Keith Howard Hall,72, a loving husband, father, and friend passed away on August 2, 2019 in his home surrounded by family.
Keith was born on July 22, 1947 in Dodge City to Howard and Vera Hall and was the youngest of two boys. He grew up on the farm in Ness County and attended Riverside School. He graduated from Bazine High School in 1965, and then attended vocational technical school in Goodland. During that time, he met the love of his life, Beverly Helzer. On May 4, 1968, they married and had two children, Tammy and Richard Hall.
Keith was a farmer and did custom swathing and baling which he retired from in 2010. He loved to fish and be outdoors, whether it was with family or friends. He had many stories to share and was willing to help anyone out that came along. Keith and Bev moved to Bazine, Kansas and still reside there to this day.
Keith was proceeded in death by his father, Howard, his mother, Vera, and his brother, Stephen Hall. He leaves behind his loving wife, Beverly Hall; daughter, Tammy (David) McDonough of Hanston; son, Richard (Monica) Hall of Bazine; 2 grandchildren, Derek (Candace) McDonough of Hays, and Nicole McDonough of Kinsley; a niece, Krista (Robert) Davis of Wichita; great-grandson, Walker; two step-great-granddaughters, Taylee and Maddie, as well as many friends. Keith will be truly missed and never forgotten.
Cremation has taken place and no service is planned at this time. Memorials may be given to the Olin Cole American Legion Post No. 392 of Bazine.
Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week Monday at $46 a barrel. The Kansas benchmark ended the month of July at $48.75 a barrel. That’s a dollar more than the average price for the month. But it’s half a dollar less than at the beginning of the month, and $10.25 below the price on the same date a year ago.
A new federal report shows Kansas crude-oil production dropped to 2.81 million barrels in May. According to the latest numbers from the Energy Information Administration, the daily statewide average in May was 91,000 barrels per day, down four thousand barrels per day from April, and down six thousand barrels per day from May of last year.
National crude-oil production totals declined as well. EIA said U.S. producers pumped more than 375 million barrels or 12.1 million barrels per day. That’s down 54,000 barrels per day from April but is more than two million barrels per day higher than the average in May of last year. The state of Texas pumped more than 41% of the national total at 4.9 million barrels per day. North Dakota reached 1.3 million barrels per day, and New Mexico notched 900,000 barrels per day.
The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 111 new intent-to-drill notices filed during the month of July, a slight drop from the month before. So far this year there are 641 intents in Kansas, down from 1,067 through July of last year. The KCC shows three new intents in Barton County, five in Ellis County and one in Stafford County.
The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 942 active drilling rigs nationwide, down six oil rigs. The count in Oklahoma dropped by five while New Mexico was down two rigs. Independent Oil & Gas Service reported a drop in the number of active rigs in Kansas, but an increase in the total rig count for the state. East of Wichita there were 12 active rigs last week, up two. In Western Kansas the count dropped by four to 22 active drilling rigs. Drilling was underway on one lease in Ellis County and one in Stafford County.
Regulators approved 19 permits for drilling at new locations last week. Seven of those were in eastern Kansas and 12 were west of Wichita, including two new permits in Barton County. So far this year we’ve seen 569 new drilling permits, well below the 1,000 new permits issued by this time last year.
Independent Oil & Gas Service reports 20 newly-completed wells over the last week, three in eastern Kansas and 17 west of Wichita, including one in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and two in Stafford County. Operators have completed 843 wells so far this year, compared to 917 at this time last year.
The government reported a large weekly drop in U.S. crude oil stockpiles. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported inventories of 436.5 million barrels. That’s down 8.5 million barrels from a week ago, but right at the five year average for this time of year.
EIA reported total U.S. crude oil production of 12.244 million barrels per day for the week ending July 26. That’s the fifth highest weekly production total ever, up 985,000 barrels from the week before. The cumulative daily average so far this year is up 15% over the same period a year ago.
Crude-oil imports dropped last week to 6.7 million barrels per day. The four-week average is down 13% from the same period a year ago. Total gasoline inventories decreased by 1.8 million barrels last week and are about 2% above the five year average for this time of year.
