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

Year: 2019

Charles E. ‘Chuck’ Harmison

Posted on

Charles E. “Chuck” Harmison, 63, died on Friday, July 19, 2019 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City. He was born on August 18, 1955 in Russell, Kansas the son of George and Helen (Untereiner) Harmison. He married Donna Mazanec on August 13, 1988 in Colby, Kansas.

Chuck was a longtime Dighton resident and a jack-of-all-trades having worked as a mechanic for Bretz for many years, owning his own welding business and running a local salvage yard of sorts, to running the family farm south of Dighton. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church and a member of the NRA. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time at the lake with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Donna. His daughters Helena (Wesley) Bunch of Dighton, Loretta (Wyatt) Russell of Great Bend, and Rebecca Harmison of Emporia; sisters Patsy (Harl) Burdick of Scott City, Mary Hammond of Pratt, Eileen (James) Hollis of Meade, and Margaret “Beth” (Craig) Collins of Dighton; brother George (Diane) Harmison of Texas; and granddaughters Kynzlee Bunch and Emersyn Bunch. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Vigil Service will be at 7:00 PM Wednesday July 24, and Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM Thursday July 25 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Dighton with Father Matthew Kumi as Celebrant. Burial will be at Dighton Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday at Boomhower Funeral Home in Dighton. Memorials are suggested to the Chuck Harmison Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home.

Dorothy Arlene Emahizer

Posted on

Dorothy Arlene Emahizer, 90 of Ludell, died Tuesday July 16th 2019. She was born August 19, 1928 to James & Ethel (Meyers) Gilbert on their farm near Achilles, KS. Dorothy attended Rosedale School through 8th grade & graduated from Oberlin High School in 1946. She taught school & later attended nursing school at Halstead Ks. Dorothy married Thaine Emahizer June, 20, 1955. She raised her family & worked as a nurse’s aide at the hospital in Atwood.

Dorothy was proceeded in death by her parents, sister Cleta Wenger, Brother James Gilbert Jr., husband Thaine, Son Robert, & great granddaughter Jennifer Emahizer.

She is survived by her children, John (Pam) Emahizer, Jean (Tom) Robben, Jerry (Shelly) Emahizer, Jim (Sherry) Emahizer, 12 grandchildren & 15 great children.

A grave side service was held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Rosehill Cemetery, Ludell.

Memorials are suggested to the Rawlins County Hospital Foundation, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, Ks. 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Ralph Francis Albers

Posted on

Ralph Francis Albers, a lifelong western Kansas farmer, cattleman and resident of Oakley, KS, died Friday, July 19, 2019 at the age of 90 years. He was born on September 6, 1928, in Sheridan County, KS to Joseph Anthony and Veronica (Beckman) Albers.

In his early years, Ralph attended Oakley schools until he graduated the eighth grade. During this time, while Ralph’s older brothers were serving their country in WWII, he took on the responsibility of helping run the family farm as the remaining son at home. These times were when Ralph built a foundation for his decades-long career in agriculture. Ralph retired from farming in the fall of 2018 after planting his final wheat crop. Six days before his death, he witnessed the harvesting of the same crop, which resulted in the highest yield of his farming career.

At the young age of 20 years, Ralph met the love of his life, Marcella Ribordy, at the skating rink in Oakley. The two were married on November 24, 1948 in Grainfield, Kansas during the one of the largest blizzards western Kansas had seen for decades. The two built their lives together on the farm and were blessed with eight children, Eulalia, Marvin, Vickie, Elaine, Stan, Sandy, Chris, and Lynn. In 2009, Ralph reluctantly moved from the farm and into town at Marcella’s wish. They spent the remainder of their days there enjoying life in town until Marcella’s passing in March of 2018. In all, the couple were married sixty-nine years.

Family was always a priority for Ralph. Even in the lean years, he always provided for his family. As a father, Ralph laid a solid foundation for his children teaching them the value of hard work. He also made time for activities like hunting, fishing, camping and family trips. As a grandfather, Ralph held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them on the farm, especially when they rode along in his John Deere tractors and combines or on his infamous yellow Kawasaki three-wheeler.

