Students at Fort Hays State University understand how important local politics are to the community.
That’s why several groups on campus are partnering with community organizations to deliver live debates for races involving Hays USD 489 Board of Education and Hays City Commission.
The Hays USD 489 BOE debate will take place at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the FHSU campus. At 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22, it will be time for the Hays City Commission debate in Beach/Schmidt.
Students from the Student Government Association, American Democracy Project, the Department of Political Science and Tiger Media Network will team up with the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and the Docking Institute of Public Affairs to host the debates.
“We are really excited for the opportunity to host this event on campus to get students excited about local politics, and to give our community members a forum to learn more about the candidates running for these offices,” said Kaytee Wisley, legislative affairs director of SGA and organizer of the event.
The two debates will be livestreamed on Tiger Media Network’s cable stations – Eagle Communications Channel 17 and Nex-Tech Channel 102. There also will be a link for online viewing available at tigermedianet.com.
There are four positions open on the Hays USD 489 board for the Nov. 5 general election. There are nine candidates who have entered the mix for a position on the board: Paul Adams, Jessica Ann Berg Moffitt, Cole Engel, Alex Herman, Lori Ann Hertel, Luke Oborny, Craig Pallister, Allen Park and Tammy Wellbrock.
Adams and Oborny currently serve on the board and are seeking re-election.
Three positions on the Hays City Commission will be open, with five candidates interested in filling the spots. They include Michael Berges, Ron Mellick, Mason Ruder, Ryan Rymer and Henry Schwaller.
Mellick and Schwaller currently serve on the city commission. The top two candidates will serve for four years, while the third-place vote-getter will serve for two years.
“The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to advocate for our community’s advancement,” said Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO of the chamber. “Providing a platform for our electorate to become engaged and informed on issues impacting the Hays City Commission and local school boards is crucial for the future of Ellis County. The Hays chamber is honored to partner with Tiger Media Network, the Docking Institute, Student Government Association, FHSU Department of Political Science and the American Democracy Project to bring this forum to our community.”
Candidates at both debates will answer questions from the moderators, and audience members also will have a chance to ask questions of their own. Questions also can be posed through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
The events are free and open to the general public.
For more information about the debates, contact Wisley at (785) 628-5311 or email [email protected].
Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken pox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named Tutti Frutti and a Christmas hog named Buster and you’ve got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of holiday cheer.
Hays Community Theatre needs actors age 8 to adult. Roles for at least 21 actors plus more. They also need stage crew and lighting crew people!
DIRECTOR’S NOTE: HCT WILL BE PERFORMING THIS SHOW AT 12TH ST. AUDITORIUM IN HAYS ON DEC 6, 7, 8 AND AT THE GRAINFIELD OPERA HOUSE ON DECEMBER 14, 2019. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO BE IN ALL PERFORMANCES.
Fort Hays State University’s Academic Advising and Career Exploration Center will host its 11th annual come-and-go Majors and Graduate Programs Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Memorial Union’s Black and Gold Room.
“The fair is designed to provide current FHSU students, prospective FHSU students and community members the opportunity to be exposed to academic opportunities available at our university,” said Nikki Brown, assistant director of academic advising and career exploration.
The event is open to current FHSU students, prospective FHSU students and community members.
Representatives from all academic departments, Career Services, the Graduate School, the Honors College and study abroad will be available to answer questions.
“The fair is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the majors, minors, certificates and research opportunities available at FHSU,” said Brown.
GLADSTONE (AP) — Authorities say a 2-year-old boy has been fatally shot in a Kansas City area apartment.
Gladstone police says the boy was suffering from a gunshot wound when officers responded Tuesday night. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died.
Investigators are talking to adults who were at the apartment at the time. Police say officers are not looking for any suspects. No other details were immediately released, including the name of the boy.
Darlene Mae Howe, 85, passed away September 17, 2019 in Olathe, Kansas.
She was born August 25, 1934 in Hodgeman County to Harry and Pearl (Kline) Klinge.
