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Year: 2019

Former Tiger Dominique Jones and Team USA capture gold at Pan American Games

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LIMA, Peru – Former Fort Hays State Men’s Basketball standout Dominique Jones and Team USA teammates Jon Octeus, Kareem Maddox, and Sheldon Jeter stood victorious atop the medal podium for 3×3 Basketball on Monday (July 29) at the Pan American games. The USA defeated Brazil 21-13 in the semifinals and defeated Puerto Rico 21-19 in the finals to earn the gold medal. The United States swept gold in 3×3 basketball overall as the women’s squad defeated Argentina in the finals.

Jones led Team USA in overall scoring for the tournament with 50 points. His two highest scoring efforts of 12 points each occurred against Venezuela and Argentina in the preliminary round. He scored at least five points in six contests and led the team in scoring in five of the seven games Team USA played throughout the Pan American Games. 3×3 basketball is played on a half court with a 10-minute clock, and a 12-second shot clock, the first team to 21 points, or the team in the lead at the end of regulation. This was the first year for the sport at the Pan American Games and it will be a sport at the Olympics in 2020.

Team USA bounced back on Monday after taking three tough losses in the preliminary round by two points or less. They avenged preliminary round losses to both Brazil and Puerto Rico in bracket play that determine medals.

Jones has enjoyed a tremendous professional career on the FIBA 3×3 Basketball World Tour. He is currently holds a No. 2 national ranking in the FIBA points system for players from the United States on the World Tour, and sits among the top 30 players in the world. Jones has helped his 3×3 team from New York/Harlem to over 10 team titles in FIBA World Tour tournaments over the past five years. Jones can now add a gold medal for representing the United States to his tremendous list of accomplishments during his basketball career.

Jones was a two-year standout player at Fort Hays State from 2009-2011, helping the Tigers to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances as the team’s point guard. He nearly scored 1,000 points in his two years, finishing with 983. He also averaged 5.1 assists per game in his career, good for fifth-best in program history with a total of 324. Tiger fans also remember him for his unique one-handed free-throw shooting style, as he shot 80 percent at the line in his career at FHSU. He shot 40.2 percent from beyond the 3-point line, draining 132 shots from long range.

Jones was an NABC All-America selection as a senior at FHSU in 2010-11 with 592 points and 207 assists for the season (17.9 ppg, 6.3 apg). He was a two-time All-MIAA First Team selection and helped guide the Tigers to an MIAA Tournament Championship in 2011. He helped the team to a record of 49-14 over the two years, reaching No. 3 in the NABC national rankings both seasons. He is one of four players to earn All-America honors under current FHSU head coach Mark Johnson.

Ivan Leon Mettscher

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Ivan Leon Mettscher, The Family Barber, joined his Savior in heaven on July 26, 2019 at the University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus at the grand age of 91. Ivan was born on April 1, 1928 in Hudson Kansas. He was the son of Henry (Hank) George and Pearl (Clark) Mettscher. Ivan’s life professions included working for Hudson Dealer and Rivers Shoe Store in Larned. In 1951 he moved to Great Bend and worked for 10 years as a driller on oil rigs for several major oil companies.

With the desire to spend more time with his family he entered and graduated from Barber School in Wichita, Kansas. After working for the Uptown Barber Shop behind the Ralph Wallace Café for several weeks he was recruited by Clem Lang to work in the Family Barber Shop on North Washington. After three years Ivan purchased the shop and continued for 52 years as a Barber Stylist cutting and styling the hair of 3 and sometimes 4 generations of families. He loved people and used his time cutting their hair to get to know them. He never met a stranger and was always there when help was needed.

In 1964 he joined the Noon Lions Club and was involved in establishing the first student scholarship at Barton Community College given by the club. He served on the Lions board and as Scoutmaster of Troop 150 sponsored by the Lions Club. His son Randall received his Eagle and Order of the Arrow awards while Ivan was Scoutmaster. Along with other scoutmasters and district scout executive Charles Gunn, Ivan helped establish the Cheyenne Scoutland south of Great Bend on the Arkansas River as the area Boy Scout campground and Camp Aldrich for the Girl Scouts from funding willed for the scouts in the Aldrich estate. Later Ivan was leader of only the second Boy Scout Explorer Post in Motorcycling in the USA.