Ralph and Marcella loved to be around people and host large gatherings, whether they be for the holidays with the family or seasonal events such as opening weekend for pheasant season, where they often had over 60 guests. Together, they knew no strangers and welcomed everybody as “family” in their home. Outside of bringing people into their home, they enjoyed social events like playing cards, going to dances, and keeping up with their grandchildren and their life endeavors.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marcella; brothers, Joe, George, Bernard and Arnold; sister Eulalia Albers; granddaughter Stacy Taylor; great-grandson Elijah Lampe and grandson-in-law Noah Favaregh.

He is survived by his children, Eulalia (Gary) Muschik, Union Bridge, MD, Marvin (Bette) Albers, Oakley, Vickie (Rich) Farney, Wilson, KS, Elaine (Ken) Ptacek, Colby, KS, Stan Albers, Hoxie, KS, Sandy (Monty) Moore, Monument, KS, Chris (Terri) Albers, Oakley and Lynn (Vivian) Albers, Pagosa Springs, CO; 23 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic School or Logan County Healthcare Foundation in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

MARSHALL: Doctor’s Note July 22

Posted on
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.

Friends,

On July 20, 1969, people across the country and around the world watched in eager anticipation as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. With this feat America won the space race and it amazes me to think of all of the advancements that have been made as a result of these Apollo missions.

At this very moment native Kansan from the Big First, Nick Hague, is currently 240 miles above Earth on the International Space Station continuing to advance scientific knowledge. I am a member of the Science Space and Technology Committee and gave a speech on the house floor in honor of this special anniversary, Click Here to view it.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum commemorated the occasion with a to-scale projection of the Saturn V rocket on the Washington Monument this past Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. And this weekend they will be performing the Apollo 50: Go For The Moon show, a full-motion projection using archival footage to simulate the actual launch.

Pro Life Update
The Trump Administration recently advanced our efforts to fight for the unborn. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that it will immediately begin implementing President Trump’s Protect Life Rule. This will stop any taxpayer-funded facilities from referring for abortions or commingling finances with abortion businesses, meaning abortion centers cannot serve as taxpayer-funded family planning centers. I want to extend the most sincere thank you possible to President Trump for making this happen and fulfilling another major campaign promise to the American people. Our fight to protect life certainly isn’t over however, and I want to assure you all that I am still fully committed to seeing abortion practices completely ended in this country.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
Chairwoman Johnston and Ranking Member Lucas of the Science, Space and Technology Committee hosted a roundtable focused on the unique challenges facing rural communities in providing quality Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programs. This has been a big priority for me, as an increase in STEM opportunities would be beneficial in workforce development across the Big First. At this roundtable we talked about the different ways rural schools can teach STEM and what federal agencies can do to help. We highlighted the specific geographical challenges faced by rural Americans and discussed the different ways federal funding could efficiently be directed towards meeting those challenges.

USDA Expanding Access to Capital
The USDA has announced new programs designed to help farmers get access to capital. They announced up to $16 million in available funding through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the 2501 Program. Since 1994, the 2501 Program has awarded 451 grants totaling more than $103 million and the 2018 Farm Bill boosted mandatory funding for the program through FY 2023.

They also launched a new service on Farmers.gov, the Farm Loan Discovery Tool. This resource asks a series of simple questions to help those interested in exploring financing options to operate a farm or buy land. The tool will then find the information on farm loans that best fit their specific needs and provide the loan application and additional resources. This new system is only one of the many tools on farmers.gov that help connect farmers to information that can help their operations and I am glad that they are constantly adapting their systems to meet modern needs.

