SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking the public for help to locate suspects.
Early Wednesday, police responded to a home near the 1800 block of SW Fairlawn Road in Topeka, on a report of a burglary, according to a media release.
Upon arrival and after speaking with the victim of the burglary, it was discovered that sometime during the evening hours on Tuesday, March 26 at least one suspect entered the victim’s home and stole over 30 firearms. These firearms were comprised of pistols, rifles and shotguns.
Police are seeking the public’s help in this case and ask that if anyone with information on the crime should contact investigators.
Police also reminded, “Anytime even a single firearm is stolen, there is concern that the firearm could end up in the hands of a criminal and be used to commit a crime. We would like to remind the public of the importance of securing your firearms properly and keeping their location private.”
Goodland resident and former St. Francis resident Linfred Eugene Lyle Oster, 69, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Goodland on March 17, 2019.
Lin was born on November 13, 1949 in St. Francis, KS to Lyle Willard and Edna Gertrude Elizabeth (Walter) Oster. He was one of two children. He grew up and attended school in St. Francis, graduating from St. Francis Community High School in 1967.
Lin worked for several different construction companies throughout his life. He worked for Rhoads Construction in Goodland helping lay bricks at Central and West Elementary Schools. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed growing many different plants and vegetables.
He was a member of the First Christian Church in Goodland, and was a former member of the Jaycees and Lions Club.
Lin was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his sister Gloria (Jesse) McWilliams of Hill City, KS, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Lin will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 10:30 AM MT at the First Christian Church in Goodland with Pastor Doug Amend officiating.
Memorial contributions may be designated to the Linfred Oster Memorial Fund and may be sent to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Services are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Viola A. Burns, age 90, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019 surrounded by her loving family members.
A Rosary will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019 followed by a Visitation Service and 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Sabina Catholic Church, 700 Trevis Ave., Belton, Missouri 64012. A Burial will be held immediately following the Funeral Mass at Belton Cemetery in Belton, Missouri.
Viola was born on September 24, 1928 in Munjor, Kansas. She was the daughter of Hilarius Leiker and Bridget (Jacobs) Leiker.
On September 10, 1955 Viola was joined in marriage with her loving husband, Raymond P. Burns. Together they were blessed with four children, James, Gary, Lawrence, and Kathy. For most of Viola’s life she worked as a homemaker, caring for her four children. She very much enjoyed gardening, bowling, and was a member of Loosely Knit Knitters. She was an avid sports fan, especially when watching her sons or grandsons play. She was a faithful member of St. Sabina Catholic Church.
Viola was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Raymond P. Burns; parents Hilarius and Bridget Leiker; five brothers, Gilbert, Robert, Francis, Charles, and Richard Leiker; and two sisters, Agnes Pfannenstiel and Dolores Hoffman.
She is survived by her four loving children, James R. Burns, Gary J. Burns (Janet), Lawrence G. Burns, and Kathy A. Burns; sister Laverna Samuelson (John); brother Larry Leiker (Donna); and two grandchildren John and James.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Sabina Catholic Church, 700 Trevis Ave., Belton, Missouri 64012.
The nationwide foster care crisis is no secret. Most of us agree that “someone” needs to do “something.” Could God be calling you to be that “someone”? Come to an information session to learn about the big and small opportunities that are available to you right here in Hays. Just attending this session is a chance to do “something”!
The information session will take place on Sunday, April 7 in the Hays North Oak Community Church sanctuary, 3000 Oak Street, during the Sunday School hour (9:50-10:50 a.m).
Representatives from St. Francis Ministries as well as CarePortal will be present to share about a variety of opportunities to be involved in the care of foster children and families in crisis in our community. This informative hour is not just for those interested in becoming foster families, but will provide information on helping this population of our community in other ways too! There will be a Q&A time as well a chance to pray about how God may be leading your family. Please plan to join us for this special opportunity!
If you have any questions regarding this special event, contact Stephanie Burkholder at 785.656.1028, Meagan Eiland at 785.259.6353, or Jess Albin at 303.903.1283.
Hammond named President Emeritus of Fort Hays State by the Kansas Board of Regents
By LEXIE WASINGER FHSU University Relations and Marketing
After serving as president of Fort Hays State University for 27 years, Dr. Edward H. Hammond is no stranger to being recognized for his commitment to higher education, where he has held numerous titles in his 40-plus years in the field.
But Hammond’s most recent title is the most meaningful yet.
Last semester, Hammond was named President Emeritus of Fort Hays State by the Kansas Board of Regents.
