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Year: 2019

Soler’s late-game heroics lift Royals to victory over Mariners

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SEATTLE — Jorge Soler hit a two-out, two-run homer in the eighth inning off Anthony Bass, and the Kansas City Royals rallied for a 6-4 win over Seattle on Monday night, snapping a nine-game losing streak to the Mariners.

After the Royals were shut down for most of the night by Tommy Milone, the combo of Alex Gordon and Soler put Kansas City in front. Bass (1-2) easily retired the first two batters of the inning before Gordon singled up the middle. Soler followed by driving a 1-1 pitch on the outside corner out to deep right-center field for his 19th home run of the season.

Martin Maldonado added a solo home run in the ninth.

Brian Flynn (1-0) got the victory by working two innings of relief after Danny Duffy and striking out four. Jake Diekman got the final two outs of the eighth with the tying run at second base, but Ian Kennedy faced trouble in the ninth. He allowed the first two batters to reach before striking out J.P. Crawford and Domingo Santana, then got a pop out by Tim Beckham to finish his eighth save.

Seattle took a 4-2 lead in the fifth on a three-run homer from Tom Murphy, but Kansas City was able to add a key run in the seventh inning. Jorge Bonifacio doubled leading off to end Milone’s streak of 11 straight retired and scored when Maldonado’s sinking liner was caught on a dive by Mac Williamson in left field. Williamson had no play at the plate.

Duffy was rolling until the fifth, when he walked two to bring up Murphy with two outs. Murphy was moved up to fifth in Seattle’s batting order for the first time this season, and the decision paid off with his eighth home run in his 28th game.

Duffy allowed seven hits and struck out four.

For the third straight start Seattle used an opener before letting Milone take over and the results continued to be mixed. The Mariners’ openers have struggled — this time Tayler Scott, who allowed two runs and recorded two outs — but Milone has thrived. Milone threw 6 1/3 innings, allowing one run and three hits. He struck out six and walked none.

In his three appearances where Seattle has used an opener, Milone has pitched 17 2/3 innings and allowed five earned runs.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Royals: 3B Hunter Dozier began a rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Monday. Dozier leads the Royals with a .314 batting average but has been out since injuring his right oblique May 30. Dozier went 1 for 4 and drove in two.

Mariners: Seattle manager Scott Servais had a long list of injury updates. Most notable, OF Mitch Haniger (ruptured testicle) is expected to resume light activity this week, even if he’s still a few weeks from being ready. RHP Hunter Strickland (lat strain) was expected to resume playing catch in the next couple of days after having a setback in his rehab. RHP Chasen Bradford (forearm) is also expected to start throwing in the next few days.

UP NEXT

Royals: RHP Homer Bailey (5-6) snapped a five-start winless skid throwing six scoreless innings against Detroit in his last start. Allowed season-high seven earned runs to Seattle in April.

Mariners: LHP Yusei Kikuchi (3-4) looks to pitch beyond the fifth inning for the first time in his past four starts. Kikuchi hasn’t pitched into the sixth since May 19, also his last win.

TMP-Marian Monarchs 17U sweep Kinsley

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KINSLEY, Kan. – One week after sweeping Kinsley in a doubleheader at home, the Hays Monarchs 17U baseball team did the same thing on the road. Monday the Monarchs swept Kinsley 9-5 and 8-0.

TMP scored seven of their nine runs in the first game in the first two innings. They took advantage of three Kinsley errors to score four runs in the first inning.

Jace Wentling gave up three unearned runs without allowing a hit in the first inning but picked up the win. He also drove in two runs.

Mark Rack and Nick Helget combined to throw a no-hitter in the second game. Rack pitched the first four innings and struck out nine while walking only one. Helget fanned two in one inning of work.

TMP scored six runs in the second inning to improve to 5-7 on the season.

Sale of former Washington school falls through

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By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The company that the Hays school district contracted with to purchase the former Washington school building will not be able to purchase the building at this time, the Hays school board learned at its meeting Monday night.