The Association of American Railroads reports the oil patch is one of just three categories of rail freight that showed growth for the week ending July 27. Oil-by-rail totals remain above year-ago levels but growth continues to slow. Operators filled 12,642 rail tanker cars with petroleum and petroleum products, up 4.1% over the weekly count a year ago. Canada’s tanker car traffic was up nearly 24%.
TOPEKA – Back to school means back to homework and the State Library of Kansas is ready to help. New five-year contracts for online resources went into effect on August 1, 2019. The State Library is pleased to provide access to more than 60 online databases to all Kansans at no charge. All Kansans can access these resources online at https://kslib.info or via their local library’s website.
Eric Norris, formerly of Hays, is the State Librarian of Kansas.
“We’re excited to maintain subscriptions to resources that our patrons and Kansas libraries have come to expect, while also adding several new topic areas and key collections,” said State Librarian Eric Norris. “Kansas students now have a wider variety of resources to help them with their research needs.”
These new resources provide Kansas residents and students with reliable, high-quality content that supports education, lifelong learning, and personal enrichment.
Resources now available:
Issues & Controversies helps student researchers understand today’s crucial issues by exploring hundreds of hot topics. The in-depth articles present both sides of each issue clearly and without bias, supported by primary sources, statistics, audio content, and breaking news.
The Mailbox® School and District Edition is a teacher-created, editor-reviewed resource that offers unlimited access to worksheets, crafts, forms, songs, games, graphic organizers, and more for prekindergarten to sixth grade.
World News Digest has been a go-to resource for context and background on key issues of both historical events and breaking news. Highlights include an editorial newsfeed featuring current U.S. and international newspaper editorials and a collection of historical video footage.
The World Almanac is a classic reference tool. With age-specific resources, users can choose the right resources for their needs. The Kids edition provides resources for homework, reports, and projects as well as support material for teachers. The Kids Elementary edition is aimed at intermediate-level students.
Bloom’s Literature offers complete, yet curated, coverage of the most-studied authors and works—with a wide range of reference essays and scholarly criticism, full-length videos of classic plays, the full contents of classic works of literature, suggested essay topics, and more.
Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center’s unprecedented depth of coverage is organized into three main sections—Industries and Careers, Plan Your Education, and Launch Your Career—with industry and professions articles, school planning resources, and other valuable material.
Read It! is designed for middle and high school students and adults who have a basic foundation in English grammar and reading, but need adapted reading material for a variety of subjects. It offers resources to build background knowledge, conduct research, and improve study skills.
Health Reference Center includes comprehensive, in-depth coverage of body systems, current health issues, major diseases and conditions, treatments, and procedures, as well as health and nutrition information.
US Newsstreamprovides more than 1,000 national and regional news sources from the U.S. and includes popular titles such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, and Chicago Tribune.
Fold3 is a resource for genealogists, historians, veterans, and their families. It provides access to US military records, including stories, photos, and personal documents of those who served. Content begins with the Revolutionary War and continues to the present.
The attorney general’s office found 42 of the unread emails contained at least partially substantiated claims of waste, fraud or abuse that weren’t checked out.
The newspaper reports that the issue comes after state lawmakers in 2017 voted to move a long-vacant Medicaid watchdog position from the state health department to the attorney general’s office.
From August 2017 to January 2019, emails went to a defunct account that no one monitored.
Please be advised that beginning Tuesday, August 6, 2019, seal coating will begin on various street throughout the city of Hays. See the map below for street locations. Door to door notification will be made the day prior to street closure.
Seal coat is spray applied in two coats with a dry time of 2 to 3 hours per pass, so the streets being sealed will be temporarily closed during this time.
On the date scheduled for treatment, all cars need to be moved from the street by 8:00 a.m. Streets being sealed will be closed from approximately 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Access can be achieved in cases of emergency. Parking on adjacent streets is recommended during the daytime. Parking in driveways is okay if you DO NOT plan on moving the vehicle between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The seal coat treatment should not be driven on until it has set up (dried). It will stain surfaces such as concrete, carpet, or flooring if tracked from construction areas.
Please have all lawn watering devices turned off the evening before the scheduled date. Please help keep the streets clean and dry for a smooth and lasting project.
Traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed and picked up by the end of the work day. This project is scheduled to be completed within two weeks (pending weather conditions).
The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Office of Project Management at 628-7350 or the contractor, Circle C Paving at 316-570-4652.
