Just before 3:30a.m. Monday, deputies responded to U.S. Highway 77 in rural Geary County for a subject in the roadway, according to a media release.
Deputies made contact with a man seeking help. They determined the victim was on State Lake Road with one of the suspects when he was ordered out of the car at gun point by a second suspect.
The victim was allegedly threatened by both subjects, one with a knife and one with a gun, battered and restrained against his will. The two male subjects left the scene and the victim ran to U.S. 77 Highway where he was able to receive assistance.
The victim. who is not being identified by authorities, was treated and released on the scene by Junction City Fire / EMS, for minor injuries.
Deputies are investigating the case as an aggravated assault with the possibility of more charges, according to the release. The Sheriff’s Department identified the two suspects as Michael Leroy Whitaker, 33, Topeka, and Jason Robert Snider, 33, Chapman. They were in custody Tuesday in Geary County, according online arrest reports››
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is proud to announce the beginning of Business Appreciation Month by announcing several award winners, including the finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Business Appreciation Month program has been in place since 1995 and serves as a statewide tribute to Kansas businesses for their contributions to our state. Individuals and organizations are invited to nominate businesses that contribute jobs and support their local communities.
Businesses are nominated in one of four categories:
Service
Retail
Manufacturing/Distribution
Hospital/Non-Profit
One winner in each category is chosen from each of the seven designated regions of the state by a panel of judges from the business and economic development community.
Once regional winners are determined, the judges select the top nominees as the finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence, which is the highest award given to a business by the state of Kansas.
Before the judging team makes its final recommendation for the winner of the Governor’s Award of Excellence, the finalists are given a chance to make presentations to the panel of judges. This gives the finalists an opportunity to expand upon the information that was submitted in their nomination.
The following companies are finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence:
Leeway Franks of Lawrence, KS
Mi Rancho Tequila of Kansas City, KS
Morningstar Care Homes of Fredonia, KS
ColdPoint Logistics of Edgerton, KS
The official selection for this award will be announced at the Team Kansas Awards Banquet on June 4 at the Kansas State University Alumni Center in Manhattan, KS.
Alongside the Award of Excellence, the Department of Commerce is announcing awards in the Regional and Merit categories.
The following companies are this year’s Regional Award Winners:
Backroad Atlas
Clay County Medical Center
Cleaver Farm and Home
Courser Lap Clinical and Family Services
Cumbernauld Village
Florence Corporation
Fox Home innovations, LLC
Gella’s Diner and LB. Brewing Co. – Hays
Genco Manufacturing, Inc.
Guardian Home Health, LLC
Kimbroy’s Properties
Kowpoke Supply
Pars Consuting/ Pars Bioscience
Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy, LLC
Rooks County Health Center – Plainville
Standard Beverage Corporation
The Building Center
Union Bank & Trust
Wichita State University and Innovation Campus Expansion
The following companies are this year’s Merit Award Winners:
6th Avenue Boutique & Bronze
Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods – Ellis
Artistic Works by Lu
Atchison Community Health Clinic Inc.
B-Hive
BlackHawk Development
Bourbon & Baker
Brant’s Market – Lucas
Caney Drug
Chestnut Ave Venue
CK Pharmacy (Moundridge, McPherson & Peabody)
Clorox (M&M Manufacturing)
Coast to Coast Title company
Crop Service Center-Beverly
Downs Community Garden – Downs
Downtown Hays Development Corporation – Hays
Driscoll Law Office – Russell
E & K Retail Inc
Elite Physicals
Ernest-Spencer Metals, Inc
Flame Engineering – La Crosse
Forte Products
Fredonia Outdoor Equipment
G & W Foods
Harvest Video
Heartland Hay
Hiawatha Ford
Insurance Smart
Irsik & Doll Feed Services, Inc
J&J Precision Machining LLC
JenRus Freelance
Kansas Barbed Wire Collectors Association, Inc – La Crosse
Kansas Country Store
Kanza Mental Health and Guidance Center
KC Hemp Co.
KJ’s Pizzeria
LaHarpe Communications
Land Pride (division of Great Plains Manuf.) – Lucas
Mcarty Office Machines, Inc
Melby’s Home Center
Midland Marketing – Hays
Monroe 816
Moundridge Communications Network
Muir Law Office – Stockton
Old 40 Bar and Grill – Dorrance
Outback Guidance Division of Hemisphere GNSS(USA) Inc
Avary Huff with Lynn Haggard (Photo courtesy FHSU)
FHSU University Relations
Fort Hays State University recently held its first ceremony and ribbon cutting for the Lynn Haggard Undergraduate Library Research Award. The winner of the $500 cash award was Avary Huff, a Topeka sophomore majoring in tourism and hospitality management.