Overland Property Group did not receive the tax credits for its project therefore it will not be able to move forward with its plans to renovate the building into low-income apartments.

However, the developers received a letter from the state official in charge of the program urging the developers to reapply for the program in 2020.

Matt Gillam, vice president of Development for Overland Park Group, said based on that letter and the high scoring the property received in its application, he believes the group has a good possibility of receiving tax credits for the property next year.

Overland Property Group has the property under contract until December.

Gillam said the district could opt to extend the contract, terminate the contract or reenter a contract with Overland Park Group at a later date.

The board took no action on the contract Monday night. Gillam said the board could take some time to consider its options. He said he does not need a decision immediately.

Gillam noted his company has already spent $30,000 on the project and is still very serious about pursing the tax credits for the project.

USD 489 plans to vacate Washington school in August when it moves its Early Childhood Connections program to the newly renovated Oak Park Complex.

Oak Park Complex

The completion of the renovations for the Oak Park Complex are on schedule, according to representatives of Nabholz and Paul-Wertenberger Construction.

Three of the four buildings should be complete by Aug. 2 when the district is planning an open house in conjunction with the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce. Building three should be done a little later in August.

The district is planning two moves into the new buildings. One will be the equipment and supplies from Washington school in about the third week in July. The move from Munjor will happen in August when building three is completed.

Play equipment from Munjor and Washington will also be moved to Oak Park in the coming weeks.

The board did not vote on a new name for the complex at its meeting Monday. Superintendent John Thissen presented a list of names to board that were submitted by members of the community. Thissen said he left off suggestion that included specific people’s names as the Kansas Association of School Boards recommends school districts not use specific people’s names for school buildings.

Thissen said the reasoning is the names may be political or not well known to the general public.

Greg Schwartz made a motion that the full list, including names that include specific people’s names, come back to the board at its next meeting. The administration will also bring its five recommendations of names from the community list to that meeting.

The board also voted to dissolve the Oak Park Condominium Association. The association is no longer needed because the school district now owns all of the property.

Once the condominium association is dissolved, the board gave Board Attorney Bill Jeter the authority to apply for tax exempt status for the property.

Hays student earns Samsung scholarship at Boys State of Kansas

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Hickert

Eight from northwest Kansas take part in 82nd annual leadership academy

June 17, 2019 — Approximately 405 young men from across the State of Kansas, all of whom will enter their senior year of high school this fall, participated in the 2019 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy. The event, which concluded its 82nd year, was held June 3-8 at Kansas State University in Manhattan for the 28th consecutive year.

 

The ALBSKLA provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

 

Among the highlights from the week, Dalton White, a resident of Leavenworth, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Leavenworth High School, was elected Boys State of Kansas governor. In addition, Ian Gould, Roeland Park, a senior-to-be at Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, and Zachary Wash, McPherson, a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, were elected by their peers to represent Boys State of Kansas at Boys Nation this summer,  July 19 to 27 at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

Brad Biles, Prairie Village, was named Adviser of the Year as selected by fellow Kansas Boys State advisers. Biles, who was a 1983 KBS delegate from Bonner Springs High School, serves as the Kansas Boys State public relations director.

Dustin Curiel, Hutchinson, who served as the head media counselor this year, was named Counselor of the Year (counselors with four or more years’ experience). He was a 2014 KBS delegate from Hutchinson High School. Jacob Casey, Gardner, who served as an internet technology counselor this year, was named New Counselor of the Year (counselors with three or fewer years’ experience). He was a 2016 KBS delegate from Gardner-Edgerton High School.

Levi Hickert, Hays (attends Hays High School), was named the Kansas Boys State winner of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. Hickert receives a guaranteed $1,250 scholarship and advances to be considered as a National Scholar for the chance to earn up to a $10,000 scholarship. Hickert was a senator representing Patton County during the week.

