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Month: April 2019

Former Starbucks CEO stops in Kansas, says he’d win with GOP votes

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By JOHN HANNA AP Political Writer

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz launched a heartland tour in reliably GOP Kansas on Tuesday, saying he can win the presidential race as an independent candidate by drawing much of his support from disaffected Republicans.

Schultz spent part of a town hall meeting on the University of Kansas campus pushing back against Democrats’ arguments that his running as an independent would help President Donald Trump win re-election in 2020 by splitting the anti-Trump vote. He said a campaign would have to get people who haven’t been voting to the polls and tap support from independents, but added that he’d likely take many of his votes from Trump.

The Brooklyn-born billionaire has not formally declared his candidacy and said after the town hall that he expects to decide in early summer. He said if he runs, he expects more than 40 states to be in play in the presidential race, including red bastions like Texas and Kansas, where the GOP nominee has carried the state every presidential election after 1964.

“I think my potential candidacy will resonate,” Schultz said after the town hall. “I’m very optimistic about and have great confidence in the American people’s understanding of both how bad the political system is and the need for renewal.”

Trump carried Kansas by nearly 21 percentage points in 2016, but during last year’s mid-terms, Democrats won the governor’s race and unseated Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder in a Kansas City-area district where Trump proved to be unpopular. Schultz sees Kansas as in play partly because of Trump’s trade policies, which he criticized strongly.

Schultz’s audience of about two dozen people included students, local business representatives and people interested in independent or third-party politics. Among the latter was Scott Morgan, an ex-local school board member and former moderate Republican who left the GOP to lead an unsuccessful attempt to form a new “Party of the Center” in Kansas ahead of the 2018 elections.

Morgan said Schultz would be a plausible candidate partly because “it’s such a bizarre time” and believes he would appeal to moderate Republicans who would not vote for a liberal Democratic candidate like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

“If he really catches on and he’s got the resources to do it, the impossible can happen,” Morgan said. “But at a minimum, he’s got the resources to disrupt.”

Kansas Republicans remain confident that Trump will carry the state again no matter how the presidential race shapes up. In 1992, independent candidate Ross Perot received nearly 27 percent of the vote, among his best showings in the nation, but then-President George H.W. Bush still won Kansas.

“We will deliver to our nominee — I mean President Trump and in the future, the Republican nominee — for years to come,” said Kelly Arnold, a former Kansas Republican Party chairman.

NW Kan. students among VIP Student Ambassadors at Fort Hays State

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FHSU University Relations

Local students are among the 25 who will serve as VIP Student Ambassadors for the 2019-2020 academic school year at Fort Hays State University.

Three returning ambassadors will be joined by 22 new ambassadors.

Ambassadors serve as official representatives for FHSU at a variety of special events, including Homecoming, athletic activities, presidential dinners and other gatherings. Students must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 2.5 grade point average and be able to assist with nine to 10 events per year.

Ambassadors, with classifications, majors and high schools, are listed by hometown.

COLWICH: Cole Murray, a junior majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy), is an Andale High School graduate.

COZAD, Neb.: Graham Applegate, a senior majoring in management, is a Cozad High School graduate.

DODGE CITY: Crystal Rojas, a sophomore majoring in political science, is a Dodge City High School graduate.
Ryan Schultz, a senior majoring in psychology, is a Dodge City High School graduate.

ELLIS: Haley Reiter, a sophomore majoring in tourism and hospitality management, is an Ellis High School graduate.

GREAT BEND: Allison Muth, a junior majoring in organizational leadership, is a Great Bend High School graduate.

HALSTEAD: Layke Heimerman, a junior majoring in communication, is a Halstead High School graduate.

HAYS: Morgan Choitz, a junior majoring in art, is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.

LITTLE RIVER: Brady Stephenson, a KAMS student, will graduate from Little River High School.

MCCOOK, Neb.: Brenna Erdman, a junior majoring in psychology, is a McCook High School graduate. She is a returning VIP.