Over 60 people including donors, retired librarians, FHSU faculty and staff, as well as community members were in attendance for the ceremony.
The award recognizes excellence in undergraduate research that incorporates the use of Forsyth Library resources and demonstrates sophisticated information literacy skills.
“This award sought to evaluate not just the research product, but the research process,” said Nathan Elwood, instruction and electronic access librarian. “The judging committee looked at students’ ability to locate high quality information, evaluate it critically, and use it insightfully.”
A committee of librarians, graduate students, and faculty from across a wide array of disciplines and studies came together to evaluate the scholarship entered by students.
Huff’s paper, “Living the Suite Life: The Implementation of Environmental Technologies in the Hotel Industry,” was completed as part of a tourism and hospitality management course. Thomas Lippert, instructor of management, was Huff’s faculty mentor.
“It was an honor to mentor Avary in this research assignment and help champion her paper,” said Lippert. “Avary indicated that she now realizes that working with librarians at Forsyth benefits the quality and depth in the research process.”
“Huff, in developing her essay, utilized an array of specialized tools and techniques, consulted with library faculty for additional support, and critically evaluated both the sources she utilized and her own skill in using them,” said the committee.
“The Lynn Haggard Undergraduate Library Research Award honors Lynn Haggard, retired Forsyth Librarian, and her 18 years of passionate service to the FHSU community and highlights the role of libraries as partners in student learning,” said Deborah Ludwig, dean of Forsyth Library.
Two additional finalists of the 16 applicants were recognized for their work alongside Huff.
Jordan Stevens, a Wichita sophomore majoring in history, wrote “There’s Something Happening Here: American Protest Songs of the Vietnam War.” Hollie Marquess, instructor of history, was Stevens’ faculty mentor.
Michala Bieker, a Great Bend junior majoring in early childhood unified, wrote “Action Research Project.” Dr. Linda Feldstein, assistant professor of teacher education, was Bieker’s faculty mentor.
The works of the winner and two finalists will be preserved and accessible in the FHSU Scholars Repository at https://scholars.fhsu.edu.
“Our students live in an age where the ability to think critically depends on finding and analyzing information that is unbiased and factual,” said Ludwig. “That skill is foundational to participation in a democratic and increasingly global society. Lynn Haggard helped many FHSU students develop that skill and we honor her legacy with this award”
As of 8 a.m. Tuesday morning, Hays received 1.75 inches of rain in the last 24 hours.
So far this month, Hays has received 5.01 inches, which is more than the 3.24 inch average for the whole month.
The storms of the last two days has also pushed the Hays over its year to date rainfall average. Since Jan. 1. Hays has received 8.63 of rain, which is more than the 7.81 inch year-to-date average for the end of May.
Ellis and Rush counties remain in a Flash Flood Watch until 1 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service, Tuesday’s weather forecast includes a 90 percent chance of precipitation Tuesday with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Tuesday night. Wind gusts could be as high as 31 mph.
Wednesday is expected to dry out before more rain moves in Wednesday night, Thursday, Thursday night and Friday night.
Camping season is here, and Cedar Bluff State Park is ready to kick off the summer with an all-day event to celebrate Memorial Day weekend!
The lake is up one foot since April 30 and continues to rise every day or so. As of May 12, the lake elevation is 2126.80. It has recently hit another official lake foot marker and is now up nine-feet! Soon the Cove 1 boat ramp, a ramp that hasn’t been used in years, will be put back into use. It’s the perfect time to spend a relaxing weekend at Cedar Bluff State Park!
On May 25th, the Saturday before Memorial Day, Cedar Bluff’’s park rangers are hosting a park party for the families of Trego, Ellis, and other counties. Games, food, and a day of fun in the sun are waiting for you at the lake!
Memorial Day Weekend Party (Saturday May 25th)
Compete in informal outdoor games, like horseshoes, cornhole, bladder ball, and outdoor Twister, or sign up to be a part of the beach volleyball tournament right on the lake’s sand beach.
Briney Motorsports will be performing jet ski demonstrations throughout the day with the best and newest water craft. You can also find out more about their new boat rental service.
Throughout the day there will be four food trucks serving delicious food and treats to keep you cool.
Our fishing pond is open, too, so don’t forget your bait and tackle! The kids will love spending time on the shore waiting to hook “the big one” with their mom and dad.