Davis Miller, Mission Hills (attends Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, Mo.) received the William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, given to the outstanding member of the Boys State of Kansas Supreme Court as voted on by his Supreme Court peers. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding commitment to justice under the law and dedicated service to Boys State of Kansas. Stahl, of Junction City, Kan., passed away in September 2015 and was a longtime supporter of the ALBSKLA.

Weston Curnow, Olathe (attends Olathe West High School), was named the Outstanding Senator (representing Pershing County), and Davis Griffey, Leawood (attends Blue Valley High School, Overland Park, Kan.), was named the Outstanding State Representative (representing Pershing County).

The 2020 American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is scheduled to be held the week beginning Sunday, May 31, again at Kansas State University. For information on becoming a delegate, visit https://kansasboysstate.com/ or https://ksbstate.org/.

The following is a list of this year’s ALBSKLA delegates from northwest Kansas. Those delegates denoted with a star (*) were elected by their Kansas Boys State city as its outstanding citizen:

 (Name, High School, Boys State Elected/Appointed Position – all cities/high schools in Kansas unless noted)

Smith Center

  • Tanner Henrichs, Smith Center High School, Eisenhower County Commissioner
  • Shelton Rothchild, Smith Center High School, Kennedy County Commissioner

Hays

  • Levi Hickert, Hays High School, Patton County Senator

o   Hickert was the Kansas Boys State winner of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship

Hill City

  • Michael Blanks, Hill City High School, Eisenhower County Representative

Phillipsburg

  • Cole Wenzl, Phillipsburg High School, Stater Radio

WaKeeney

  • Benjamin Anderson, Trego Community High School, Powell County Senator

Colby

  • Cade Lanning, Colby High School, City of Finley Councilman

Rexford

  • Joseph Yanez-Perez, Golden Plains High School, City of Werring Councilman

 

 

Donations being accepted for Back to School Giveaway

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RUSSELL — The St. John Lutheran Back to School Giveaway Committee is now accepting donations for the upcoming event to be held in August. Gently used and new clothing and shoes will be collected and made available to students from Pre-K through High School.

Monetary donations are also accepted and will be utilized to purchase new socks and undergarments for each student. Any funds remaining will be used to purchase school supplies for middle school and high school students which will be available at the Back to School Giveaway on a first come, first served basis.

Gently used clothing donations may be placed in the box in the basement hallway at St. John Lutheran Church, 425 N. Main, Russell. New socks and undergarments, school supplies and monetary donations will be accepted at the church office Monday through Friday, 8 am to 1:30 pm.

Although all donations are welcome, please donate clothing that is in good shape with no stains or tears. Donations of infant clothing and other goods are not needed for the giveaway, and may be dropped off at the Trinity Community Thrift Store, 214 E. 14th, Russell.

For more information on this program, contact St. John Lutheran Church at 785-483-5358.

