We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Month: May 2019

School placed on lockdown after shooting in Junction City

Posted on

GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in Junction City.

On Wednesday afternoon, Geary County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 3407 Liberty Hall Road  for a report of a man in his early 20’s who had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, according to Sheriff Daniel Jackson.

The victim  reported he was shot by an unknown race male with a dark complexion wearing blue jeans and a white shirt.

Sheriff’s Department and Junction City Police Department officers set up a perimeter and searched the area on foot and with the use of K9’s while the Kansas Highway Patrol provided an overview from one of their aerial units.

Spring Valley Elementary School was placed on a brief lockdown until it was determined that there was no threat to public safety.

The victim was transported to Geary Community Hospitay by Junction City Fire / EMS in stable condition with a non-life threatening wound. The name of the victim was not released.

Contractors face fines for improper asbestos removal at KSU’s Hale Library

Posted on

MANHATTAN – An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has found that Belfor Property Restoration and subcontractor Custom Crushing & Company – both based in Kansas City, Missouri – failed to comply with OSHA’s asbestos removal standards while performing rehabilitation work at Kansas State University’s Hale Library in Manhattan.

A construction worker on an aerial lift installs insulation in one of two future seminar rooms on the south side of Hale Library’s first floor-photo courtesy K-State Libraries

According to a media release from the U.S. Department of Labor, Custom Crushing & Company faces $193,596 in proposed penalties, and Belfor Property Restoration faces proposed penalties totaling $39,780.

Custom Crushing & Company was cited for 23 serious health violations including exposing employees to asbestos, failing to provide respiratory protection, and personal protective clothing, develop a written hazard communication program, train workers on asbestos hazards, properly dispose of material and waste containing asbestos, and conduct medical surveillance for employees exposed to health hazards.

OSHA cited Belfor Property Restoration for three serious violations after determining asbestos abatement on the project did not comply with OSHA standards. Inspectors also determined that the company failed to inform the building’s owner and other employees of the location and quantity of presumed asbestos-containing material.

“Asbestos is a well-known health hazard that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other life-threatening illnesses,” said OSHA Wichita Area Director Ryan Hodge. “Employers working in the restoration industry are required to remediate asbestos hazards to ensure workers are adequately protected.”

Both companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. See citations issued to Custom Crushing here and Belfor here.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.

FHSU men’s basketball announces seven additions for 2019-20

Posted on

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Men’s Basketball head coach Mark Johnson announced seven additions for the upcoming 2019-20 season on Wednesday (May 15). Four of the seven are transfers, while three will be true freshmen. Transfer signings include Jake Hutchings, Perry Carroll, Alvin Thompson, and Jackson Miller, while the freshman class includes Bjarni Jonsson, Kaleb Hammeke, and Devin Walker.

Hutchings is a transfer from Chaminade University in Hawaii with one year of eligibility remaining. A 6-foot, 7-inch native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Hutchings spent his junior season of 2018-19 with the Silverswords, playing in all 31 of the team’s games with one start. He averaged 7.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, while shooting over 50 percent from the field and over 85 percent at the free-throw line to help Chaminade to a 23-8 record and appearance in the West Regional of the NCAA Division II Tournament. Prior to his season at Chaminade, Hutchings played two seasons at Howard College in Texas. As a sophomore in 2017-18, he earned All-Western Junior College Athletic Conference First Team honors by averaging 13.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. As a freshman in 2016-17, he averaged 5.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. During his prep days, Hutchings was an all-state honorable mention selection at Centennial High School in Las Vegas.

Carroll is a junior transfer from Allen County (Kan.) Community College, where he played two seasons. He was an All-KJCCC East Division Second Team selection as a sophomore in 2018-19, averaging a team-best 16.4 points and 3.8 assists per game as the team’s point guard. He also added 4.1 rebounds per game. He scored 20 or more points in a game 12 times, including a pair of games with at least 30 points. As a freshman in 2017-18, Carroll averaged 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. A native of Ottawa, Kansas, the 5-foot, 10-inch Carroll was a two-time all-state selection in his prep career at Ottawa High School.

