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Month: October 2019

Kan. lawmaker who left GOP running for US Senate as Democrat

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas legislator who defected from the Republican Party last year is running for the U.S. Senate next year as a Democrat.

State Sen. Barbara Bollier

State Sen. Barbara Bollier, of the Kansas City suburb of Mission Hills, promised an independent approach in kicking off her campaign Wednesday. The 61-year-old retired anesthesiologist also condemned dysfunction in Washington as she seeks to replace retiring Republican Sen. Pat Roberts.

Republicans haven’t lost a U.S. Senate race in Kansas since 1932. But Democrats are heartened by the victories last year of U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids in a Kansas City area district and Gov. Laura Kelly statewide.

Former federal prosecutor Barry Grissom and Manhattan Mayor Pro Tem Usha Reddi also are running as Democrats. Republican contenders include Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle , western Kansas congressman Roger Marshall and immigration hardliner Kris Kobach .

James F. Ballinger

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James F. Ballinger, 78, died on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Greeley County Long Term Care in Tribune. He was born on December 5, 1940 at Protection the son of James M. & Bessie (Ewing) Ballinger. He married Alena R. Diller on November 15, 1963 at Johnson.

James grew up and graduated from high school at Walsh, Colorado. After completing his education he worked for Osteen Electric and farmed with his family before moving to Johnson and working at the Co-op Grocery Store. In 1969 he moved to Tribune and was the Assistant Manager at Gooch’s Foods for the rest of his career. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Tribune and formerly belonged to the Archery Club. He enjoyed bowling, hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Brother- Ronald Ballinger & 4 Sisters- Elsie Hammond, Alice Murray, Ilene Herron & Bonnie Jones.

He is survived by his Wife- Alena Ballinger, 2 Daughters- Sloan L. & Kevin Shafer of Tribune and Bridget Rae Ballinger of Hays, Son- James Bart & Jennifer Ballinger of Goddard, Sister- Catherine Dillon of Pueblo, Colorado and 4 Grandchildren- Bryce Shafer, Paige Shafer, Megan Peitz & Taylor Ballinger.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM MDT Friday at the First Baptist Church in Tribune with Pastor Shanon Schneider officiating. Burial will be in Greeley County Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Greeley County Long Term Care in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

Robert LeRoy ‘Bob’ Balloun

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Robert LeRoy “Bob” Balloun, 91, Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 14, 2019 at his home. Bob was born December 10, 1927 in Hays, Kansas. He was one of five children born to Rudolph George and Mabelle (Britt) Balloun. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of ’46.

Bob served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII as a combat engineer. His 2-year tour was spent serving in Japan as part of the occupation. After his discharge, he returned to the Russell area. Bob was united in marriage to Nancy Jane Edwards on July 24, 1949, in Russell. This union was blessed with three daughters; MaryAnn, Jane and Janet. They made their home in Russell. Nancy preceded him in death on December 15, 2018. Bob owned and operated Oiline Cleaning Company, working in the oil fields for 35 years. After selling his business, he worked in law enforcement serving Russell as Sheriff for 10 years. He established and conducted new educational programs to improve safety and educate children in drug prevention, seatbelt safety, and prevention of drunk driving. He started Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous Programs for inmates, as well as Bible Study and counseling to support & teach skills to help inmates assimilate back into society.

Bob continued to seek ways to serve his community. He was co-founder of Russell Food Pantry, serving as President and board member for 20 years. He served on the Citizens Review Board and was chosen as Russell’s “Man of the Year 1991.” He was active in the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, the Russell Elks Lodge and Russell Rotary Club. With his love of outdoors and nature, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, and camping with his family. Bob and Nancy loved spending time with their children and their grandchildren and great grandchildren. He especially enjoyed traveling with his siblings seeing new places and making great memories. He also undertook new hobbies learning to make jelly, canning, baking and gardening.

Bob’s surviving family includes his three daughters, MaryAnn Kuhn (Mark) of Wichita, Kansas, Jane Ellen Law (Michael) of Kansas City, Missouri, Janet Kay Stremel (Jerry) of Brevard, North Carolina; his brother Eugene Balloun of Kansas City, Kansas; Sister Betty Boxberger of Russell, Kansas; seven grandchildren and eight grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife Nancy; brothers George Balloun and Lloyd Balloun.

Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, October 18, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery where Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rights. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 PM, Thursday, October 17, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with Russell Food Pantry. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Bird City area awarded KDA Specialty Crop Block Grant

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KDA

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $373,525.24 through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds for the program are presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service to increase opportunities for specialty crops.