Current FHSU President Tisa Mason nominated Hammond, who was then selected by the board to receive the prestigious designation.
Hammond said his newest title is personally the most meaningful for him.
“It confirmed for me that the board believed that I left this place better than when I came,” he said. “It’s the historical perspective to it. That’s why this one is so special.”
While leading the institution for nearly three decades, Hammond was influential in moving FHSU into the 21st century. Digitizing the campus, establishing a partnership with universities in China, and creating the FHSU Virtual College, which now offers over 200 accredited online degrees and certificates, are just a few of the numerous accomplishments that occurred with Hammond at the helm.
Throughout his tenure, Hammond demonstrated a knack for being on the cutting edge of trends.
His tendency to adapt and thrive in constant change began early. He moved around frequently during his grade school years, calling California, Kansas, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Washington home at different points. His ability to adapt to the ever-changing world, as well as his clear vision for the university, allowed him to leave the university in a secure position.
Hammond promised himself that he would retire from his role as president on a high note. Approaching his 70th birthday, he announced in October 2013 that he would be retiring the next June. He turned 70 on May 4, 2014.
“I’ve watched presidents stay longer than they should,” he said. “We were on a roll, were financially stable, and growth was going on. I wanted to go out on top.”
Following his retirement, Hammond began teaching classes in the Department of Advanced Education Programs and is the program director for the higher education student affairs curriculum. His unique perspective on the field and his varied experiences allow him to pass on his passion for higher education to future student affairs professionals.
The honor is a validation of the years he spent committed to Fort Hays State and is another reminder of the ways Hammond’s presidency raised FHSU to its present state and continues to influence the university’s future.
While the meaning behind the designation is great, the practical changes are small.
“Now,” he said with a smile, “I have another line on my business card.”
Longtime Goodland, Kansas, resident Deanna Carroll Buhr, 62, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland.
Deanna was born in Casper, Wyoming, on October 7, 1956 to Lynn and Maralyn (Moss) Denney. She was one of seven children. When Deanna was young, the family moved to Holyoke, Colorado, where she attended school and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1974. She then went on and attended one year of Beauty School in Sterling, Colorado.
On September 22, 1989, Deanna married Paul Gerhard Buhr in Yuma, Colorado. In 1992, they moved to Goodland where Deanna worked for many years as a Dispatcher for Sherman County until health issues forced her to resign.
Proceeding her in death was her father, and 2 brothers; Terry and David Denney.
She is survived by her husband Paul Buhr of Goodland, her mother Maralyn Denny of Holyoke, CO, her three children; Adam (Jacki) Waters of Goodland, Crystal (Jason) Garner of Hays, KS and Amanda Campbell of Goodland. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren; Blayn Waters, Jonathan Garner, Jeremy Garner, Brysun Waters, Michael Garner, Gabriel Campbell, Nicholas Garner, Melody Campbell and Connor Campbell; one sister Lana Mekelburg of Yuma, CO, and three brothers Doug Denney of Holyoke, CO, Greg Denney of Grand Island, NE and Jeff Denney of Yuma, CO.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Service arrangements have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Phillipsburg resident Carole H. Newlin passed away March 27, 2019 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, KS at the age of 84. She was born Feb. 6, 1935 in Horton, KS, the daughter of Merl & Mary (Field) Ingels.
Survivors include her daughters; Kim Babcock of Phillipsburg and Kay Newlin of Grand Island, NE; her brother, Rodney Ingels of Hiawatha, KS; 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 30 at 10:00 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating. Graveside services will be held 3:30 p.m. in the Horton Cemetery, Horton, KS.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 Thursday and 9:00 to 9:00 Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church or Hospice Services.
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Small Business Development Center statewide network recognized the 2019 Kansas SBDC Small Businesses of the Year at the annual awards ceremony in Topeka recently.
La Crosse Furniture, La Crosse, was named an Existing Small Business of the Year.
Each year the Kansas SBDC recognizes existing, emerging, and exporting Businesses of the Year from the eight Kansas SBDC regional centers.
In total, 16 Kansas small businesses were recognized at a ceremony in the Kansas State Capitol rotunda. The businesses were selected from more than 2,400 that received Kansas SBDC one-on-one business advising services in 2018.
“The selected businesses were chosen through careful consideration by our Kansas SBDC regional directors and advisors,” said Greg Panichello, Kansas SBDC state director. “Collectively, the Kansas SBDC team believes these 16 small businesses are excellent examples of small businesses that have learned to adapt and succeed in challenging times.”
