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Month: March 2019

James Butler ‘JB’ McClure III

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Lifelong Goodland, Kansas, resident James Butler “JB” McClure III, 81, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.

JB was born on May 21, 1937 in Goodland, KS to James Butler McClure II and Pearl (Croner) McClure.  He was one of two children.  He grew up in Goodland and graduated from Sherman County Community High School in 1955.  He then went on and attended one year of college.

On November 30, 1958, JB married Judith Berringer at the Goodland United Methodist Church.  To this union three children Mitch, Mike, and Mark were born. 

After working for many years with his father at McClure Plumbing & Heating, JB and Judith purchased the business in 1970, and continued operating the business until his retirement.  JB served as President of the Kansas Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association – 1982-83.  He was also a member of the Goodland Masonic Lodge, a life member of the Goodland Elks Club, a board member for the Sherman County Historical Society, was on the Smokey Garden Committee, and was a member of Shriners.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his son Mark James, his brother Robert (Bob) McClure, Father in Law, Warren W. (Bill) Berringer, Mother in Law, Lois Berringer, Sister in Law, Diane Workman, Brothers in Law Warren Berringer and William Berringer, Sister in Law, Judy Berringer, and his nephews Martin McClure, Brook Berringer and great niece Tatum Lovgren .

He is survived by his wife Judith McClure of the home in Goodland, his two sons, Mitch (Jamie) McClure of Colby, KS, and Mike (Suzanne) McClure of Goodland.  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Lindsey (Zach) Peterson, Tanner (Gentry) McClure, Lincoln (Summer) McClure, Taylor McClure, and Scott McClure, eight Great Grandchildren, thirteen nieces and nephews, one Brother-in-law, Ernie Workman and a Sister-in-law,  Jan Berringer.

Memorial services for JB will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 10:00 AM MT at the United Methodist Church in Goodland with Pastor Zach Anderson officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the Goodland Cemetery, Goodland, KS.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the Sherman County Historical Society, the Goodland Masonic Lodge, or to the Goodland Elks Club; and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Kansas priest denies allegations of abuse

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas priest announced at Mass this weekend that a woman who has twice accused him of abusing her has raised the allegation again.

Rev. William Bruning-image courtesy Queen of the Holy Rosary Church

The Rev. William Bruning told the congregation at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church that a woman in her early 30s says Bruning abused her when she was a minor at the Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka. Bruning insisted the allegation was false.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas said in a statement Sunday that reviews begun after the woman made the accusations in 2015 and 2018 found they could not be substantiated.

The woman told the archdiocese last month she was not satisfied with that conclusion, prompting the archdiocese to share the information with church members during the weekend.

Hays chamber launches inaugural Business Showcase

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The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce is introducing the first of one of their newest offerings; the Business Showcase, held quarterly throughout the year.

These quarterly events will provide a fun, high energy atmosphere for participants and attendees alike, along with offering an opportunity to “showcase” our Hays area businesses.
 

Please join them at The Venue, north of Thirsty’s on Vine, Thursday March 7, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. to get an up close and personal look at what the vendors have to offer. As well as a cash bar and appetizers provide by The Venue, samples, merchandise and giveaways.
 


In gearing up for the event, Membership Coordinator Kara Cook shared her anticipation for the launch of the event.

“These vendors and this event is not something you’ll want to miss out on,” she said. “It’s the perfect chance to meet, mingle, and hear what all they offer, as well as making that personal connection we really thrive on at the Chamber. Not only is it an opportunity to welcome a new business, but to touch-base with some of our existing, established businesses that maybe you haven’t checked on in a while. And my Mom taught me to never pass up a chance at a giveaway.”

You’ll see these vendors at the showcase: CBD American Shaman, Eagle Communications, Ozone Roofing, Potter Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, Alzheimer’s Association, Das Essen Hutte, Nex-Tech, FHSU’s Student Government Association and the Hays Academy of Hair Design.

This event is free and open to the public. 

For more information, or if interested in being a vendor at the next Business Showcase, contact the Chamber at 785-628-8201 or stop into the Welcome Center at 2700 Vine. 
 


Emergency snow routes to be discussed by Ellis City Council

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ELLIS – It’s a timely agenda item for the Ellis City Council tonight.

