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Month: April 2019

Indians golf places three in top-10 at Salina South Invite

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SALINA, Kan. – Tradgon McCrae shot a 2-over-par 73 and finished in third place and was one of three Hays High golfers to finish in the top-10 of Friday’s Salina South Invitational at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. Josh Norris shot a 5-over-par 76 and finished sixth one stroke ahead of teammate Jason Krannawitter who came in seventh place.

The Indians were fourth as a team, shooting a 315, six shots behind first place Salina South.

Team Results
1. Salina South – 309
2. Emporia – 310
3. Salina Central – 311
4. Hays High – 315
5. Great Bend – 318
6. McPherson – 343
7. Derby – 362
8. Junction City – 404

Top 10 Medalists
1. Parker Renz, Salina South – 66
2. Gentry Scheve, Emporia – 70
3. Tradgon McCrae, Hays High – 73
4. River Weaverling, Salina Central – 74
5. Caleb Schmid, Emporia – 75
6. Brantley Baldwin, Great Bend – 76
7. Josh Norris, Hays High – 76
8. Jason Krannawitter, Hays High – 77
9. Cole Streck, Great Bend – 77
10. Aaron Hawley, Salina Central – 77

Man sentenced for deadly Kan. police pursuit crash

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing two passengers in a crash while fleeing from police in Kansas City, Kansas.

Smith photo Wyandotte Co.

Zackery Smith was sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty in February to an amended charge of second-degree murder. As part of the plea, prosecutors dropped several other charges.

Authorities say Smith crashed into a pickup truck in October 2017 as officers were pursuing suspects from a reported shoplifting at a Cabela’s sporting goods store. The victims were identified as 27-year-old Jason Edwards, of Kansas City, and 23-year-old Amber Bledsoe, of Prairie Village.

The pickup truck’s driver was treated at a hospital.

Update: Suspect in Salina shooting in custody

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UPDATED 5:21 p.m. Friday: According to Salina Police Detective Sergeant David Villanueva, Zachary Matthew Degraw has been apprehended. In a statement, Villanueva wrote, “With the help of the public and the Wichita Police Department, Zach Degraw is in police custody. Thank you to all that assisted.”

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Thursday shooting incident in Salina and looking for a person of interest.

Degraw photo Saline Co.

On Thursday evening, police were called to the Hillcrest Apartments, 2140 E. Crawford for the report of a shooting, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Dalton Reinbold, 21, was identified as the victim of the shooting. EMS  transported Reinbold to Salina Regional Health Center and was later released, according to Forrester.

Police identified Zachary Matthew Degraw, 20, as a person of interest in the case.

Degraw is described as a white male 5-foot-7 and 130 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, Forrester noted. Degraw currently has active warrants for his arrest out of Saline County District Court for aggravated failure to appear, narcotics violations, and various other crimes, he added.

Forrester said Degraw should be considered armed and dangerous. If Degraw’s location is known, do not attempt to approach or contact him, but immediately contact police by calling 911, he added. Additionally, persons who have information about this case are asked to call the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210 or CrimeStoppers at 825-TIPS (785-825-8477).

Forrester said the Salina Police Department has not been notified by either Russell authorities or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that the shooting incident in Salina Thursday evening is in any way related to the shooting incident in Russell.

Tiger softball lets leads slip away in losses at Central Missouri

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WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Fort Hays State held leads in both contests at Central Missouri on Friday afternoon only to see each slip away. Central Missouri rallied for three runs in the final inning of game one to win in walk-off fashion 4-3 before coming from behind twice in game two to win 8-5. Fort Hays State moved to 19-20 overall and 10-12 in the MIAA with the losses, while UCM improved to 28-16 overall and 12-6 in the MIAA.

Game 1: Central Missouri 4, Fort Hays State 3
Fort Hays State led from the top of the second until Central Missouri’s final turn at bat, but squandered what could have been a big conference win in game one. Central Missouri rallied for three run in the bottom of the seventh before the Tigers could record an out. The Jennies took game one by a score of 4-3.

Elise Capra pushed the Tigers in front 2-0 with a two-RBI double in the second inning, scoring Sara Breckbill and Grace Philop. The Tigers kept a shutout in tact until the Jennies broke through with a run in the sixth, cutting the lead to 2-1. Katie Adler pushed the Tiger lead back to a two-run margin in the sixth with an RBI single to make it 3-1 going to the bottom of the seventh.