WIBW-TV Anchor and Reporter Melissa Brunner emceed the event.
The businesses, listed with their locations and owners:
Existing Businesses of the Year
Floyds Inc. (automotive repair services), Emporia; John and Ruth Wheeler La Crosse Furniture Co., La Crosse; Employee-owned
Wolcott Foods, Kansas City; Ron and Ronnie Tilman
Good Energy Solutions, Lawrence; Kevin and Shana Good
Bolling’s Meat Market & Deli, Iola; Cara Bolling Thomas
Angela’s Wellness Center, Elkhart; Angela Willey
Dodd Installations, Wichita; Wilt and Tina Dodd
The Winged Lion, Manhattan; Ralph Diaz
Emerging Businesses of the Year
Ellen Plumb’s City Bookstore, Emporia; Marcia Lawrence
Lost Creek German Shepherds, Clayton; Taylor and John Meitl
Safely Delicious, Overland Park; Lisa Ragan
Leeway Franks, Lawrence; Lee and K Meisel
ArtForms Gallery, Pittsburg; Sue Horner, Janet Lewis, Ruth Miller and Sylvia Shirley
Gravity Wellness Center, Garden City; Kristi Schmitt
Triple Threat Ag Services, Conway Springs; Allen Lange, Paul Lange, Phillip Lange and Aaron Lange
Norsemen Brewing Company, Topeka; Jared and Emily Rudy, Adam and Melissa Rosdahl
About Kansas SBDC:
The Kansas SBDC is a statewide advising, consulting, and training service for small businesses (typically less than 500 employees) funded by federal, state, and local partners. Funding allows the Kansas SBDC to provide advising and training (such as financial analysis, marketing, and management) to businesses across the state at low or no cost. Kansas SBDC is an accredited member of America’s SBDC, the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States.
Fort Hays State University is the host institution for the Kansas SBDC.
To learn more, visit www.kansassbdc.net or call 877-625-7232.
For more information on the Kansas SBDC, contact Greg Panichello, 785-296-6514, [email protected].
Outstanding women have served with distinction at the Kansas District U.S. Attorney’s Office in Wichita.
In Kansas, we have been honored to serve with a long line of talented and dedicated women. They have excelled in their field and paved the way to success for other women.
During Women’s History Month, we recognize the following women:
Mary Beck Briscoe served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1974 to 1984 in the District of Kansas. Today she serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Karen Humphreys served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1978 to 1983. She was appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge in 1993, serving until she retired in 2015.
Janice Miller Karlin served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1980 to 2002. She went on to become a bankruptcy judge, serving until she retired in 2018.
Julie Robinson served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1983 to 1993. From 1992 to 1994 she served as Senior Litigation Counsel in the U.S. Attorney’s office. In 1994, she was appointed as a bankruptcy judge. In 2001, she became the first African American woman appointed to the U.S. District Court in Kansas, and she currently serves as Chief Judge of that court.
Karen Arnold-Burger served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1989 to 1991. She is now Chief Judge of the Kansas Court of Appeals.
Nancy Moritz served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1995 to 2004, before serving on the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court. In 2014, she took a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.
Today, women make about half the employees of the U.S. Attorney’s office in Kansas, including 13 attorneys and 37 members of the support team.
Stephen McAllister is the U.S. Attorney for the Kansas District.
Fr. Christopher Popravak, O.F.M.Cap., Provincial Minister
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Many are shedding tears these days, including myself, because of the great harm caused to minors and vulnerable adults by priests, deacons and religious brothers. On behalf of the Capuchin Franciscans I must beg your forgiveness for the trust betrayed by our abusive friars.
The knowledge has caused me personal grief. I am good friends with one of the victims, a student of mine who I taught at TMP-Marian. It took the individual many years to come forward and let me know what had happened. Sometimes victims are filled with shame and guilt. These feelings though, should not be theirs. The shame and guilt rightly belongs with the friars, especially those who caused the harm.
From an early age, I became aware of the disastrous effects of sexual abuse. When I was in the minor seminary back east, a classmate came to me and shared the horrible truth that he was being abused. The offender was not a priest or friar. The offender was the groundskeeper. I encouraged the young seminarian to report the abuse. He did.
The groundskeeper was fired. I don’t know whether the abuse was ever reported to authorities. The young man was asked to leave the seminary. I never saw him again. It grieved me then, it grieves me now.
