We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Year: 2019

Operation Christmas Child craft event Sept. 22

Posted on

Operation Christmas Child volunteers will be making crafts to place in shoebox gifts from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main St. in Hays.

Rachel Albin, area coordinator, said participants do not need to have special skills, and youth are welcome to participate.

“If you want to take some of the items you make for your own shoeboxes or for your church’s shoeboxes, that’s absolutely fine,” Albin said. She added that if participants have crafts they are working on for their own shoeboxes, they are welcome to bring them along.

“This will be a fun time when we can gather together as an interdenominational group and work on projects and share ideas.”

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief agency headquartered in Boone, N.C., and led by the Rev. Franklin Graham. Every Christmas thousands of individuals prepare shoeboxes filled with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items, which are then delivered to needy children around the world.

Children receiving shoeboxes also receive a booklet titled “The Greatest Gift,” which tells the children about Jesus and how much he loves them. For many of the children, the shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

Albin said in 2018, individuals in Ellis County donated 2,615 shoeboxes. This year’s shoebox collection week is Nov. 18-25.

Donations for craft supplies are always accepted and appreciated, Albin said. More information is available by contacting her at (785) 639-1325 or at [email protected].

Kansas boy dies from injuries after accident on his horse

Posted on

COWLEY COUNTY — The Winfield community is mourning the death of a 7-year-old boy after a fatal accident on Sunday.

Max Henderson photo courtesy Country View Elementary

Max Henderson, a second grader at Country View Elementary died from injuries after an accident on his horse, according to the school.

A statement from his parents Shane and Missi Henderson describes what happened, “We know a lot of people loved our boy, so we want to let you know how God chose to bring him home. We were at home roping the calf sled. His pony flipped over on him. He got up a ran away about 20 feet and went down. We got to him and he said he couldn’t breathe. We rushed him to William Newton Hospital where they stabilized him and the transported him to Wesley. They saw a slight bleed and some minor internal injuries. They soon realized his Vena Cava was severed. A team of doctors worked their tails off, but it wasn’t meant to be. He came out of surgery, but left this earth soon after.”

Country View Elementary said on the school web site, “It is with deep regret we inform you about a recent loss to the Country View School family. Max Henderson passed away from injuries related to his accident. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns and questions for our entire school, especially our students.

Country View will have professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school staff available tomorrow to help deal with this sudden loss.

We are saddened by the loss to our school family and will make every effort to help you and your children as you need.

In order to show love and support for Max, the school asked students to wear a western outfit on Monday,
if you have one, cowboy hat, boots, bandana, etc… are all acceptable.

 

Kenneth Lee Schwertfeger

Posted on

Kenneth Lee Schwertfeger, 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and longtime resident of Smith Center, KS passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Thursday, September 12, 2019. He was a man who quietly lived his faith, clothing himself with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience (Colossians 3:12). Although dearly missed, his family is celebrating that he is now with his Lord.

Ken was born December 5, 1929 in Dodge City, KS to Cordelia Ruth (McPheeters) and August John Schwertfeger who then moved to Satanta, KS. He grew up on the family farm before completing a degree in agriculture at Fort Hays State College where he met the love of his life. He served in the Marine Corps in Korea after college and returned home and married Marilyn Gregg Freshour of Hays, KS. They moved to Smith Center in 1956 where he served as ASCS office manager until his retirement. He then worked as greenskeeper at the local golf course where he spent most of his time, along with building and operating ham radios and computers. Ken rarely missed watching the Redmen, Wildcats, Chiefs or Royals.

Next to family and the Lord, he loved the game of golf. He and Marilyn played in countless couples tournaments and events together. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in April.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lucille and Loreta, and brothers Vern and Marvin. He is survived by his wife Marilyn and daughter Tamy of Smith Center, his son Ty and his wife Karen and grandchildren Lydia, Luke and Levi of Wichita, as well as nieces and nephews.

Click HERE for service details.

Vintage base ball games at Historic Fort Hays Saturday

Posted on

By JAY BURNS
Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays

On July 31, 1878 the commander of Fort Hays issued Special Order #4—“Enlisted men are prohibited from walking on the grass of the parade ground except on duty, this order is not intended to interfere with ball playing; but the base must be changed each time of playing.”

From this order you can see how important ball playing was to the soldiers stationed at Fort Hays. The first game reported at Fort Hays was played in 1869, 150 years ago, although few details are known.

