ATHOL – Marion Elaine Kirchhoff age 82 passed away Monday at Parkview Care Center in Osborne, KS. She was a farmer and rancher.
Survivors include her husband Milford; a daughter Carol (Don) Rahjes of Kensington; 2 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter.
Click HERE for service details.
By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Winning – and losing – in rodeo can happen in a matter of seconds. The same holds true in life, say Fort Hays State University students and graduates.
But even if you fail, you always, always get back up and try again. FHSU Tigers from three different walks of life shared that philosophy at this past weekend’s 53rd annual Fort Hays State Rodeo.
There was Jalynn Pfeifer, who was crowned 2019 FHSU Rodeo Queen during Friday night’s performance.
Travis Booth, a senior steer wrestler, is trying to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo in his last collegiate season and had to look ahead to the next meet after just missing qualifying for Saturday’s finals.
Watching the action was Sara Hornbuckle, a recent graduate of FHSU and mother of rodeo competitor Brent Hornbuckle. When Mom Hornbuckle decided to return to school to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she chose Fort Hays State. She said she was able to successfully complete her degree online because of the “incredible support” FHSU offered.
That kind of support is a way of life at FHSU and the Hays community, said Bronc Rumford, Fort Hays State’s rodeo coach.
Rumford was all smiles at the conclusion of the 2019 rodeo Saturday night. The stands were packed on a pleasant spring evening, with folks from the university, the community and the surrounding area cheering on the competitors, which included students from two-time defending national champion and perennial power Panhandle State out of Goodwell, Okla.
“We appreciate the community of Hays so much,” Rumford said. “From businesses who serve as sponsors to parents who come to watch their kids and all the fans who come just to see good competition, a lot of people support this program.”
• • •
A freshman from Ellis, just 16 miles from Hays, Pfeifer was familiar with the FHSU Rodeo at a young age.
When she heard the rodeo was bringing back a rodeo queen in 2017, she thought about trying out if she attended school at FHSU.
She did indeed become a Tiger, following her two older siblings to Fort Hays State.
Though just 18 years old, Pfeifer thought she was ready to compete for queen this year. After all, she had been competing, and failing, and trying again for rodeo crowns since seventh grade.
After two attempts in the Ellis County Rodeo Princess competition, Pfeifer won that title on her third try and followed that up with Ellis County Rodeo Queen and Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas.
“Looking back, I was glad it took me three tries at princess,” Pfeifer said. “A lot of times, you learn more when you lose than when you win, and I learned so much and developed so many skills during that time.”
Now, Pfeifer is looking forward to promoting rodeo while representing Fort Hays State at rodeos and other festivals throughout the next year.
“I love being an ambassador for the sport of rodeo,” Pfeifer said. “I look forward to just getting the word out there.”
Pfeifer is the youngest of three siblings who have attended Fort Hays State. Her sister, Jordan Pfeifer Gabel, graduated in 2013 with a degree in nursing, and her brother, Jared Pfeifer, is a senior on the Tiger men’s track and field team.
“Fort Hays State is a great place to get a good education,” said Jalynn Pfeifer, an agriculture communications major. She will get some practical application in that field as rodeo queen.
“I like being a mentor for the youth,” she said. “I’m excited to get started.”
• • •
Hornbuckle said her son became interested in calf roping when he attended a rodeo Bible camp while in middle school. He competed in rodeo in high school, and when it came time to check out colleges, his mom suggested Fort Hays State.
Despite being much closer to several other four-year colleges, including one in his hometown of Ottawa in eastern Kansas, Brent decided to apply at FHSU – the same college at which his mother was enrolled in online classes.
“I was hoping he would choose here, because I knew he could be involved,” Hornbuckle said, “and it’s so reasonably priced.”
Brent, who was involved in football, wrestling and FFA in high school, chose Fort Hays State and the rodeo team. He competes in team roping and tie-down roping.
From a parent’s point of view, Fort Hays State and rodeo were a good fit for her son.
“The rodeo team here has been so good for him,” Hornbuckle said, “and I knew he would get a quality education there, because I did. I learned a ton, and I loved it. All the options they have to help you succeed are fabulous.”
• • •
Booth’s time of 4.7 seconds would have won Friday night’s performance in the steer wrestling, but he was assessed a 10-second penalty after breaking the barrier a split-second too soon.
Almost instantly, Booth began looking ahead to this weekend’s regular-season finale at Panhandle State. Booth, who qualified for the finals of the National Little Britches Rodeo Association his senior year in high school and first year of junior college, said that the College National Finals Rodeo has been a goal of his for two years.