Ivan served as President of Barton Lake and President of the Argonne Rebels Drum and Bugle Corp Booster Club. Ivan loved his church family and spent many years serving his church, The First Church of the Nazarene in Great Bend, as Sunday school teacher, board member, and as an usher until 2017.

After retirement Ivan spent 17 summers in their fifth wheel in the South Fork Colorado Fun Valley Campground making friends from all over the USA. During this time he started wood burning and making canes and walking sticks from Aspen trees grown in the high country. Soon his canes were scattered across the nation and he took great joy in making canes for local friends.

Ivan dearly loved his family. They always came first. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, taking many road trips, including his longest trip to Jasper, Canada. He loved his Honda Gold Wing and never gave up sharing his joy of the road. He was a big fan of KU Basketball and the KC Royals and enjoyed watching their games on TV and in person. He enjoyed cars and working on them to keep them in top running order. In later years he became a great story teller sharing all his escapades in life.

Ivan spent his last 4 and a half years living with his daughter Vicky and son-in-law Norman on their wooded acreage working outside, enjoying the deer and the turkey that visited their pond by the house.

Ivan is survived by his wife of 69 years, Martha, brother Marvin Mettscher of Hutchinson, daughter, Vicky Dayton and husband Norman Dayton of rural Ellinwood, Grandson Ryan Dayton of Great Bend, Grandson Eric Dayton, his wife Nikki, Great grandson Liam Ivan Dayton and Great Granddaughter Loryn Linn Dayton all of Lawrence, Kansas, daughter in law Lisa Mettscher of Montrose, Colorado and granddaughter Randi Mettscher of Balmorhea, Texas. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents and son Randall.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 1 PM, Friday, August 2nd, 2019, at the Great Bend First Church of the Nazarene, 4811 Broadway with Pastor Josh Foster officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be given to the Nazarene Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Audio from Chiefs training camp practice, Monday, 7/29

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By DAVE RIGGERT
St. Joseph Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their third practice of training camp Monday morning at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. It was their first practice in full pads and head coach Andy Reid, wide receiver Sammy Watkins and defensive end Frank Clark spoke to the media afterwards.

 

 

UPDATE: FBI assisting with investigation at cemetery in Salina

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The FBI and Saline County Sheriff’s Office at Gypsum Hill Cemetery Monday morning. Picture courtesy Aaron Householter.

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities including agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation were at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, 2020 E Iron Avenue in Salina Monday.

The body of an unidentified female nicknamed ‘Miss Molly’ was exhumed so that samples could be obtained for DNA testing. ‘Miss Molly’ was found deceased in a creek along Interstate 70 in January 1986.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office obtained an order of exhumation and a search warrant to collect samples for examination. This effort is being made to take advantage of the advancements in DNA identification.

The Kansas City Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations assisted in the collection of the samples. Additional assistance in the exhumation was provided by the staff of the Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Saline County Attorney’s Office, Salina Police Department Evidence Technician, Ryan’s Mortuary and Father Keith Weber.

Through the years there have been many efforts to identify “Miss Molly” by using media, internet and law enforcement listings. One example is found on the FBI VICAP Webpage – https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/vicap/unidentified-persons/jane-doe-16

Sheriff: Kansas man dead, 1 hospitalized after ATV accident

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POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Sunday in Pottawatomie County.

A Polaris ATV driven by Brad Martin, 55, Onaga, was northbound on Onaga Road near Crevecoer Road north of Onaga, according to Sheriff Greg Riat.

The ATV left the road, entered the west ditch and overturned. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported one passenger Tony Kuehl, 49, Hoyt, to a hospital for treatment. EMS treated a second passenger Preston Simmons, 37, Onaga, at the scene, according to Riat.

Paths to success in Mo. opioid fight emerge

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Dean Linneman, Missouri Dept. of Health/Photo by Brent Martin

By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post

ST> JOSEPH, Mo. — Missouri has one of the worst opioid addiction problems in the nation, but state officials say some remedies seem to be emerging.

Dean Linneman with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has some stark statistics about addiction to pain killers. In 2017, there were about 95 opioid prescriptions per every 100 people in the greater St. Joseph area and that’s down from 150 prescriptions per every 100 residents in 2012.