Soldiers stationed at various forts in Kansas played base ball (originally spelled as two words) to break the monotony of their daily routine and for the pure fun of the sport.

Games were played by soldiers stationed at the forts, whose opponents included other soldiers, civilian teams, and even American Indians.
Occasionally, troopers on patrol, including companies of the Seventh Cavalry, played each other, with pickets posted “to prevent being surprised by Indians.”

On Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, visitors to Historic Fort Hays will have the opportunity to view four vintage base ball games. Late 1800s rules and uniforms will be used, as well as terms for the game. Players are ballists, a batter is the striker, pitches are hurlers,
and spectators are cranks.

The four games and their starting times are:

  • 10 a.m. Cowtown Vintage Base Ball Club, Wichita vs. Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association, Denver, CO
  • 11:30 a.m. Post Nine (Historic Fort Hays Team) vs. Emporia Vintage Base Ball Club
  • 1 p.m. Post Nine (Historic Fort Hays Team) vs. Cowtown Vintage Base Ball Club, Wichita
  • 2:30 p.m. Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association, Denver, CO vs. Emporia Vintage Base Ball Club

These games are free and open to the public. Please bring your lawn chair and enjoy the excitement of old-fashioned base ball. Food will be available on site.

For more information contact The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays, 1472 U.S. Hwy 183 Alt., Hays, Kansas 67601-9212
Telephone and Fax: 785-625-6812
E-mail: [email protected]

Fort Hays State Historic Site is located four miles south of I-70 exit 157 at Hays.

Author chronicles the life and legend of Coach Al Billinger

Posted on

Author Darrell Mudd, Billinger family will sign books during TMP-M Homecoming weekend

By JACOB BRUBAKER
Hays Post

Most residents of Hays could point you to Al Billinger Fieldhouse on the campus of Thomas-More Prep Marian, but how much do most know about the legend behind the name?

Not enough, thought Darrell Mudd.

“I was shocked there was no book about someone who a building was named after,” Mudd said. 

That’s why Mudd teamed up with the Billinger family — Al’s children Alan, Roxie, Steve and Greg — to compose “The Legend Alvin ‘Al’ Billinger,” a book about the legendary coach. This is the sixth book for Mudd, who first began writing in 2005 and was first published in 2010. Mudd is a 1961 St. Joseph’s Military Academy graduate who played basketball for Coach Al in 1960 and 1961. 

The book tells the life story of Billinger, a small-town boy from Victoria who grew into a fantastic high school athlete. However, athletics was far from his only accomplishment. Al graduated from St. Joseph’s College and Military Academy before heading to the European theater to serve his country in World War II.

Al returned home to become a dedicated father and husband. He also returned to college to earn his degree while performing as an outstanding college athlete, most notably as a basketball player. Upon graduation, Al began teaching and coaching at St. Joseph’s Military Academy. Al had a number of other side jobs including house painting, selling life insurance, baking and  meat butchering. In his free time, he enjoyed the outdoors as a hunter and fisherman.

Mudd

The book doesn’t just tell the life story of Coach Al, it contains memories and stories from those impacted by him. In fact, over 70 people contributed a story or memory for the book.

The book was released in May 2019 via Amazon/Kindle. Author Darrell Mudd and Al’s children will be in town this weekend for TMP Homecoming, Sept. 20 to 21, selling signed copies of the book and visiting the community that meant so much to Coach Al. Mudd will also be talking about the writing process for the book.

Their book tour schedule is as follows:

• Sept 20: 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hays Library on Main Street

• Sept 21: 8 to 10 a.m. at Hays, The Bricks Pavilion

• Sept 21: 11 to 1:30 a.m. at the TMP-Marian cafeteria, Dutch lunch

• Sept 21: 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Hays, Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing

Book sale profits will be donated to the maintenance/upkeep of the Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

Child safe after kidnapped during carjacking in Kansas City

Posted on

KANSAS CITY. (AP) — Authorities have arrested three people in the carjacking of a vehicle with a 5-year-old child inside.

photo courtesy KC Police

Police say the car’s owner was paying for gas around 3 p.m. Saturday at a Walmart in Kansas City when an unknown man jumped inside the car and sped off, striking two other vehicles in the process. The owner was unable to stop the fleeing driver.

Police say the child was found unharmed a short time later, but the carjacker was gone.