Building Out Rural Broadband
Last week the FCC authorized $38.7 million in funding over the next decade to help expand broadband access in rural Kansas communities. This comes as part of last year’s Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II) auction, which will help providers deploy high-speed internet to thousands of homes and businesses across the state that currently lack service. Closing the digital divide in rural Kansas remains a top priority not only for my office but also for the FCC. Our providers across Kansas are working hard to leverage federal dollars to build out networks in rural communities. IdeaTek in Buhler was one of the recipients of CAF II funding, and will work to expand access in Reno County. While much work still remains to be done and I had the chance to thank Chairman Pai in person on Tuesday for his continued efforts to ensure that all Americans have access to broadband, no matter where they live.

Working Towards RESULTS
On Tuesday, I had a chance to sit down with a few Kansas RESULTS advocates to discuss initiatives which will help Americans and our friends across the globe who are stricken by poverty and malnutrition. It is always nice to speak to young people about their goals for the future of our nation, and witness their passion for service firsthand. I look forward to helping carry out several of their initiatives, one of which includes a resolution that I am sponsoring H.Res.189 that will help combat malnutrition in children around the world. Click Here to read more information.

 

Talking Corn
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kent Moore, a farmer from Iuka, and Dennis McNinch, a farmer from Utica, who were in town representing the Kansas Corn Growers Association. Among other issues, we discussed the urgent need to pass USMCA as well as the importance of other bilateral trade agreements to develop new markets for corn and corn products around the world. We also touched on the significance of year round E-15 sales and the value of ethanol in general to Kansas Corn farmers.

I am also pleased to share that Dennis will be serving on the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Board next year, where he will provide a strong voice from the heartland to advocate on behalf of farmers in DC and around the country. Last month, NCGA’s “Off the Cob” podcast series caught up with Dennis to discuss some pressing issues facing farmers and to hear what inspired him to run for the position on the board. To listen to the full interview, Click Here.

Agribusiness Retailers in DC
It was great to catch up again with the “Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders” (TAL) class for a meeting in my office after we took a tour of the Capitol building. A jointly sponsored initiative of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA) and Kansas Grain & Feed Association (KGFA), the leadership development program is designed to teach the associations’ members about the state and federal legislative and regulatory process. During their visit to Washington, they met with the Kansas delegation and agency officials while also touring historical sites around the city. I really enjoyed meeting with the group to discuss transportation issues, trade, farm bill implementation, and ways I can help to continue to break down regulatory barriers that negatively impact the entire agricultural supply chain.

Kearny County Hospital
Thanks to my grandsons, I always keep a stash of toys in my office and it came in handy when the Kearny County Hospital leadership (and son) stopped by my office to discuss maternal health.

Benjamin Anderson has been the hospital’s CEO for the past 6 years and he’s made Lakin a leader in rural health service, and in particular, maternal health. Because of hospital closures in rural Kansas, women were losing access to maternal health services.

In order to address this, Kearny County Hospital partnered with the University of Kansas School of Medicine and implemented several strategies to improve access to care. As a result of their collaboration, local physicians were able to provide better care for high-risk pregnancies. They also implemented telehealth strategies like creating virtual support programs for pregnant and postpartum women. It was so successful, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) highlighted this partnership in her speech at the National Rural Health Association Annual Conference this past May. CMS is currently working on building out this model, and Kearny County Hospital continues to develop new strategies at the helm of the American Hospital Association’s Task Force on the Future of Rural Health Care.

I’ll be joining Benjamin and other members of the task force next month for their meeting and am looking forward to contributing to this important discussion.

Trump Honors Cobalt
Growing up near Lake El Dorado, I remember watching many families enjoy the water on Cobalt boats. Headquartered in Neodesha, Cobalt has been churning out American-made boats for over 50 years. This week the company was recognized by President Trump at the third annual Made in America Product Showcase at the White House. Thank you Cobalt Boats for your dedication to the American worker and manufacturing in Kansas!

Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.

Debra D. Cozad

Posted on

Debra D. Cozad, 66, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019 at her home in Smith Center, KS.

Debra was born on January 18, 1953 in Dayton, OH, the daughter of Lomie and Doris (Crum) Shure. On April 21, 1973 she married Millard Eugene Cozad in Denver, CO, to this union they were blessed with three children, Ronnie, Penelope and Tina.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Roy Shure.