The evening will close with a dance party under the stars. DJ Willy Will is on the schedule to play the best in pop, rock, country, and the golden oldies, and you can dance the night away with your special somebody.
Set Up Your Campsite
Plan to spend the long weekend at the lake!
Cedar Bluff State Park has two campgrounds. The Northside camping area is a social area, with paved streets and a neighborhood feel, while the Southside offers a more private experience for those who want to really dive into that country feeling. RV hookups are available at both camping areas. Spots fill up fast, so be sure to reserve your Northside campsite before Tuesday for Friday camping.
Spend your Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 25at Cedar Bluff State Park! It’s the best way to start a summer filled with fun outdoor adventure and great memories with friends and family!
Note: Vehicle permits are required. Life jacket rentals are now available through the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner program and check out the Cedar Bluff State Park’s Facebook page for updates to the schedule and information about the park.
CRAWFORD COUNTY– A tornado touched down south of Pittsburg, Kansas Monday evening taking a path from 180th and 400 highway in Cherokee, Kansas and moving northeast toward 270th and 530th Avenue. east of Pittsburg, according to a statement from the city. No injuries have been reported, according to the sheriff’s department.
Storm damage reported includes damage to outbuildings and secondary structures, shingles blown off houses, wind damage, large trees down, and downed power lines. Westar Energy is responding to downed power lines and addressing power outages.
Search and rescue crews have been activated. Local first responders are checking residences to make sure everyone is accounted for. Anyone needing to locate loved ones or report missing residents should call (620) 230-5625.
Residents were advised to stay away from Langdon Lane and the surrounding area effected. Current weather hazards include downed power lines, debris, lightening and heavy rain. More weather risks are headed our way with a second round of thunderstorms in the forecast for this evening.
——————
Late Monday, the National Weather Service reduced the severe threat of violent storms to a small area of southern Oklahoma and northern Texas. But it kept an area stretching from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Wichita Falls, Texas, under tornado watch — the level of threat just below a tornado warning — until 5 a.m. CDT Tuesday morning
The biggest threat overnight appeared to be flash flooding from torrential rains that accompanied the storms, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service had warned that Monday evening could bring perilous weather to a large swath of western Texas, most of Oklahoma and southern Kansas. The storm was expected to move later Monday into western Arkansas.
As predicted, more than a dozen sightings of tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Missouri early Monday evening, although they were in sparsely populated areas. Oklahoma residents were particularly nervous Monday because it was the sixth anniversary of a massive tornado in Moore, south of Oklahoma City, that killed 24 people.
A tornado struck western and northern portions of the southwestern Oklahoma town of Mangum on Monday afternoon. Glynadee Edwards, the Greer County emergency management director, says some homes incurred roof damage and the high school’s agriculture barn was destroyed, but the livestock survived.
“The pigs are walking around wondering what happened to their house,” she said.
Emergency officials reported a tornado near Lucien, in northern Oklahoma, severely damaging a house and destroying a barn. One storm cell near Crescent, 32 miles north of Oklahoma City, spawned twin tornadoes.
National Weather Service meteorologist John Pike in Norman, Oklahoma, said a developing layer of relatively warm air aloft late Monday afternoon and evening over central Oklahoma was capping development of the kind of supercells that spawned tornadoes earlier in the afternoon in western and northern Oklahoma. Storm cells that did develop, however, followed one after the other in what is called “training,” leading to scattered reports of flash flooding Monday night.
The Storm Prediction Center website shows the main severe thunderstorm threat Tuesday will be over Missouri and northern Arkansas, with a slight threat in a surrounding area bounded by Dallas; Springfield, Illinois; Garden City, Kansas; and Oklahoma City.
The threat of nasty weather had prompted measures to prepare for the worst. School districts in Oklahoma City, nearby Norman and elsewhere in Oklahoma canceled classes with forecasts of hail and wind gusts of up to 80 mph (128 kph). A flood watch was in effect for the greater Oklahoma City region. Schools in Abilene and elsewhere in West Texas sent students home early.
Tinker Air Force Base near Oklahoma City moved several planes to other military installations in anticipation of storm damage. Meanwhile, state workers in several Oklahoma counties were sent home early.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a statement that the state emergency operations center was activated and urged motorists not to drive around barricades or into flooded roadways.
In Oklahoma City, emergency management officials opened the Multi-Agency Coordination Center, an underground bunker on the city’s northeast side that serves as a clearinghouse for coordinating information about severe weather events and other major emergencies.
