Born March 27, 1937, to Georgia Mullinex and Robert Grizzell in Great Bend, Kansas.
He passed away July 14, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas.
Grizzell
Ken graduated from Claflin High School in 1955. He married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Miller on March 30, 1959. He attended Fort Hays State University and Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and a master’s degree of Fine Arts. He was an art professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D.
After retiring in 1999, Ken and Sue moved to Lawrence. He loved watching his grandchildren grow up. He watched many basketball and soccer games, dance and music recitals. He saw high school and college graduations. Other loves in his life besides his family were working in his art studio creating silk screen prints. He also loved Nebraska football.
Survivors include; wife, Suzanne of Lawrence; brother, George Grizzell of Logan, Utah; daughter Lisa Davis and son-in-law Chris Davis; grandkids, Bobby, Carly, and DJ Davis all from the Lawrence area.
Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Claflin.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
The government reports U.S. crude oil producers set records last year for total production and year-over-year growth. According to the Short Term Energy Outlook from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, total production for 2018 averaged 11 million barrels per day, up 1.6 million barrels per day over the year before. EIA predicts domestic production will average 12.4 million barrels per day this year and 13.3 million barrels per day next year. The government says most of the growth will come from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico.
Weekly crude-oil production totals from the government topped 12.3 million barrels per day for the week ending July 5. That’s the second-largest weekly total ever, just 52,000 barrels per day less than the highest-ever total reported June 6. Production was 99,000 barrels per day more than a week earlier, and nearly 1.4 million barrels per day more than a year ago at this time.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration says domestic crude-oil stockpiles dropped by 9.5 million barrels from a week earlier to 459 million barrels. That’s about four percent above the five-year average for this time of year. Imports averaged 7.3 million barrels per day, which is right at the four-week average, but down 284,000 barrels from a week earlier.
Baker Hughes last week reported a big drop in its weekly rotary rig count. In the U.S., the total was 958 active rigs, down four oil rigs and a drop of two rigs exploring for natural gas. The count in Texas was down seven rigs. Canada reported 117 active rigs, down three for the week.
Independent Oil & Gas Service reports drilling underway at two sites in Ellis County. Operators are about to spud two wells in Barton County and one in Ellis County. There are six active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one for the week, and 24 west of Wichita, which is unchanged.
Operators last week received 15 permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas, which brings the year-to-date total to 489. There were six new permits filed in eastern Kansas and nine west of Wichita, including one each in Barton and Ellis counties. Independent Oil and Gas Service reported 14 newly-completed wells for the week, 791 so far this year. There were 14 completions east of Wichita, and 12 in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County and one dry hole in Ellis County.
U.S. producers moved nearly 13,000 rail tanker cars carrying petroleum and petroleum products during the last week of June, up 14 percent over the same week a year ago. The spike continues in oil-by-rail, brought on by increased production without sufficient pipeline capacity. But the Association of American Railroads reports the increases are not as high as they have been over the last two years. The year-to-date cumulative average for the first six months of the year is 23.2% higher than the same figure last year. Canada’s oil-by-rail traffic increased 21.8% over the same week last year. For the first half of the year, Canada’s cumulative rail-tanker traffic is up 24.3%.
Venezuela’s embattled energy industry has an unlikely new ally, despite President Trump’s sanctions aimed at ousting President Nicolás Maduro. Despite the U.S. administration’s push to disrupt the financial resources available to Venezuela’s leadership, Chevron Corp. is working to bolster one of the Maduro government’s chief economic pillars. Bloomberg reports the second-biggest U.S. oil company is helping tap four fields in Venezuela while testing new injection technologies at one of them. Chevron is also helping pay for supplies, expenses, and even health care for workers at the state-owned oil producer PDVSA to keep the crude flowing.
The law regarding energy production in Colorado has taken a dramatic turn over the last few months. After a series of wins for the oil and gas industry, lawmakers in the state enacted a bill that gives broad local authority to regulate or block oil and gas production activity. The new law also requires the state to prioritize public health and safety over energy production. New state and local regulations are in progress across Colorado. Last month County Commissioners in Boulder County enacted an “emergency moratorium” on all new permits for oil and gas exploration, a move that blocks the drilling of 100 new wells in the county by Crestone Peak Resources. A public hearing was planned Tuesday at which county leaders could cancel or extend the moratorium.
The State of Colorado is considering a requirement that drillers track and report methane emissions from their oil and gas wells. The state’s current methods of collecting such data have produced what some call inaccurate information, and state air quality officials want to change that. State environmental regulators are considering requiring oil and gas operators to routinely measure and report their methane emissions, beginning as early as June of 2020.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police say a 26-year-old man is recovering after being shot by an officer responding to an emergency call from the man’s mother.
Police Capt. Brent Allred said the officer fired three shots Sunday night after it appeared the man pointed a gun at the officer. Police later determined an object in the man’s hand was not a gun.
The officer has been working with the department for seven months. He is on paid administrative leave, which is policy after a shooting.
