May 2019 – Page 82 – Hays Post Archive

Kansas Water Authority Regional Advisory Committee membership drive

Posted on May 4, 2019May 3, 2019

KWO

TOPEKA – For more than 30 years, citizen advisors have been a vital voice for water resource issues in Kansas. The Kansas Water Office is currently accepting applications from those who would like to participate as a member of one of the 14 Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) which are established by the Kansas Water Authority (KWA).

Ellis County is part of the Smoky Hill-Saline RAC .

These committees play a key role in advising the KWA on implementation of each region’s water supply priorities as part of the Kansas Water Vision and the Kansas water planning process as a whole. Regional advisory members will have the opportunity to evaluate the past five years of the Vision implementation and provide input and advice to the KWA for previously identified regional water resource-related goals and associated action plans.

In addition, members help identify and provide input on other emerging water resource related issues and concerns.

They serve as important local links to the public in their regions through interactions with various groups and individuals as well as communicate information on concerns and issues to citizens in their respective regions. The KWA, through the committee selection process, works to establish RACs which represent diverse groups of water users and interests within regions are represented.

Kansans can have a definite lasting impact on the future of water resources through RAC membership. Interested persons can apply at www.kwo.ks.gov.

The application deadline is May 31, 2019.

Police: Kan. woman shot her boyfriend after disturbance at their home

Posted on May 3, 2019May 3, 2019

Sedgwick County —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a Kansas woman in custody.

Just after 12:15 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1400 block of north Battin in Wichita, according to office Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located a 45-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. He was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalized.

The investigation revealed a disturbance occurred between the suspect 45-year-old Sharon Wells and her boyfriend. During the disturbance, Wells retrieved a handgun and fired it, striking her boyfriend.

Multiple individuals between the ages of 12 and 18 years old were in the home at the time of the incident, according to Davidson. They were not injured. Police also recovered a handgun at the home.

Police arrested Wells on a requested charge of aggravated battery.

Women’s Basketball Announces Addition of Oklahoma State Transfer Jaden Hobbs

Posted on May 3, 2019May 6, 2019

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women’s Basketball announced the addition of Jaden Hobbs, transfer from Oklahoma State University, for the upcoming 2019-20 season. A 5-foot, 8-inch guard, Hobbs will be a junior in her first year with the Tigers. She started 24 games over two years at Oklahoma State, where she played 62 games overall.

Hobbs led the Big 12 Conference in 3-point field goal percentage as a redshirt-freshman in 2017-18, hitting 43.6 percent of her attempts (41-of-94). She backed that up with a solid sophomore campaign, hitting 41.2 percent beyond the arc (42-of-102). Her biggest single-game performance occurred in the NCAA Tournament First Round during the 2017-18 season against Syracuse University when she scored 27 points, hitting 8-of-9 three-point attempts to help Oklahoma State to an 84-57 win. She set a new Oklahoma State single-game record for three-point field goals made in a game with that performance. She is also a two-time Academic All-Big 12 Performer, listed on the Second Team twice. She used a redshirt in her first year out of high school due to injury, but came back strong to be a strong contributor for OSU the last two years.

In 2017-18, Hobbs averaged 4.6 points per game for Oklahoma State to rank sixth on the team in scoring. She started 10 games that season, helping the Cowgirls to a 21-11 overall record and reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament where they fell to eventual national runner-up Mississippi State. In 2018-19, Hobbs averaged 5.4 points per game to rank fourth on the team in scoring. She also dished out 82 assists, ranking second on the team.

Hobbs had a decorated prep career at Alva High School in Alva, Oklahoma. She helped the school to three consecutive state championships. She was the The Oklahoman’s Super 5 Player of the Year as a senior in 2016. She was also a member of the Super 5 Team in 2015. In the championship run for Alva, Hobbs broke the state tournament career scoring record with 299 points, single tournament scoring record with 107 points, and single-game scoring record with 45 points. She was the MVP of the state tournament as a sophomore, junior, and senior and scored over 2,200 points in her high school career. Hobbs was also a standout track and field athlete, helping Alva to state titles in the 400 and 800-meter relays.

Hobbs will reunite with high school teammate Whitney Randall at FHSU and help bolster a Tiger program fresh off a 32-2 record and NCAA Central Regional Final appearance in 2018-19. Randall was also part of the run of three consecutive state titles at Alva High School.

Kansas college releases review of player’s heatstroke death

Posted on May 3, 2019May 3, 2019

GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas community college released a summary of its internal review into the heatstroke death last year of a football player who collapsed after the first day of practice, saying the coach reported that players were provided with water.Braeden Bradforth, 19, of Neptune, New Jersey, was found unconscious outside his dorm room following the Aug. 1 practice. He died that night at a hospital.Garden City Community College said in its summary that the temperature was 84 degrees at the start of practice with 10 football coaches in attendance that day. Head Trainer T.J. Horton said 60 gallons of water, 10 ice towels and an ice chest with injury ice and bags were on hand. Trainers had large Gatorade containers on the sideline and each student helper had six water bottles in their carrier, according to the summary.