Lyle Merlin Baker, 86, Hays, Kansas, passed away August 2, 2019, at Hays Medical Center.
He was born January 16,1933, in Syracuse, Kansas, to Paul and Doris (Clore) Baker. He grew up on a farm near Kendall, Kansas. He graduated from Syracuse High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University.
While in high school he met his wife, Janis Liggett. They were married July 12, 1952, at The Methodist Church in Syracuse, Kansas.
He served in the army during the Korean War. His life career was in real estate and insurance before he retire.
He was a sport enthusiast playing football and basketball in high school and football for Garden City Community College. He played baseball in the summers.
He enjoyed watching ESPN and old westerns and spending time with his family. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan.
He is survived by his wife, Janis Baker of the home; a son Scott Baker (Karen Baker) of Argonia ; two daughters Cindy Dickey and Debra Creamer both of Hays; two grandchildren, Chelsea Dickey ( Bill Werth) of Munjor and Joshua Creamer (Phoenix Hobdell) of Hays as well as nine great-grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Paul and Doris Baker, a daughter Shelby Baker, a sister Joyce Maxey, and a grandson Jordan Schreurs.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday August 8, 2019 from 6-8 at the First Unitied Methodist church in Hays KS. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at 10;00 am MST in Syracuse Kansas at the Syracuse cemetery.
Hunter / Ellis County photoBy JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post
A Hutchinson woman who admitted to driving a vehicle while her husband robbed a man with an hatchet was sentenced to probation Monday.
Hollie Hunter, 35, was initially charged with aiding and abetting a kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of methamphetamine. In June, as part of a plea agreement, she pleaded no contest and was found guilty of aiding and abetting in the commission of aggravated robbery and possession of methamphetamine.
As a result of the plea agreement, Hunter was sentenced to 36 months – three years – probation Monday in Ellis County District Court.
According to court documents, Hollie Hunter and her husband, David, were giving a man they knew a ride to his girlfriend’s house in the early morning hours of March 29 when David Hunter threatened the man with a hatchet.
David Hunter took a wallet, backpack, jewelry, a cellphone and approximately $150 from the victim, authorities reported.
At Monday’s sentencing, Hollie Hunter chose not to address the court.
Chief Judge Glenn Braun said it concerned him that she chose not to say anything. He said that Kansas sentencing statutes calls for her to be sentenced to prison because she was facing serious person felonies and she had nine prior convictions — adding she needed to convince him to sentence her to probation.
Hunter said she has had issues with drugs in the past and wanted to get treatment and try and get into a treatment facility in Emporia.
She also said she is trying to get custody of her two children back and said she “wanted the opportunity to try and change my life.”
Braun said, because she cooperated with law enforcement and testified against her husband, he sentenced Hunter to the agreed-upon sentence of three years of probation. If she violates probation, she will be required to serve a total of 55 months in prison.
She is also required to complete an alcohol and drug treatment program and apply to the treatment program in Emporia.
Hunter still faces a misdemeanor child in need of care case in Reno County and was remanded back to the Ellis County jail while they wait to see if Reno County authorities will take her back to Hutchinson.
David Hunter was scheduled to be sentenced Monday.
Walmart in Topeka Google imageTOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities and fire officials are investigating an explosion at a Walmart in Topeka.
Just before 10a.m. Monday, a small explosion occurred at Walmart, at 1501 SW Wanamaker in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Michael Martin.
Witnesses stated that an unknown individual was seen throwing an object out of their vehicle shortly before the explosion occurred. Topeka Police Officers responded to the scene and requested a Fire Investigator to the scene to perform a post-blast investigation.
The device was more likely than not a homemade firework and did not appear to be designed to cause damage or injury, according to Martin.
Any individuals with information about the circumstances of this are being asked to contact police.
SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting, have identified the victim and made an arrest.
Gallardo photo Sedgwick County
Just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a shooting call in the 900 block of East Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.
At the scene, police located a a 2003 blue Chevy Silverado driven by a 17-year-old identified as Ramiro Valdez.
He had sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital where he died, according to Davidson. There were two other teenagers in the truck who were not injured.
The investigation has revealed the Silverado was eastbound on Central and was followed by a black pickup truck driven by 18-year-old Eduardo Gallardo.
A suspect from the black truck fired multiple times at the Silverado, striking Valdez.
