Joan “Mom” Virginia Howlett, 86, of Russell, Kansas, and former Overland Park, Kansas, resident died on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
Joan was born on August 04, 1932, in Missoula, Montana. She grew up in Montana and Washington. She lived in Overland Park, Kansas, for many years and worked as a secretary in the oil and gas industry, but her most cherished job was being a mom. She was a longtime member in the catholic church. She enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs football, Kansas City Royals baseball, going out on the town with her friends and family, visiting dive bars, traveling and just having fun. “It takes a village!”
Surviving family include her daughter Sheila Thacker of Russell, Kansas, and son Blake Howlett and wife Carrie of Kansas City, Kansas; sister Pat Waggoner of Walla Walla, Washington; many nieces and nephews; her second family Shirley, Joe and Meredith Henderson of Overland Park, Kansas and Debbie and Gary Laughery of Prairie Village, Kansas. She was preceded by her parents.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at a later date. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
FHSU head coach Chris Brown addresses his team following their first practice Friday morning.
HAYS – The Fort Hays State football team held their first practice of the 2019 season Friday morning at Lewis Field. Around 130 players greeted Chris Brown as he began his ninth season as the Tigers head coach.
Senior running back D.J. Hickman
The Tigers are coming off their second straight MIAA title and were picked first by the conference coaches and second by the media in the MIAA Preseason Poll.
The Tigers continue in helmets Saturday before adding shoulder pads Sunday. They have their first full pad practice on Tuesday.
Listen below as coach Brown along with senior Harley Hazlett and Tanner Hoeckman talk about the first practice of the season.
The United Way of Ellis County announces that Erica Berges, administrative assistant for the past five years, will serve as interim executive director beginning Sept. 6, as Executive Director Sherry Dryden has received opportunity for new work challenges outside of the United Way and will be stepping down.
“I am honored to have been a part of the United Way community and so proud of the direction it is going – and look forward to continuing my support from a different capacity,” Dryden said.
During these past four years, the United Way of Ellis County has grown through community impact programs such as, the Community Resource Directory and phone app, Northwest Kansas Volunteers website, and most recently, RealityU. A major impact has been the formation of the Wonder Women League that has established the following community impact projects: Matthew’s Gift, Born Learning Trail, Women’s Self-Defense Class, and their major fundraiser – The Power of the Purse.
Additionally, the United Way facilitates the CARE Council process for partner agency funding by three funding streams. This process has developed into an online application process.
“We are so thankful for Sherry’s service. She has really positioned us well for continued success,” said UWEC Board Vice-President and 2019 Campaign Chair Kelly Lewis. “We will rely on Erica’s extensive background with the organization and our partner agencies to help us through the transition period. We do not expect this change to impact our mission of service and we are excited about the upcoming campaign.”
The United Way of Ellis County completed their newest strategic plan last fall with a fresh new direction that is proving growth and sustainability. They created a new branding theme of “United Today, United Forever” which will take them to and through the future. Additionally, the development of a Planned Giving and Endowed program has already netted their first commitment. The purpose of the program is to fund the organization’s administrative expenses so 100% of campaign funds goes towards partner agency allocations. There are currently 17 partner agencies with the United Way.
The 2019 Campaign of the United Way is “Give Where You Live”. The Board of Directors have launched the Business Campaign, using a Donor Centered model in partnering with companies for the payroll deduction portion of the campaign. The United Way has their Chamber Kickoff on August 23rd at noon and their community kickoff on August 23rd at 4p.m. with the Hays Public Library.
Erica coordinates the CARE Council process, manages the financial processes, the campaign marketing and is the liaison for the Wonder Women League. Her diverse experience with the United Way will ensure a smooth transition. She has resided in Hays since 2009 and is a FHSU graduate. Erica and her husband Michael, who are both very active in the Hays community, have three sons and she is looking forward to the continued new direction of the United Way. Meanwhile the Board of Directors will begin the search process for the new Executive Director with future announcements.
For updated information, go to facebook – United Way of Ellis County, or www.liveunited.us
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top health official says abstinence-only education isn’t enough to reduce unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
KDHE Sec. Lee Norman during a July press conference photo courtesy KDHE
The Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman said Thursday that the department could help reduce unwanted pregnancies and the demand for abortions by broadening educational offerings to emphasize contraception. Lee suggested collaboration among the state, county health departments and school districts.
In an interview with the Capital-Journal editorial advisory board Norman also supported enhancement of rural hospital trauma systems, development of a needle exchange program for drug users and training to improve early detection of autism in children.
Norman said he would support a state program to provide clean syringes to illegal drug users aimed at reducing the spread of disease.
Roberta Louise Foster was born Sept 16, 1925 in Los Angeles, CA to Earl and Martha (Bailey) Dunning. She passed away August 8, 2019 in Huffman, TX surrounded by her family.