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

But some players told KCUR that they were denied water during conditioning drills.

“When we first started, I thought they were crazy,” said Johnny Jean, a player from Florida. “I ain’t never been at practice when they said we couldn’t get water.”

Jean also told the radio station that Bradforth struggled during practice.

But the school’s internal review said neither the head trainer nor the head coach ever noticed him “drop a knee to the ground, or complain about the drills.”

The practice began at 7 p.m. with a workout that consisted of 36 50-yard sprints, with 30 seconds of rest between each sprint, according to the summary. Practice ended shortly after 9 p.m., with a team meeting immediately following in a lecture hall across from the football field.

As they were walking from the football field, coach Caleb Young noticed Bradforth stumbled a little before regaining his balance. Young told him, “Hey, you’re good. Let’s go,” according to the report. Bradforth reportedly responded back, “Yeah, I’m good. I’m good.”

Bradforth started walking toward the dorms, and shook his head when Young asked him if he was quitting. At the team meeting, Young told another coach that Bradforth had apparently quit the team and walked to the dorms.

A lawyer for Bradforth’s family, Jill Greene, said in a letter to the college’s attorney that the college’s internal report “makes a mockery of Braeden’s death.”

“It’s self-serving fluff,” she told KCUR.

The college said it has taken several steps as a result of its review, including hiring an additional trainer and a conditioning coach, training all coaches in CPR and first aid, and developing a protocol to recognize and treat heat-related illnesses.

On Tuesday, New Jersey’s 12-member U.S. House delegation called for an independent investigation into Bradforth’s death.

🎥 Survey finds opportunity to target residential landlords with water rebate programs

Posted on May 3, 2019May 6, 2019

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Not a lot of Fort Hays State University students living off campus are participating in Hays’ water conservation programs, but most of them would like to reduce their water use.

A survey of nearly 500 Hays residents by a group of FHSU students known as Water Wise Tigers shows there may be an opportunity for the city to target incentives to property landlords.

Sociology major Kiley Heine presented the findings to the Hays city commission Thursday night.

“Eighty-six percent of the students in our sample live in rental homes. Offering policies or programs that give property owners an incentive to invest in and install water-saving fixtures in rental homes such as low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, low-flow toilets and high efficiency washing machines may help bridge the social gap between students’ desire to contribute to water-saving efforts and the reluctance to invest in water-saving fixtures and appliances,” Heine reported.

Hays Mayor Henry Schwaller (right) thanks FHSU student Kiley Heine and Dr. Brett Zollinger for the survey about water conservation attitudes in Hays.

Other students in the Water Wise Tigers group are Diane Hernandez-Ramirez and Amanda Buday, who conducted the research under the direction of Dr. Brett Zollinger, chairman of the Department of Sociology.

RCT announces auditions for ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]’

Posted on May 3, 2019May 3, 2019

By TOM COLE
RCT

RUSSELL – Open auditions for the Russell Community Theater (RCT) production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]” will be held Monday, May 6 starting at 6:00 p.m. Auditions will be held at the RCT Playhouse at 5th and Kansas, Russell. Prepared audition materials are not required.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]” features all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays, performed in just over 90 minutes by three actors. Fast paced, witty and physical, it’s full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike. Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of the Bard’s works in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, The Complete Works is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s classic farce, with this thoroughly revised show incorporating some of the funniest material from numerous amateur and professional productions throughout the world.

Men and women of all ages may audition. Production dates are Tuesday through Saturday, June 25 through 29, 2019. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc., New York, NY. For more information, contact RCT at 785-483-4057.

Russell Community Theater is a non-profit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer-driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 95 full-scale theatrical productions.

Man accused of rape at KSU convicted of sexually abusing 2 UMSL students

Posted on May 3, 2019May 3, 2019

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A former University of Missouri-St. Louis graduate student has been convicted of sexually abusing two students in their on-campus apartments in 2017 and 2018.

24-year-old Devonta Bagley, of Belton, Missouri, was found guilty Thursday of six counts, including sodomy and burglary. Prosecutors say one of the assaults happened in March 2018, just four days before he was due in court on charges that he sexually assaulted an unconscious man at a fraternity at Kansas State University. That charge is pending.

Bagley graduated from Kansas State with a sociology degree in the spring of 2017. He was a graduate student at UMSL before he was expelled in October 2017.

His attorney, Joslyn Anthony, says Bagley maintains his innocence and is disappointed with the verdict.