Linneman says opioid addiction often begins innocently enough.

“And then there are your OxyContin (pills) which can be prescribed appropriately and used and be very effective,” Linneman tells St. Joseph Post, adding it is when the dosage exceeded the 90 milligrams equivalent of morphine threshold that prescriptions become dangerous. “And, then the longer a person is taking those, just because of the addictive nature of opioids, there’s always a chance that an individual can be addicted.”

Dr. Angeline Stanislaus, Missouri Dept. of Mental Health/Photo by Brent Martin

State officials continue a crackdown on the medical profession to track doctors who might be prescribing too many opioids or, perhaps, even dealing in opioids. Linneman says some doctors have very good reasons to prescribe as many opioids as they do.

“I am a single physician in a county that has multiple nursing homes and I’m the medical director for those nursing homes. So, my numbers, based on the county population, seem to be off the charts high, but it can be explained depending on what the practitioner is covering,” Linneman gives as an example.

State officials have been reviewing results of a pilot program at Emergency Rooms which shows promise.

Dr. Angeline Stanislaus with the state Mental Health Department says under the program, if someone enters an Emergency Room, they receive treatment, then they meet with a recovery coach who will guide them to treatment, both medication and therapy.

“They stay with the patient. They also connect them to the community providers. So, all they need is about three days’ worth of medications,” Stanislaus tells St. Joseph Post.

Stanislaus says that in the past, those who suffered an opioid addiction would be treated in an emergency room, then would be given a card to direct them to treatment. She says they rarely followed up and some ended up dying from an overdose.

Main Street to close between 5th and 6th starting Tuesday

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Beginning Tuesday, Main Street will be closed between Fifth and Sixth Street for sanitary sewer repairs. Through traffic should use Fort Street or Oak Street as alternate routes. Construction is expected to be complete by Friday.

Signs will be in place to advise the traveling public of utility work in the area. Motorists should use caution in these areas.

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public.

If there are any questions, call the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 or the contractor, M&D of Hays, at 785-628-3169.

Inmate at Harvey County Detention Center dies

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NEWTON, Kan. — A Harvey County Detention Center inmate died Friday, after suffering what appears to have been pulmonary congestion and edema.

Sean Abbott photo Harvey County Detention Center

Just before 7:30a.m. Friday, authorities found 42-year-old Sean Abbott, 42, unresponsive, according to a news release.

Detention deputies and medical staff performed CPR until Newton Fire/EMS arrived.

Abbott was transported to Wesley Medical Center in critical condition. He was pronounced
dead Friday at 11 p.m.

The Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office conducted the preliminary finding for the cause of death.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Harvey County Sheriff’s Office investigations
unit processed the scene. It is standard protocol for the KBI to be notified of an inmate
death.

This incident is the first known in-custody death of a Harvey County Detention Center
inmate.

Ellis Co. restaurant and lodging inspections, 7/22 – 7/28

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Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:

Pizza Hut  1308 Vine, Hays – July 24

A routine inspection found three violations.

  • In the walk-in cooler, there were four containers of fully cooked chicken that had a date of 7/23/19 and disposal date of 7/30/19. This product could be held for eight days.
  • Two of three rubber spatulas that were being stored in a wire basket as clean had dried food residue present along the rubber heads.
  • In the side storage area, there was a container of liquid dish soap and spray bottle of wood polish that was being stored on a wire rack directly above a tea dispenser. No evidence of leaking was observed.

Soda Shoppe 800 Main, Hays – July 24

A routine inspection found five violations.

  • In the Whirlpool refrigerator, there was a container of raw shelled eggs that were being stored directly above a covered container of ready to eat cut lettuce. No evidence of leaking was observed.
  • In the make table, there was cut turkey, cut ham, cut roast beef, cut tomatoes with temperatures of 47 F to 49 F. Ambient Temperature of the unit at the time was 47 F.
  • In the mini refrigerator in the server station, there was an opened container of milk with no date of when it was opened.
  • In the Frigidaire refrigerator, there were containers of made in house potato salad and baked beans with dates of 7/17/19. Products were held for 8 days. In the Frigidaire refrigerator, there was an opened container of heavy whipping cream with no date of when it was opened.
  • In the lazy susan container of the food prep table, there were two of five rubber spatulas that had imperfections present along the rubber head.