Roberta was raised in California, where she also graduated from high school. She married Elferd J. Foster November 20, 1945. They lived in California, Kansas, Washington, Arizona and Texas. Roberta worked in SWFPAC as a secretary in Bangor, WA until retiring in 1979. She lived in Benson, AZ from 1980-1990 and then moved to Onalaska, TX. While living there she joined the Greater Onalaksa Lions Club in 1997 and was secretary of the club until 2000.
Roberta was preceded in death by her parents Earl Dunning and Martha Sweeney; husband, Elferd; her twin brother, Robert Dunning and sister Barbara Exe. She is survived by her daughters: Jo-Dean Greenlee and husband Jerry and Betty Ford; grandsons, Brian and David Greenlee and wife Terri and Paul Kadlecek; great grandson, Michael Kadlecek; great granddaughter, Makayla Lowery; two great grandsons, Austin Magee and wife Jackie and Preston Magee and Wife Elyse and a great-great grandson, Ledger Magee.
Graveside service will be held 3:00 pm Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Dresden Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com
Kenneth (Kenny) Lee Oberkrom, 89, passed away on August 7, 2019 in Smith Center, Kansas
Kenny was born January 25, 1930 to Charles Lee and Leona Anna ( Pinet) Oberkrom in Linn, Missouri.
Kenny spent the first 25 years growing up in Missouri. He enjoyed swimming in the river and spending time with his family. He moved to Kansas in 1955 and worked on the Lindeman farm in Graham County. Later Kenny went to work for Studley Co-op delivering gas. He was very proud of the fact that he was a lifetime member of the Church of God.
He married Nadine (Shoemaker) Moss in 1973 and became a dad to her six children: Jennifer, Marie, Kathy, Carla, Jonilyn and Jim.
They lived on a farm north of Morland. Nadine and Kenny divorced, but Kenny continued to be a great dad to the kids and friend to Nadine.
He married Rose Mary Niehaus in 1991. They lived happily together until her passing in 2010. Kenny moved to Hill City where he lived until moving to Smith Center to be closer to family in 2018.
Kenny is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Leona; three brothers: Charles, Floyd and Glenn; four sisters: Nadine, Velda, Juanita and Gertrude; his wives: Carla Nadine Oberkrom and Rose Mary Oberkrom.
He is survived by his brother: Harold Oberkrom, Ft. Wayne, Indiana; three sisters: Irma Hunter, Blue Springs, Missouri; Edna Armstrong, Kansas City, Missouri; Leona Singleton, Kansas City, Missouri. Step-Children: Jennifer (Glenn) Richmeier, Brooksville, Florida; Marie Lee, Prairie Park, Kentucky; Kathy (Greg) Bashford, Brooksville, Florida; Carla (Gary) Cochrun, Agra, Kansas; Jonilyn Cambell, Kensington, Kansas, Jim (Jolene) Moss, Smith Center, Kansas.
He leaves behind many grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends. Kenny enjoyed being a prankster and dad. He was known and loved by many. He will be missed.
We are giving away the Chicken Soup for the Soul book “Running For Good.”
Listen during a KZ Country Morning with Theresa Trapp Monday, August 12 – Friday, August 16, 2019 for chances to call 785-628-2995 and win. No age requirement to win.
Winners will need to pick up their books at the KZ Country Studio, 2300 Hall, Hays, KS within 30 days of winning.
Whether you want to get moving, or keep moving, you need inspiration. Novice walkers and seasoned runners alike will find that inspiration, and so much more, in these stories written by those who know that the toughest step to take in any walk or run is the first.
Beginning an athletic pursuit like running or walking for fitness takes a good deal of motivation, determination, and inspiration, all of which can be found in these 101 real-life stories. Written by people who took that all-important, and elusive, first step, these stories will not only help readers get off the couch and get moving, but they’ll inspire even the most seasoned of athletes to keep moving. Coauthored by the famous ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes, who brings his own advice to readers, as well as stories from some of the best-known runners in the world.
Congrats Lenee Horting, Amy Payne, Fred Friess, Pat Sauer and Janet Ehrlich!
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are alerting the public to counterfeit oxycodone pills that contain fentanyl found in Kansas.
The pills appear from their markings to be legitimate, according to Wichita Police Captain Jeff Allen. Investigators confirmed the pills do contain the potentially fatal drug fentanyl.
“The counterfeit pills are being sold as Oxycodone pills and the consumer is unaware that the pills may contain Fentanyl,” according to Allen. “Fentanyl is a highly dangerous drug and can be up to 30-50 times more powerful than heroin and small amounts ingested can be fatal.”
