CITY OF HAYS
Beginning Monday, September 9, Allen Street will be closed between 23rd and 24th Streets in Hays for pavement repairs. The road should be reopened by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11.
Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. The traveling public should use caution and if possible avoid areas of construction.
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.
I doubt it suddenly just happened, so who was it that taught you deer hunters where to put a stand, and you turkey hunters how to sound like a lonely lovesick hen? Who showed you upland bird hunters how to harvest a cackling rooster in mid-flight and you waterfowlers how to correctly dress a limit of Canadian honkers? How did you trappers learn where to look for coyote sign and how do you fishermen know when and where to find slab crappies? Who helped you campers and hikers learn to appreciate a crackling campfire or a lonely wilderness trail? How do you outdoor photographers know how to quietly slip up on a grazing deer and her fawn? In short, who helped you learn these skills?
I learned trapping from Mr. Wolfe, a grizzled, soft-spoken old guy who trapped the creeks on our land before I was old enough to do so. I’ll always remember him stopping at the house and opening the trunk of the old dark Ford he drove to show me the muskrats, ‘coons and mink he’d caught. Eventually he let me go along, and I was hooked. I think he even helped me get my first traps. Some years later my brother started tagging along on my trap checks, and eventually dad’s pond became his to trap. We both learned to hunt deer from a neighbor guy who took us with him and a group of other area farmers on their annual neighborhood hunts. In fact my brother harvested his first deer before I did, and on my land!
My point to all this is that in most cases, someone else had a hand in all of us learning to enjoy and become proficient in the outdoor sports we choose to pursue. Years back I was given the opportunity to spend some time with an experienced local trapper and was able to learn from him by setting and removing practice snares in some of the actual spots he traps each winter.
I was honored he chose to share some of his wisdom and knowledge with me. Each year I help at the Kansas Fur Harvesters booth at the state fair, where I have the opportunity to pass along some of my enthusiasm for the sport of trapping to all who stop by. Numerous teachers and 4H leaders eagerly leave with educational packets put together to help them educate students about correct and ethical trapping, and telling the kids why fur harvesting is an essential tool in maintaining healthy populations of Kansas furbearers.
In this day and age, information is almost overly-available, and if you can’t find a You Tube video of what you want to know, you’re probably not searching correctly. But even with the wealth of digital and printed instructional materials, for my money the absolute best instruction about anything still comes from the hands of a real person.
A wonderful opportunity to hang out with trappers and learn from them firsthand is coming to McPherson Kansas this October, 2019 as the state trappers organization, the Kansas Fur Harvesters, bring their annual convention to the fairgrounds at 600 W. Woodside in McPherson. The event runs all day Friday October 4, all day Saturday October 5 and Sunday morning October 6.
Trapping supply venders from all across the country, including the major companies that put out the catalogs will be in attendance offering everything trappers need, often at special prices for the event. Friday and Saturday will be filled with trapping demonstrations by experienced trappers, some will be the guys that write the trapping books and make the trapping videos. These guys are walking encyclopedias for all things trapping and are happy to share that wealth with everybody that asks. Kids and novice trappers are always encouraged to hang out after each demonstration for one-on-one time with the presenters.
This event will also attract lots of “tail-gaters” selling and trading for everything from soup-to-nuts from the bed of their pickups. Used traps and equipment will also be in abundance. No better opportunity exists to glean firsthand knowledge from experienced outdoorsmen and women than to attend a convention of some sort. So see you at the Kansas Fur Harvesters 2019 convention October 4, 5 & 6 at the McPherson Fairgrounds, 600 W Woodside, McPherson, Kansas, 67460.
Check out the daily convention schedules at their website, www.kansasfurharvetsersassociation.com. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.
Steve Gillilnd, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced last week to 77 months in federal prison for robbing a bank and a pharmacy and attempting to rob a retail store, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Ralph McGinnis, 63, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
In his plea, McGinnis admitted he robbed the Bank of Labor at 756 Minnesota in Kansas City, Kan. According to documents filed in the case, McGinnis told a teller, “Don’t say anything,” as he handed her a note. The note said: “This is a robbery. Give me 100’s and 50’s.” After the robbery, a security guard followed the robber to a nearby apartment building where McGinnis was living.
The day before the bank robbery, McGinnis was carrying what appeared to be a rifle when he attempted to rob a Family Dollar at 1200 N. 7th Street. After the clerk ducked behind the counter, McGinnis left with no money.