Council members will discuss the possible establishment of emergency snow routes and snow removal procedures. They’ll also consider a revision to the personnel policy regarding emergency call-outs.

In other business, Todd Keller with the Washington Grade School PTO will discuss a proposed community book exchange.

The complete meeting agenda follows.

AGENDA

March 4, 2019

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS

City Hall – Council Meeting Room

 

BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.

ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)

  • CONSENT AGENDA
    1. Minutes from Regular Meeting on February 18, 2019
    2. Bills Ordinance #2064

(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda.  By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)

PUBLIC COMMENTS 

(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes.  If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson.  ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment.  Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)

  • PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
  • SPECIAL ORDER
    1. Discuss Community Book Exchange – Todd Keller, Washington Grade School PTO
  • UNFINISHED BUSINESS
    1. Review Bids to Replace Swimming Pool Roof
    2. Consider Approval of Public Property Permit Application and Event Request for Traffic Control – Chrysler Car Show
    3. Consider Revisions to Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Policy
    4. Review Revisions to Small Cell Aesthetic Standards
    5. Update on Modifications to Cedar Lane Lift Station
    6. Consider Purchase of Skid-Steer Loader
    7. Consider Purchase of Jack Hammer Attachment for Skid-Steer Loader
  • NEW BUSINESS
    1. Consider Approval of Public Property Permit Application – Kohl Family
    2. Consider Application for New Retail Business Sales Tax Incentive – Auto Standard
    3. Discuss Establishing Emergency Snow Route and Snow Removal Procedures
    4. Consider Revision to Personnel Policy Regarding Emergency Call-Outs
    5. Consider Donation for Ellis Alumni Golf Tournament
    6. Consider Ratification of Flatlander Dirt Works Invoice
  • REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
    1. Administrative
      • Public Works
        • Letter from ISO
        • Department Update
      • Police
        • Monthly Activity Report for February
        • March Staff Calendar
        • Department Update
      • City Clerk
        • Draft Minutes from Committee Meetings
        • Swimming Pool Public Information Flyer
        • Discuss City Donation Policy
        • Department Update
      • Attorney
        • Update on Status of Code Violation Cases
      • Mayor Update and Announcements

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

ADJOURNMENT

Innocent driver hospitalized after crash during chase of wanted Kan. felon

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SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on new charges after a chase and crash.

Sherrill -photo Shawnee Co.

Just before 4p.m. Friday, police were alerted by the United States Marshals Service that 25-year-old Tommy Sherrill, Jr., was in the area of SE Lott and SE Illinois in Topeka. Authorities had a felony warrant for his arrest, according to Lt. Robert Simmons.

As Topeka police, KHP Troopers and the United States Marshals Service approached Sherrill he fled in a vehicle for a short distance.

During this short pursuit Sherrill almost struck 2 law enforcement vehicles.  His reckless driving caused an accident at 25th and SE Kentucky and his vehicle was rendered inoperable allowing officers to arrest him.

The innocent motorist that struck Sherrill’s vehicle as it drove through a stop sign, sustained minor injuries and was transported by AMR to a local hospital to be treated.

Sherrill was taken to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries and is in the Shawnee County Jail on requested charged that includeFelon in Possession of a Firearm, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Felony Flee and Elude (and Traffic Related Charges, Felony Obstruction and the Felony Warrant

This is the 22nd case in 2019 with a charge involving a felon in possession of a firearm reported by the Topeka Police Department.

Patrice L. Vagher

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Patrice L. Vagher, 63, died on Friday March 1, 2019 at St Catherine Hospital in Garden City. She was born on May 18, 1955 at Garden City the daughter of Bob & Patricia (Kunze) Salter. She married John Vagher on January 8, 1977 at Syracuse.

Patrice graduated from Syracuse High School in 1973 and attended Garden City Community College. She then went to Floral School in Denver. She moved to Colby and worked as a florist. In 1981, she and her husband moved to Lakin and to Garden City in 1994 where she was the secretary at Modern Radio and TV for 5 years and then started working as the secretary at Garden City Housing Authority and later became the Director. She retired after 16 years of service. She was a member of Cornerstone Church in Garden City and past member of Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and crafts such as making Christmas decorations and floral decorations. She was preceded in death by her Brother- Alan Salter and Grandparents- Willis & Ethel Salter and Art & Lula Kunze.

