Cletus Graf, 86, Woodston, died Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Parkview Care Center in Osborne.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Month: September 2019
Local women business owners will speak at Fort Hays State
Police: Shots fired but no active shooter at Kan. high school
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported of shots fired that temporarily locked down East High School in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay.
Police responded to the report just after noon near Roe and Douglas Street. Two cars were involved in the shots fired as they were traveling southbound. Police do not know if students were in the cars. One passing vehicle had a window shot out, according to Ramsay. There are no reports of injuries.
East High School was immediately placed on lockdown. Due to social media interaction, there was some panic about an active shooter at the school, according to Ramsay. There is not and was not an active shooter incident at East High School. Police are now sure what or if the shooting had a connection to the school.
Jerry Millard
Jerry Millard, age 69, of rural WaKeeney, died Sunday, September 22, 2019, at his home.
A memorial visitation and sharing of memories will be Tuesday, October 1, 2019, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.
Private family services will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations made to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
A complete obituary is pending with Schmitt Funeral Home.
Child hospitalized after shooting, suspect arrested in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say one person has been arrested after a child was shot and wounded in a suburban Kansas City.
Officers in Independence, Missouri, responded to the scene around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Police spokesman Officer John Syme says the shooting happened “during some type of altercation.” The child is in stable condition at a hospital.
The suspect was arrested more than 20 miles away at a restaurant in Kansas City. No other details were immediately released, including the child’s age or what led to the altercation.
The Post Podcast: Now is the time to prepare for winter emergencies
Reza ‘Ray’ Marefat
Reza “Ray” Marefat, age 80, of Hays, Kansas passed away on Sunday August 18, 2019 in Hays. Ray was born on August 30, 1938 in Saveh, Iran.
Ray came to the United States in 1960 for work and school. He attended Highland Community College in Coffeyville and Pittsburg, KS. He graduated with a BS in Math from FHSU in 1969, then continued on to the University of Oklahoma for a BS in Chemical Engineering followed by a Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Ohio State – Columbus.
He returned to Iran in 1973 to work for the National Oil Company of Iran until the revolution of 1979. Upon returning to the United States in 1986 he opened Maxim’s Restaurant in Hays until his retirement in 1996.
Ray’s commitment to education was passed along to his children. His daughter is a RN graduate of FHSU, and Master’s at UCSF, and now on staff at UCSF Medical Center. His son also graduated from FHSU and is a KU Medical Graduate practicing Ophthalmology in Topeka, KS.
Ray is survived by his wife, Mary Marefat; Son, Babak Marefat; Daughter, Simin Marefat (married to Kreg Rotthoff); and a Grandson, Kai Rotthoff.
Ray loved reading books and was always reading. In lieu of flowers you can donate to the following organizations who advocate for literacy: World Literacy Foundation www.worldliteracyfoundation.org or www.roomtoread.org
Memorial Services for Ray will be Saturday September 28, 2019 from 3 to 6 PM in the 1St floor conference room of the Hadley Center, 205 East 7th Street Hays, KS 67601.
Cremation entrusted to Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left online at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]
Dorothy Clara (Schmidt) Wolters
Dorothy Clara (Schmidt) Wolters was born July 23, 1927 in Potter, KS. She was the 5th of 9 children born to John Traugott and Elsie L (Herderhorst) Schmidt. She entered her eternal rest on September 24, 2019 in Garden City, KS.
At the age of 10, Dorothy moved with her family to the Trinity Lutheran Church parsonage north of Ludell, KS. She graduated from Atwood Community High School in 1944. After graduation, Dorothy went with her older sister, Elsie, to Ft. Wayne, IN. Here they lived with their grandparents and Dorothy worked for GE doing war-effort work.
Following the War, Dorothy married Clarence J. “Bud” Wolters on November 1, 1946. They were married 40 years before his death in November of 1986. To this union were born 4 sons and 1 daughter.