Tiger pitcher Hailey Chapman held the Jennies hitless through 3.2 innings before allowing one in the fourth. The Jennies collected their second hit in the sixth to produce their first run. Chapman stood just three outs from a 13th complete game this year, but her solid outing unraveled in the seventh. Chapman hit the first batter she faced in the inning, then a single put runners at first and second. She walked the third batter of the inning, which loaded the bases. Another single by UCM pushed the first run of the inning across and then Chapman hit another batter to force in the tying run. Michaelanne Nelson relieved Chapman, but UCM leadoff hitter Lauryn Deer placed a ball back to Nelson well enough to score the winning run from third.

Chapman took the loss, moving to 10-10 on the season. She allowed four hits, three walks, and hit three batters. Gentry Wishard (8-4) picked up the win in an inning of relief work, allowing one hit with a strikeout. UCM starter Alexa Bradley pitched 6.0 innings, allowing three hits and two walks with a strikeout.

Game 2: Central Missouri 8, Fort Hays State 5
Fort Hays State jumped out to a good start in game two with a three-run first, only to have it immediately erased in the bottom half of the inning with three runs by UCM. The Tigers led once more after a run in the second to make it 4-3, but UCM tied the game once again in the bottom of the third with one run. The Jennies took their first lead with two runs in the fourth and extended the lead to 8-4 with two more runs in the fifth. A run in the seventh by FHSU was too little, too late.

FHSU chased UCM starting pitcher Shelby Clark from the circle just two outs into the game. Clark was charged with all three first-inning runs by FHSU. Allison Jurgensen was hit by a pitch, Sara Breckbill walked, and Grace Philop singled to load the bases. Bailey Boxberger knocked in two runs with a single, then Jeni Mohr added an RBI single two batters later.

The Jennies quickly took all of the Tiger momentum away with a walk, single, and two-RBI double to open their half of the first inning. The third run came in later on a double steal attempt where FHSU got the out at second but surrendered the run at the plate.

Grace Philop put the Tigers back in front in the second with an RBI single, driving in Katie Adler from second base.

A throwing error by the Tigers in the third allowed UCM to get the game tied once more. The first lead for UCM came in the fourth on a two-out RBI triple by Hailey Crabtree. Jessica Sader followed with an RBI single.

Michaelanne Nelson recorded the first out of the fifth inning before handing the ball to Hailey Chapman with runners at second and third. Chapman got one out by strikeout, but gave up a two-out, two-RBI single to Ashlyn Cook, which gave UCM breathing room.

UCM reliever Gentry Wishard continued her strong day in the circle against FHSU by throwing the final 6.1 innings to earn a win. The run she allowed to FHSU in the seventh was unearned. The Tigers picked up that run on a sacrifice fly RBI by Elise Capra. Wishard allowed five hits without a walk and struck out one, moving to 9-4 on the season.

Nelson moved to 8-10 on the season with the loss. She threw 4.1 innings and allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 11 hits and four walks. Chapman threw the final 1.2 innings of the contest, striking out two with one hit allowed.

Tiger Notes
-Grace Philop led the Tigers with three hits in the doubleheader.
-Elise Capra led the Tigers in RBIs for the day with three.
-The five runs scored by FHSU in game two was its second most in a loss this year, second only to an 11-8 setback to Oklahoma Baptist on March 13. FHSU is now 13-2 when scoring five or more runs in a game this season.

Up Next
Fort Hays State is now on the outside looking in for a conference tournament berth at the end of the season. The losses at UCM pushed the Tigers down into a tie for 10th place in the MIAA standings with Missouri Southern. There is now a four-way tie for sixth place in the standings with three teams at 11-11 and one at 10-10. Only four games in conference play remain for FHSU. The Tigers seek a sweep at Southwest Baptist on Saturday (Apr. 20) to jump back into that cluster of teams on the tournament cutline. Southwest Baptist has struggled of late, currently on a 16-game losing streak. The Bearcats enter Saturday at 5-42 overall and 2-18 in the MIAA.

Gov. explains decision on HB 2209

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Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (D)

OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA – The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding House Bill 2209:

House Bill 2209 makes sweeping changes to healthcare policy in Kansas. After long and careful deliberation – including in-depth discussions with both opponents and proponents — I continue to harbor serious reservations about this legislation. I believe it is fundamentally wrong to deny health coverage to anyone because they have a pre-existing condition. It troubles me that only two other states in the nation have implemented a model similar to this bill, making the long-term impact uncertain. And I am disappointed that the Kansas Insurance Department chose not to engage with the Legislature to ensure the final product included basic consumer protections and regulatory safeguards. Therefore, as a matter of principle, I cannot sign House Bill 2209.