On the same day as the attempted robbery, McGinnis robbed the CVS Pharmacy at 950 Minnesota. He told a clerk he had a gun and would use it if he didn’t get what he wanted. He fled with cash.
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday upheld the conviction and sentence for a 32-year-old Pratt County man convicted of aggravated criminal sodomy.
Dashaun Howling challenged his conviction by attacking the district court’s admission of videotaped testimony of the child, testimony about that interview and the sufficiency of the evidence. But, the state high court ruled in favor of the district court’s decision to admit the evidence. The court rejected Howling’s argument that the evidence presented was insufficient to support the conviction.
He was originally charged with rape and aggravated criminal sodomy based on allegations made by his then 4-year-old daughter. It happened when the child spent the night with Howling on June 20, 2015.
A jury found him guilty of the sodomy count, but not guilty of the rape charge.
He’s serving the life sentence out of state, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections website.
PORTALES, N.M. – Following their most recent defeat, 0-2, against Eastern New Mexico on Sunday, the No. 3 ranked Tigers begin the 2019 season with a record of 1-1-0. Eastern New Mexico picked up its second-consecutive shutout over a ranked opponent to open 2019 after downing No. 17 ranked Colorado Mesa on Thursday evening.
The match began on time but nearly 10 minutes in, the game was put on hold for a 30-minute lightning delay. Out of the break, senior forward Santiago Agudelo was handed a yellow card. However, the action from the Tigers would be very quiet for the remainder of the half.
In the 35th minute, the Greyhounds found strength in an attack that was played off of a foul drawn by Lucas Vaz. Gabriel Peres took his second shot, which was saved by senior goalkeeper Cullen Fisch and resulted in a corner kick for Eastern New Mexico.
Moments later, the Greyhounds’ Joaquin Borruel found the back of the net on an assist from Charlie Hackshall. The Tigers would attempt to counter their one-goal deficit but only took two shots in the remaining 10 minutes of the first half.
Following halftime, it only took five minutes for Eastern New Mexico to add another tally to its scoreline.The Tigers turned possession over to the Greyhounds with an offside call. Defender Alec Bevis committed a foul and under 30 seconds later, the Greyounds’ Peres scored his first goal of the 2019 season. The remainder of the second half was silent on the scoresheet.
Fort Hays State totaled 11 shots during their performance and Fisch contributed five saves in the loss.
The Tigers will take on Maryville University for a 3 p.m. kickoff in Kansas City on Thursday, Sept. 12. The two sides have never faced off in the history of their programs. The Saints, a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), hold a 2-0 record to begin their campaign.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas prosecutor has charged a man with premeditated first-degree murder in the stabbing death of another man in Topeka.
Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay announced the charge Friday against 40-year-old Andrew Timothy Evans. Evans is being held in the Shawnee County Jail on a $1 million bond in the Sept. 1 death of 41-year-old Raymond Lee Smith.
Police say Smith was found suffering from life-threatening injuries in a Topeka house. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Despite losing star receiver Tyreek Hill early, Patrick Mahomes threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns while leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a testy and tactful 40-26 victory over the injury-riddled Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Mahomes took a beating and even had to leave the game to get his left ankle taped in the second quarter. He nonetheless looked every bit as good as he did during last year’s MVP campaign, leading the Chiefs to scores on each of their first seven possessions.
Jacksonville lost quarterback Nick Foles to a broken left clavicle.
Sammy Watkins caught nine passes for a career-high 198 yards and three TDs. Watkins slipped through the middle of Jacksonville’s defense for a 68-yard score on the third play of the season and added a 49-yard TD reception late in the opening quarter. He made defenders Ronnie Harrison, Jalen Ramsey and Miles Jack look silly while strolling into the end zone twice. He beat Ramsey again for a short TD in the fourth period.
Jacksonville had major issues on both sides of the ball, fairly reminiscent of last year’s 16-point loss at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 5. This one may have been more of a debacle — and maybe more costly.
Mahomes picked apart what some believed is an elite defense, throwing for 313 yards in the first half and doing most of it without Hill. The three-time Pro Bowler departed after landing on his left shoulder near the sideline.
But considerably more concerning for the Jaguars, they lost Foles in the opening quarter, and rookie linebacker Quincy Williams (knee) in the second half.