Thompson is a junior transfer from Cloud County (Kan.) Community College, where he played two seasons. He was an All-KJCCC East Division First Team and All-Region 6 Second Team selection as a sophomore in 2018-19, averaging 16.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He scored at least 20 points in a game 13 times, reaching a season-high 27 points twice. He shot over 50 percent from the field, over 40 percent beyond the 3-point line, and over 75 percent at the free-throw line. As a freshman in 2017-18, Thompson averaged 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. A 6-foot, 3-inch guard, Thompson is a native of St. Louis where he was an all-state selection at Cardinal Ritter Prep and also a two-time Class 3A state triple jump champion.

Miller is a junior transfer from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, where he played for two years. He is a 6-foot, 7-inch native of Montezuma, Kansas. As a sophomore in 2018-19, Miller played in 19 games averaging 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. As a freshman in 2017-18, he played in 27 contests averaging 2.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. He was a member of two consecutive teams that advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament, including a national semifinal appearance in 2018-19. He also helped Coffeyville to a pair of KJCCC Championships. Prior to college, Miller was a two-time all-state selection at South Gray High School.

After a successful run with the U-18 and U-20 Icelandic National Teams, Jonsson comes to the United States for his first year of collegiate basketball. Standing at 6-feet, 7-inches, he had success with Iceland in the European Championships. He played with club team Skallagrimur of the Dominos League, averaging 12.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 2018-19. The year prior, he averaged 9.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He played alongside former Fort Hays State standout Dom Samac with Skallagrimur, comprised of both amateur and professional players. For the U-20 Iceland National Team in 2018, he averaged 9.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in the European Championships. With the U-18 Team a year earlier, he averaged 8.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

Hammeke comes to Fort Hays State from Hutchinson, Kansas, where he competed at Trinity Catholic High School. Hammeke was a two-time all-state selection in basketball, including first team honors as a senior in 2018-19. He was also named to the Hutchinson News All-Area First Team, while earning the distinction of Hutchinson News Player of the Year. During his senior year, Hammeke averaged 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. He scored 1,371 points in his prep career, second in Trinity history.

Walker comes to Fort Hays State from Ulysses High School in Ulysses, Kansas. Standing at 6-feet, 8-inches, he was an honorable mention all-state selection in both basketball and football. He received second team all-state honors in basketball from Sports in Kansas. As a senior in 2018-19, he averaged 10.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 2.0 steals per game.

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown Previous School
Jake Hutchings F 6-7 200 Sr. Las Vegas, Nev. Chaminade University
Perry Carroll G 5-10 195 Jr. Ottawa, Kan. Allen County (Kan.) CC
Alvin Thompson G 6-3 170 Jr. St. Louis, Mo. Cloud County (Kan.) CC
Jackson Miller F 6-7 210 Jr. Montezuma, Kan. Coffeyville (Kan.) CC
Bjarni Jonsson F 6-7 200 Fr. Borgarnes, Iceland Borgarfjardar HS
Kaleb Hammeke G 6-0 165 Fr. Hutchinson, Kan. Trinity Catholic HS
Devin Walker F 6-8 215 Fr. Ulysses, Kan. Ulysses HS

HPD Activity Log May 13 & 14

Posted on

The Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 31 traffic stops Mon., May 13, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1:02 AM
Driving Under the Influence–8th and Vine St, Hays; 2:27 AM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–300 block W 13th St, Hays; 7:21 AM; 7:31 AM
Animal At Large–2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:56 AM
Credit Card Violations–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 5/7 6:25 AM; 6:28 AM
Animal At Large–500 block E 11th St, Hays; 10:38 AM
Animal At Large–1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 10:43 AM
Credit Card Violations–1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 5/6 8 PM; 8:05 PM
Credit Card Violations–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 5/6 7:30 PM; 5/6 7:45 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:40 AM
Welfare Check–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:58 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:08 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–500 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:43 PM
Trash Dumping–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:09 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:09 PM
Aggravated Battery–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 3/15 9 PM; 3/25 9:30 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–500 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:52 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 2:56 PM; 2:57 PM
Burglary/business–500 block E 17th St, Hays; 5/9 6:30 PM; 5/12 6:30 PM
Wildlife Incident–3700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 5:05 PM
Animal At Large–1900 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 5:36 PM
Suspicious Activity–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 10:42 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 33 traffic stops Tue., May 14, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–1000 block Elm St, Hays; 12:10 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–400 block E 14th St, Hays; 8:07 AM
Welfare Check–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 9:20 AM
Animal At Large–200 block W 14th St, Hays; 12:14 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–500 block E 14th St, Hays; 5/13 6 PM; 5/14 12:57 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 1:09 PM
Animal Call–2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 2:20 PM
Domestic Disturbance–400 block Santa Fe St, Hays; 2:57 PM; 3 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1/14 3:02 PM; 5/14 3:02 PM
Domestic Disturbance–400 block Santa Fe St, Hays; 5/10 12 PM; 3 PM
Driving Under the Influence–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 3:30 PM
Theft of Services–2700 block Hall St, Hays; 4:30 PM; 4:47 PM
Missing Person–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:52 PM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:42 PM
Juvenile Complaint–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:08 PM
Disturbance – Noise–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 6:39 PM
Civil Dispute–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 6:30 PM; 6:35 AM
Credit Card Violations–2500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 5/9 8:25 PM; 8:30 AM
Suspicious Activity–3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 11 PM; 11:30 PM