A longtime area resident, she spent much of her life serving others, as a waitress, a cook, as well as a paraprofessional for the Dodge City School District. However, her favorite “job” by far was being a mom and grandma.
She was a devout Christian and she enjoyed sharing her testimony through her “Minnie Pearl” impersonation. She also loved writing poetry and songs and even authored a book entitled, “From Darkness to Light”.
She also served as the president for both the Southwest Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired (SKAVI) and the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (KABVI). She was a volunteer at Envision and Helping Hands as well as numerous other organizations.
On December 31, 1959 she married Earl Monroe Howe at Hanston, he preceded her in death on October 7, 1987.
Survivors include; daughter, Mary (Jeff) Dietz, Derby; son, Gene (Jami) Howe, Overland Park; five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Tanny Kilgore; son, Allan Howe a grandchild, Kristian Holm; two brothers, Melvin and Bill Klinge and a sister, Thelma Madison.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Faith Fellowship Church, Hanston, with Pastor Roger Alford presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Evergreen Hospice Care in care of Beckwith Funeral Home PO Box 663, Jetmore, Kansas, 67854.
The memo summarizing President Donald Trump’s call with the Ukraine leader shows the president’s lingering fixation on special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
Trump flippantly refers to the ex-FBI director as a “man named Robert Mueller” and says he turned in “a very poor performance.”
The memo also shows that the president made reference to the private cybersecurity firm that investigated Russia’s hack of the Democratic National Committee servers during the 2016 election.
Trump suggests that Ukraine may be in the possession of the email server, though it’s unclear what he’s referring to.
Trump also says he’d like to have his attorney general “call you or your people and I would like you to get to the bottom of it.”
The White House released the memo Wednesday.
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The intelligence community’s inspector general told the acting director of national intelligence that a call between President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s leader could have been a federal campaign finance violation.
But the Justice Department determined the president did not commit a crime after prosecutors reviewed a rough transcript of the July 25 call.
A Justice Department official says the inspector general suspected that the call could have been a violation of federal law if the president was soliciting a campaign contribution from a foreign government by asking the Ukraine leader to investigate a political opponent.
The official says that was based on the whistleblower’s complaint and the inspector general didn’t have access to a rough transcript of the call.
Prosecutors from the Justice Department reviewed a rough transcript of the call and determined the president did not violate campaign finance law.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal investigative deliberations.
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President Donald Trump repeatedly prodded Ukraine’s new leader to work with Rudy Giuliani and the U.S. attorney general to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden. That’s according to a five-page memo summarizing the July 25 call.
The White House released the memo Wednesday.
The conversation between Trump and Ukraine’s president is just one piece of a whistleblower’s complaint made in mid-August.
The complaint is central to the impeachment inquiry announced Tuesday by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Trump told the Ukrainian president “If you can look into it … it sounds horrible to me.” Trump was talking about unsubstantiated allegations that Biden sought to interfere with a Ukrainian prosecutor’s investigation of his son, Hunter.
Trump also confirmed that he ordered his staff to freeze nearly $400 million in aid to Ukraine a few days before the call.
The president says he did nothing wrong.
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The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee is demanding that Attorney General William Barr produce the legal basis for withholding a whistleblower’s complaint against President Donald Trump.
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California said Wednesday in a letter to Barr that the refusal to turn over the complaint risks raising “the specter that the department has participated in a dangerous cover-up to protect the president.”
Schiff says the statute “makes no provision” for withholding the information from Congress. He wants the Office of Legal Counsel’s reasoning.
The administration is considering whether to release the complaint, which is based in part on Trump’s conversation to the Ukraine president that reportedly involved digging up dirt on rival Joe Biden.
But Schiff told reporters the administration has communicated “nothing” about its intentions.
The Hays After 5 Christian Women’s group will be having its annual Country Auction from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14. The event will take place at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2250 E. Eighth St.
The silent auction and live auction will feature baked goods, canned goods, gift baskets, crafts, home décor items, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring auction items to the Rose Garden between 4 and 6 p.m.
Professional auctioneer John Kisner will conduct the live auction.