She is survived by her Husband- John Vagher of the home, Daughter- Shylah Joann Booker (Shane Hoover) of Syracuse, Parents- Bob & Patricia Salter of Syracuse, Sister-In-Law- Joyce Salter of Spearville and 3 Grandchildren- Kanyon Vagher of Garden City, Alize Vagher and Ki Vagher-Salter both of Syracuse.

Graveside Service will be at 2:00 PM CST Wednesday at Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse with Pastor Ed Binns officiating. Memorials are suggested to Cornerstone Celebrate Recovery Program in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Friends may call from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Bill could change Kan. deer hunting

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Steve Gilliland

In this column, I try to remain neutral on most political issues unless I feel too strongly about something to let it slid; such is the case today. Although I’m using statistics and factual information here, please bear in mind this reflects my opinion and not the official stance of any official department.

On February 27, HB (House Bill) 2167 narrowly passed in the Kansas House. Quoting the official Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism press release, “This bill would require the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to establish a system to approve and administer the transfer of regular landowner or tenant hunt-on-your-own-land big game permits to a nonresident of the state of Kansas solely for the purpose of hunting white-tailed deer.”

To paraphrase, passage of this bill will allow landowners to sell, at any price, their landowner deer permits to nonresident hunters to hunt on their land.

It’s no surprise that this bill is being pushed hard by a representative from the Topeka area who also owns Ravenwood Hunting Lodge, a hunting guide service near Topeka. As a Kansas deer hunter who does not own land, I’m VERY fortunate to have a family member and friends who allow us to hunt deer on their land. You won’t have to look very far to find Kansas deer hunters who have nowhere to hunt but public land because the private land they once hunted has been leased to hunters and groups of hunters, many from out-of-state who are wealthy enough to pay huge sums annually to lease this ground.

RELATED: Official: Fatal deer disease on the rise in western Kansas

Mike Miller, chief of information production for KDWPT told me a similar bill passed and was tried back in the early 2000’s and was a failure as it was nearly impossible to administer and police. The KDWPT opposes this bill and Miller told me he sees it as unnecessary as 97% of nonresident hunters who apply already get permits. A recent newspaper article says 24% of permitted deer hunters in Kansas are nonresidents.

As a Kansas deer hunter who has experienced trouble finding private land to hunt, I have a real problem with this bill. I don’t begrudge struggling Kansas farmers and ranchers for seeing this as a way to make some extra bucks; I only wish they’d sell them to Kansas hunters. The trouble with that goes right back to the almighty dollar, as the majority of nonresident hunters who come here to hunt deer are able to pay thousands of dollars to do so.

I’m also afraid this would do nothing to help reduce overpopulations of female deer, as hunters paying large sums to hunt Kansas deer are going to be after trophy bucks only.

As far as I’m concerned, the statement that this bill is unnecessary sums it all up. HB 2167 still has to pass the senate and get the governor’s signature, so there is still time to stop it. All you Kansas deer hunters who feel about this as I do, please go online to www.kslegislature.org and let your senators know how you feel. Let’s tell the legislature we want to keep more of Kansas deer hunting for us Kansans! …Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].

Clarence Joseph Suppes

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Clarence Joseph Suppes, 91, Otis, Kansas, passed Saturday, March 2, 2019, at his farm of 62 years.

Mr. Suppes was born May 22, 1927, in rural Otis, Kansas, the son of Adam Suppes III, and Anna Maria “Mary” (Herrman) Suppes. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas, living 62 of those years at his current residence. He was a farmer and rancher.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Loretto, Kansas; and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas. He was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2970, La Crosse, Kansas.

He was a United States Army veteran.

On October 31, 1955, he married Mary Louise Freeman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, McCracken, Kansas.