Allred says the man was shot once in the abdomen and was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He remains hospitalized Monday in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say an officer has shot and wounded a man in Wichita while responding to a domestic disturbance.
Police on the scene of the officer-involved shooting photo courtesy KWCH
Wichita police Patrol North Capt. Lem Moore says officers responded Sunday night after a 26-year-old man showed up at a relative’s home, where he wasn’t welcome. Moore says the man started to flee, refused to cooperate and “displayed aggressiveness” before he was shot in a field in front of the home.
The man was taken to a hospital night in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing.
Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:
Brass Rail 114 E. 11th St., Hays – July 10
A routine inspection found two violations.
In the bar are there was a bottle of Vermouth that had a flying inspect present inside with the liquor.
In the cabinet below the bar area, there were two sealed bottles of glass cleaner that were being stored directly next to eight clean pitchers. No evidence of leaking was observed.
Back to Nature 2707 Vine, Hays – July 9
A routine inspection found one violation.
In the back storage area, there were two bottles of Ecover Zero Laundry Detergent that were being stored on a solid shelf directly next to two bags of sea salt and a bag of dried ginger. No evidence of leaking was observed.
El Dos 1002 41st St., Hays – July 8
A follow-up inspection found one violation.
In the walk-in cooler, there was an uncovered plate of raw egg yolks that were being stored on a wire rack directly above four cases of sealed bottles of soda. No evidence of leaking was observed.
Tryyaki 2814 Vine, Hays – July 8
A follow-up inspection found one violation.
During the inspection, a server had washed her hands in the hand washing sink then proceeded to place ready to eat lettuce in to go bowls with her bare hands.
While the investigators work to determine the cause of the accident, crews were working to clear the tracks and remove the overturned cars.
“We are investigating the accident,” said Raquel Espinoza, Union Pacific media representative. “At this point, we do not know what caused it, but we are certainly investigating to find out what could have contributed to this accident.”
According to Espinoza, the investigation could take weeks or months but she said she could confirm details of the derailment.
“I can confirm that four rail cars that were carrying alcohol derailed from a train near Allen and Ninth Street yesterday at around 5 p.m,” she said.
She also noted that containment of the tanks remained intact.
While there were no injuries to the public, a UP employee was treated and released for minor injuries, according to Espinoza.
While the investigation is ongoing, the cars are being removed in an effort to restore rail traffic.
“We do have crews working in the area right now and they are working to clear the area as well as make any repairs that need to be made,” Espinoza said.
“I have not determined what time the line will re-open for rail traffic.”
OSAGE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Monday in Osage County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ford Explorer driven by Patricia M. Falconer, 52, Canyon Lake, TX., was northbound on Interstate 35 two miles north of U.S. 75.
The SUV left the roadway and entered the center median. It turned back onto the roadway, crossed both lanes of northbound travel, and entered the south ditch. The driver over-corrected and SUV rolled
Falconer was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger Cadman, Jeffrey Tyler Cadman, 27, Canyon Lake, TX., was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
PAWNEE COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Monday in Pawnee County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Kia Optima driven by Holly M. Chandler, 47, Garden City, was eastbound on Kansas 156 at Rozel.
The driver turned at 280th Avenue into the path of a 2018 Peterbilt truck driven by Derek Michael Amerin, 34, Hays.
The truck collided with the Kia and came to rest in the north ditch.
EMS transported Chandler to the hospital in Wichita. Amerin was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
Walmart employees celebrate the completion of their store remodel Friday with members of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Although it took a week longer than expected, the remodel project of the Hays Walmart Supercenter still finished a week ahead of schedule.
A grand reopening ribbon cutting with the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce was held Friday morning.
Co-manager Tanya Whitter talked about some of the major improvements which started in the front store area with new entrance gates for customers.
New entry gates at both doors automatically open for customers.
“They automatically open when you come through,” Whitter explained. The store also has new security systems in the front end.
New signage fills the store walls as well as the different departments. The entire store floor has been retiled with new concrete pathways leading into the store.
New lighting in the produce department
New refrigeration coolers and cases line the grocery area. The produce department has new lighting which Whitter says ensures the fruits and vegetables look like the colors they actually are.
“It’s just a fresh look for the store,” she added, “not just what the customers see but also things the customers don’t see. There’s lot of changes and lots of improvements.”
Employees working the new 3 in 1 counter are cross-trained to help customers with gun purchases, the automotive center and the paint department.
There’s now a new “3 in 1” counter. “Our automotive department, our paint department, and sporting goods – for the gun sales – with brand new cases. It’s basically an all-in-one counter…making it convenient for the customers.” Employees working the 3-in 1 counter are cross-trained to help customers in all three departments.
Restrooms have been updated with a mothers’ room added in the back restroom for nursing privacy.
The 11-week project exceeded $5 million, according to Whitter. “It’s a huge financial investment in our store and we’ve also invested in training of our associates.”