Chris Jones hit Foles as he released a 35-yard TD pass to DJ Chark. Jones landed on top of Foles, but did not draw a flag.
Foles looked to be in pain as he walked to the sideline to be evaluated. He then jogged into the locker room and did not return.
The Jaguars gave Foles a four-year, $88 million contract in April with the belief he would solve the franchise’s two-decade-old search for a quarterback. He didn’t make it through a quarter, and now Jacksonville will have rookie Gardner Minshew under center for a stretch. Minshew was the team’s lone bright spot: He completed 22 of 25 passes for 275 yards, with two TDs and an interception.
The Jaguars already were without starting left tackle Cam Robinson (knee) and backup Cedric Ogbuehi (hamstring), leaving guard Will Richardson to make his first career start at a new position.
JACK EJECTED
Jaguars linebacker Jack was ejected in the second quarter after taking a swing at Chiefs receiver Demarcus Robinson. Jack had to be restrained by team officials and essentially pulled off the field.
Jack and receiver Sammy Watkins got into a shoving match after a fumble, and then Robinson came in and shoved Jack in the back. Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey and others joined in, prompting officials to throw five flags and a hat onto the ground. Jack eventually got the boot after a lengthy discussion.
RARE FUMBLE
Jacksonville’s Leonard Fournette gained 66 yards on 13 carries and fumbled for the first time in his three NFL seasons. Damien Wilson stripped the ball out of Fournette’s hands after a catch in the flat.
It was Fournette’s first lost fumble since Nov. 12, 2016, during his junior year at LSU. That came at Arkansas.
UP NEXT
Chiefs: play at rival Oakland. Kansas City has won eight of the last nine in the series.
Jaguars: play at Houston. The Texans swept Jacksonville last season.
Topeka, KS. – The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team comprised of members from multiple Kansas agencies was released from its deployment in North Carolina Saturday morning and is now traveling home after assisting in Hurricane Dorian response efforts. The team was expected back in Kansas Sunday afternoon, according to a media release from the State Fire Marshal.
Initially, Kansas Task Force 1 (KS-TF1) rostered a team of 42 first responders from across the Kansas to assist with operations in Florida as catastrophic Hurricane Dorian made its way toward the east coast of the US. However, after the storm turned north, and continued to barrel toward the Carolinas, they were requested for deployment in North Carolina. The team left Kansas last Monday for Florida, arrived in Florida on Tuesday, and by Thursday, they were headed to North Carolina.
“I am so proud of the quick, selfless response of our Kansas task force,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It is reassuring to know that when disaster strikes, we have individuals who are ready, at a moment’s notice, to give their valuable time and expertise, not only in our own state, but wherever the call is needed. Multiple agencies gave up time and resources to assist our fellow states of Florida and North Carolina. It was a successful effort, and I am relieved that everyone has returned home safely.”
Agencies who deployed individuals/equipment included: Chanute Fire Department, City of Winfield, Coffeyville Fire Department, Derby Fire Department, Johnson County MED-ACT, Junction City Fire Department, Kansas City Kansas Fire Department, Kansas Task Force K9, Lawrence Fire Department, Manhattan Fire Department, Mission Township Fire Department, Olathe Fire Department, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Pittsburg Fire Department, Salina Fire Department, Shawnee County Fire District 4, Shawnee Fire Department, and Wichita Fire Department.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A goal from senior Darby Hirsch and a strong defensive effort was enough to help the Fort Hays State women’s soccer team secure its first win of the new year Sunday (Sept. 8), knocking off Sioux Falls 1-0.
The defense was solid for the Tigers, allowing just three shots on goal for the Cougars. Sophomore goalkeeper Deonna Wellbrock (1-0) got the start today and pitched her third career shutout, stopping all three shots she faced.
The first half was back-and-forth as neither team could break through offensively. The Tigers broke the tie just three minutes in the second half when Hirsch scored on a lob over the goalkeeper from just outside the left corner of the 18-yard box. Cailey Perkins earned the assist after setting up the goal with a great pass.
After the goal by Hirsch, the defense kept the Cougars’ chances limited until very late in the match. With only ten seconds left, Sioux Falls was awarded an indirect free kick inside the penalty box. After a quick touch, Olivia Valdez took a strike on goal but Wellbrock made a fantastic diving save to her right to secure the win for the Tigers.