Years later, when the Boston Globe made their revelations, I read that abuse victims can become victimizers themselves. Hurriedly I searched the internet and learned to my horror, that the former seminarian had become a priest and had, in fact, committed abuse himself. He was imprisoned for that.
So many people have been harmed. There is so much grief: the grief of victims, the grief of families of victims and families of abusers, the grief of scandalized parishioners, and even the grief of priests and friars who are faithful, dedicated servants but who are reeling with the constant disclosures about so many perpetrators. We cannot allow this to ever happen again.
I don’t believe that we friars will ever fully comprehend the great harm done to the victims of sexual abuse. I understand that there are people very disappointed with the church for not taking concrete steps to address these terrible crimes. Apologies are not enough. In fact, after a point, apologies sound meaningless, unless accompanied by protective measures. Worse still, apologies may have the effect of opening deep wounds of the survivors.
I hope that people refer to our webpage (www.capuchins.org) to see what positive actions we have taken to prevent this kind of sexual abuse from ever happening again. Many of the steps we are taking are mirrored across this country.
As believing Christians and as ministers of the Gospel of Christ more is expected of us. We must not only be above reproach, we must be instruments of healing in our church and in our world. Franciscans especially are called to be channels of God’s mercy, compassion and forgiveness.
We want to reach out to any who may have experienced abusive treatment at the hands of our brother Capuchins. Please come forward and report the abuse if you haven’t already. We want to work towards reparation of the harm done. We want to help restore faith in the Catholic Church and in the witness of those who follow the Gospel in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.
I myself have tried to accompany victims in their healing process, as have other provincial ministers. We have not always done this well. Some victims were disappointed, even angered by our ineptitude. We need to do better.
We Capuchins also have a history of working to promote the conversion of abusers. Not everyone knows that the attacker of 11 year old Maria Goretti, Alessandro Serenelli, lived out his final days in a Capuchin friary. In his crazed passion, the young Alessandro repeatedly stabbed Maria. Maria died the following day, her last words, “I forgive Alessandro Serenelli.” Serenelli was imprisoned for that heinous crime. Capuchins helped him live a life of penance and conversion after his release. He lived to see Maria become a saint. In a public act of reconciliation, Maria Goretti’s mother forgave Alessandro and together they were present for her canonization.
St. Maria Goretti is often seen as the patron not only of those who were abused, but also of those guilty of abuse.
Let us pray through her intercession for the healing of those who have been deeply wounded and for the conversion of all those involved.
Dear God, we ask you to help all those who suffer from abuse. Help them find healing and peace in their lives. May Maria Goretti, who was strengthened by Your Grace, join with us in prayer for the healing of all victims of abuse, particularly those abused as children or young adults.
Grant us your Love that we might reach out to them in Your Name with hope in times of trial. As Maria prayed for her attacker, grant us the grace to pray for the true conversion of all involved with the abuse: that they might seek Your Mercy through prayer and penance.
Loving God, pour into our hearts and lives your healing Spirit, that the sacredness of every human person might be respected and protected as the precious image of God. Help us to live in the peace which Maria Goretti had found in Christ and in the love of his mother Mary.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Conrad today released a list of names of friars with credible accusations of the sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult. The list includes the names of 13 members or former members.
Of the 13, two are deceased and five have since left the order. None are in active ministry.
Of the 13, 12 had pastoral assignments in Hays or Victoria.
“As friars and followers of St. Francis of Assisi, our vocation is to serve as lesser brothers. Therefore, the abuse of a minor by someone in such a sacred position of trust is all the more egregious,” said Provincial Minister, Fr. Christopher Popravak, O.F.M.Cap, who commissioned the release. “I have personally met with numerous victims and can attest to the devastation wreaked upon their lives and those of their families. Though the words may ring hollow as many other Church leaders are voicing similar sentiments, I can only say that I am sorry from the depths of my heart.
“I have asked the friars of our Province to commit to serious penance and reparation on behalf of the misdeeds of our brothers and for the healing of victims. The results of the audit we are releasing today is only the first step in a new age of transparency. We are striving to be vigilant and have taken serious steps in the last fifteen years to ensure the careful and diligent screening of candidates to our way of life. We must persevere in our efforts to ensure that such a scandalous series of violations never occurs again.”
The 12 friars with Hays or Victoria connections included: Gregory Beyer, deceased; Benignus Scarry, who left the order in 2016; Felix Shinsky, who was removed from ministry/under supervision; Charles Wolfe, dismissed from order in 1987; Ron Gilardi, who was removed from ministry/under supervision; David Gottschalk, who was removed from ministry/under supervision; Julian Haas, who was removed from ministry/under supervision; Finian Meis, decased; Thaddeus Posey, deceased; and Matthew Gross, who was removed from ministry/under supervision.