Some flights at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City were canceled to avoid damage to aircraft and the possibility of extended delays elsewhere.
The Monday storms followed a spate of tornadoes in the Southern Plains on Friday and Saturday, leaving widespread damage and some people injured.
The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday. There will also be a public hearing.
The meeting and public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. at 718 Main in the Commission Chambers.
Contact the Ellis County Zoning Office at 785-628-9449 for more information.
The complete agenda follows.
ELLIS COUNTY JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
May 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Ellis County Administrative Center Meeting Room
718 Main Street Lower Level, Hays, Kansas
ELLIS COUNTY JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
May 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Ellis County Administrative Center Meeting Room
718 Main Street Lower Level, Hays, Kansas
Agenda is Subject to Change
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of April 24, 2019 meeting minutes
IV. Public Presentation
V. Staff Report
A. Activity Report
B. Other
VI. Old Business
A. Committee Reappointments
B. Update on the Comprehensive Plan
C. Other
VII. New Business
A. Public Hearing for Conditional Use Permit 1908
Meder/Nex-Tech
A. Motion to Open Public Hearing
B. Staff Report on Conditional Use Permit/Development Plan
C. Questions from Commission to Staff
D. Presentation by Applicant
E. Opportunity for Public to speak
F. Applicant Rebuttal
G. Staff presents staff findings
H. Questions from Commission to Applicant, Public or Staff
I. Motion to Close Public Hearing
J. Commission takes action upon request
K. Commission now completes the Findings of Fact in accordance with action taken
L. Announce Protest Period Ending Date
B. Other
VIII. Confirm next meeting date: July 24, 2019 at Ellis County
Administrative Center Meeting Room, 718 Main Lower Level,
Hays, Kansas at 7:00 p.m.
Just when you think partisan politics and political theatre can’t get any worse, the Democrats are working harder than ever to literally destroy a Trump presidency. The leftist liberals and progressives in the congressional House are crossing the line in efforts to oust our president.
You would think, following the Robert Mueller report a few weeks ago, we, as a country, could move on to issues and agendas that matter most to Americans. But no, the hatred of our president, and taking him out, is upper most in the minds of a political party, most media, and what is known as the deep state. The Trump haters are determined to carry on more than ever.
The Mueller Report, after two years of investigating, 30 million tax dollars spent, umpteen subpoenas and witnesses testifying, the case should be closed. Nobody in the Trump presidential campaign of 2016 was found to be guilty of colluding with Russia. Therefore, case closed, and he is exonerated whether Mueller says so or not. The same should hold true for obstruction as well. The Trump/Russia collusion was a hoax to begin with, and logically how do you obstruct an investigation when there isn’t even a crime to go with it from the very beginning?
When Dems on the House Judiciary Committee claim it is their constitutional duty to further investigate and it’s important to our democracy for oversight purposes I cringe. (actually, I upchuck). Since when does a political party in Congress get the right to badger and harass, day in and day out, a president of these United States? It’s not oversight, not even overreach. It’s overkill.
Democrat Chairman Jerry Nadler and his like minded members on the committee are making a mockery of our Constitution. What is taking place in a legislative body that has become an investigative one instead is making history by standing our Constitution on its head. Another black mark in American history eroding our democracy.
Mueller sent his report to Attorney General William Barr of the Department of Justice as required, and then Barr made it available to the House committee with some redactions. Under Nadler’s leadership, Barr is held in contempt for not illegally letting Nadler’s minions see everything in the 448 page report. 98% wasn’t good enough. By law, Barr can’t send everything since there is classified grand jury information. For that matter, there is no law requiring Barr to send the report to anybody in the first place, yet he is held in contempt?
The infamous Mueller Report has many flaws. It reads in part like gossip columns. It basically should simply say there was or was not a crime committed on collusion and obstruction, however, it prints out to nearly 500 pages of gibberish. Mr. Integrity and Honorable Mueller (as all the libs call him) put out a very “unprofessional” investigative report.and Dems are fit to be tied since he isn’t putting Trump in jail for a crime.
I will be surprised if Mueller agrees to testify before the Senate or House, but I personally hope he does. Too many things don’t add up. For example, why did he take the job in the first place and then hire an army of lawyers connected to the Clintons? How will he explain his scheme to keep the two year hoax alive as he refuses, after two years of investigating, to even make a final decision on obstruction? Some say he knew early on there was no collusion, but continued on for two years anyway at taxpayers expense.