At the end of the season, the top three competitors in each event from the 11 regions across the country qualify for the national finals.
Booth is currently ranked in the top six in the region, and a strong performance at Panhandle State could push him into the top three. Should that happen, Booth said, it still won’t be the end of his competition.
“I’d like to work on a ranch and keep rodeoing,” said Booth, an animal science major.
Booth grew up in Castle Rock, Colo., and transferred to Fort Hays State after two years at Otero Junior College in LaJunta, Colo. He had checked out other four-year colleges with rodeo teams and ultimately chose FHSU.
“The thing that sold me was they pay for travel here,” Booth said. “I’ve enjoyed rodeo here so much. I’m going to miss hanging out with all my friends.”
• • •
Two Fort Hays State competitors who reached Saturday’s finals and placed in the top three at FHSU’s Rodeo were two students from Colorado – Peyton senior Zeke Hall and Eads junior Bailey McCaughey.
Hall, who had no rodeo experience when he first came to Fort Hays, improved consistently each year. He will certainly remember his final rodeo in his home arena. He competed in team roping with Daniel Durkes from Northwestern Oklahoma State, and the duo won third in the long round, third in the short round and third in average.
McCaughey placed sixth in barrel racing.
Rumford, a rodeo standout who won numerous events during his collegiate days at Fort Hays State, is in his 10th year as the team’s coach. He said the last couple of meets each year are kind of nostalgic, with the seniors approaching their final meets.
“They’re such good kids, you hate to see them go, but you’re glad to see them get out into the world,” Rumford said. “And then the next fall, we get a new set of good kids in.”
The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 27 in Thomas County.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $5 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
WICHITA, KAN. – A California woman was indicted Tuesday on a federal charge of smuggling more than 60 pounds of methamphetamine into Kansas, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Maria Alvarez-Buenrostro, 46, Los Angeles, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The Kansas Highway Patrol stopped Alvarez-Buenrostro for a traffic violation on I-70 near Hays in Ellis County. Troopers found 33 heat-sealed bags of meth hidden in a rear quarter panel and both rear doors of her Ford Explorer.
If convicted, she faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million.
Mary Christine “Christy” (Nickelson) Smith, age 58, of Wichita, Kansas passed away April 18, 2019. Christy was born June 24, 1960, in Hutchinson, Ks the daughter of John Reuben Nickelson and Areola Mae (Redder) Nickelson.
She attended Hutchinson High School and she earned her Associate Arts degree from Hutchinson Community College. In 1996 she began her career with Sonic Drive In. She started as an owner/operator of the Pawnee and Meridian location. She was promoted to supervisor and partner of several stores. Christy continued her hard work and dedication through two changes in franchise ownership. She was not only a supervisor but a friend, coach, and mentor. She was recognized with many awards over the years, but her most cherished award was the Heart of Fame” award in 2015. She modeled compassion, honesty, friendship, morality and a committed work ethic. Her spare time was spent with her children and grandchildren. She loved to have friends and family over for barbecues and holiday celebrations.
She is survived by her two sons Cobey Eugene Smith of Wichita, KS, and Jason Nichalous (Nick) Smith and his wife Nina of Wichita Kansas, four grandchildren, Tristin Smith, Kara Smith, Sean Smith and Jaycen Smith. Other survivors include her father John R Nickelson, Wichita, Ks, her brother Craig Nickelson, Wichita, KS and sister in law Angela (Stark) Nickelson, Hutchinson, KS. She was preceded in death by her mother and one brother Eric Nickelson.
She will always be remembered for her faith, devotion to family, loyalty and service to her community. She was a gentle, humble, kind, caring woman who always did “her very best”.
A celebration of Christy’s life will be on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the Westview Baptist Church, 1325 S Meridian, Wichita, KS 67213. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Westview Baptist
August 5, 1933 – April 23, 2019
An obituary and services are pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.
HFD
The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Wednesday in the area of Vine to Ash between 27th and 19th. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city 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.
Deja Moo: The feeling that you’ve heard this bull before.
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FINNEY COUNTY — For the second time in a week, law enforcement authorities and officials with USD 457 are investigating an alleged school threat and have made an arrest.
Just after 6:30 p.m. Monday, police received a report of a possible threat on social media towards Horace Good Middle School, 1412 N Main in Garden City, according to a media release. The threat was to occur on Tuesday.
Police identified a suspect in this incident and arrested 15-year-old. Mariela Galvez. He is being held in the Juvenile Detention Center on allegations of Aggravated Criminal Threat.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly created the threat and then posted it as if it was sent to her from an anonymous source.