— Submitted

HPD Activity Log June 10-16

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The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 25 traffic stops Mon., June 10, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Water Use Violation–1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 1:19 AM
Criminal Threat–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:28 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–700 block Fort St, Hays; 10:10 AM
Animal At Large–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:39 AM
Domestic Disturbance–100 block Main St, Hays; 1:11 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:30 AM; 3:37 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 6:36 PM
Theft (general)–500 block W 24th St, Hays; 6:48 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block W 19th St, Hays; 6:51 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–1300 block Elm St, Hays; 6/3 12 PM; 6/10 7:24 PM
Animal At Large–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 8:39 PM
Dead Animal Call–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 8:40 PM
Suspicious Activity–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 10:47 PM
Suspicious Activity–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:56 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Tue., June 11, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Sex Offense–500 block E 20th St, Hays; 9:45 AM; 10:15 AM
Wildlife Incident–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:14 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–300 block Ash St, Hays; 11:15 AM; 11:21 AM
Fraud–1100 block Vine St, Hays; 11:54 AM
MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy–13th and Fort, Hays; 12:29 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 12:46 PM
Found/Lost Property–400 block Elm St, Hays; 1:19 PM
Worthless Check–1500 block W 27th St, Hays; 6/7 1 PM; 3 PM
Found/Lost Property–700 block Fort St, Hays; 1:58 PM
Sex Offense–1300 block 40 Hwy, Ellis County; 2:12 PM
Suspicious Activity–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 12 PM; 2:38 PM
Animal At Large–4100 block Fillmore Dr, Hays; 3:22 PM
Civil Dispute–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 4 PM
Animal At Large–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 4:41 PM
Animal Injured–100 block W 20th St, Hays; 5:47 PM
Civil Dispute–1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 6:19 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:30 PM; 6:36 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2100 block Milner St, Hays; 8:17 PM
Suicidal Subject–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 10:45 PM
Disturbance – Noise–200 block E 32nd St, Hays; 11:14 PM
Civil Dispute–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 11:44 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Wed., June 12, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity–200 block W 34th St, Hays; 3:22 AM
Animal Bite Investigation–300 block E 24th St, Hays; 8:16 AM
Burglary/vehicle–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 12:18 AM; 1:58 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–100 block E 10th St, Hays; 6/10 9 AM; 6/12 9 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–800 block E 8th St, Hays; 6/11 5 PM; 6/12 8 AM
Animal At Large–100 block Lewis Dr, Hays; 9:52 AM
Animal At Large–3100 block Hall St, Hays; 11:34 AM
Civil Dispute–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:52 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–100 block W 5th St, Hays; 1:13 PM
Animal At Large–41st St and Smoky Hill Dr, Hays; 2:09 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–2800 block Plaza Ave, Hays; 7:42 AM
Water Use Violation–500 block W 33rd St, Hays; 3:46 PM
Animal At Large–7th and Milner St, Hays; 3:45 PM
Mental Health Call–1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 3:49 PM
Animal At Large–300 block E 14th St, Hays; 4:03 PM
Custody Dispute–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:29 PM
Theft (general)–2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 3:50 AM; 5 PM
Welfare Check–2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 8:28 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–200 block Ash, Hays; 9:22 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–500 block E 20th St, Hays; 9:38 PM
Drug Offenses/DUI–200 block E 11th St, Hays; 10:03 PM; 10:08 PM
Disturbance – General–200 block E 18th St, Hays; 10:57 PM
Disorderly Conduct–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 11:22 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Thu., June 13, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Civil Dispute–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 1:49 AM
Mental Health Call–200 block 7th, Hays; 7:57 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2200 block Main St, Hays; 9:02 AM
Suspicious Activity–1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 9:39 AM
Theft (general)–400 block E 7th St, Hays; 6/6 12 AM; 11:59 PM
Harassment (All Other)–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:22 AM
Animal At Large–400 block W 21st St, Hays; 12:03 PM
Found/Lost Property–400 block W 17th St, Hays; 3:46 PM
Civil Dispute–1500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 6:04 PM
Animal Call–1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 6:26 PM
Sex Offense–Hays; 6:40 PM
Welfare Check–100 block E 18th St, Hays; 7:57 PM
Disturbance – General–400 block W 8th St, Hays; 8:50 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Fri., June 14, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 6/12 5:30 AM
Animal At Large–500 block W 24th St, Hays; 7:38 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–2700 block Barclay Dr, Hays; 8:23 AM
Animal At Large–800 block Commerce Pkwy, Hays; 8:31 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1700 block General Custer Rd, Hays; 11:35 AM; 11:40 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–800 block E 11th St, Hays; 12:15 PM
Burglary/residence–100 block E 18th St, Hays; 5/7; 6/10
Animal At Large–22nd and Allen, Hays; 2:28 PM
Found/Lost Property–500 block W 33rd St, Hays; 2:32 PM
Theft (general)–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 6/12 4 PM; 6/14 4:38 PM
Found/Lost Property–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 4:54 PM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block E 5th St, Hays; 5:26 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:11 PM
Civil Dispute–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:09 PM
Suspicious Activity–200  block Main St, Hays; 8:17 PM
Juvenile Complaint–1900 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 8:52 PM
Juvenile Complaint–1600 block E 27th St Terr, Hays; 9:20 PM
Harassment (All Other)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:31 PM
Dead Animal Call–13th and Canterbury, Hays; 9:41 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3200 block Hall St, Hays; 10:08 PM
Disturbance – Noise–500 block W 37th St, Hays; 10:49 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 33 traffic stops Sat., June 15, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Theft (general)–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 6/14 11:30 PM; 6/15 12:15 AM
Suspicious Person–1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 1:45 AM
Disturbance – General–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 02:15:04 AM
Disturbance – Noise–200 block E 14th St, Hays; 3:10 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:27 AM
Water Use Violation–1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 5:01 AM
Animal At Large–500 block E 16th St, Hays; 9:50 AM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–2700 block Hall St, Hays; 10 AM; 10:11 AM
Animal At Large–300 block W 17th St, Hays; 11:38 AM
Shoplifting–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:43 AM
Water Use Violation–2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 1:04 PM
Water Use Violation–2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 1:25 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:45 PM
Mental Health Call–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 4:21 PM
Water Use Violation–1400 block E 17th St, Hays; 5:47 PM
Animal At Large–2100 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 8:43 PM
Unwanted Person–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8:55 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:02 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Sun., June 16, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:59 AM; 5 AM
Intoxicated Subject–100 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:29 AM
Criminal Trespass–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 6:15 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 11:11 AM
Battery – Domestic–400 block Riley St, Hays; 12:30 PM
Suspicious Activity–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:32 PM
Found/Lost Property–4500 block Larned Cir, Hays; 12 AM
Animal At Large–600 block W 13th St, Hays; 5:30 PM
Criminal Trespass–300 block W 17th St, Hays; 7:02 PM
Disturbance – General–400 block W 14th St, Hays; 8:32 PM
Animal At Large–400 block W 19th St, Hays; 10:34 PM