My biggest question, that media never mentions, is how Mueller pretty much ignores in his report the Democrat collusion with Russia. After two years of investigating and Democrat collusion all over the place (and not by Trump), but what’s the reason for focusing on one and never on the other? How does he justify turning a blind eye to the real collusion when the two different camps are connected beyond belief?
Here’s the big secret in all of this! Along with destroying Trump, these people are now out to do the same to Barr and here’s the reason. Our relatively new AG is about to lower the boom on this whole Trump Russia thing. It’s the Democrats, through Hillary and the Democrat National Committee, with help from the FBI and CIA, that have been colluding with Russia instead.
The tables have turned. Heads will roll. Look for a whole host of investigations. Too many people to name in this writing who were part of an attempted coup of our duly elected president; a president constitutionally elected by the people, not the hierarchy. Obama spying on the Trump campaign before he became president will be huge. Former FBI Director Comey is in hot water as is CIA Director Brennan and NIA Clapper. Obama and Hillary will be at the top of the list to be investigated.
None of this will be resolved soon. It may even take years, but if we are to be known as a true democratic republic, restoration of rule of law in this country and equal justice for all is a must. Laws and justice based on whether you are Democrat or Republican have got to go.
A good argument can be made that it is a God given miracle Trump, not only survives an onslaught of hell from the left, but still succeeds in a major way of making America great again.
Tuesday Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 65. Windy, with an east wind 13 to 18 mph becoming south 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. West southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
WednesdaySunny, with a high near 74. West wind around 11 mph.
Wednesday NightA 30 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. East wind 8 to 10 mph.
ThursdayRain and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday NightA 40 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Breezy.
FridayA 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
CLOUD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.
Burchett photo KDOC
Just before 4:30p.m. Friday, a Cloud County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested 40-year-old Lisa Burchett of Concordia on a Cloud County District Court warrant for two counts of abuse of a child and endangering a child, according to Undersheriff Nick Patterson.
Burchett has ten previous convictions including burglary, theft, aggravated escape from custody, drugs and forgery four times. She is being held in the Cloud County Law Enforcement Center.
NEW YORK (AP) — Dressbarn, the women’s clothing chain that’s been around for nearly 60 years, is closing all 650 of its stores including locations in Salina, Manhattan, Newton, Shawnee, Olathe and Wichita.
Google image
The company’s chief financial officer, Steven Taylor, said Dressbarn has not been operating at an “acceptable level of profitability in today’s retail environment.”
Its owner, Ascena Retail Group Inc., says it wants to focus on its more profitable brands. Ascena also owns Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant and other clothing stores.
The company did not say when Dressbarn will shut all its stores. Dressbarn employs about 6,800 people.
After the news was announced Monday, shares of Ascena Retail Group Inc. rose 2.6% to $1.17 in extended trading. Shares of the Mahwah, New Jersey-based company are down more than 50% so far this year.
OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a suburban Kansas City teen was killed when an $8 Xanax deal fell through.
Bibee -photo Johnson Co.
The affidavit released Monday in the case against Matthew Lee Bibee Jr. says 17-year-old Rowan Padgett was killed in March after Bibee arranged to buy the anxiety medication through another suspect, 16-year-old Jordan Denny. Bibee, Denny and a third teen are charged with first-degree felony murder.
Denny told authorities she kicked Padgett out of her Olathe, Kansas, house after he asked for sex. But he stayed in the area and was there when Bibee arrived with friends to get the Xanax. Denny told investigators that she asked Padgett to leave with Bibee because her supplier had fallen through and her father had called police.
Padgett was killed after getting into the car with Bibee, who was wounded two days later in an exchange of gunfire with police.
PHILLIPSBURG — Authorities reported a 12-year-old was injured in an accidental shooting Tuesday in Phillips County.Just before 10 a.m., dispatchers received a 911 call from the boy stating he had accidentally shot himself and needed help, according to a social media post from the Phillips County Sheriff.The boy panicked and couldn’t tell the dispatcher his address. The dispatcher used the mapping system available within the 911 system and sent officers and EMS to where the system told her was the location.
Prior to EMS and law enforcements arrival, it was determined the address was incorrect and the proper location was identified.
The child in this case was transported to Phillips County Hospital and transferred to a Kearney Hospital via ambulance in critical condition. Due to weather, air ambulances could not respond to transport the patient.
With school out and many responsible children being left home alone, the Sheriff’s Department encouraged parents to first, secure firearms in your home and second, encourage your kids to stay calm in emergencies so they can properly communicate with us should they need to call for help.