I also fundamentally believe that governing demands a relentless pursuit of common ground. Proponents of House Bill 2209 brought this legislation forward because healthcare costs far too much. Our rural communities need help. Kansas farmers and ranchers face historic challenges in the wake of declining farm income, severe weather, and a global trade war. They openly acknowledge that this bill will not solve all the complex problems plaguing our healthcare system. In their opinion, an “all of the above” approach stands the best chance of helping the greatest number of Kansans. On these points, I wholeheartedly agree.

With that larger vision and shared goal in mind, I will allow House Bill 2209 to become law without my signature. New ideas always carry a certain level of risk. I believe the potential risks of this legislation can be mitigated if they are coupled with a stable, secure, proven healthcare option: Medicaid Expansion.

In the last decade, Medicaid Expansion has been thoroughly vetted from every imaginable angle, with over 300 studies confirming its effectiveness and necessity. We know with certainty that it will strengthen our economy, save taxpayer dollars, and provide healthcare to roughly 150,000 Kansans. A majority of the Kansas Legislature already voted for my proposal in 2017 or publicly promised to support Expansion in their 2018 campaigns. Over 70 percent of states – with both Republican and Democratic governors – have expanded Medicaid. And 77 percent of Kansans want us to do the same.

Unfortunately, leaders in the Kansas Senate continue to prioritize their own political ambitions over the health and security of Kansas families and hospitals. Despite the will of both their chamber and their state, these three Senate leaders remain devoutly committed to partisan obstructionism.

I will never govern in this manner. My priority will always be the people of Kansas, and I allow House Bill 2209 to become law as a demonstration of my genuine commitment to compromise. I challenge legislators to join me in this good-faith effort, meet me halfway, and enact Medicaid Expansion before the 2019 legislative session adjourns.

Laura Kelly is the governor of Kansas.

 

 

Strong start from Tigers not enough in loss to Bronchos

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EDMOND, Okla. – The Fort Hays State baseball team fell to the Central Oklahoma Bronchos on Friday, 7-3. The Tigers moved to 3-33 overall and 2-24 in MIAA play, while the Bronchos moved to 26-14 on the season and 16-10 in conference action.

The first frame showed the Tiger bats when Landon Erway, Ryan Grasser and Taylan Mullins-Ohm started the contest with three-consecutive hits. Mullins-Ohm ripped a single through the right side, scoring Erway. The Tigers were able to plate two more runs in the first inning as Grasser scored on a wild pitch. Then, Tyler Olson earned an RBI groundout, scoring Mullins-Ohm.

Central Oklahoma scored seven unanswered runs in the final eight innings to earn the victory as the Bronchos plated one in the second, third, fifth, sixth and three in the eighth.

Tiger starter Ryan Ruder was charged with the loss (1-7), while producing 7.2 innings of work, allowing seven runs on 11 hits with two walks and five strikeouts in the game. Cody Rottinghaus came on in relief on Ruder and retired the only batter he faced.

The series finale between the Tigers and Bronchos is scheduled for on Saturday (April 20). First pitch is slated for 1 p.m from Wendell Simmons Field.

Keller suspended 5 games, Anderson, Renteria 1 each for fray

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NEW YORK (AP) — Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson didn’t go into detail Friday about what he said during a bench-clearing fracas with Kansas City earlier in the week after a report that he directed a racial slur at Royals pitcher Brad Keller.

Anderson was suspended one game for his actions Wednesday. Tempers flared after Keller hit Anderson, who had celebrated an earlier home run, with a fastball. Keller was penalized five games by Major League Baseball and is appealing.

ESPN, citing unidentified sources , said Anderson, who is black, called Keller, who is white, the N-word during the fray.

Anderson, the AL’s top hitter this season, declined to discuss what was said on the field. He sat out Friday night’s game at Detroit.

A person familiar with the penalty told The Associated Press that Anderson’s suspension was the result of his language, which was included in the umpires’ postgame report. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because that detail was not made public.

“We’re going to keep moving forward,” Anderson said. “That happened a couple days ago, so we’re going to keep having fun and keep playing with a lot of energy and a lot of confidence.”

Anderson indicated he didn’t think an appeal was worth it.

“I think that’s too much,” he said. “I really just take this one day and use it as an off day.”

MLB concluded Keller intentionally hit Anderson. The Royals said Keller has decided to appeal the penalty, leaving him eligible to play until the process is complete.

Keller remains scheduled to make his next start Monday night at Tampa Bay, the team said, adding that Keller would not speak with the media Friday at Yankee Stadium.

Chicago manager Rick Renteria was suspended for one game for aggressive actions, and was to miss Friday night’s game against the Tigers. Keller, Anderson and Renteria were fined by Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre.