Alyce (Anderson) Avery

Posted on

Alyce was born in Red Willow County, Nebraska to Andrew E. and Chloe Marie (Johnston) Anderson on January 1, 1925. She attended elementary school in Red Willow County, Nebraska; Yuma County, Colorado; and Cedar Bluffs, Kansas. She attended high school at Decatur County High School, graduating in 1942. Alyce graduated at the top of her class both from elementary school and from high school, and she earned the highest Algebra score in Kansas as a Freshman at DCHS. While in high school, she boarded with a family and served as their nanny, housekeeper, and cook.

On March 21, 1943 Alyce married Roderick Keith Avery in Oberlin, Kansas. During WWII both she and Rod worked in the aviation industry in Kansas City and Hutchison, Kansas. They returned to Oberlin in 1946 where she worked as a homemaker, and then she served as office manager at Decatur County Hospital for 32 years before retiring in 1988.

Alyce was a very active member of the United Church of Oberlin, where she taught Sunday School and worked in the kitchen during special activities. When she retired, she spent many hours in service to the church. She was also a member of Oberlin Chapter 106 of Eastern Star.

Alyce is preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, Jesse Drake, her brother Jimmy E. Anderson, her sisters Amy Rehm and Marylu Brown, and her husband, Rod, who passed on December 27, 1995.

She is survived by two sons, Rolland Avery of Seattle, Washington and Barry Avery and wife Heather of North Granby, Connecticut; one daughter, Rozanne, currently of Oberlin; six grandchildren, Autumn Onna of Woodbridge, Virginia; Morgan Fuller and wife, Chinatsu, of Tanba-shi, Japan; Kevin Avery of Brooklyn, New York; Justin Avery and wife, Aja, of Simsbury, Connecticut; Benjamin Avery and wife, Katie and Raven Avery all of Seattle; Gary and Jody Shike of Oberlin; and Hillary McShea and wife, Abigail Koehlor, of Rochester, New York; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Alyce was known for her good nature and her quick wit. Recently she fell and cracked her head open requiring staples. I asked her if she thought she lost any brains in the process and she replied, “Nope. I didn’t have any left to lose!” When people used to ask her how she was, her answer was normally, “I can’t see; I can’t hear; I can barely walk! Other than that, I’m pretty good!”

A Graveside service will be held May 28, 2019, at the Oberlin City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Give An Hour, Since 2005, Give an Hour has focused on providing free and confidential mental health care to those who serve, our veterans, and their families or Fisher House, Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military and veterans families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. Memorials may be sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 Penn Ave, Oberlin, Kansas 67749 . Online condolences may be left at [email protected] Arrangements are being handled by Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, Kansas.

Kan. community college agrees to outside probe after player’s death

Posted on
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas community college has agreed to an independent investigation into the heatstroke death last year of a football player who collapsed after the first day of conditioning practice.

Bradforth and his mother after his graduation from Neptune High School -courtesy Joanne Atkins-Ingram

Trustees for Garden City Community College voted Tuesday evening to authorize the outside probe into the death of 19-year-old Braeden Bradforth of Neptune, New Jersey. The move came after the college faced mounting pressure, including calls by New Jersey’s U.S. House delegation for an investigation.

Bradforth was found unconscious outside his dorm room on Aug. 1 after practice. He died later that night at a hospital.