The 13th friar listed, David Jones, was dismissed from the order in 1987. No pastoral assignments were released.
The territory of the St. Conrad Province, which was established in April 1977, comprises the States of Colorado, Kansas and Missouri and the Diocese of Belleville, Peoria and Springfield, each in the State of Illinois. The Province also has two houses outside of the Province territory in San Antonio.
The release followed an independent audit of the Province’s personnel files and other relevant documents by an outside group of qualified professionals.
The audit consisted of a review of the personnel and other files retained by the Province, including a total of 226 personnel files reviewed. Of note, the auditors also reviewed the five active Safety Plans of Capuchin members under supervision for credible allegations of abuse, consulted with the Provincial Minister and the Safe Environment Coordinator. Of note, no significant areas of concern were noted with supervision over and compliance with the Safety Plans. The auditors also found a marked increase and improvement in documentation regarding allegations and attention to issues related to training and sharing of information with the Province’s leadership team.
An allegation is deemed credible if an administrative investigation determines that in the opinion of the investigators it is more likely than not based on the facts presented that the alleged abuse occurred. Inclusion on this list does not imply that the allegations are true or that the accused member has been found guilty of a crime or is liable for civil claims. Every effort has been made to ensure the list is accurate. In most instances, the claims were made many years after the alleged abuse, making it difficult to conduct a complete investigation.
The list HERE is broken down into three categories: members with a single, credible accusation of the sexual abuse of a minor; members with more than one credible accusation of the sexual abuse of a minor; and, members with credible accusations of the sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult. All three categories include the individual’s name, birth date, current status, and former assignments.
All allegations of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult are reported to the appropriate authorities.
The full text of the “Audit of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America (aka Province of St. Conrad)” is available on the website at: www.capuchins.org/protecting-children
The Province encourages anyone who has been abused by a Capuchin member to contact the appropriate civil authorities and the Safe Environment Coordinator, Jason Faris, at 303-477-5436 or [email protected].
An HHS student wins a Spanish tongue twister contest.
Wednesday in Hays, Edgar Rene´ of Puerto Rico used song and dance to bring Spanish to life for students.
He performed for a group of area Spanish students at the 12th Street Auditorium. The students have spent the last several months listening to Spanish songs from Rene´’s performance.
Caitlin Leiker, Hays High School student, sang with the Rene´ and students from HHS performed a dance routine with the singer.
Rene´’s tour “Viviras 2018-2019” seeks to help students better their Spanish language skills, but learn about Hispanic culture. He also brings a message of positive self image to the students.
Rene´ told the students performing on this U.S. tour was the culmination of a dream for him.
“I am blessed and grateful that you gave me the opportunity to be here to share my music with you guys and my message,” he said.
Caitlin Leiker, HHS student, sings with the Edgar Rene´ during his performance for Spanish students on Wednesday.
He said he first knew he wanted to be a singer when he was a boy and was asked to sing the “The Star -Spangled Banner.” He is a native-Spanish speaker and was trying to sing the words in English. He forgot some of the words, but he said that performance made him fall in love with singing and music.
“I practiced and practiced, and I touched a lot of doors, and I saw a lot of doors close in my face,” he said.
He related an instance during this tour that helped him know he was following the right dream.
A student came up to him after a performance in Pennsylvania. Rene´ asked him if he wanted to have his picture taken with him. The boy said he had no cellphone to take the picture, so Rene’ used his own cellphone to snap the photo. The boy began to cry. He said no one had ever taken a picture with him. His mother was gone, and he did not have a good relationship with his dad.
A student plays maracas during the Edgar Rene´ performance.
The boy said he was near giving up — quitting on life. He said Rene´ had given him hope to go on and hope enough to try to build a relationship with his dad.
Rene´ said he had to excuse himself from the autograph session because he was crying.
He told the students that he hoped they would always choose viviras (living).
“That is why we are here” he said, “not only to sing and dance and have fun. We are here to say it is not over here. There is a purpose in your life. You guys are awesome. Every time you look at the mirror, you look at a beautiful person. You look at yourself, love you first, then you can [give] love to the people.”
He continued, “When we learn another language, we are more human. When we can understand others, we can understand their cultures and we allow others to understand us too.”
TMP, Larned High School, Trego High School and Quinter High School students also attended the performance.