OMAHA, Neb.: Caden Frank, a junior majoring in organizational leadership, is a Millard West High School graduate.

OLATHE: Natalie Miller, a sophomore majoring in political science, is an Olathe High School graduate.

OSBORNE: Olivia Engler, a junior majoring in finance, is an Osborne High School graduate.

OSCEOLA, Neb.: Bradley DeMers, a junior majoring in history, is an Osceola High School graduate.

OTTAWA: Brandon Pfizenmaier, a sophomore majoring in accounting, is an Ottawa High School graduate.

PARK HILLS, Mo.: McKenzie Cunningham, a senior majoring in communication, is a Lesterville High School graduate.

PRATT: Jorja Elliott, a KAMS student, will graduate from Pratt High School.

RIVERTON, Neb.: Bailey Lewis, a senior majoring in accounting, is a Red Cloud High School graduate. She is a returning VIP.

SMITH CENTER: Galen Allen, a senior majoring in management, is a Smith Center High School graduate.

STILWELL: Kimberly Stone, a sophomore majoring in political science, is a Stanford Online High School graduate.

TOPEKA: Avary Huff, a junior majoring in tourism and hospitality management, is a Seaman High School graduate.

ULYSSES: Tyra Jo Hayden, a senior majoring in elementary education, is a Ulysses High School graduate.

WICHITA: William Barfield, a sophomore majoring in communication, is a Wichita East High School graduate.
Jackilyn Dougherty, a senior majoring in organizational leadership, is an Independent School graduate. She is a returning VIP.
Kaytee Wisley, a senior majoring in political science, is a Wichita Southeast High School graduate.

O’Loughlin student among winners of KDOT aviation art contest

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By Liam McLoughlin, O’Loughlin Elementary

KDOT

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation announces the Kansas winners of the 2019 International Aviation Art Contest. The theme for this year’s contest was “My Dream to Fly.” The art contest is designed to challenge young people to illustrate the importance of aviation through art. Artists ages 6 to 17 were eligible to submit art that celebrates the adventure and excitement of aviation.

The first-place winner in each age group receives a prize package from the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE), which includes a drone and a tablet among other prizes.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate the impact of aviation in a fun and interactive way and to foster a new generation of aviators,” said Lindsey Dreiling, Deputy Director of KDOT Aviation and President of KCAE.

2019 Kansas winners are:

1st Place:
Abilene Zhang, Christ Lutheran School, Overland Park
Brittney Gillespie, Mulvane Middle School, Mulvane
LeeAnn Skinner, Lawrence Virtual School, Topeka

2nd Place:
Kaylen Foss, Derby Middle School, Derby
Trinity Bayliff, Mulvane Middle School, Mulvane
Isaiah Doherty, Haven Grade School, Haven

3rd Place:
Ashlee Taylor, Burrton High School, Burrton
Abraham Zhang, Christ Lutheran School, Overland Park
Liam McLoughlin, O’Loughlin Elementary, Hays

To see all the artwork, go to the KDOT Aviation page.

Area entities are recipients of waste tire recycling grants

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KDHE

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of waste tire recycling grants. These annual solid waste grants are awarded to municipalities and school districts across the state. The grants total nearly $379,000 for 2019.

The waste tire recycling grants go toward funding safe surfacing at playgrounds, running tracks, picnic tables and benches made from waste tires.

This year’s 46 individual waste tire recycling grants range from $349 to $75,000. The grants are funded through a 25-cent tax paid on the purchase of new tires. The list of grantees can be found at https://www.kdheks.gov/waste/grants/SFY19WTGSpreadsheetFinal.pdf.

For more information on KDHE’s waste reduction grant opportunities and application procedures, visit www.kdheks.gov/waste.

Sunny, mild Wednesday with a chance for storms

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Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 22 mph.

WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 82. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 22 mph.