Perhaps the most highly anticipated change is the addition of the OGP department, or Online Grocery Pickup, which opened July 5.
Ten parking spaces are reserved at the north end of Walmart for pickup of online orders.
“You’ve seen all the parking stalls outside for it. You can go online and order your groceries and show up, pick a time, and we bring them out to your car for you,” Whitter explained to the crowd. “It’s very fast, very convenient. It’s a free service that Walmart provides.” She believes it will be very successful for the store.
The Walmart app used to order groceries online can also be used by customers to determine if an item is in stock and its aisle location in the store.
Computer screens at the checkout counters have also been updated with touch screens.
“It’s remarkable how advanced things are now,” added Whitter.
Even the parking lot got a facelift with restriping of the parking stalls and new trash cans.
She and co-manager Adam Armstrong both made a point of thanking the Walmart employees and its customers.
“We ask our associates to do a lot of things every day and then we through a remodel on top of that. We asked them to do their job plus we turned their department upside down and moved it halfway across the store,” Armstrong said with a smile. “But our associates, in Walmart fashion, did an outstanding job.”
Because the store is open 24/7, the renovation work took place while people were shopping.
“Our customers put up with us for 11 weeks. It’s kind of like coming into your house after you’ve been gone for a week and somebody rearranges your furniture and you run into stuff,” quipped Armstrong. “You don’t know where things are.”
“But we should be good for at least another seven years now, I think. We won’t be moving things. Everything’s where it’s gonna be.”
A lot of departments were rearranged on the general merchandise side to make for a better shopping experience, according to Armstrong.
“The way things are laid out now – once people get used to it – should honestly make more sense as they shop throughout the store,” he said. “As an example, we put the bacon next to the eggs, which most people buy together.”
Sarah Meitner, Brent Kaiser and Kathy McAdoo accept a $10,000 donation from Hays Walmart for the Accessible Recreation Complex park project. They’re flanked by Co-Manager Adam Armstrong and Community Involvement Coordinator Dawn Malott.
During Friday’s celebration, the Walmart employees also presented a $10,000 donation through the Walmart Foundation to the Hays ARC park project for an accessible playground in Seven Hills Park.
The Hays Walmart store, which has nearly 300 employees, is among 10 in Kansas scheduled for renovations and improvements this year.
Walmart has been in Hays for 35 years.
The Supercenter has been in its current location, 4301 Vine, for 18 years. Prior to that it was in the Vine Street shopping center now occupied by Hobby Lobby, ACE Hardware and the former Hastings store.
Arnold Clarence “Arnie” Michaelis, 81 of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2019 at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas.
Arnie was born September 4, 1937 in Windsor, Colorado. He was the son of Oscar C. and Elizabeth (Koppel) Michaelis. He grew up for a short time in Windsor before his family moved to Kansas.
Arnie was united in marriage to Amelia Grace Schneider on April 1, 1956 in Russell. This union was blessed with five children; Jeffrey, Randall, Roxanne, Judith and Jerry. They made their home north of Russell until 1962 when they moved two miles north of Gorham, Kansas. Then in 1966 they moved to Paradise, Kansas. Then they returned to Russell in 1972. Amelia preceded him in death on November 20, 2015.
Arnie worked in the oil fields as a driller for Mask and Dreiling Drilling. He was a farmer and dairy farmer while living in Paradise. He went back to the oil field when he returned to Russell. He started L&M Well Servicing in 1993 with Virgil Leiker. He continued to operate the business after Virgil’s passing. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church. He also was a member of the Russell Masonic Lodge, Isis Shrine, and the Russell Elks Lodge. In his spare time he enjoyed bowling, stock car racing, watching the Kansas City Royals and the KU Basketball games. When he was younger he was active in local saddle clubs.
Arnie’s surviving family include his daughters, Roxanne Young (Scott) of Iuka, Kansas and Judith Riebel (Perry) of Russell, Kansas; sons, Jeffrey Michaelis (Janelle) of Russell, Kansas and Jerry Michaelis also of Russell, Kansas; brothers, Virgil Michaelis (Judy) of Salina, Kansas and Doug Michaelis (Nancy) also of Salina, Kansas; eight grandchildren and one great grandson.
Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, wife Amelia, and son, Randall Michaelis.
Celebration of Arnie’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, July 19, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran church Broadcasting or Russell Masonic Lodge. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a Kansas man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit first degree murder in the killing of a confidential drug informant whose body was found by deer hunters.
Steven Meredith -photo KDOC
33-year-old Steven Meredith, of Junction City, entered the plea Friday. His trial had been scheduled to start Monday.
Prosecutors said that Meredith killed 48-year-old Carrie Jones in October 2017 because he believed she would provide information about him in a drug case in which he was later convicted. Her body was found in rural Riley County.
Meredith’s sentencing is set for Sept. 23. Assistant Riley County Attorney Kendra Lewison says the state agreed to seek a lesser sentence of 20 years in prison. Meredith will be allowed to ask for no less than 15 years.