The Tigers finished the game with four shots on goal, all by different players.
Fort Hays State comes back home with a 1-1 record after the road trip, while Sioux Falls moves to 0-1 on the year. The Tigers open up at home against CSU-Pueblo on Friday night (Sept. 13). The matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m.
MIAMI (AP) — Sandy Alcantara became the first Marlins pitcher with two shutouts in his rookie season since Dontrelle Willis, and Miami beat the Kansas City Royals 9-0 Sunday.
Alcantara (5-12) threw a four-hitter with two walks and eight strikeouts for his first victory since the All-Star break. Willis had two shutouts while winning Rookie of the Year in 2003.
Starlin Castro hit his 18th home run and drove in two for the Marlins, who pounded out 13 hits to avoid a sweep after being held to two runs and 11 hits over the first two games.
Alcantara, pitching a day after his 24th birthday, was 0-4 with a 4.99 ERA in his previous 10 starts after being named to his first All-Star team. The right-hander also pitched a two-hitter against the Mets in May.
Kansas City starter Mike Montgomery (3-8) allowed five runs and eight hits in four innings. Montgomery was the last pitcher in the majors to throw two shutouts as a rookie, doing it in 2015 with Seattle.
Adalberto Mondesi and Hunter Dozier had the only hits for the Royals, who still won their third consecutive series of three or more games for the first time since July 2017.
Miami’s Lewis Brinson and Harold Ramirez each knocked in two runs, and Garrett Cooper had three hits.
Castro homered to left in the first inning, and the Marlins plated four runs in the fourth on five singles.
Four walks issued by Kyle Zimmer in the fifth helped the Marlins extend their lead to 7-0.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Royals: RHP Jake Newberry (shoulder) is nearing a return after throwing well Saturday. “We were going to do a simulated game on Tuesday, but if he feels good, we might just activate him Tuesday,” manager Ned Yost said.
Marlins: RHP Jordan Yamamoto (forearm) is looking to make his return to the mound before the season ends.
UP NEXT
Royals: RHP Jakob Junis (9-12, 4.94 ERA) will begin a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. He is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in two starts against the White Sox.
Marlins: RHP Robert Dugger (0-1, 4.00) opens a four-game home series with the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday with his fourth start of the season.
TOPEKA – – Despite the Legislature’s temporary reduction of the application fee for new concealed carry licenses, the number of Kansans applying continued to decline in 2019 fiscal year, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
Between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, the attorney general’s Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 3,841 new applications. The figures represent a more than 21 percent decrease from the prior fiscal year and the lowest number of applications received in a fiscal year since the licensing program began in 2006.
Last year, the application fee for new licenses was reduced for one fiscal year from $132.50 to $112. Effective July 1, 2019, that new-license fee returned to $132.50. The cost for license renewals remains unchanged at $25. Renewal applications submitted after expiration do increase to $40. Licenses six months or more past expiration without submitting a renewal application are considered permanently expired and must reapply in order to regain their license.
While the number of new applications has waned, most Kansans who already have licenses are choosing to keep their licenses active. The Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received more than 16,400 renewal applications during the 2019 fiscal year.
Licenses are still required in most states, and Kansas licenses are currently recognized in 40 states. Currently, more than 82,300 Kansans have active concealed carry licenses.
“Many Kansans continue to recognize the benefits of obtaining a license, including our reciprocity agreements with other states,” Schmidt said. “We continue to work with other states to ensure Kansas licenses are recognized.”
A legislative change in 2015 allows eligible Kansans to carry concealed without a license. Schmidt also encouraged all Kansans who intend to carry firearms to pursue training opportunities whether or not required by law. He reminded all Kansans who choose to carry firearms to comply with properly posted signage and all applicable laws.
More information on the concealed carry licensing program is available on the attorney general’s website at www.ag.ks.gov/concealed-carry.
KENSINGTON- Marlin Dale Smith, age 77, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019 at the Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center, KS.
He was born June 13, 1942 in Smith Center, KS to Clarence A. and Gladys (Mick) Smith. He was a farmer.
Marlin is survived by his wife Ginger of Kensington, KS; daughters, Marla (Greg) Bernard of Tuscon, AZ and Carla (Jason) Hajek of Seneca, KS; grandchildren Miles Bernard, Cooper, Carter and Cormik Hajek; sisters, Ruth Levin and Donna (Royce) Levin.
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