Debra is survived by her husband Eugene Cozad of Smith Center; a son Ronnie Cozad of Chase, KS; two daughters, Penelope (Mike) Mangiameli and Tina Cozad all of Smith Center and four grandchildren.

A celebration of Debra’s life will be held at a later date. There will not be a public visitation as cremation was chosen. Memorials may be given to the Smith County Memorial Hospital or Debra D. Cozad Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS 66967.

Ella Louise Towns

Posted on

Ella Louise Towns was born to Horace G. and Mary Edith K. Shepherd Smith.

A longtime resident of Larned Ks affectionately known as “Toots” to family and friends has gone to be with the lord on July 17, 2019 at 95 years old.

Ella loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She enjoyed hearing all about their many accomplishments, with every conversations ending in I love you grandma. “LOVE YOU MORE”

Ella was an active member of the C.M.E. Church in Larned. She held several titles at the church from Sunday School Teacher to Trustee and Stewardess Vice President for many years.

Ella had many accomplishments during her lifetime. She was a cosmetologist often creating flashy new styles for family and friends.

Ella received her Surgical Technician Certificate in 1968 and worked for St Joseph Hospital as a surgical and supply clerk for several years.

Ella went on to earn her Associates Degree in General Education from Barton County Community College in 1984.

Ella was a staple at the Larned State Hospital where she worked as a Licensed Mental Health Technician III. Ella later answered her calling and became an Orientation Instructor of Nursing Education. That’s where she was truly at her best in helping many, many students on their way to their nursing careers. She maintained that position until her retirement.

As many of you know Ella loved cooking and often catered parties and events. Ella loved teaching her grandchildren how to cook and bake.

Ella Married George A Towns on May 17, 1973. They were happily married for 46 years.

George never forgot to give Ella flowers on special occasions. Ella loved receiving her beautiful red roses.

Ella had an unbelievable passion for hats and shoes and in 1985 she was able to showcase her fashion as she and George were elected as Grand Marshall of Larned. Ella’s other interests include church, reading, bingo, bid wiz and Pokino with friends.

She was active in the Red Hats and Black History Club. She was also a member of the National Cancer Society for over 20 years and during that time she was able to overcome breast cancer herself.

Ella had a long beautiful Life and will be loved and missed forever.

Survivors include; husband, George Towns; sons, Jeffery Kaye Tomlin and spouse Tommie L. Tomlin, of Wichita; Wesley M.T. RePrah, Donald J. and Patricia Harper, all of Larned; daughter in law, Jacqueline Tomlin, Savannah, Georgia; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by; her parents; Horace Godfrey and Mary Edith K. Shepherd Smith; son, Everett L. Tomlin; four sisters, Bernice Caro, Verna Scott, Edna Hart, Emma Jeanne Bradley; two brothers Horace G. Smith and William Clayton Smith.

Funeral will be 10:30 am Friday July 26, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned with Pastors Damon Bradley and Cameron Moore presiding. Visitation 9:00a.m. to 8:00p.m. Thursday, July 25 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Interment in Larned Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Ella Towns Memorial Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.BeckwithMortuary.com.

Alma Marlene ‘Molly’ Brin

Posted on

Alma Marlene “Molly” Brin, age 80, of Hays, Kansas passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Via Christi Village, Hays.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday, July 25, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hays.

Visitation will be Wednesday 4 PM – 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary at 7 PM and Thursday visitation will be 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church, TMP-Marian or donors choice.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]

A complete obituary is pending.

Celestine William ‘Celly’ Jacobs

Posted on

Celestine William “Celly” Jacobs, 96, La Crosse, Kansas, died Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.

Celly was born March 29, 1923, in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Casper and Mary (Schmidt) Jacobs. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. Celly loved his job as a heavy equipment operator for the Rush County Highway Department for 39 years before his retirement.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

On May 20, 1947, he married Thelma A. Herrman at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas. She preceded him in death July 26, 2007.