Southside Convenience 703 Vine, Hays – July 24

A routine inspection found four violations.

  • In the make table in the pizza prep area, there was a food-grade container of fully cooked chicken that did not have a date of when they were opened.  In the make table of the pizza prep area, there was a container of fully cooked egg rolls that were removed from the freezer with no date of when they were opened and removed.
  • In the pizza prep area, there was a vegetable cutter that has dried food residue present along the blades and guide.
  • In the kitchen area, hand washing sink water tested at 68 F. Inspector ran the water for seven continuous minutes.
  • In the back storage area, there was a spray bottle that held a clear liquid with no label present. When shook, the liquid foamed up.

Daylight Donuts of Hays 113 East Eighth St., Hays – July 23

A routine inspection found four violations.

  • In the single door Whirlpool refrigerator, there was a container of cut lettuce and cut tomatoes with no date of when they were cut.
  • In the single door Whirlpool refrigerator, there was a container of cut ham and cut turkey with a date of 7/8/19.
  • On the storage shelf above the oven, there was a plastic food grade strainer that had deep cracks along the base of the container.
  • On a solid wooden shelf above the three-compartment sink, there was a container of bleach that was being stored directly above the sanitizing solution sink. No evidence of leaking was observed. On a solid wooden shelf directly above four 50 pound bags of flour, there was a spray bottle of WD-40. No evidence of leaking was observed.

Ol’ 40 Express 2020 East Eighth St., Hays – July 23

A licensing inspection found no violations.

Sonic Drive-In 1708 Vine, Hays – July 22

An inspection following a modified complaint found no violations.

Taco Grande 412 East 23rd St., Hays – July 22

A routine inspection found three violations.

  • In the outside walk-in cooler, there was raw ground beef at the temperature of 60 F. Ambient Temperature of the unit was 59 F. Establishment is not keeping a daily log and could not show when the unit was last in compliance.
  • In the back storage area, there was a spray bottle that was sitting on top of a wire rack directly next to full pans. No evidence of leaking was observed.
  • In the front pick up area, there was a spray bottle of window cleaner that was being stored on a solid metal shelf directly above to-go orders. No evidence of leaking was observed.

Newly renovated Eisenhower museum reopens in Abilene

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ABILENE, Kan. (AP) — A museum honoring President Dwight Eisenhower in his childhood home in Kansas has reopened after undergoing a massive, yearlong renovation.

Visitors got their first glimpse Monday of modernized exhibits in the 25,000-square-foot (2322-sq. meter) museum. They feature new graphic panels, display cases, theater experiences and digital interactive stations.

The original schedule was to open in time for the 75th anniversary of D-Day in early June, but the federal government shutdown delayed the timeline.

During the work, museum exhibits were moved to the library portion of the 22-acre complex. It also includes the home in which the future president and supreme commander of the Allied forces during World War II spent most of his childhood.

The formal dedication is planned for Oct. 12 to coincide with Ike’s birthday weekend.

Police: 1 in custody, search for 2 suspects in Kan. shooting continues

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TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting, have one suspect in custody and continue to search for a second suspect.

Larry D. Huggins III, 19 , Topeka
Anthony Soto, 21, Topeka

Just after 11 p.m. July 13, officers were dispatched to 1516 SW 16th Street in Topeka on a report of a shooting, according to Lt. Aaron Jones. Upon arrival, officers located a victim suffering from
life-threating injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his
injures.

Witnesses reported seeing a dark colored vehicle leaving the area northbound at a high rate of
speed.

Keys photo Shawnee Co.

On Sunday, police arrested Jihad Anwar Keys, 20 years old in connection to this investigation on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Felon in Possession of Firearm, and  Aggravated Assault.
Detective’s are still attempting to locate

Fort Hays State’s Encore Series announces lineup for 39th season

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FHSU University Relations

A wonderful variety of musicals, plays, dance and instrumental music make up the 2019-2020 season of the Encore Performing Arts Series at Fort Hays State University.

“For 39 years, the Encore Series has been a cultural gem of Western Kansas,” said Jacob Ternes, chair of the university’s Special Events Committee. “This season will continue to bring national and international performances right here to the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center stage. I hope our patrons consider purchasing season tickets, because we expect several individual shows to sell out!”