Proceeds will help fund the programs of Stonecroft Ministry, an international ministry serving women, which is headquartered in Overland Park.
Also on the program will be inspirational speaker Margie Oswald of Lincoln, Neb. Oswald will speak on the topic “When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned—Then What?” Oswald is a mother of four whose husband died in 2002.
Cost of the dinner program is $12.50. Reservations are due by Thursday, Oct. 10, to (785) 202-1036 or to [email protected].
COLBY – The new Colby Community College telecommunications network technician program at the Norton Correctional Facility recently received a financial boost from the Thomas County Attorney’s Office. The donation came after a state grant to help subsidize the program did not materialize.
According to County Attorney Rachel Lamm, her office can provide funding through non-tax payer asset forfeiture funds.
“The state of Kansas has restrictions on how forfeiture funds can be used, but Kansas allows for distribution of funds for law enforcement goals,” she said.
The idea for additional education in the correctional facility began in 2018 when CCC adult education instructor Dian Organ attended a conference and learned how a college in another state implemented a similar program.
“I am pleased that Dian approached the Thomas County Attorney’s Office with this opportunity to lower inmate recidivism,” Lamm said. “An inmate that can immediately enter the job market is essential to their future success. Opportunities like this are few and far between, and I hope they take pride in their work and make every effort to provide for themselves and their families.”
The curriculum teaches skills necessary for entry-level positions in the industry to perform fiber and copper-based network cabling. College and correctional facility officials conduct interviews to select participants, who will earn 15 college credit hours and industry-recognized credentials before their release date. Many of the students will concurrently complete their high school equivalency diplomas.
CCC Executive Vice President Brad Bennett also believes the program can make a difference in many lives.
“This will lead to job placement and a sustainable wage upon release,” he said.” The overall goal is to reduce recidivism and improve the communities we serve.”
The inaugural class begins on September 30. The program lasts 12 weeks.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Friends,
Last week I hosted a discussion with Cindy McCain, U.S. Senator Martha McSally, and the U.S. Health and Human Services Director of the Office of Trafficking in Persons, Katherine Chon, on human trafficking and the role health care providers play in identifying victims.
Human trafficking is an emergency across the United States, and Kansas is unfortunately no exception.
The event was focused on joining legislators, health care providers, and other leaders on this issue, with the goal of getting every hospital emergency room in the country to establish protocol for identifying and stopping human trafficking.
I want to thank everyone who came to the event and a special thanks to those who participated on our panel.
I am committed to continuing to fight for the victims of these heinous crimes and bringing an end to human trafficking in the United States and around the world.
Pet Night on Capitol Hill
Pet food manufacturers in the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor account for more than half of all pet-industry sales in the U.S., and these companies provide more than 2,000 jobs in the area. Many of Kansas’ finest commodities go into our domestic pet food production network.
I spoke at Pet Night on Capitol Hill, which convenes elected officials, industry leaders, veterinary professionals, animal welfare advocates, and research organizations to learn about the importance of pet ownership for human health.
As someone who represents one of the largest agriculture producing districts in the country, there’s a direct link between the bottom line of our farmers, producers, and pet food companies and their employees.
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists
I was proud to receive an updated certificate of my Lifetime Membership with the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists (AAPLOG). AAPLOG is a prolife group made up of OBGYNS across the country that focus on maternal health and protecting the unborn.
We discussed ongoing efforts in the House of Representatives to work with the Food and Drug Administration to swiftly put an end to the illegal sale of mail-order abortion drugs to the US. These illegal websites were purporting to sell these drugs without the involvement of a trained and certified healthcare provider to screen for complications, determine pregnancy term, or monitor the patient for possible adverse events like severe hemorrhaging.
As a physician, and now member of Congress, I’m proud to be able to continue my work on issues such as these to ensure the health of mothers, children, and patients everywhere.
Securing Trade Agreements
I joined members of Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture for a Letter of Intent signing ceremony to commemorate Taiwan’s commitment to buy $3.6 billion in U.S. corn, wheat, soybeans, beef, and other products over the next two years.