Survivors include: three sons, Raymond Jacobs (Marsha), Great Bend, Kansas, Kenneth Jacobs (Connie), Catawissa, Missouri, Duane Jacobs (Christi Wright), Great Bend, Kansas; one daughter, Paula Kuhn (Jed), Great Bend, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Andrea Jacobs (Dave Nokleby), Great Bend, Kansas, Gabriel Hardman (Lana), Hays, Kansas, Jacob Hardman (Randi), Lenexa, Kansas, Phillip Kuhn, New York, New York, Andrew Kuhn, Great Bend, Kansas, Austin Jacobs, Catawissa, Missouri, Jordan Jacobs, Catawissa, Missouri, and Dylan Jacobs, Catawissa, Missouri; five great grandchildren; four brothers, Ralph Jacobs, La Crosse, Kansas, Leroy Jacobs, La Crosse, Kansas, Jerry Jacobs, Hays, Kansas, and William “Bill” Jacobs, La Crosse, Kansas; and one sister, Mary Lou Warren, Wichita, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers, Eugene Jacobs, Virgil Jacobs, and Daniel Jacobs; and five sisters, Leona Leiker, Albina Birney, Elenora Holzmeister, Louise Besperat, and Viola Dreher.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 25, 2019, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.

Funeral service will be Friday, July 26, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Stephen Dabanka officiating. Interment will be in La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, or Friendship Meals, La Crosse, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Samuel George ‘George’ Keener

Posted on

Samuel George “George” Keener, 88, Rush Center, Kansas, died Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.

George was born January 10, 1931, in rural Rush County, Kansas, the son of Fred and Fannie (Schrieber) Keener. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. He attended Chilly Knob School in Rush County, Kansas, through his 8th grade graduation. A 1948 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas, he was a lifelong farmer.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas; Walnut City Masonic Lodge #215, Rush Center, Kansas; the ISIS Shrine, Salina, Kansas; and the Fort Hays Shrine Club, Hays, Kansas. He was a past member of the Rush County Amusement Company; the Rush County Fair Board; the Order of the Eastern Star; Brookdale Township Board; United Methodist Church Council; Walnut City 4-H Leader; and Rush Center Co-op Board. He was also a former Rush County Commissioner.

A United States Army veteran, he served from 1954 to 1956 stateside during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska, earning the rank of Sergeant.

There wasn’t anything George was afraid to tackle, and if he couldn’t get it to work the right way, there was always the “Keener Way”.

George took great pride in helping to establish the Rush County Amusement Company with the goal of bringing a home operated carnival to the local fair. His handiwork is well established when you see and ride the carnival, the small “kiddie” cars, and the calliope which he built and donated to the fair. He was also a long time supporter of the local 4-H clubs, being one of the first to “bid” at the food auction.

On May 5, 1957, he married the love of his life, Evelyn Joyce Greenler at Ness City, Kansas, after a brief six month courtship. She preceded him in death July 23, 2001.

Survivors include: three sons, Tom Keener (LeAnn), Rush Center, Kansas, Jeff Keener (Tacy), Rush Center, Kansas, and Bob Keener (Shelley), La Crosse, Kansas; five grandchildren, Scott Keener (Emily), Stephanie Goings (Jared), Samantha Tholen (David), Jacob Keener (Jessica), and Dyan Axman (Tony); five great grandchildren, Owen, Evelyn, and Quade Keener, and Luke and Loren Tholen; one brother, Bill Keener, Great Bend, Kansas, and one sister, Betty Misegadis, Rush Center, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and one brother, Ray “Pete” Keener.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 24, 2019, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Church visitation will be Thursday, July 25, 2019, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:50 A.M. at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Thursday, July 25, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Angie Vertz officiating. Interment will be in Locust Hill Cemetery, Rush Center, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family request memorials to the Rush County Amusement Company, or the Fort Hays Shrine Club, Hays, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Equifax to pay millions for data breach that exposed info of 150 million consumers

Posted on

WASHINGTON (AP) — Equifax will pay up to $700 million to settle with the U.S. and states over a 2017 data breach that exposed Social Security numbers and other private information of nearly 150 million people.