Wednesday Night A chance of rain before 4am, then a chance of rain and snow. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Windy, with an east wind 17 to 26 mph becoming north northwest in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

ThursdayA chance of snow before 10am, then a chance of rain and snow between 10am and 11am, then a chance of rain after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 42. Very windy, with a northwest wind 31 to 38 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Very windy, with a northwest wind 27 to 32 mph decreasing to 21 to 26 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph.

FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy.

Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 27.

 

Kan. Army National Guard helicopters deployed for potential wild fire assistance

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TOPEKA —Due to a high threat index for wildland fires over the next several days, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management has asked the Kansas Army National Guard to deploy six UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to several locations within the state to assist local fire departments, as needed.

Photo courtesy Kansas Army National Guard

The helicopters are equipped with collapsible 660-gallon buckets used to draw water from local sources to drop on areas that are difficult for ground crews to reach. These aircraft are being prepositioned in key locations to expedite assistance, should they be needed. The helicopter and crews left Tuesday and are currently tasked to remain operational through Thursday, April 11, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s office.

Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a State of Disaster Emergency declaration to allow state resources to respond more quickly to local requests for assistance.

“Our past experiences have taught us that wildland fires can crop up suddenly and spread rapidly,” said Kelly. “This declaration allows us to position our state emergency response assets so they can act quickly when a request for assistance is made.”

KDEM will activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka to monitor weather conditions and respond to requests for assistance from local authorities.

Mariners hand KC 8th straight L; Merrifield hit streak at 30

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Dee Gordon got three hits and drove in two runs as the high-scoring Seattle Mariners extended baseball’s best record with a 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

The Mariners improved to 11-2 and have scored at least five runs in 12 of those games. The Royals lost their eighth in a row.

Whit Merrifield extended his hitting streak to 30 games, tying a Royals record set by George Brett in 1980. He led off the bottom of the first with an opposite-field triple to stretch a streak that began last Sept. 10 and included the final 20 games of the season.

But the Mariners have some impressive streaks of their own.

When Jay Bruce hit his AL-leading seventh home run in the first inning, the Mariners extended their string to 13 games at the start of a season with at least one home run, matching the Detroit Tigers in 2017. The 2002 Cleveland Indians (14 games) are the only team since 1908 to open the season with more games with home runs.

Seattle also matched the 2000 St. Louis Cardinals with the most home runs (33) through their first 13 games.

Merrifield scored the tying run in the first on an RBI single by Adalberto Mondesi.

Speedy Billy Hamilton scored from second base on a sacrifice fly when Mallex Smith fell down in deep center catching Mondesi’s drive, making it 2-all in the third.

Gordon had a two-run single in the fourth for a 4-2 lead.

Marco Gonzales (4-0) gave up two earned runs in six-plus innings. Anthony Swarzak pitched the ninth for his second save in two opportunities.

Jakob Junis (1-1) allowed four runs in four innings. Richard Lovelady, the Royals’ fourth pitcher of the night, pitched a perfect eighth inning in his major league debut.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Mariners: INF Tim Beckham remained out of the starting lineup with tightness in his right hamstring. He tweaked it in the Mariners’ 12-5 victory over the White Sox on Sunday. Manager Scott Servais said the decision to hold out Beckham was by the training staff. “Beckham feels better today,” he said. “He could probably go out there and start the ballgame tonight.”

Royals: LHPs Danny Duffy and Brian Flynn remain on the 10-day IL with differing arm issues. Kansas City manager Ned Yost said they’re “doing fine” in their rehabs but wouldn’t elaborate further.

ROSTER NEWS

Mariners RHP Chasen Bradford was placed on the 10-day IL with shoulder inflammation. “We’ve used him a lot early,” Servais said. “He’s kind of our go-to guy. You know what you’re going to get when Chasen goes out there. He’s been very effective. We got a couple of innings out of him last night. He came in after the game and said he felt a little sore, tight. He came in today and he has a little bit of restricted range of motion. He’s probably going to be down three, four, maybe five days. With the 10-day DL, let’s give him time to get right. It’s April 9, so we’ve got time.” He was replaced on the roster by RHP Erik Swanson, who will make his debut in the major leagues with his first appearance.

