cattle.
Hager received $4.7 million dollars from 92 investors. The total loss was $3.2 million. Prosecutors say he used the money for personal expenses like mortgage payments and vehicles.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After fighting toe-to-toe with Missouri Western in the first half, the third-ranked Fort Hays State women’s basketball team pulled away after the break to win Thursday’s MIAA Women’s Basketball Championship quarterfinal matchup, 71-58 (March 7). The Tigers (28-1) now advance to the conference semifinals at 6 p.m. Saturday (March 9) to take on either Washburn or Emporia State inside historic Municipal Auditorium.
Taylor Rolfs provided a spark in the second half, scoring all 16 of her points in the final 20 minutes. After the Griffons closed within one point three minutes into the second half, the junior scored 10 straight points over the next three-plus minutes to pad the lead to double figures, 46-35.
Missouri Western battled back within four by the midway point of the fourth quarter, but another 10-point run helped the Tigers pull away for good. Rolfs was again responsible for the bulk of the scoring, scoring three points the old fashioned way before knocking down her third triple of the game one minute later. Belle Barbieri added a pair of layups during the stretch, with the second basket putting the Tigers up by 14 with 2:49 to play, 62-48.
Lanie Page drilled her third three-pointer in the fourth quarter before adding two free throws late to put the game on ice.
The Tigers appeared poised to break things open early after taking a six point lead by the midway point of the first quarter, 12-6. Page scored eight of those points, hitting her first three field goals over an 87-second stretch. But the Griffons would not go away easily, closing the quarter on a 12-5 run to take a lead into the second frame, 18-17.
Fort Hays State regained the lead early in the second stanza on a Barbieri layup, later leading by as many as six before MWSU went on an 8-1 run to go back in front, 29-28. Page scored the final four points of the half on a three-pointer and a free throw to put the Tigers up by three at the break, 32-29.
The Tigers shot 47.2 percent for the game, including a 51.9 percent effort in the second half. FHSU dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Griffons 39-22. With 13 turnovers compared to just nine from MWSU, the Tigers turned the ball over more than its opponent for just the third time this season, and the second time against the Griffons.
Page led the team with 19 points while adding four blocks on the defensive end. Barbieri finished the game with 13 points and nine rebounds while Tatyana Legette put up eight points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
The top-seeded Tigers advance to the MIAA semifinals for the sixth time, where they will await the winner of Friday’s matchup between No. 4 Washburn and No. 5 Emporia State.
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.
Mason -photo Shawnee Co.
Just before 7a.m. Wednesday, police was called to the Clubhouse Inn, 924 SW Henderson Road in Topeka for report of a burglary, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.
At the scene, police found items linking 24-year-old Corey Mason, a Kansas felon, to the burglary.
When officers attempted to make contact with Mason around 8a.m., he successfully fled from officers.
At approximately 3p.m., police located Mason and attempted to stop him near SW Huntoon and Mac Vicar and he again attempted to elude officers on foot; however he was captured near 16th and Boswell.
Mason is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for a probation violation warrant and under suspicion of felony obstruction, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, burglary, theft and criminal damage, according to Jones.
Mason has previous convictions that include burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Last year was the third wettest year on record for the city of Hays.
In 2018, Hays received 37.55 inches of moisture, just a quarter-inch shy of 37.99 inches that fell in 1993 – the second wettest year.
Official daily records have been kept by the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town since 1868.
Still, the abundant moisture does not mean an end or even slowdown of the city’s water conservation programs started in 1992.
Holly Dickman, Hays water conservation specialist
“We’re in really great shape right now. The seasonal drought outlook is good for us showing no drought at least through April,” said Holly Dickman, Hays’ water conservation specialist. “The soils are very saturated right now.”
She presented a wrap up of the water conservation programs in 2018 to city commissioners last week and talked about what will be done in 2019.
The high efficiency toilet rebate program was the most popular in 2018 and Dickman expects the same this year. Most of the rebates were for residences.
TOILET REBATES 2018
449 toilets replaced at a cost of $38,200 to the city
289 replaced in 2017
Potential 2,934,853 gallons of water saved
WASHING MACHINE REBATES 2018
91 washing machines replaced at a cost of $9,100 to the city
89 replaced in 2017
81% of machines had Integrated Water Factor (IWF) of 3.2 gallons or less
Potential 691,849 gallons of water saved
URINAL REBATES 2018
3 urinals replaced at a cost of $900 to the city
Potential 191,625 gallons of water saved
Urinal rebate eliminated for 2019
TURF CONVERSION 2018
9 turf conversions of 12,734 sq. ft. at a cost of $9,023 to the city
26 conversions in 2017
Average rebate of $931.40
Pending conversions of 18,864 sq. ft.
LOW FLOW SHOWER HEAD PROGRAM 2018
146 shower heads distributed
103 distributed in 2017
Potential 852,640 gallons of water saved
Last year was slow for turf conversions due to the plentiful rain. Several pre-inspections are pending. Property owners have one year to complete the work.
The urinal rebate is not a popular program according to Dickman and has been eliminated for 2019. She noted the Golden Q Sports Bar & Grill was the sole participant last year.
“If there is a commercial business that would like to replace their urinals, I encourage them to contact me. There are other ways we can help facilitate that,” she added.
Notable projects of 2018 included the change out in Jan. of 98 toilets by the Fort Hays Inn, 2524 Vine, to models with a 1.28 gallon per flush (gpf).
In 2017, the motel used an average 7,890 cu. ft. of water per month. In 2018, that was reduced to 2,704 cu. ft. per month.
Tiger Mart convenience store, 335 W. 8th St., changed out a water-cooled ice machine for an air-cooled model in Aug. Average monthly water use for the ice machine was reduced to 620 cu. ft. from 2,400 cu. ft.
“Those are phenomenal,” said Commissioner Sandy Jacobs.
Commissioner James Meier agreed. “Of course, we’re excited about the water savings, but the monetary savings. Think what that means to them. That has to be thousands of dollars.”
(Click to enlarge)
Dickman shared a list of 18 types of education and outreach she uses, “in all ways, shapes and forms,” saying it all comes down to communication. “The more variety, the better.”
Dickman also noted the revamped city of Hays website includes a blue topic button on the front page and a featured column for water conservation information.
A new mascot, Water$mart Wally,” was created last year and first introduced to the Lincoln School third-graders.
The city of Hays and KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds will host a free World Water Day Fun Fest for children 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thu., March 14 in the lobby of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive.