Survivors include: his wife, Mary Louise Suppes, of the home; two sons, Clarence David Suppes (Traci), Great Bend, Kansas, and Kelvin Joseph Suppes (Cindy), La Crosse, Kansas; two daughters, Mary Angela Bennett (James), Great Bend, Kansas, and Pamela Ann Tesch, Sterling, Kansas; 15 grandchildren, Tasha Phillips, Lindsborg, Kansas, Heather Suppes, Great Bend, Kansas, Jacque Boor, Victoria, Kansas, Michael Suppes, Great Bend, Kansas, Joshua Suppes, Hays, Kansas, Danielle Suppes, Edmond, Oklahoma, Anna Flores, Andover, Kansas, Stefan Bennett, Kansas City, Missouri, Dyan Axman, Olathe, Kansas, Clay Betts, Kansas City, Missouri, Taylor Betts, Hays, Kansas, Maria Tesch, Wichita, Kansas, Angelica Tesch, El Dorado, Kansas, Adam Tesch, Hutchinson, Kansas, and John Domanic Tesch, Hutchinson, Kansas; eight great grandchildren; two brothers, Julius Suppes (Elsie), Otis, Kansas, and Eugene Suppes (Alma), Great Bend, Kansas; and his faithful dog, Heidi-Blue.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Anton Suppes, Reinhold Suppes, and Primus Suppes; and two sisters, Helen Schuckman, and Ruth Engel.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 5, 2019, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Shrine, Loretto, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi and Father Reginald A. Urban officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Loretto, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to St. Mary’s Shrine, Loretto, Kansas, or masses.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

David Lee Kinder

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David Lee Kinder, 68, died Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at his home in Garden City. He was born August 6, 1950 in Independence, Missouri, to Otto and Marvalena (Raker) Kinder.

David married Kandee Klein on July 2, 2018 in Garden City. She survives.

He grew up in Dodge City and graduated from Dodge City High School in 1968. David served in the United States Army from 1970-72. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Bethany College in 1974, graduating magna cum laude, before completing a master of fine arts degree from Wichita State in 1976. David later graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts education degree from Wichita State in 1985.

David was a longtime resident of Wichita before moving to Garden City in 1986 where he taught art at Garden City Community College until his retirement in 2011. He was instrumental in the creation of the Mercer Art Gallery at GCCC, curating the gallery until his retirement.

An accomplished painter, David’s art was featured in group and solo art shows across Kansas and the country for nearly five decades. And while David had a passion for art, he was equally as dedicated to cycling. David competed and participated in numerous century rides over the years, as well as Bike Across Kansas. He could often be seen riding on U.S. Highway 50, west of Garden City, during the spring and summer months, before moving to his stationary bike during the winter.

David had a great sense of humor, could tell a good story and loved to read. He also enjoyed gatherings with friends over coffee each week.

Other survivors include one son, Joshua Kinder and wife Sarah of Manhattan; two granddaughters, Brynlee Kinder and Paisley Kinder of Manhattan; one brother, Richard Kinder and wife Cheryl of Orange, Texas; one sister, Carol Buchheister and husband Jim of Lawrence. He is also survived by nephews David Kinder and wife Katie of Corinth, Texas, and Dale Buchheister and wife Rachael of Lawrence; nieces Mendy Hutson and husband Kirk of Lawrence, Theresa Buchheister of Brooklyn, New York, and Heidi McDonald and husband David of Nederland, Texas.

David was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 9 at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Garden City. Memorials may be sent to St. Catherine Hospice or Garden City Arts.

Kansas deputy’s vehicle struck while working Sunday afternoon crash

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JACKSON COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the second of two accidents that damaged a Kansas sheriff’s deputy’s vehicle and sent a teen driver to the hospital.

photo courtesy Jackson Co. Sheriff

Just after 1p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an injury accident north of 198th Road on U.S. 75 involving a 2016 Ram 1500 pickup truck driven by Michelle Holmes, 33, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and a 2016 Volvo semi-tractor and trailer driven by Ryan Love, 40, of Clarksville, Tennessee, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The pickup truck merged into the semi’s lane striking the front of the tractor.

Holmes was transported by EMS to the Holton Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy who was on the scene investigating the accident when a northbound 2000 Ford Taurus rear-ended the deputy’s patrol vehicle, according to Morse.

The patrol vehicle wasn’t occupied at the time of the accident. The deputy was able to warn the semi driver who was also out of his vehicle to take cover when he observed the Taurus approaching the scene.

The driver of the Taurus, Emily R. Howard, 17, of Topeka was transported by EMS to Holton Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The deputy and others at the scene were not injured.

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