Dorothy and Bud lived on the farm north of Atwood where they milked cows and raised wheat, milo, cattle, and, most of all, their children. Dorothy always had a big garden and canned or froze much of the summer bounty. Through the years, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren loved coming to the farm, helping with the chores and farm work and eating Dorothy’s great cooking. Her bread, dinner rolls, and cinnamon rolls were legendary. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and others were recipients of her finely crafted sewing projects, which included quilts for many.
Dorothy lived her Christian faith in service to many. She served in many ways at Grace Lutheran Church and, later, at Redeemer Lutheran Church. She cooked and sewed, sang in the choir, and taught young students, including a group from Beamgard Learning Center (BLC), about their Savior.
Dorothy and Bud were foster parents for several students from the BLC. They also hosted several international visitors in their home for extended visits.
Dorothy enjoyed playing cards, board games, and word games. Scrabble was her favorite. Many discovered that she was a formidable Scrabble opponent. She and Bud were members of a card club that met monthly for more than 30 years.
For many years Dorothy was a member of Fun and Facts EHU. She took a job as a census-taker for the 1970 census. She served on the election board. She did substitute teaching in the school and worked as a substitute secretary for the Extension office.
Dorothy became an EMT in 1987 and served on the Rawlins County EMS volunteer rotation one day a week until she was 77. She also provided help and comfort to many families as a hospice volunteer.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Milton and Luther Schmidt, and sisters, Ruth Lovett, Elsie Fry, Mildred Morris, and Winnie Lewis.
She is survived by her sister, Joan Engle, of Fairview, TX; brother, John Schmidt, of Stevens Point, WI; children, Doug (Pattie), Atwood, KS, Rick (Cathy), Hugoton, KS, Bev (Ed) Schmidtke, Morristown, MN, Mark (Brenda), Atwood, KS and John (Jo) Manhattan, KS; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation is 4-7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 30, 2019, at the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Atwood, with burial in Fairview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to LWML or God’s Little Saints Preschool, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
Police investigating crash that killed 8-year-old Kan. girl
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident that left a child dead just before 7 p.m. Thursday.
According to officer Paul Cruz, a Lincoln Navigator driven by a 32-year-old woman was southbound on West Street and turned east onto Taft in front of a jeep SUV driven by 28-year-old man who was northbound on West Street. The vehicles collided, the Lincoln overturned and ejected an 8-year-old girl. She was transported to a local hospital where she died.
The Lincoln then collided with a Dodge Challenger driven by a 39-year-old man that was stopped on Taft at a red light.
In addition to the driver, the19-year-old man, a 5-year-old girl a 2-year-old girl and a 33-year-old woman were passengers in the Lincoln.
Cruz released no additional details Friday morning.
Jean Maureen Schlitter
Jean Maureen Schlitter, 55, passed away September 26, 2019, at her home in Great Bend. She was born April 10, 1964, at Orange Co., California to Theodore Shelton and Helen Elizabeth (Green) Parker.
A Great Bend resident since 2007, previously living in California, Jean was a homemaker.
Survivors include, husband, Dennis of the home; one son, Curry Thompson of Manhattan; one daughter, Briana Thompson of Great Bend; four sisters; one brother; and three grandchildren.
There will be no services as cremation has taken place.
Memorials are suggested to the Jean Schlitter Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Webster Reservoir placed in Public Health Warning; lake still open
KDWPT
ROOKS COUNTY – Webster Reservoir has been notified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that the lake is in a Public Health Warning level for blue green algae.
Because of that we have closed the beach and posted warning signs around the lake. The lake is NOT closed. You may boat and fish. However you should avoid exposure to the water. All fish should be washed well with clean water.
A reminder that blue green algae can be very harmful to young children and dogs.
KDHE will be testing again Sept. 30, with results returned to us on Oct. 3.
Below is the news release from KDHE.