His mother, Joanne Atkins-Ingram, said Wednesday that she’s hoping the investigation will finally let her know her son’s last moments. She said she hopes investigators find out what went wrong and how to correct it.

Nominees for FHSU’s 2019 Torch, Pilot, Lighthouse awards announced

Posted on

FHSU University Relations

Nominees for three top awards have been announced by the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association.
Thirty-five graduating seniors have been nominated for the 2019 Torch Award, the highest student honor, and 33 faculty were nominated by members of the class of 2019 for the Pilot Award for outstanding faculty member.

In addition, 12 graduate students who will complete their degrees this spring were nominated for the association’s Lighthouse Award to honor the outstanding student completing graduate studies.

The Torch and Pilot Awards, created in 1974, are presented every year at the Graduate and Faculty Dinner in advance of Commencement. The Lighthouse Award was created in 2018.

Torch Award and Lighthouse Award candidates are nominated by members of the faculty on the basis of classroom excellence, participation in professional organizations and involvement in student, civic or research activities.

Pilot Award candidates are nominated on the basis of classroom excellence, ongoing research and service activities.

Nominees for the Torch Award and the Lighthouse Award are listed alphabetically by hometown. The list excludes one student who requested privacy.

Torch Award Nominees

ABILENE: Bryan Hirsch, a double major in history and secondary education, is an Abilene High School graduate.

ANDALE: Abbie Maxwell, majoring in nursing, is an Andale High School graduate.

BELOIT: Remington Behrends, majoring in communication sciences and disorders, is a Beloit High School graduate.
Arrica Overmiller, a double major in radiologic technology and medical diagnostic imaging, is a Beloit High School graduate.

BENNINGTON: Dustin Stanley, majoring in organizational leadership, is a Bennington High School graduate.

CHANUTE: Zoie Stewart, majoring in communication sciences and disorders, is a Chanute High School graduate.

CLAY CENTER: Tori Ihnen, majoring in English, is a Clay Center Community High School graduate.

COLBY: Connor Mountford, majoring in political science, is a Colby High School graduate.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.: Alexis-Athena Wyatt, majoring in English education, is a Widefield High School graduate.

ELLIS: Kori Clark, majoring in psychology, is an Ellis High School graduate.

FLAGLER, Colo.: Adam Daniel, majoring in tourism and hospitality management, is a Flagler High School graduate.

GREAT BEND: Kiley Heine, majoring in sociology, is a Great Bend High School graduate.
Kaylan Lagerman Garcia, majoring in psychology, is a Great Bend High School graduate.

HAYS: Nicole Feyerherm, majoring in English, is a Hays High School graduate.
Nicholas Glassman, a double major in accounting and management, is a Hays High School graduate.
Cameron Klaus, majoring in finance, is a Hays High School graduate.
Russell Krug, majoring in geosciences, is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Monica Michaud, majoring in computer science, is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Adam Schibi, majoring in accounting, is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Rebecca Stegman, majoring in organizational leadership, is a Hays High School graduate.
Courtney Storer, majoring in medical diagnostic imaging, is a Hays High School graduate.

HUTCHINSON: Josh Hermes, a double major in music and secondary education, is a Trinity Catholic High School graduate.

KANSAS CITY: Diane Hernandez-Ramirez, majoring in organizational leadership, is a Turner High School graduate.

LARNED: Marley Palmer, majoring in nursing, is a Larned High School graduate.

LIBERAL: Maricela Alonso, majoring in elementary education, is a Liberal High School graduate.

LYONS: Kayla Reid, a double major in communication sciences and disorders and organizational leadership, is a Lyons High School graduate.

MCDONALD: Anna-Lura “Allie” Frisbie, majoring in accounting, is a Cheylin High School graduate.

NEOSHO, Mo.: Hanna Selman, majoring in art, is a Neosho High School graduate.

OBERLIN: Baron Green, majoring in accounting, is a Decatur Community High School graduate.

RUSSELL: Roy Koech, majoring in criminal justice, is a Creek Valley High School graduate.

SALINA: Anneka Sundell, majoring in criminal justice, is a Salina South High School graduate.

SCOTT CITY: Rachel Kropp, a double major in finance and accounting, is a Scott Community High School graduate.

TRIBUNE: Brooke Wineinger, majoring in communication sciences and disorders, is a Greeley County High School graduate.