HAWVER: Insurance rate cap battle next session?

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Martin Hawver
In a decision that is certain to mesmerize the Kansas Legislature in the upcoming election-year session, the Kansas Supreme Court has struck down the statutory cap on noneconomic damages in personal injury lawsuits.

What?

The high court ruled last week that a 2010 $250,000 cap (now $325,000 and moving to $350,000 on July 1, 2022) on noneconomic damages is not constitutional. It essentially limits juries in personal injury cases from determining the amount of compensation an injured party can receive for lifestyle changes and mental and physical damages as a result of someone’s negligence or other misdeed.

Like many court cases, this one is complicated. Like that tough piece of meat that just keeps getting bigger the more you chew it.

A woman injured when a corporation’s semi-truck plowed into the back of her car sued the firm, it took responsibility for its driver’s action, and a Sedgwick County jury determined that the plaintiff suffered the easily calculated $33,490.86 in medical expenses. You just add up the bills.

But for the noneconomic damages? The jury agreed that the injured woman suffered $301,509.14 in noneconomic damages as a result of the wreck. Now, how did a jury come up with that number? No telling. Juries meet in secret; they discuss and debate and come up with a figure.

That figure turned out to be $51,509.14 more than the sum of the economic damages and the noneconomic damages, and the judge accepted the defendant’s total damage payment with the $250,000 cap and called it a day.

And after all that complexity, the injured woman appealed the ruling and the Supreme Court decided that the Legislature doesn’t have the right to essentially toss out a jury’s decision in favor of a state statute. That simple.

But the decision instantly opens that legislative issue next session. If there’s a cap on noneconomic damages, that limits the payments to a calculable figure, and insurance companies love calculable caps. It means that no matter the circumstance, they have a cap on payouts for noneconomic damages they pay on behalf of their policyholders. It holds down that payment, meaning the insurers can calculate just what they need in the way of premiums to cover their policyholder’s losses and make a profit.