Anderson spiked his bat toward the White Sox dugout following a two-run homer Wednesday, and Keller hit him in the buttocks with his first pitch leading off the sixth.

Anderson and the Royals had a dustup last year, too.

“Timmy is going to be Timmy. I can’t place a limit on anybody’s personalities,” Renteria said. “I can try to talk to all of our players like we do about what we think is the right thing to do. At the end of the day everyone is an individual and they can proceed as they should like the individuals that they are and do what they can do to hopefully minimize what everyone thinks is the issue.”

“Timmy is a good kid and an outstanding baseball player and an emotional player, and I’ll stand by Timmy,” he said.

Kyrle M. Froetschner

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Kyrle M. Froetschner, 83, passed away April 19, 2019 at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita.

He was born September 8, 1935 to Roy William and Mary Stauffer Froetschner in Larned. A lifetime area resident, he was a farmer/stockman.

Kyrle attended First Presbyterian Church in Larned, and was a past member of USD 496 School Board, KLA, American Legion and VFW of Larned. He also served in the Air National Guard.

On November 29, 1958, he married Karen Riegel at Belpre, she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Kraig (Amy) Froetschner, Larned and Kerry (Donna) Froetschner, Rozel; a brother, Roland (Janice) Froetschner, Larned; two sisters, Cordelia (Richard) Overfield, Omaha, Nebraska, and Donna (Norman) Christensen, Garden City; two grandchildren: Chelsea (Tyson) Steffen and Andrew (Erica) Froetschner; five great grandchildren: Addison Townsend, Paisley and Camille “Millie” Steffen; Karver and Palmer Froetschner, all of Larned.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; Donald, Marion, Roy Jr., Glenn, Robert and Wayne; and two sisters; Marvel Field and Wilma Froetschner.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 24 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Bill Stapleton presiding. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family present from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Burial will be at Larned Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pawnee County 4-H Foundation in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Mary Theresa Morgan

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Mary Theresa Morgan, 93, died April 18, 2019, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas. She was born April 24, 1925 in Wheeling, West Virginia, the daughter of Charles & Matilda (George) Rahall.

On December 27, 1947 she married Arthur Glenn “Art” Morgan at Mansfield, Ohio. He died July 31, 2018.

She raised the family while following Art in his 21-year military career. After settling in Hoisington in 1969 she became an avid collector of antiques and had her own shop, Mary Morgan’s Antique Shop.

She is survived by her three children; Ann Eulert and husband Bud of Hays, Hope Krug and husband David of Topeka, and Scott Morgan of Great Bend; brothers: James Rahall and wife Helen of Ohio and Robert Rahall and wife Sandy of Florida; three grandchildren, Heather McGlocklin of Wichita, Bobbi Hase of Miami, Florida, and Austin Krug of Kansas City, Missouri; and two great grandchildren, Memphis and Liberty.

She was preceded in death by her husband, son, Glenn Morgan, brothers, Joseph, Ronald, and Phillip Rahall, and a sister, Patricia Van De Mark.

Family will greet friends from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in Olivet Cemetery. Friends may sign the book Monday through Saturday, there will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Locust Grove Village (Capital Fund Campaign) or Hospice of Hays Medical Center, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Police shooting of man near Kansas school ruled justified

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FAIRWAY, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have found that police were justified in shooting and wounding a man believed to have been firing shots near a suburban Kansas City elementary school.

Ruffin -photo Johnson Co.

The Johnson County, Kansas, District Attorney’s Office made the announcement Friday after reviewing last month’s shooting of 26-year-old Dylan Ruffin.

Court records say the shooting happened after he exited a house with a gun as children were being dismissed from Highlands Elementary in the Shawnee Mission School District. Extra security was present because shots had struck the school earlier in the day.

As police ordered the man to drop the weapon, parents ran and threw themselves on children. No one else was injured.

Ruffin is charged with three counts of aggravated assault on an officer and discharging a gun in an occupied dwelling.

Friends of the Hays Library set spring book sale

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The Hays Friends of the Library will have a its Spring into Summer Book Sale May 3 through 6 in the Schmidt Gallery of the library.

The sale will be open to members from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3 and 10 a.m. to noon Friday, May 4,

The sale will be open to the public noon to 4 p.m. Friday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5, and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 6.

Books will be $5 per bag. If you are a Friends member and have not picked up your free reusable blue bag, you can do so. Recycled grocery sacks will be provided for non-members.

Friends memberships will be for sale for $5 per year.

Friends members will receive half off of books in the Gallery Book Store during the event.

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