Image courtesy FTC

The settlement with the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as 48 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, would provide up to $425 million in monetary relief to consumers, a $100 million civil money penalty, and other relief.

The breach was one of the largest ever to threaten the private information. The consumer reporting agency, based in Atlanta, did not detect the attack for more than six weeks. The compromised data included Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, driver license numbers, credit card numbers and in some cases, data from passports.

Affected consumers may be eligible to receive money by filing one or more claims for conditions including money spent purchasing credit monitoring or identity theft protection after the breach and the cost of freezing or unfreezing credit reports at any consumer reporting agency.

All impacted consumers would be eligible to receive at least 10 years of free credit-monitoring, at least seven years of free identity-restoration services, and, starting on Dec. 31 and extending seven years, all U.S. consumers may request up to six free copies of their Equifax credit report during any 12-month period.

If consumers choose not to enroll in the free credit monitoring product available through the settlement, they may seek up to $125 as a reimbursement for the cost of a credit-monitoring product of their choice. Consumers must submit a claim in order to receive free credit monitoring or cash reimbursements.

“Companies that profit from personal information have an extra responsibility to protect and secure that data,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons. “Equifax failed to take basic steps that may have prevented the breach that affected approximately 147 million consumers. This settlement requires that the company take steps to improve its data security going forward, and will ensure that consumers harmed by this breach can receive help protecting themselves from identity theft and fraud.”

The announcement Monday confirms a report by The Wall Street Journal that the credit reporting agency had reached a deal with the U.S.

The company said earlier this year that it had set aside around $700 million to cover anticipated settlements and fines.

The settlement must still be approved by the federal district court in the Northern District of Georgia.

Shares of Equifax Inc. dipped slightly before the opening bell.

‘Teacher Safari’ helps new Sylvan Grove teacher, others explore redesign process

Posted on

SHESC

Teacher Safari at Rolling Hills Zoo, Salina

SALINA – Taking a new direction in education is like being the first explorers on a jungle safari – the way is uncertain and difficult, with no clear end in sight.

On July 16 and 17, Smoky Hill Education Service Center (SHESC) helped guide about 40 educators through such a change – the Kansans Can School Redesign Project – with its annual “Teacher Safari” workshop at the Rolling Hills Zoo.

One attendee was Craig Batchman, history and government teacher in Sylvan Grove USD 299. He recently moved to the area and said that Teacher Safari came highly recommended.

“One of the other teachers had taken this workshop and said it was really good information,” Batchman said.

The Kansas State Department of Education launched the Redesign Project in 2017 after extensive conversations and surveying of Kansans and Kansas educators. The project is focused on moving schools toward the Kansas Vision for Education – “Kansas leads the world in the success of each student” – and designing Kansas education to meet five outcomes to accomplish that vision.

The outcomes are: measuring social-emotional growth locally; kindergarten readiness; individual plans of study based on career interests; high school graduation; and post-secondary success.

A central focus of the Teacher Safari workshop was helping the educators discover a personal “why” within the more formalized process of Redesign, which has been rolled out gradually to school districts since its introduction.

Darla Smith, SHESC assistant director and a co-presenter with Lori Scuitte, said that identifying a personal motivation would bring more passion and a richer curriculum within Redesign. For Batchman, for example, the “why” was having his students become better citizens.

With the unique zoo setting, of course, the workshop took advantage to allow unique connections. For example, just as the zoo was mapped out on paper first, then continued to grow and expand after the initial construction, Redesign benefits from a plan on paper, with the willingness to grow, change and expand with new opportunities.

And, of course, there were some opportunities to enjoy the location – meeting some real-life Eastern screech owls in person, exploring the museum and taking the tram through zoo exhibits as well!

Learn more about Smoky Hill ESC at www.smokyhill.org and about the Kansans Can School Redesign Project at www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/School-Redesign.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File