Thanks to the Trump Administration, the United States is securing fair and free trade deals for our great American workers and producers. Commitments from foreign partners to buy U.S. goods are critical to retaining good customers abroad, and growing existing markets and demand for American agriculture products.
Andrew Wheeler EPA
EPA Administrator Wheeler came before the House Science Committee to discuss ongoing initiatives at the agency. Members had the opportunity to hear about ways that Administrator Wheeler is modernizing the agency and taking steps to roll back burdensome regulations, while encouraging innovation and the adoption of new technologies to reduce global emissions and address environmental concerns.
We discussed the recent rollback of the Obama-era Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which represented a massive federal overreach and had a dramatically negative impact on our farmers, ranchers, and landowners across Kansas. I also had the opportunity to ask about policies impacting ethanol production across the state.
Welcoming Prime Minister Morrison to America
I had the opportunity to welcome the Prime Minister of Australia to the United States. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife Jennifer arrived to a 19 gun salute and full military band. Prime Minister Morrison is the second world leader to be hosted for a state dinner by President Trump and I was honored to be there for his arrival.
Australia is an important strategic ally and have historically proven that they are partners that the United States can count on. The strong relationship between Prime Minister Morrison and President Trump is great for both countries and will only strengthen our countries ties.
Raising Awareness on Childhood Cancer
I had the honor to meet with Pottawatomie County patient advocates representing the Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Foundation. DIPG is the second most common form of pediatric brain cancer and is the leading cause of childhood death due to brain tumors. Sadly, the survival rate after diagnosis is less than 1% and there is not currently a consistent standard of care for those diagnosed. I am working to change that. As a supporter of House Resolution 114, I am advocating to raise awareness and encourage research into cures for this and other rare forms of pediatric cancer.
Talking with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai
My office hosted FCC Chairman Ajit Pai at Emporia State University for a conversation on broadband and economic development. We brought together community leaders, telecommunications providers, and regional partnerships working to build out broadband to discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with achieving this goal, and to learn a bit more about how the FCC is working to close the digital divide.
Chairman Pai discussed the new Rural Digital Opportunity Fund at the FCC, which was announced earlier this year and will provide $20 billion over 10 years to help with deployment in rural areas.
As we move deeper into the digital age, an internet connection is becoming a critical component to the health and growth of our communities. It can help businesses reach new customers, connect rural hospitals with the tools to provide better care for patients, and expand learning opportunities for students.
One of our local farmers was able to share about the new precision agriculture technologies available that help her increase efficiency on her farm. Unfortunately challenges with her current internet connection can keep her from utilizing those tools to grow and modernize her farm.
Ensuring that our rural communities have access to these strong internet connections is vital for their continued success and economic growth.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Rita J. Buehler, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on October 13, 1946 in Longmont, Colorado, the daughter of Charles Grant and Nadi-ene Ebel Neeley. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1964 moving from Dighton, Kansas, she was a Cosmetologist.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas.
On May 31, 1964 she married Richard D. Buehler in Dighton, Kansas. He survives.
Survivors include her Husband – Richard D. Buehler of Scott City, Kansas, Two Sons – Darin & Robin Buehler of Scott City, Kansas, Shane Buehler of Kearney, Nebraska, Two Daughters – Tara Buehler of Aurora, Colorado, Richel & Curtis Stagner of Aurora, Colorado, One Brother – Paul Neeley of California, Five Grandchildren and One Great Grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her Parents.
Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas.
Inurnment will be held at a later date and time.
There will be no calling times.
Memorials may be made to the Rita Buehler Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.
FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and officials with USD 457 are investigating another alleged school threat.
Just after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, a parent informed police of a possible threat towards Horace Good Middle School in Garden City, according to Sergeant Lana Urteaga.
Upon investigation, officers determined the threat was made by a 13-year-old student two weeks ago after he and another student were involved in a verbal altercation at the school.
The threat was not reported until Tuesday when another altercation occurred between the same two students.
The GCPD will file an affidavit with the Finney County Attorney’s Office requesting charges of Criminal Threat.