According to the USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” KDA has selected other recipients to further utilize the funds.

“We have a wide variety of specialty crops grown in Kansas, and these awards will help provide resources to producers that can enhance their individual growing operations,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “The specialty crop sector has a bright future in our state, and we celebrate these recipients.”

The following is a list of Kansas projects that will be funded by the grant:

Kansas State University: Improving the Yield, Quality, and Economic Potential of Strawberries Growing Under High Tunnels in Kansas, $67,990.32 — The project will study the economic potential of growing day-neutral strawberries under high tunnel in comparison to high tunnel tomato production.

Johnson County Extension Council: Enhancing Density Apple Production in Eastern Kansas with Drape Netting, $35,084.36 — The council will partner with local tree fruit producers to research and provide education on high density apple production systems and the adoption of drape netting management practices.

Kansas State University: Novel and Sustainable Wash-Water Systems for Improving the Safety and Quality of Leafy Greens, $54,174.96 — A team will collaborate with growers to implement cost-effective and sustainable antimicrobial wash-water systems to increase the safety, shelf-life, and competitiveness of leafy greens.

Kansas State University: GAPs Certification Funding and Produce Safety Outreach for Kansas Growers, $57,875.04 — This project will also assist in improving the safety of Kansas fruits and vegetables and assist producers to receive GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification.

Douglas County Research and Extension: Enhancing Beginning Farmer Training and Market Access in Northeast Kansas, $44,739.00 — A collaboration will work on a long-term Sustainability Action Plan for an improved beginning specialty crop farmer training program, including a series of hands-on workshops for beginning producers.

Kansas Department of Agriculture: Specialty Crop Conference Education Support, $25,500.00 —Kansas specialty crop growers will receive assistance to attend a conference on specialty crop growing techniques to increase their knowledge base, to help develop a plan of action for their operations.

Kansas State University: Identifying Best Management Practices for Upright Dry Bean Production, $38,223.36 — Research will establish best management practices for upright dry edible beans, evaluate management questions, and communicate findings to current and potential future dry bean growers.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation – Bird City: Increasing Regional Vegetable Production and Distribution Capacity for Western Kansas, $42,250.00 — A local collaborative group will assist producers in northwest Kansas scale up vegetable production and prepare to deliver to local grocery markets.

For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program including more detail about these grant projects, visit agriculture.ks.gov/specialtycrop.

Hays USD 489 school board candidate: Paul Adams

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Paul Adams

Age: 58

Education: BS, Heidelberg College; MS Washington State University; PhD Purdue University

Do you have a student currently attending USD 489 schools? No

Qualifications: I trained as a teacher, and work as an administrator. These experiences have prepared me to use reasonable approaches to make decisions to allocate resources.

Do you support USD 489 trying for another bond issue? What do you think that bond should include? If you don’t support a bond issue, how do you think the school district should address its infrastructure needs? 

Simply put, we need to upgrade our facilities. Even if we go back to the drawing board for new ideas or to find the right formula, it is the responsibility of the board to address this in order to fulfill our mission of providing “a quality learning experience for every child in every classroom every day.”

I have visited other districts and seen what can be done with the infrastructure.  It is amazing how a remodel or new construction does change the classroom environment and can promote learning and the development of workforce skills.  Yes we need a new elementary school; personally I feel we also need a new high school. With these two items we could then eliminate buildings pass their prime and remodel to move students out of boxes into a classrooms that allow each student to maximize his/her potential.

What would you do to secure the financial health of the school district?

We do not have much in terms of contingency reserves should a problem occur or if the state has a shortfall. This needs to be balanced against teacher compensation – where compensation is not just salary but salary and benefits (insurance + retirement).  I often feel that the focus on the total benefit package – and the cost of such – is lost in public discussions.  The efforts to “right size” salaries and benefits for all employees, while continuing to bring cash reserves to the recommended level will require nuance, but will provide a stable financial platform.

The Hays school board is at impasse with its teachers for the second year in a row. What would you do to improve relations with teachers?

I believe our current negotiation process is ineffective. Collectively – both HNEA and the board – have become entrenched in their positions. This leads to impasse and unintended ill-will. It is time for a restart by moving to interest-based bargaining. I believe this is essential as our current process has lost the focus on the mission of the school district – quality learning for every student.

Do you support the district’s current one-to-one technology policy? If not, what would you propose?

I do. My voting record and comments as a board member speak to this issue. I am actively involved in teacher preparation. One of the measures that the programs I oversee are evaluated on at a national level is training teachers to effectively use technology in teaching. Technology can be transformative in student learning. We should never disadvantage our future by failing to provide adequate tools to our students and teachers.