These counterfeit pills may also be responsible for overdoses and overdose deaths in Sedgwick County over the past few months, according to police. Investigators have also received information from after police have confiscated the counterfeit pills in surrounding counties.
There is a great risk to the public, according to Allen.
Police remind the public that any narcotic or prescription drug not purchased with a doctor’s prescription at a legitimate pharmacy should be considered unsafe and could potentially contain fentanyl or other harmful substances.
Anyone with information about the illegal use or sale of any drug is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111. Those needing help with addiction should call Sedgwick County COMCARE Addiction Treatment Services at (316) 660-1100.
Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager, review highlights of the 2020 budget.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
The 2020 budget for the city of Hays includes a projected increase in sales tax revenues, the primary source of funding for the city’s general fund.
Following Thursday night’s public hearing for the budget, City Manager Toby Dougherty reviewed some of the highlights with city commissioners.
“The most notable item in the General Fund is that we are budgeting a sales tax (revenue) increase over the 2019 budget of 2.9%. Been a lot of flat years in sales tax (revenue) and we’ve seen a positive trend as of late, so this is a little bit helpful for us,” Dougherty said.
Within Levy Funds, Dougherty pointed out a reallocation of 0.5 mills to the Hays Regional Airport.
“The airport has subsisted on a 1 mill levy for a lot of years and we are outgrowing that 1 mill with the capital and operational requirements we have.”
The total mill levy for Hays in 2020 is 25.000, the same as it’s been the past 13 of 14 years.
Commissioner Ron Mellick pointed out the mill levy is “actually 18 for the city and 7 pass-through for the library.
“Once again, city staff as well as department heads and all of our workers, it takes all of us pulling together in order for us to be able to to that for 13 of the last 14 years,” Mellick said.
The Hays mill levy is the seventh lowest in Kansas and the lowest levy outside of Johnson County.
Street maintenance projects have a budget of $1.3 million next year.
“I think extending the life of our streets and keeping up on that infrastructure, like with our sewer cleaning, that’s got to be saving us money in the long run,” said Eber Phelps, commissioner.
In 2004 when the city sales tax was voted in, one of the promises was that more money would be spent on street maintenance, recalled Dougherty.
“Beginning in 2006 we went from having very little money – maybe $100,00 a year – to having over a million dollars a year to spend on street maintenance. …Our problem was where do we start because every street needed help. Now as you drive around, our streets are in pretty good condition. There’s always maintenance that needs to be done but it’s not overwhelming. We’re ahead of the curve right now.”
Next year’s budget includes $100,00 for creation of a new stormwater master plan. “The last master plan was completed in the ’90s and we have fulfilled the master plan. We’ve done all the notable things that we were going to do. It’s time to put a new master plan in place, one that marries up dollars with risk.”
A new multi-use path on the east side of Hays will be funded in Special Parks. Phase one will be a 1.25 mile path between the Hays Recreation Commission and the 22nd Street access to the HaysMed walking trail.
Projects in the 2020 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) include the first year of the North Vine Street Corridor Improvements and a second, redundant waterline crossing under Interstate 70 to the north side of Hays.
Four million dollars is designated in the CIP for design engineering of the R-9 Ranch long-term water supply project “assuming we start moving through the (state) water transfer process in 2021,” Dougherty said.
Lighting will be upgraded for runway 4-22 at the airport and runway 16-34 will be repainted.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) budget will reflect a shift from print/billboard to electronic/social media marketing. CVB will also hire an analytics consultant to help quantify the return on investment for various types of travelers and visitors.
In the fleet replacement schedule for several vehicles and pieces of large equipment, two police vehicles will be purchased and the fire department will replace its 1998 rescue pumper.
The city’s approved 2020 budget must be submitted by the director of finance to the Ellis County Clerk by Aug. 23.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health advisories for Kansas lakes.
Warnings:
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)
Camp Hawk Lake, Harvey County (upgraded from 8/1)
Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (unchanged)
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)
Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (upgraded from 8/1)
Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County (new)
Lebo Kids’ Pond, Coffee County (unchanged))
Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area (new)
Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)
Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (unchanged))
Melvern Swim Pond, Osage County (unchanged))
Neosho State Fishing Lake, Neosho (new)
South Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)
Westlake in Gage Park, Shawnee County (unchanged)
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
Water contact should be avoided.
Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
Watches:
Carousel Lake (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)
Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County (unchanged)
Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County (unchanged)
Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (unchanged)
Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County (unchanged)
Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County (unchanged)
Marion Reservoir, Marion County (unchanged)
Rock Garden Pond (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)
A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage will be posted at all public access locations
Water may be unsafe for humans/animals
Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms
Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.
Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
Joan “Mom” Virginia Howlett, 86, of Russell, Kansas, and former Overland Park, Kansas, resident died on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
We are giving away the Chicken Soup for the Soul book “Running For Good.”