WHITEWATER: Braden Allmond, majoring in physics, is a Fredric Remington High School graduate.

WICHITA: Micquille Robinson, majoring in construction management, is a Wichita Northwest High School graduate.

Lighthouse Award Nominees

ARCADIA, Neb.: Celeste Gould, completing a Master of Science in speech language pathology.

CLAFLIN: Katie Hipp, completing a Master of Science in speech language pathology.

ELLIS: Alicia Kroeger, completing a Master of Business Administration.

GARDEN CITY: Ricky Carrasco, completing a Master of Business Administration (human resource management).

HAYS: Kiera Schwarz, completing a Master of Business Administration (finance).

HILL CITY & JOPLIN, Mo.: Judy Sansom, completing a Master of Arts (English).

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.: Rodiel “Kirby” Baloy, completing an Education Specialist degree in advanced professional studies (education leadership).

HUTCHINSON: Jared Ridder, completing a Master of Science (biology).

LARNED: Jessica Johnson, completing a Master of Science (health and human performance).

SALINA: Addison Tritt, completing a Master of Professional Studies (human resource management).

SENECA: Kayce Feldkamp, completing a Master of Business Administration, (accounting).

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo.: Cyrus Green, completing a Master of Science degree in geosciences (geology).

Nominees for the Pilot Award are listed alphabetically.

Dr. Ivalah Allen, associate professor of music and theatre.
Micki Armstrong, academic advisor for sociology.
Dr. Lexey Bartlett, associate professor of English.
Erica Bittel, instructor of art and design.
Dr. Emily Breit, associate professor of economics, finance and accounting.
Dr. Sarah Broman, assistant professor of teacher education.
Dr. Keith Campbell, professor of sociology.
Dr. Gordon Carlson, associate professor of communication studies.
Arlea Carmack, FHSU Virtual College instructor of advanced education programs.
Dr. Betsy Crawford, assistant professor of advanced education programs.
Reade Dowda, assistant professor of advanced education programs.
Dr. Keith Dreiling, professor of mathematics.
Dr. Anthony Gabel, associate professor of management.
Dr. Eric Gillock, professor of biological sciences.
Dr. Mitch Greer, assistant professor of biological sciences.
Dr. Glenn Growe, assistant professor of economics, finance and accounting.
Dr. Jung Hee, assistant professor of social work.
Dr. Rose Helens-Hart, assistant professor of applied business studies.
Dr. Chris Hober, professor of nursing.
Dr. Bob Keener, assistant professor of agriculture.
Brooke Mann, instructor of psychology.
Dr. Brian Maricle, associate professor of biological sciences.
Dr. Helen Miles, assistant professor of health and human performance.
Dr. Kim Perez, associate professor of history.
Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook, assistant professor of political science.
Dr. Mindy Salmans, lecturer for advanced education programs.
Dr. Sam Schreyer, associate professor of economics, finance and accounting.
Dr. Carl Singleton, professor of English.
Dr. Kevin Splichal, assistant professor of advanced education programs.
Dr. Jian Sun, professor of political science.
Dr. April Terry, assistant professor of criminal justice.
Dr. Juti Winchester, assistant professor of history.
Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, associate professor of communication studies.

Kan. senators reject governor’s appellate court nominee, but that’s not the last word

Posted on

By STEPHEN KORANDA

Kansas senators met Tuesday to formally vote down Gov. Laura Kelly’s nomination for a Court of Appeals seat. In a strange twist, even Kelly wanted her nominee rejected.

Senate President Susan Wagle, center, talks with Sens. Jeff Longbine, left, and Ed Berger as the chamber rejected Gov. Laura Kelly’s nominee for an appellate court.
STEPHEN KORANDA / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

The outcome was already known before lawmakers returned to Topeka for the single vote.

There’s a partisan divide between the Democratic governor and Senate Republican leaders. The GOP didn’t miss a chance to point out Kelly’s misstep and the fact that the chamber had to convene a special meeting just to vote down the nominee.

Republican Sen. Dan Goddard said lawmakers wouldn’t have needed the special meeting if the governor’s administration had more thoroughly vetted Jack.

“I am totally frustrated with a nomination and confirmation process that can be characterized as a cluster gaggle,” Goddard said.

The tweets from Jack included profanity, calls for gun control and insults aimed at President Donald Trump.