How would you support the district in its work to improve student performance?

The current board made a sound choice with our current superintendent. The board has placed trust and expectations on the superintendent to set the pace on student performance. The board establishes expectations for performance with the input of school leadership. Our role is to provide the superintendent with the resources to fulfill the joint vision. The board holds the superintendent accountable – from finances to outcomes – to assure top performance by our students. The final and most significant person in student performance is the teacher.  The board should actively seek to assure a good working environment and resources for teachers.

Is there anything else you would like to add about you or your campaign?
NA

RELATED STORY: USD 489 election: Adams sets goal of improving facilities

PREVIEW: Fall Radio Auction Oct. 17 & 18

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The Eagle Radio Auction kicks off Thursday morning at 8 a.m. on radio stations 101.9 KKQY and 94.3 FM and 1400 AM KAYS.

There are thousands of items to bid on and buy, including a Floral Platinum Wedding Set from Diamond R Jewelry.

Retail Price $6000

This is a Floral Platinum Wedding Set with approx. 1.00ctw of diamonds, fit with a 6.5mm Round Pink Sapphire. The wedding set is a size 6. Can be sized up or down approximately 1 finger size.

 

Dancook 1500 Charcoal Grill from Crawford Outdoor

Retail Price $570

Dancook Charcoal Grills are designed to last a lifetime. Exclusive design with solid quality and high functionality, making for the very best cooking results. The extended worktop allows the space needed to prep and plate straight from the grill. Features stainless steel lid and work surfaces. And aluminum kettle with stainless steel liner. Dancook 1500 Charcoal Grill from Crawford Outdoor.

 

$550 Rhinoliner Spray In Bedliner from KJ and G Customs

Retail Price $550

KJ and G Customs on East 13th in Hays is now the area’s exclusive Rhino Linings spray in bedliner source….With over 25 years of protecting your trucks, trailers, and other toys, Rhino Linings is the leader in durability, warranty, and resistance. Protection never looked so good. This spray-in bed-liner contours to your bed, bumper, fender or grill to create a tough, factory like finish. Standard black or custom colors are available. It is impact resistant, watertight and protects your covered area. KJ and G Customs will cover most short bed and long bed pickup, and can also be used on cabs, bumpers and other accessories. Get with Troy Robinson and the guys today at 614 E. 13th in Hays. KJ and G Customs, your exclusive Rhino Linings dealer in the area. Call 785-621-4949 to get yours scheduled today and enjoy forever!

Anita Joy Payne

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Anita Joy Payne, 87, a longtime resident of Salina, passed away peacefully in her sleep and entered Heavens Gate Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019. She was born Sept. 1, 1932 to Jacob and Bea Bauer of Arnold, Kan.

Anita has been a CNA, Activity Director, and a Insurance Agent in her past careers. She loved good food (especially Cheeto puffs and chocolate), socializing, good movies, and had a smile that would light up the room that will be missed so very much.

Our family would like to thank Arbor Court for caring for her like family, Salina Regional Hospital, Salina Accessible Home Care and Kansas Christian Home for the wonderful care they provided her.

Anita is survived by: her five children, Martie L. George, grandson, Eric M. Manley, Michael L. (Mona) Quenzer, granddaughters, Taryn M. Quenzer, and Brooke E. Angelo, Perry W. Quenzer, granddaughters, Cassy J. Taylor, Chessa S. Quenzer, and grandson, Joel J. Quenzer, Michelle R. Quenzer, Angela S. Davis (Greg), granddaughter LaCrista J. Brightbill and grandson, Cole A. Brightbill; She also has 13 great-grandchildren; and many special friends at Arbor Court.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; and husband of 43 years, Harold T. Payne. She was a loving mother and grandmother who loved us all unconditionally.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, with family present 4-6 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18, also at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St., Salina, with burial following in Gypsum Hill Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Salina Animal Services, 329 N. 2nd St., Salina.

Karl Albert Newacheck

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Karl Albert Newacheck, 87, of Russell went to be with the Lord on October 14, 2019, while surrounded by his family. He was born to Karl Clarence Newacheck and Amalia (Mollie) Strecker Newacheck on November 17, 1931, in Russell, Kansas.

Karl was born and raised in Russell, Ks. He graduated from Russell High School in 1949 and then attended Bethany College two years. Karl is a US Veteran. In January 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force. He went to Korea in January 1954 and spent a year there at Kimpo K-14 and Oson K-55, as well as two weeks in Japan for advanced schooling. He came back to A.F.B. Riverside, California, where he was posted until his discharge in January of 1956. He returned toRussell for a short time and then went to Kansas City to television school for 3 months. After television school, he returned to Manhatten, Ks to Lab T.V. where he worked for a year.