The teen allegedly created the threat in an attempt to get out of school on Tuesday. The investigation consumed approximately 160 hours worked investigating the incident and for the extra security at the school, according to police.
On April 18, police identified a 14-year-old Garden City student who made a social media threat that depicted the general use of firearms to harm students at the school.
One of the most important programs I give is a hazardous occupation course for teenagers. Agriculture is a family- based business, and children are around dangerous situations from a very young age.
One way to make a situation less dangerous is education, learning what the dangers may be and how to avoid putting yourself in a position that has a greater likelihood of getting hurt.
On May 16th from 6-8:30 pm and also May 18th from 8 am-5pm, Cottonwood Extension District in Great Bend will hold its annual Tractor Safety class for youth ages 13-18. This class is required for teens ages 14-16 that are planning to work on a farm other than their immediate relatives.
It is encouraged for any youth that are going to be working around the farm or large machinery to also complete a tractor safety course. Farm accidents are the cause of 120,000 injuries a year and children are at a high danger when working on a farm or ranch. The 2-day course will cover the various risks that are on a farm as well as give young people the information they need to be safe when working. Cost is 15.00 and that covers the book, snacks and lunch on Saturday. Call the Extension office at 620-793-1910 to register for the class.
If you would like any more information about this opportunity for learning, please contact the Extension office for more information by calling 620-793-1910 or email me at [email protected].
Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or calling 620-793-1910.
Mr. S had gained some weight. His wife noted his snoring was getting worse and he was having spells when he would stop breathing during sleep. She informed his doctor who prescribed a home overnight oximetry test. This home test showed Mr. S’s oxygen levels were dropping dangerously low during much of night. The subsequent full sleep study indicated he would benefit from a continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP device. Five years later, the patient died from a heart attack, and the doctor found out that the CPAP machine stayed under his bed and was rarely, if ever, used. One study showed, despite its benefits, only 30 percent of those prescribed CPAP will actually use it.
An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and the majority don’t know they have it. Their sleep is interrupted by snoring, choking and prolonged spells of low oxygen levels. Their days are troubled by fatigue, sleepiness, often abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure. Their risk of stroke over five years is two to three times higher than usual and risk of all-cause premature death three to five times higher. One estimate is that 38,000 annual deaths in the U.S. will occur from heart disease due to untreated sleep apnea.
Making the diagnosis is challenging. In 2016, we gave a standardized questionnaire to screen for sleep apnea to 67 people who were 70-years-old or older. Following that, we tested all 67 with home overnight oximetry. Of the 67 tested, 42 percent were normal, 31 percent had mild sleep apnea and 26 percent had moderate to severe sleep apnea. Conclusions from my study were that in this older age group, the commonly used screening questionnaires for sleep apnea misses the diagnosis half the time, about one out of four have life-threatening sleep apnea and, in this older population, women and men are equally burdened by this condition.
Anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, a history of heavy snoring or observed spells of apnea (and maybe anyone reaching 70) would benefit from a home overnight oximetry test and, if this test is abnormal, from a full sleep study. If CPAP is prescribed, it would be wise for that individual to make every effort to use the CPAP device, knowing that this non-medicinal therapy reduces death rate by three to five times.
Many premature deaths, especially from heart disease, could be prevented by first discovering the diagnosis of sleep apnea and then, when apropos, by taking the CPAP cure.
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COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new felony charges after an arrest.
Late Monday, police were dispatched to the 700 block of North Fifth Street in Arkansas City for a report of a person inside a garage. They did not immediately locate anyone suspicious, but contacted the reporting party, according to a media release.
Officers were then directed to a house and saw a man leaving the house, carrying several items. The suspect, later identified as Ian Brent White, 30, refused police commands to stop and walked toward the alley instead.
In the alley, another officer identified himself and instructed White to stop, but White allegedly began fleeing on foot. After a short foot pursuit, he was taken into custody without further incident.
White is being held on suspicion of felony theft of property or services with a value higher than $1,000 and interference with a law enforcement officer. He also was arrested on Cowley County District Court and Winfield Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear.
White was transported to and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $4,102 bond through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City. There is no bond set for the district court warrant.
He has previous convictions for domestic battery and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk has no boundaries.
Brenda Meder, HAC executive director, said the walk has no boundaries in the types of art that will be displayed or performed and no boundaries of the types of people expressing themselves through their art. The Spring Art Walk will be 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday.