“A president who is objectively ignorant, lazy and cowardly,” read one tweet, which has since been deleted.

Kelly created a panel to screen the applicants for the court seat, and she said that group missed the tweets. It gave her a slate of three choices and Kelly initially picked Jack.

“I don’t feel like I made that mistake,” Kelly said last week. “Was that mistake made? Yes.”

The special meeting of the Senate will cost taxpayers between $16,000 and $17,000, said Legislative Administrative Services Director Thomas Day. That cost covers lawmaker wages, lawmaker expenses and pay for the staff.

Senate President Susan Wagle previously said “incompetence” in Kelly’s administration led to the problem. The Republican lawmaker was frustrated at the use of taxpayer dollars for the special Senate session and said senators will be keeping a close eye on Kelly’s future nominees.

“Most senators are very aware now that we need to thoroughly vet every candidate, ask them questions and make sure we aren’t putting a partisan hack on the bench,” Wagle said after the vote.

The chamber rejected Jack’s nomination on a 38-0 vote. The Democratic leader of the Senate, Anthony Hensley, said Kelly hadn’t vetted Jack well enough. But he gave her credit for trying to withdraw the nomination when the tweets became public.

“Too often in politics today, leaders do not admit mistakes have been made,” Hensley said on the Senate floor.

It’s not the last word on Jack’s tweets. Republican Sen. Richard Wilborn unveiled a letter Tuesday asking the Commission on Judicial Conduct to review Jack’s actions.

Wilborn stopped short of saying Jack should be removed from the bench. He said the commission will have to decide that, but Wilborn called the tweets “horrible.”

“I believe Judge Jack’s actions,” the letter reads, “impugn the dignity of his office and call into question his ability to serve as a judge in our Kansas court system.”

Jack previously said that as a citizen he has a right to call out comments by people in power, such as the president. He apologized to Kelly and said he didn’t intend for the tweets to be public.

“I am not sorry for believing that violence is bad, that discrimination is bad, that misogyny is bad or that hypocrisy is bad,” Jack said, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

It’s not unheard of for a political appointee to withdraw because screening missed something. Then-Gov. Sam Brownback’s choice for the state’s top tech job withdrew in 2011 because one of his degrees was from a so-called “diploma mill.” That job didn’t need Senate confirmation, so replacing the choice was easier for Brownback.

This situation is different, though, because the process dragged on through a court fight and then the special Senate meeting needed to reject Kelly’s nominee.

The whole process has created a stage for political rivalries, according to Emporia State University Political Scientist Michael Smith. Smith said the dust-up has been a chance for GOP lawmakers to show they’re holding Kelly’s feet to the fire.

“It’s working on the Republican base,” Smith said. “It’s working on the next Republican primary election.”

Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda.

Free online masterclass to ‘Bulletproof Your Health’

Posted on

Lifetime Dental Care, a Hays dental practice, is inviting the community to a special virtual MasterClass called “3 Keys To Bulletproof Your Health” led by Gina L. Pritchard.

Have you ever thought to yourself, I need to re-think my approach to what healthy is for me? If you are in the majority, healthy is likely defined as a skinny waist, enough energy for the day and good check-ups at the dentist and doctors.

While all those things are important, have you or someone you love ever been blindsided by surprise health concerns? What if there was one more place to really help you live the healthiest life, would you look there?

Learn where your next step may be as you learn the truth about what you can do today to terminate the tales that are holding you back from healthy peace,” says Dr. Jeffrey Lowe. “This is why we are bringing Gina L. Pritchard, to you on Tuesday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m. CDT.

“During this FREE virtual MasterClass, Pritchard will share a revolutionary method to help prevent heart attacks and strokes and reverse cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is the consistent, underlying cause of heart attack and stroke, and what you will learn during this MasterClass will target and reduce inflammation in your body.”

All are invited to participate in this experience. For more information and to register, please visit https://lifetimedenta.synduit.com/WA0001

Sentences handed down in ongoing Norton County drug investigation

Posted on
Norton Co. courthouse

Norton County Attorney

NORTON — Melissa M. Schoen, Norton County Attorney announces the sentencing of the following individuals in 2019 who were arrested by the Norton County Sheriff’s Department and Norton Police Department as a result of their on-going drug investigations.