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:
Atchison County Park Lake, Atchison County (upgraded from watch 9/26)
Elk Horn Lake, Jackson County (unchanged)
Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (unchanged)
Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County (unchanged)
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)
Lake Jeanette, Leavenworth County (unchanged)
Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County (unchanged)
Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)
Meadowbrook Park Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)
Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (unchanged)
Melvern Swim Pond, Osage County (unchanged)
Webster Reservoir, Rooks County (new 9/26)
Westlake in Gage Park, Shawnee County (unchanged)
Yates Center Kids’ Fishing Pond, Woodson 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:
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)
Camp Hawk Lake, Harvey County (unchanged)
Carousel Lake (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)
Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County (unchanged)
Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (unchanged)
Lebo Kids’ Pond, Coffey County (unchanged)
Neosho State Fishing Lake, Neosho (unchanged)
Rock Garden Pond (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)
South Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)
Lifted
The watch for Lake Shawnee in Shawnee County has been lifted effective 9/26.
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.
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.
Comeau properties in downtown Hays come up for sheriff’s sale
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Twelve tracks of land owned by Chuck Comeau’s DFC Holdings and the Liberty Group, all in downtown Hays, are going up for sheriff’s sale.
Bank of Hays, Sunflower Bank and Golden Belt Bank were granted foreclosures on multiple properties owned by Comeau and his holding companies last year.
Comeau’s furniture manufacturing company in Plainville, Dessin Fournir, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April. However, that bankruptcy was dismissed when a judge determined the companies in question did not have enough assets for a reorganization. Comeau tried to find a buyer for the companies without success.
In its bankruptcy, Comeau’s companies were listed as owing more than $8.9 million in secured debt to three local banks, including $952,000 to Astra Bank, $7.5 million to Bank of Hays and $420,000 to Sunflower Bank.
Seven Comeau properties already sold at sheriff’s sale in August.
RELATED STORY: Dessin Fournir properties set for sheriff’s sale; bankruptcy case dismissed
The sheriff’s sale will be 10 a.m. Oct. 18 at the Ellis County Courthouse.
On the auction block will be 803 Fort St.; 811 Fort St.; 1008 Main St., occupied by Bluetique; 1011 Main St., occupied by Simply Charmed; 106 W. 11th St., occupied by Bella Luna; 1100 Main St., occupied by the Paisley Pear; 1102 Main St., former Strand Theater; 1108 Main St.; 1013 Main St., occupied by Regeena’s; 121 E. 11th St.; 1012 Main St., occupied by Something Blue; and 719 Main St., historic Phillips Hardware store.
The Hays Post attempted to contact several of the business owners affected by the sale.
Norman Keller, owner, of Regeena’s did not wish to speak about the sale specifically, but said he and his wife hope to keep their business in its current location.
Shaun Musil, owner of the Paisley Pear, also did not want to talk specifically about the sale, but said there are many positive things happening in downtown Hays and a lot of energy and he hopes that continues.
RELATED STORY: Comeau discusses fall of Dessin Fournir
RELATED: Plainville economy trying to recover after two bankruptcies in a month
HPD Activity Log Sept. 22-26
The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 36 traffic stops Sun., Sept. 22, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block Walnut St, Hays; 12 AM; 12:04 AM
Drug Offenses–800 block Ash St, Hays; 12:27 AM; 12:30 PM
Driving Under the Influence–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:57 AM; 3:08 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:03 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–100 block W 36th St, Hays; 8:53 AM
Create Public Nuisance–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:23 AM
Disturbance – Noise–1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 2:05 PM
Animal At Large–4600 block Adams Dr, Hays; 2:23 PM
Water Use Violation–4600 block Jefferson Dr, Hays; 2:48 PM
Animal Injured–1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 3:35 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:15 PM
Found/Lost Property–2500 block Donald Dr, Hays; 5:44 PM
Criminal Threat–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 7:18 PM; 7:22 PM
Suicidal Subject–200 block Circle Dr, Hays; 8:24 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Mon., Sept. 23, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Found/Lost Property–1400 block Main St, Hays; 8:31 AM
Animal At Large–Douglas and Felten Dr, Hays; 9:56 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 10 AM
Suspicious Activity–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:59 AM