According to Captain Brent Allred, police arrested Gallardo. He was booked just after 12:30a.m. Monday on requested charges of first-degree murder.
This incident was not random and is in reference to an ongoing gang feud, according to Davidson. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
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SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally wounded a 17-year-old boy.
Just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a shooting call in the 900 block of East Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.
At the scene, police located a blue pickup truck being driven by the 17-year-old. He had sustained a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died, according to Davidson. There were two other teenagers in the truck who were not injured.
The investigation has revealed the blue truck was traveling eastbound on Central and was followed by a black pickup truck. A suspect from the black truck fired multiple times at the blue truck, striking the driver. Police have not identified the victim. This is not believed to be a random act, according to Davidson.
Joseph Carson Saenz, 18, passed away August 4, 2019 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.
He was born December 28, 2000 in Lubbock, Texas; the son of Johnnie Saenz and Sandra Tovar. A Larned resident since 2014; he worked at Taco Bell in Larned.
He was of the Christian faith. He loved to work for himself, loved music of all kinds, loved animals, and was selfless and a great friend to have. He had the best sense of humor and the best laugh. His goal in life was to care for his family; they were a very important part of his life. He was a loving soul and will forever be missed.
Survivors include: his parents, four brothers, Timothy Gardea, Michael Saenz, Joshua Saenz and Matthew Saenz, a sister; Hannah Saenz, all of Larned and his close friend who he considered a brother, Horachio Carrasco
Cremation has taken place and no service is planned at this time. Memorials may be given to the Joseph Saenz Memorial Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.
Kathy L. (Smith) Yunker, 71, Hays, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at HaysMed.
She was born November 15, 1947 in Agra, the daughter of Harry and Ruth (Van Dewege) Smith. In 1965, she graduated from Eastern Heights High School. After moving to Hays she married Bob Yunker. They later divorced. Kathy was a cook at the Hays Good Samaritan Society and enjoyed cooking fried green tomatoes, enchiladas and bierocks for her family. She loved dogs and spending time with her grandchildren and family.
Survivors include her three sons; Rob Yunker and husband Aaron of Wichita, James Yunker and wife Kelli of Hays, and Jason Yunker and wife Mandie of Hays, a brother; Jack Smith and wife Shirley of Wichita, a sister; Ladean Sypher of Ottawa, a brother-in-law; Ted Bossingham of Andover, ten grandchildren, one great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews, her dog; Reno, and seven grand-dogs.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Harry and Ruth Smith, two sisters; Bonnie Mann and Betty Bossingham, two brothers-in-law; Chuck Sypher and Jay Mann, and her former father and mother-in-law; Martin and Lydia Yunker.
Condolences and memories of Kathy may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com. Services entrusted to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
NEW YORK (AP) — Two of the country’s largest newspaper companies have agreed to combine in the latest media deal driven by the industry’s struggles with a decline of printed editions.
GateHouse Media, a chain backed by an investment firm, is buying USA Today owner Gannett Co. for $12.06 a share in cash and stock, or about $1.4 billion. The combined company would have more than 260 daily papers in the U.S. along with more than 300 weeklies.
The companies said Monday that the deal will cut up to $300 million in costs annually and help speed up a digital transformation.
Gatehouse owns Kansas newspapers in Hays, Hutchinson, Salina, Topeka, Garden City, Dodge City, McPherson, Newton and El Dorado, among others.
Newspaper consolidation has picked up as local papers find it hard to grow digital businesses and replace declines in print ads and circulation. While papers with national readerships like The New York Times and The Washington Post have had success adding digital subscribers, local papers with local readerships are having a difficult time. Hundreds of such papers have closed, and newsrooms have slashed jobs.
According to a study by the University of North Carolina, the U.S. has lost almost 1,800 local newspapers since 2004. Newsroom employment fell by a quarter from 2008 to 2018, according to Pew Research, and layoffs have continued this year.
Both GateHouse and Gannett are known as buyers of other papers. Bulking up lets companies cut costs — including layoffs in newsrooms — and centralize operations.
Several experts said they do not expect the Justice Department to have an issue with the deal, as the two companies have papers in different markets.
Keith Howard Hall,72, a loving husband, father, and friend passed away on August 2, 2019 in his home surrounded by family.