Several hours later, police spotted the stolen vehicle and chased it until it broke down. That’s when the three suspects were taken into custody. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Teresa E. (Bieker) Ashbaugh

Posted on

Teresa E. (Bieker) Ashbaugh passed away, Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care, in Quinter, Kansas at the age of 97.

She was born May 21, 1922 to Alexander and Katherine (Forster) Bieker on their farm north of Park, Kansas. She was one of ten children. Teresa attended country school and completed eighth grade. Through the Work Progress Administration (WPA) she worked in Garden City, Kansas in a sugar factory. During World War II, to help the war effort she ironed clothes for army relief. On May 16, 1945, Teresa married Emald Lee Ashbaugh in Park, Kansas. They were blessed with fourteen children. They made their home on the farm north of Park until 1964 when they moved into town. After a fire at their home in town, they moved back onto a farm north of Park.

Teresa was a devout Christian and member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas. She was also a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society, VFW, and American Legion. Teresa was always willing to help out when and where she could.

She was a homemaker who loved to bake and always grew a big garden. The family had cows that Teresa milked. When Teresa wasn’t busy working, she enjoyed playing cards and Bingo. Her favorite card games were Canasta and Pitch. Playing Bingo was also high on her list of things as well as putting puzzles together. She loved babies, always holding and loving them when she had the chance. Teresa loved and cherished her family. They always held first place in her heart.

Teresa is survived by her sons, John Ashbaugh of Hoxie, Kansas, Joe Ashbaugh of Park, Kansas, Alex Ashbaugh of Hays, Kansas, Ron Ashbaugh and wife Judy of Melrose, New Mexico, Jim Ashbaugh of Park, Kansas, Mike Ashbaugh of Quinter, Kansas and Manuel Ashbaugh of Jacksonville, Florida; daughters, Kathy Cunningham and husband Pete of Schyler, Nebraska, Elizabeth McDonald and husband Edd of Park, Kansas, and Diane Ashbaugh of Oakley, Kansas; son-in-law Dale Myers; forty-two grandchildren; fifty-one great-grandchildren; and 27 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Emald Ashbaugh; parents, Alexander & Kathleen Bieker; daughters, Veronica Brown, Darlene Ashbaugh, Dorothy Schwindt, Pat Myers; brothers, Clem Bieker, Bill Bieker, Tony Bieker, Joe Bieker, Al Bieker, Louis Bieker, and Martin Bieker; sisters, Elizabeth Rekofke, Veronica Heffner, and Josephine Bieker; son-in-law, Don Brown; and daughters-in-law, Pauline Ashbaugh, Lela Ashbaugh, and Lori Ashbaugh and two grandsons, Andy Webster and Jonathan Ashbaugh.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, September 16,2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas at 11:00 A.M. with Father James Thomas presiding. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, Kansas from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. The family will greet friends from 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with the Vigil Service starting at 7:00 P.M. The family suggests memorials to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church~Park, Kansas; Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care; or for Masses. Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Teresa lived a long life filled with love for her Lord Jesus, her family and friends. In life, she was loved dearly. She holds a place in the hearts of those who loved her that none other can fill. Nothing can ever take her away because fond memories will linger every day and remembering keeps Teresa near.

Betty Lou Kessler

Posted on

Betty Lou Kessler, 89, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and former Russell resident, died on Friday, September 13, 2019, at the Atria Assisted Living Center in Virginia, Beach.

Services are pending with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.

Kansas State Fair to evaluate gun rules for concert security

Posted on

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas State Fair will reevaluate its gun policy this fall because concert security concerns could conflict with state law that allows gun owners to carry their weapons openly.

Friday’s Lauren Alaina concert-photo courtesy Kansas State Fair

The fair had to screen concertgoers at the Sept. 7 Billy Currington performance because he required it in his contract, and the show was delayed while everyone and their bags were checked, reported The Wichita Eagle.

Fair Manager Robin Jennison said the fair will likely have to employ that kind of security more often if it wants to continue booking top acts because such requirements are becoming common. The fair also will likely have to impose some limits on the types of bags people can bring to concerts, Jennison said.

Dylan Evans, a member of the fair board, said the fair will have to refine its security processes to make sure it can get the audience screened quickly while still ensuring safety.

“I really feel like this is a new kind of area that we as a board need to look into more … and make sure we do the proper thing to keep the public that comes into the state fair and the people of Kansas safe,” Evans said.

Another board member, Harmon Bliss, said the process will improve as people get used to it.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File