In January, Dawson Stevens was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 41 months having been found guilty of Attempted Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Flee and Elude of Law Enforcement. After serving his prison sentence, Stevens will be under supervision with Community Corrections on post release and probation. He was also sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 32 months for having been found guilty of Distribution of Cocaine and Distribution of Methamphetamine. This sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation. Stevens must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 25 years as a result of the convictions for distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine.

In February, Kyle Burge was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 32 months having been found guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug treatment.

Also, in February, Jonathan Towery was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 40 months having been found guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine and Distribution of Methamphetamine. The sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug treatment. Towery must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 15 years as a result of the conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

In March, Joseph Gilbert was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 49 months having been found guilty of Distribution of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug treatment. Gilbert must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 15 years as a result of the conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

Also in March, Christopher Chastain was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 48 months having been found guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine and Distribution of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug treatment. Chastain must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 15 years as a result of the conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

On April 1, Wiyanna Burge was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 51 months having been found guilty of Distribution of Marijuana and felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her sentence was suspended to 36 months of supervised probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug and alcohol treatment.

On April 8, Michael Cliff was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 27 months having been found guilty of Distribution of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of supervised probation with Court Services for the defendant to obtain drug and alcohol treatment. Cliff must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 15 years as a result of the conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

Also on April 8, Cody Stewart was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 29 months having been found guilty of Attempted Distribution of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Use a of Communication Facility, and Possession of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of supervised probation with court services.

“I would like to thank the Norton Sheriff’s Department and the Norton Police Department for their ongoing investigations and continued hard work on cleaning up Norton County,” Schoen said.

🎥 City commission to hear plans for classroom at new fire/rescue training facility

Posted on
Hays Fire Dept. fire/rescue training facility (Photo courtesy HFD)

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The city of Hays is in the process of developing a fire/rescue training facility south of the newly remodeled wastewater treatment plant.

Money was budgeted for the project and the Hays Fire Department also received a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, to finish the work.

In the past 18 months a fire training tower and burn box have been purchased and a substantial concrete pad was poured.

The final key component is a classroom at the site.

“It allows for the fire departments using the facility to do classroom learning before the training and then possibly debrief after the training,” says Toby Dougherty, city manager.

The city contacted the Fort Hays State University Department of Applied Technology and instructor Kris Munsch, whose students construct a garage each year.

“I reached out to Kris Munsch to see if they would have an interest in a joint project because essentially what we’re looking at is an oversized garage with restrooms, and Kris was excited about the project.”

City staff would provide assistance such as site grading and concrete work.

City commissioners will hear about the project proposal from Munsch and Fire Chief Ryan Hagans during their work session Thursday.

If the commission supports the idea, the plan calls for design by FHSU construction management students in the Fall 2019 semester with construction by the students in the Spring 2020 semester.

NCK Tech was also approached about the project to assist with plumbing, heating, and HVAC.

Dougherty says it “solely depends on the size of the class whether or not they can do their existing tasks and do any existing tasks. It’s going to be a ‘wait and see,’ but we’d like to have the involved as well.”

Other agenda items for the May 16 work session include discussion of  the following:

  • Bid award and Federal Aviation Administration grant for a new airport truck and snow plow
  • Bid award for contract sewer cleaning and video inspection
  • Bid award for a Water Resources Department dump truck

Eber Phelps will also be sworn into office. He was appointed last week by the city commission to fill the unexpired term of James Meier who is moving to Wichita.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Farmer amputates leg with knife to escape auger

Posted on

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A farmer is recovering after cutting off his own leg with a pocket knife to save himself from a piece of farm equipment he had become caught in.

 

Photo courtesy Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital

Kurt Kaser, 63, Pender, Nebraska, was unloading corn last month when he got out of his truck and accidentally stepped on the grain hopper opening. An auger in the hopper caught Kaser’s leg, pulling it in and mangling it.

Kaser said he couldn’t pull his leg out and didn’t have his cellphone. There was no one around to help.

So, he took his pocket knife out and sawed off his leg below the knee.

After he was freed, he crawled 150 feet to the nearest phone and was flown to a hospital. Kaser says he never lost consciousness.

On Friday, Kaser was released from a rehabilitation center. He will have to wait for the amputated leg to fully heal before getting a prosthetic leg.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File