Charles S. Button

Posted on May 3, 2019

Charles S. Button, 86, passed away May 2, 2019, at Country Place Senior Living, Ellinwood. He was born July 20, 1932, at Great Bend, to Dee E. & Grace E. (Dorfshaffer) Button. He married Marilyn M. Hiss, May 24, 1952, at Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Charles was farmer and pilot. He was a member of the NRA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the First Congregational Church. He graduated from GBHS with the Class of 1950 and Spartan School of Aeronautics. He loved flying, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, guns, and being with his family.

Survivors include, his wife, Marilyn of the home; one son, David Button and wife Barbara of Great Bend; three daughters, Kathryn Button and husband Darrel Ratlief of McPherson, Lori Vincent and husband Jack of Hill City, and Carolyn Sutherland and husband John of Parker, CO; one brother, Robert E. Button; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, William H. Button.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2019, at the First Congregational Church in Great Bend, with Rev. Debby Rains presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the NRA or March of Dimes, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Benefit ride scheduled to help wounded Rice Co. sheriff, undersheriff

Posted on May 3, 2019May 3, 2019

RICE COUNTY — Officials have announced a benefit ride for the Rice County sheriff and undersheriff who were wounded during an incident this week in Sterling and rural Rice County.

The Blue Iron Motorcycle club, which is a law enforcement club, will take the fundraising ride on May 22 at 10 a.m.

The ride will start at the old Shopko parking lot in Lyons and end at Sonic in Sterling.

All donations from this ride will benefit Sheriff Bryant Evans and Undersheriff Chad Murphy.

Murphy was wounded after attempting to serve a warrant on David Madden. He was initially taken to a Wichita hospital in critical condition but continues to improve, according to the KBI.

Later, while approaching a home in the rural Rice County community of Raymond, Sheriff Evans was wounded in the leg. He was treated at a Wichita hospital and has returned to a limited work schedule.

For more information on this ride, contact Justin Holiday at 620-680-0503 or Mark Towery at 620-680-0853.

Robert Henry (Bob) Rein Sr.

Posted on May 3, 2019

Robert Henry (Bob) Rein Sr. of Larned, Kansas passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 3rd, 2019.

Born in Ellinwood, Kansas on August 10, 1939, Bob was the son of the late Ruth and Carl Rein. He graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1957. Bob served on active duty, honorably in the United States Army from 1957 – 1960. He attended Radiologic Technology school at St. Rose Hospital School of Radiological Technology in Great Bend, Kansas and spent his career working as an X-ray Technician. He served as Chief of Staff at Baptist Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, President of the Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists and retired from Larned State Hospital in Larned, Kansas.

Bob loved his family, hunting, fishing, photography and history. He was an active volunteer at Fort Larned National Historic Site. He was awarded the Heritage Preservation Award from the Santa Fe Trail Association and received several certificates of appreciation for his tireless efforts marking the wet/dry routes of the Santa Fe Trail. He was also a partner in the historic preservation of Sibley’s Camp in Larned.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Rosemarie Marianne Henrici-Rein of the home, daughter Carla Rein-Bordeaux, son-in-law Marshall Arthur (Art) Bordeaux, Jr. of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, son Robert Henry (Bob) Rein, Jr. and family Stacey, Jameson and Gillian Smith of Larned, Kansas, brother William Carl (Bill) and his wife Linnea Rein of Evanston, Wyoming. He was proceeded in death by his parents and daughter Carolyn Sue Rein.

A memorial celebration, with military honors, will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary in Larned, Kansas with William C. Rein presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Bob’s honor to the Pawnee County 4H Shooting Sports in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.

Mark D. Arthur

Posted on May 3, 2019

Mark D. Arthur, 79, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, May 02, 2019, at his home.

Services are pending with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas.

Faith Steponick

Posted on May 3, 2019

Faith Steponick, 90, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, May 02, 2019, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Virginia was born on May 12, 1928, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of John and Grace (McAllister) Stephens. She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1946. She was united in marriage to Mike Steponick in 1976. Mike preceded her in death in 1997. She worked for Bell Helicopter for many years. She also lived in Washington and California for many years. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell, Kansas.

Surviving family include her two sons Tom and Roger Porter and a sister Shirley Krug of Russell, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mike and brother Neal D. Stephens and sisters Nenah Hummel and Vivian Brandenburg.

Cremation has been selected by the family and a private family graveside will be held at a later date. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Bell joins staff of Eagle Radio, Hays Post

Posted on May 3, 2019May 6, 2019

James Bell has joined the staff of Eagle Radio and Hays Post as a reporter and on-air talent.

Bell returns to Eagle after two years in Oklahoma, while his wife, Lisa, finished her doctoral studies in English.

The Macksville native, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fort Hays State University, has extensive media experience, including a former stint as a reporter for Hays Post. He previously served as news director for Tiger Media Network at FHSU and media coordinator with FHSU’s Political Science Department. He was also the news editor for the University Leader during his time as a student.

Bell can be contacted at [email protected].