Royals recalled RHP Heath Fillmyer and purchased the contract of Lovelady from Triple-A Omaha. RHP Kevin McCarthy and LHP Tim Hill were optioned to Omaha. Lovelady is on the major league roster for the first time in his career. “This is everything I ever dreamed of,” Lovelady said prior to Tuesday’s game. He found out after getting off the plane in Omaha following a road trip when Stormchasers manager Brian Poldberg called him and asked him to come back to baggage claim. When he went back, Poldberg told him, “They need you.” Lovelady asked, “What are you talking about?” When Poldberg told him he was heading to Kansas City he said he “lost words and started crying.”

UP NEXT

Mariners: LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-0, 4.02 ERA) will get the start for the Mariners in the second game of the four-game series. It will be the first time Kikuchi has pitched with four days’ rest, as opposed to the five days’ rest he is used to in Japanese baseball.

Royals: Had not named a starter for Wednesday’s game, though that spot could fall to Fillmyer, who pitched in 17 games (13 starts) with the Royals in 2018, compiling a 4-2 mark with a 4.26 ERA.

Boys State of Kansas registration open for 2019 session

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MANHATTAN — The deadline to register for the 2019 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is just around the corner — Monday, April 15. However, if those interested in the program miss the deadline, the program will continue to take registrations through Monday, May 26, as space allows. The event, which will be in its 82nd year, will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

The ALBSKLA is for young men who will enter their senior year of high school in the fall of 2019. It provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $325; however, in most instances, sponsors pay for the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying a $50 applicant fee. Those wishing to attend the program should visit https://kansasboysstate.com/ to register.

Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should contact Troy Fowler, ALBSKLA director of operations, at [email protected].

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy, visit https://kansasboysstate.com/ or https://ksbstate.org/.

– SUBMITTED –

FHSU baseball bested by Bethany

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HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped a mid-week non-conference contest against Bethany College on Tuesday 17-6 at Larks Park. The Tigers moved to 3-28 on the season. The Swedes stayed at 12-26 overall as this was an exhibition game for Bethany.

The Tigers produced six runs on 12 hits in the contests. Landon Erway had a successful day at the plate after finishing 3-for-4 from the dish. Erway scored a run and also earned a walk as the No. 3 hitter in the Tiger lineup.

Garrett Francis and Tyler Olsen were the only other Tigers to produce a multi-hit attack at the plate. Francis produced two RBI singles on the evening when he plated Marcus Altman in the fourth frame, cutting the Swede lead to 7-3 at the time.

Tyler Olson put the Tigers on the board in the first after attempting a double steal but getting caught in a rundown. However, Erway cross home plate before the out occurred. The black and gold struck for another run in the second, this time on a successful double steal attempt when Dawson Sramek took second base and Altman stole home.

FHSU tallied three runs in the sixth when Bryce Baumwart started things with a two-out double to center field and advanced to third on a balk call on the Swede pitcher. Francis pushed Baumwart past home plate when he legged out an infield single. Bethany switched pitchers and Grasser took advantage with a single to center field, allowing Francis to challenge the throw home. The throw did beat Francis, but the Swede catcher couldn’t hold on. The Tigers kept the line moving when Taylan Mullins-Ohm plated Grasser with an RBI single up the gut of the defense, again cutting the deficit to 9-6 after six inning of play.

The Tigers were held scoreless the remaining three innings, as the Swedes tacked on two in the seventh, four in the eighth and two in the ninth.

Tiger starter Tanner Smith (1-3) was charged with the loss, allowing seven runs (five earned) on six hits across 2.2 innings of work, striking out three and walking one batter. The bullpen came on in relief with five pitchers getting work on the mound; Ryan Brown (3.1 IP), Cody Rottinghaus (1.0 IP), Chase Werth (1.0 IP) and Jake Vieira (1.0 IP).