Ternes this year’s series has a show for all audiences. The season will open with “Reza: The Edge of Illusion.” More than a magic show, Reza infuses state-of-the-art production elements, masterful comedic timing, and interactive and inspirational moments, allowing the audience to experience the magic first hand.

Additional shows include “Cirque Mechanics,” “Finding Neverland,” “Bandstand,” “Fiesta Folclorico,” “Anne of Green Gables.” This season will also include a holiday event: “M-PACT: White Christmas,” an evening of holiday favorites.

Season tickets for the 2019-2020 Encore Performing Arts Series are available beginning Monday, Aug. 5. Fort Hays State University students, faculty and staff, as well as senior citizens (65 and over) and youths (ages 5 to 17) receive discounts.

For more information call the Memorial Union Student Service Center at 785-628-5306 or visit www.fhsu.edu/encore. Previous season ticket holders will receive the series booklet in the mail within the next few weeks.

All performances for the 2019-2020 season start at 7:30 p.m. and are held in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the FHSU campus.

Performances:

Reza: The Edge of Illusion
Thursday, Oct. 3
Reza began making his presence felt in the world of illusion at age 7 after being inspired by a magic show in his hometown. By 14, he was performing for resorts and large corporations across the Midwest. Reza is one of the fastest rising stars in the industry, with his mind set on changing the world’s perception of magic.

Cirque Mechanics: 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels
Wednesday, Nov. 6
At the center of every circus rests a 42-foot ring full of thrills, laughs and excitement. The company dares us to leap into the circus ring and experience the timelessness of this evolving art form. The action is full of theatricality and a modern sensibility, showcasing a galloping mechanical metal horse and a rotating tent frame for strongmen, acrobats and aerialists.

M-PACT: White Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019
Hailed as “one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the world,” M-PACT is recognized worldwide as a trailblazer in vocal music. Emerging from an age of auto-tune and overproduction, this Los Angeles-based sextet has cultivated a new generation of ears hungry for the fresh, raw power of nature’s “first instrument” – the human voice. As seen in the PBS “Christmas from LA” special, the warmth and elegance of M-PACT pairs perfectly with an evening of holiday favorites.

Finding Neverland
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020
Based on the Academy Award winning film, this breathtaking show follows playwright J.M. Barrie as he summons the courage to become the writer, and the man, he yearns to be. Barrie finds the inspiration he’s been missing when he meets the beautiful widow Sylvia and her four young sons: Jack, George, Michael and Peter. Delighted by the boys’ hilarious escapades, Barrie conjures the magical world of Neverland and writes a play unlike any the high-society London theatergoers had ever seen.

Fiesta Folclórico! Featuring: Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México de SILVIA LOZANO
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020
This troupe brings the essence, tradition and color of strength and feeling from Mexico. Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México de SILVIA LOZANO is an institution tasked with the dissemination, preservation and promotion of the culture of Mexico, both at home and abroad. With an artistic career spanning over 56 years, the BFNM reflects the work of Mexico’s leading researchers and practitioners of folklore, dance, music, and costumes.

The Huntertones
Friday, March 13, 2020
Huntertones brings people together around the globe with fun, imaginative, and fearless music. Their high energy, horn-driven sound fuses inspired improvisation and adventurous composition melding jazz, funk, rock, and soul. Huntertones shift from a dynamic six-piece ensemble to a trio featuring saxophone, sousaphone, and beat-boxing.

Bandstand: The Musical
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
In 1945, as America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, PFC Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, returns to rebuild his life with only the shirt on his back and a dream in his heart. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, inspiration strikes and Donny joins forces with a motley group of fellow veterans, each an astonishing musician. They form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen and discover the power of music.

Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Over the last 28 years, Canada’s Ballet Jӧrgen has produced a total of 216 original creations by 80 choreographers, including eight full-length ballets. The company gives over 120 performances a year, bringing ballet performances to more than 50,000 people across Canada. One-third of Ballet Jörgen Canadian audiences are under the age of 18, and a third of those are attending a dance performance for the first time. The Company has exclusive rights to create “Anne of Green Gables: The Ballet,” with a score based on the original compositions from “Anne of Green Gables: The Musical.” It will be the first time the story has been authorized for creation as a full-length ballet.

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