And it holds down the cost of policies, which means they can sell more of them. The public benefit? Lower insurance prices mean fewer Kansans will violate state law and drive without insurance. That protects, or at least makes recovery possible for, everyone else on the road. Nobody wants to be hit by a driver with no insurance, and your insurer would rather recoup the money it pays you from another company.

So, the fight next session? What’s possible in the way of a cap to hold down insurance rates, and what’s possible in the way of respecting the constitutional power of juries to decide cases.

Insurers will want a cap reassembled, plaintiffs and their attorneys will want no cap, and the outcome will reach across the state. A giant noneconomic damages verdict and businesses pay higher insurance rates, or their insurers are responsible for just the policy limits and the policyholder pays the overage.

Everything changes. If jury verdicts are limited, there goes their constitutionally delegated power. Might not need a full dozen anymore. If the cap is somehow reworked to become constitutional, again, there goes the delegation of justice to juries.

Oh, and we imagine that lobbyists for insurance companies will be busy next session. And…we imagine that there will be some legislators gaining weight as they are taken to dinner by lobbyists to talk over the issue…

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Kansas, the river

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Steve Gilliland
Ike and Tina Turner sang about rollin’ on one, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer would likely have remained obscure without one. Some are named in the Bible. There are world famous ones and there are unknown ones. Some are so wide they can barely be seen across, while others are so narrow they can nearly be stepped across… Rivers!.. They can be the lifeblood of a community, or as witnessed this spring, they can be a community’s and a state’s worst nightmare. Some, like the River Thames conjure up romance, while others, like the Amazon conjure up fear.

While still living in Ohio, using the words “river” and “Kansas” in the same sentence would have been amusing to me as I pictured this state pretty much devoid of water, let alone rivers. However, like most of my pre-Kansas-dwelling perceptions, that myth is busted! Not only do many rivers flow through our state, some actually begin here. Before tackling this subject I communicated several times with James Putnam, a team member of the US Geological Survey located in Lawrence and a walking wealth of information about our state.

I expected a short list in answer to my first question, which concerned the number of rivers that actually begin in Kansas. My plan was to simply list those few rivers along with their starting and ending points. James’ answer; “There are hundreds of rivers and creeks that begin in Kansas!” So much for plan “A.” My next question was “What distinguishes a river from a creek from a stream,” thinking this would make for some lively discussion. James directed me to a data base of information called the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS for short); a trove of information maintained by people with too much spare time whose job it is to decide things like that. GNIS says “Broad agreement on such questions is essentially impossible which is why there are no official feature classification standards.” In others words, when a geographical feature is first named, it can be classified however the naming party wants it; creek, stream, river, hill, mountain etc…. Rats; their goes plan “B.” So armed with some websites and other info James gave me, I embarked on a high tech quest in search of Kansas river trivia, and here are some of my findings.

First of all, one table of information, in alphabetical order, lists 2,468 STREAMS in Kansas, from Acker Creek in Cowley Co. to Zenithscah Creek next door in Reno Co. Since the state derives its name from a river that starts in Kansas, here are some interesting facts about the Kansas River.

The name Kansas comes from the Kanza Native American tribe that once inhabited the north eastern part of our state, and means “people of the south wind.” The Kanza tribe named the river “Kansas” and our state eventually took its name from the river.

The Smokey Hill River exiting Kanopolis Reservoir from the west, and the Republican River coming down from Nebraska join below Milford Reservoir at Junction City to begin the Kansas River (thus the name Junction City.) Fort Riley would eventually be located at this junction. Often known locally as the Kaw River, from there it meanders 170.5 miles, mostly due east, to merge with the Missouri River at a place aptly named Kaw Point. History shows that from June 26-29, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition camped at Kaw point and noted that it too would be a good spot for a fort.