Suspicious Vehicle–1500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 11:03 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–400 block E 22nd St, Hays; 9/22 8:49 PM; 9/23 12:44 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 12:10 PM
Suspicious Activity–400 block W 11th St, Hays; 3:23 PM
Battery – Domestic–800 block Elm St, Hays; 3:30 PM; 4 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block Mission Mt, Hays; 7:12 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2200 block Vine St, Hays; 7:33 AM
Burglary/residence–2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8:18 PM
Welfare Check–500 block E 11th St, Hays; 8:34 PM
Disorderly Conduct–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:09 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Tue., Sept. 24, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Assist – Other (not MV)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:32 AM
44 – Traffic Stop–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 3:20 AM
Welfare Check–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:43 AM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 9:09 AM
Animal Injured–1800 block Ash St, Hays; 10:11 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–300 block W 6th St, Hays; 11:21 AM; 11:53 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block Elm St, Hays; 11:37 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–10th and Elm, Hays; 11:51 AM
Welfare Check–2100 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:07 PM
Dead Animal Call–6th and Walnut St, Hays; 1:32 PM
Animal At Large–1700 block Anthony Dr, Hays; 2:40 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 2:51 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block E 28th St, Hays; 3:11 PM
Animal At Large–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 3:25 PM
Welfare Check–500 block W 30th St, Hays; 3:43 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1800 block E 25th St, Hays; 12 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2nd and Ash, Hays; 4:17 PM
Child in Need of Care–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:49 PM
Disorderly Conduct–1500 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 5:50 PM; 5:55 PM
Custody Dispute–100 block E 17th St, Hays; 6:29 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–200 block E 5th St, Hays; 6:38 PM
Animal At Large–1700 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 6:42 PM
Drug Offenses–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:05 PM; 9:10 PM
Suspicious Person–1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 9:11 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 41 traffic stops Wed., Sept. 25, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2000 block Metro Ln, Hays; 8/2 8 AM
Intoxicated Subject–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:30 AM
Drug Offenses–Hays; 1:30 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–400 block E 15th St, Hays; 9/24 12 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 7:54 AM
Forgery–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9/16 12 AM; 9/25 12 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–200 block E 28th St, Hays; 11:14 AM
Animal At Large–Hays; 11:20 AM
Found/Lost Property–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12:30 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block W 9th St, Hays; 2:24 PM
Suspicious Activity–100 block E 19th St, Hays; 2:34 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:52 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E 5th St, Hays; 4:06 PM
Animal At Large–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:46 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1600 block Main St, Hays; 8:25 PM; 8:30 PM
Animal At Large–2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 11:30 PM
Animal At Large–1500 block Henry Dr, Hays; 11:43 PM
Animal At Large–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 11:52 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 42 traffic stops Thu., Sept. 26, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Driving Under the Influence–700 block Park St, Hays; 1:53 AM; 1:54 AM
Suspicious Activity–1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 1:55 AM; 1:59 AM
Mental Health Call–100 block E 16th St, Hays; 3:04 AM; 3:08 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–4400 block Vine St, Hays; 9/25 7 PM; 9/26 7:30 AM
Dead Animal Call–27th and Fort, Hays; 7:52 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9/25 12:30 PM; 9/26 11:59 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:45 AM; 8:15 AM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 9:05 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–300 block Elm St, Hays; 10:58 AM
Animal At Large–700 block Fort St, Hays; 11:41 AM
Animal At Large–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:42 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block Western Plains Dr; 12:16 PM
Theft of Services–4800 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 12 PM; 12:57 PM
Burglary/residence–300 block E 5th St, Hays; 9/25 3 PM; 9/26 12 PM
Animal Call–500 block W 24th St, Hays; 3:18 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 33rd St, Hays; 6:57 PM; 6:58 PM
Animal Call–1700 block Donald Dr, Hays; 7:40 PM
Welfare Check–1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 8:50 PM