The Spring Art Walk again will be anchored by the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition, which is celebrating its 50th year. The Smoky Hill is the longest, continuously running juried art show in the state of Kansas and is set annually at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th.
In honor of the 50th year, the show awarded more prize money than in any time in the past — $3,330, including a $750 prize given in honor of former Fort Hays State University art professor Skip Harwick to Mic Jilg, also a former FHSU art professor.
The show, which is open to any Kansas artist, is as diverse as ever, featuring photography, paintings, collage, block printing, ceramics, sculpture, stained glass and assemblages. The juror choose 73 pieces from more than 300 entries.
“It really sets a tone for how broad the scope of art is and how many different ways there are to be personally expressive and celebrate that creative voice and expression that you need to speak,” Meder said.
Mike Michaelis, CEO of Emprise Financial Corporation, juried the Smoky Hill Exhibition this year. He has assembled the largest collection of art by Kansas artists.
“I was certainly honored to have him lend his eye and his background and his appreciation for the arts to this show.
“There was a lot of amazing work,” Meder said. “The juror could go so many different ways. He acknowledged that when he came to look at the work in its actuality after he had selected it from photos.”
The Spring Art Walk has 30 participating locations, many with more than one artist or visual art and performance art or music.
“I love the fact that our art walk really does truly represent this cross section of arts and artists in our community,” Meder said.
Styles Dance Centre will host Jana’s Campaign.
“People are using the power of the arts to give a voice to something else, to activate people for a cause and to create awareness,” Meder said. “Those are some of the ways that the arts are celebrated or utilized to bring voice, to bring awareness, to bring a visual presence to things that they are committed to working on through that project.”
The Hays Pubic Library is hosting The Collaborative Art Project with art made by FHSU students and DSNWK clients. FHSU professor Amy Schmierbach recently won an award for her work with the program.
See related story: Art sale to highlight ribbon cutting for collaborative effort between FHSU, DSNWK
See related story: FHSU professor honored at FATE conference
“It’s fabulous. It is another one of these collaborative projects that she has been partnering with DSNWK for a long time with some of her students and getting them acclimated and connected to a world where it is both creative and artistic but also service-oriented,” Meder said.
“It also facilitates others to bring whatever form of expression they are capable of, they are interested in pursuing to their lives whether they are adults with some sort of disabilities or the most professional of artists,” she added.
Meder also noted on the second floor of the library, the young adults department will display the costumes created from recycled material for their Trashion Show.
“The way the creative mind works is fabulous,” she said. “So many people have different ways in which they express that creative mind.
“When you can see how that diversity is represented in a community like ours, that is when you can really, truly appreciate the role of the arts in our community — the diversity of the ages bringing that expression, the diversity of backgrounds, ability whether that is physical or intellectual to their art creation. There are no boundaries, and I hope people will see that Friday night.”
Meder noted a number of locations on the art walk will be open early or late, especially some of those on campus or outside of the downtown core.
The Sternberg Museum of Natural History will have free admission between 4 and 6 p.m. to see “Art & the Animal,” the 58th Annual Exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists.
BriefSpace and Grow Hays have invited the community to their new space and will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“They are featuring the beautiful Kansas photography of Jessi Jacobs,” Meder said. “She is a very good photographer, and this is basically celebrating the visual majesty of Kansas.”
Three FHSU exhibits will also be opening early — “Introspective,” by BFA student Ashley Smith at the C.A.T.S. Gallery, Fatimah Alhazmy’s MFA exhibition at the Moss Thorns Gallery and the open studio exhibit at the FHSU Painting Lab in Rarick Hall.
Meder also wanted guests to enjoy the art walk’s music Friday, including the FHSU Jazz Ensemble from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Pavilion; jazz by Jim Pisano and William Flynn from 6:30 to 8:15 at Salon 1007 and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Gella’s Diner; 80 Proof Alice from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Paisley Pear, Sunrise Biscuit at Breathe Coffee House; music by 809 Studio students at the 809 Studio; and the Community Acoustic Jam Session outside of the Ellis County Historical Society.
Meder encouraged street musicians to join the festivities. She said they could play outdoors as long as they don’t block the sidewalks.
Meder also encourages art lovers to come downtown and enjoy one of the Brick’s many restaurants or bars the night of the art walk.
“There are so many places in and around this downtown area that it can be truly an entire evening for you,” she said. “It is just such a wonderful celebration of who and what our community is whether you are a culinary artists at one of our restaurants or a visual artist or a performing artist or a poet and all of it you will find featured on the art walk.”