In 1959, he met and fell in love with Marlene Ronningen of Carpio, N.D. They later married on June 12,1960 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. From this marriage were born 4 children, Tim, Tami, David and Scott. Marlene passed away April 25, 1988. On September 12, 1992 he married his second love Louise Dreher. In 2002 they moved to his home in Russell. Louise later passed away on December 14, 2007.

He is survived by his 4 children: Tim Newacheck of Baldwin City, Ks., Tami (Mark) Thompson of Salina, Ks., David (Creath) Newacheck of Waldo Ks, Scott (Sherry) Newacheck of Russell, Ks.; 7 grandchildren: Katrina and Dominick Thompson, Brittany McCampbell and Chase Newacheck, and Zachary, Caleb and Abigail Newacheck and one Great-grandson, Spencer Axelson; step daughters Lois Sellers and Carol Trapp; 5 step grandchildren, 8 step great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and his beloved cats.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, and his three sisters: Mary David, IdaRose Willson, and Delores Axelson.

A celebration of Karl’s life will be 10:30 A.M. on Monday, October 21, 2019, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Ron Wedel officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas, with military honors performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Sunday, October 20, 2019, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. Sunday afternoon. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to the Big Creek Veterinary Clinic and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Police: Kansas man pointed gun during dispute, turned himself in

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COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged assault after pointing a hand gun during a dispute.

Donlay photo Cowley Co.

On October 11, police were dispatched for a disturbance involving a handgun at Casey’s General Store, 601 S. Summit Street in Arkansas City, according to a media release.

An officer arrived and contacted the victim, a 38-year-old Wichita man. Both the victim and several store employees reported witnessing a suspect identified as 67-year-old Dale Anthony Donlay brandish and point a pistol at the victim, according to police. Donlay later came to the police department and stated there had been a verbal altercation.

The Arkansas City Police Department arrested him on suspicion of one felony count of aggravated assault.  He remains jailed on a  $20,000 bond, according to online jail records.

 

TMP-Marian volleyball sweeps Russell

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RUSSELL – The TMP-Marian volleyball team rolled to their 18th straight win Tuesday, sweeping Russell. After a challenge in the first set in which the Monarchs won 25-17, they rolled 25-7 and 25-8 in the final two sets.

The Monarchs are now 27-5 entering the Mid-Continent League Tournament.

Laurin ‘Stub’ Herl

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Laurin “Stub” Herl, age 85 of Plainville, passed away Tuesday morning, October 15, 2019 at his home in Plainville. He was born in Hays, Kansas on July 15, 1934, to Bernard “Barney” and Ida (Ruder) Herl. Stub grew up in Hays where he graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Elaine Kuhn on October 5, 1953 where they made their home in Plainville, Kansas. They were blessed with five children: Stan, Pam, Brenda, Marla, and Dale “Barney”.

Stub worked in the oilfields until he retired. However, his passion was working with his hands, especially with wood. One of his most profound projects was adding an addition onto the house; he took the existing two-story house and converted it into a one-story by building a new roof under the existing roof before it was removed. Over the years he has built and crafted beautiful furniture such as end tables, a cedar chest, and three desks (one of which was a roll top), but the projects he was most proud of were the grandfather clocks he made for each of his children. There was nothing he could not do.

Stub is survived by his children, Stan Herl of Edmond, OK., Pam Arrambidez of Roanoke, TX., Brenda Miller (Harley) of Stockton, KS., Marla Plante (John) of Plainville, KS., and Dale “Barney” Herl (Ronda) of Grapevine, TX.; brother, Tom Herl of Dallas, TX.; sisters, Frances Diehl and Lila Staab of Hays, KS.; 10 grandchildren, David Herl, Elizabeth Becker, Jacob Herl, Matt Arrambidez, Austin Miller, Colby Miller, Lindsey Plante, Adam Plante, Zachary Herl, Tanner Herl; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Stub was preceded in death by his parents Bernard “Barney” and Ida Herl; wife, Elaine Herl; brothers, Larry “Gene” Herl and Leander Herl; sister, Orie Haas; and grandchildren, Andrew Miller and Jennifer Benedick.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville starting at 2:00 PM. A book signing will be held at Plumer Overlease Funeral Home on Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Family will be receiving friends at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a parish vigil starting at 7:00PM.

Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Hays Hospice and may be sent in care of Plumer Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.

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