FHSU will resume conference play this weekend when they host Washburn for a three-game set, beginning on Friday (April 12). The series-opening contest is scheduled as Pack the Park for fans of all ages to enjoy some Tiger baseball! First pitch on Friday is slated for 6 p.m.

Hays High girls’ soccer dominant over Great Bend

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By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post

GREAT BEND, Kan.-For the second time in two days the Hays High Lady Indian’ soccer team picked up a convincing win, this time on the road in Great Bend. Hays High scored six first half goals and one second half goal on their way to a 7-0 win over the Lady Panthers. It was certainly a team effort tonight for Hays as five of the seven goals had some help with assists.

The Lady Indians had first half goals from Madelyn Martin, Kallie Leiker, Taleia McCrae, Allison Shubert, and two goals from Maggie Robben. Hays had first half assists from Jersey Johnson, Sophie Humphrey, Caroline Robben, and Shubert. Martin struck for her second goal of the match a little over half way through the second half for the last goal of the match with an assist from Leiker.

Hays High was pretty impressive defensively as well as Great Bend had very few shots on goal. It was the fifth consecutive shutout for the Lady Indians who improve to 6-1-1 on the season and 2-0-1 in the Western Athletic Conference. They will be back to action next Monday in Garden City.

SILAS HIBBS INTERVIEW

HHS baseball beats Great Bend by forfeit

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HAYS, Kan. – The Hays High baseball team is 9-0 after a 7-0 forfeit win over Great Bend Tuesday at the Hays High Field. The Indians were trailing 3-2 in the fourth when the Panthers used an ineligible pitcher.

Joey Soupiset, who threw Friday in the Panthers win over Liberal, was brought in relief in the fourth but needed to sit another day due to KSHSAA pitch count rules.

Hays High protested and was awarded the win.

The Indians eventually tied the game in the bottom of the fifth when it was called to save pitchers.

Trey Riggs allowed three runs, two earned on three hits over five innings with nine strikeouts and no walks.

The Indians host Dodge City Friday in a doubleheader.

Monarchs baseball sweeps Ellis

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HAYS, Kan. – The TMP-Marian baseball pushed their winning streak to six games with a pair of run-rule wins over Ellis Tuesday at the TMP Field. The Monarchs scored 31 runs on 27 hits and won 15-5 in six innings in game one and 16-6 in five innings in game two.

Ellis struck for five runs in the top of the first inning in game one. It stayed that way until the fifth when the Monarchs scored 12. Carson Jacobs bases loaded walk broke the 5-5 and put TMP in front for good.

Noah Gibson had three hits and drove in four. Ethan Atherton pitched the final two innings of relief for the win.

The Monarchs scored 10 runs in the fourth inning to blow open the second game. Mason Robbins went 3-for-4 to lead the 14-hit attack.
Brady Kreutzer drove in three.

Colby Dreiling allowed one run on four hits over four innings for the win as the Monarchs improve to 6-2.

TMP travels to Abilene Friday to make up a postponed game from last month. They are back at home next Tuesday against Russell/Victoria.

Defense questions death sentence for rapist, killer in case that prompted Kan. Amber Alert

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — The attorney for a man convicted of abducting, raping and killing a 10-year-old Missouri girl says his death sentence should be overturned.

Craig Wood-photo MDC

Jurors found 51-year-old Craig Wood guilty last year of first-degree murder for the February 2014 death of Hailey Owens in Springfield.

Police say he snatched the fourth-grade girl from a neighborhood street less than two blocks from her home as she walked back from her best friend’s house. Several neighbors unsuccessfully attempted to rescue the child, chasing the suspect on foot and by car.  The abduction prompted an Amber Alert in Kansas.

His attorney told the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday that the process used to impose the death sentence wasn’t constitutional. The issue is that jurors couldn’t decide whether to sentence Wood to death or life in prison without parole. That left the decision in the hands of the judge who oversaw Wood’s trial.

Missouri and Indiana are the only states where a judge can impose a death sentence. Other states follow the federal procedure that a defendant is sentenced to life in prison if jurors are deadlocked.

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