At the Bowersock Dam near Lawrence, the Bowersock Mill and Power Co. operates the only hydroelectric power plant in the state. In the large pool created by the Bowersock Dam, the University of Kansas rowing team routinely practices. Another rowing team from the Kansas City Rowing Club practices in the final stretches of the river near its mouth. During the 1850’s steamboats routinely traveled the Kansas River, often coming west as far as Fort Riley. Steamboat traffic on the Kansas ended abruptly with the coming of the railroad.

Each time I set down to author this weekly column, I learn something new about our state, its people, its wildlife or it land. This week I learned several new things about the river for which it is named; yet another reason to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].

Now That’s Rural: Norton County’s Bow Creek Ranch

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Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.
By RON WILSON
Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Yak, yak, yak. That might be a teenager’s description of the sound of some long-winded grownup – such as me. But yaks are actually a type of cattle. These animals originated in the Himalayas thousands of years ago. Now they are being raised and marketed by an innovative couple in rural Kansas. Many thanks to Carolyn Applegate and Norton County magazine for this story.

Stephanie and Doug David are the owners of Bow Creek Ranch in Norton County. Doug grew up here and met and married Stephanie who is from Nebraska. They farm and raise Angus cattle near Lenora.

“In 1997, I was at the Denver stock show,” Doug said. The stock show was hosting a specialty animal sale where yaks were being sold

“I tried the yak meat and really liked it,” Doug said. He decided to try raising them.

Yaks are an unusual kind of bushy-haired bovine with handlebar-shaped horns and massive shoulders. As mentioned, they originated in the Himalayan mountains of Tibet. Tibetan culture revolves around the yak, similar to how Native American Plains Indian culture revolved around the buffalo. However, yaks are not related to the American buffalo, which are technically bison.

Today, Stephanie and Doug have 200 head of yak to go with their registered quarter horses and Angus cattle at Bow Creek Ranch, along with their retail meat business.

“We have breeding yaks and meat yaks,” Stephanie said. “We sell a full line of their meats and all-natural beef from our Angus herd.”

The yaks are a multi-purpose animal. Their soft undercoat of hair is used for fiber, but they are not shorn like a sheep. Instead, special brushes comb out the hair. The Davids have this fiber processed in Phillipsburg at the Shepherd’s Mill store, which we have previously featured.

The soft cashmere-like yak fiber can be used for weaving or knitting. “It started with yak woolen socks,” Stephanie said. “Now it’s being used for sweaters, jackets, gloves and beanies. There is no lanolin in the fiber. People who are allergic to wool can wear our clothing.”

Yak milk is high in butterfat and is said to produce exceptional cheeses, butter, and yogurt. Yaks can even be used as pack animals. Then there is the meat.

“Yak meat is naturally redder and sweeter than beef,” Doug said.

“It also offers a health benefit,” Stephanie said. Yak is estimated to be better than any other meat except ground turkey when it comes to cholesterol.

“We like to take the yak meat to weekend shows,” Stephanie said.

“Once you get someone to try it, most people like it,” Doug said. The Davids have their yak meat processed into traditional meat cuts as well as summer sausage, jalapeno sausage, ring baloney, sticks, and jerky. It is all-natural. The Davids have shipped yak meat to every corner of the U.S., from Vermont to California.

They estimate there were only 600 yaks in North America 30 years ago. Now, there might be more than 5,000. Yaks are said to be easy keepers, which means they eat only a third of what domestic cattle might consume.

As one might expect of a high-altitude animal, yaks do not do well in the southern U.S. “High humidity is not good for the yaks,” Doug said. “From here to Canada, they do really well.”

As one might also expect, the calves are really hardy. “We calve quite a bit in the winter time,” Doug said. They are now using yak bulls on Angus heifers.

Stephanie got involved in promoting this unique animal. In 2017, she became president of the International Yak Association. That’s quite an honor for someone from a rural community such as Lenora, population 235 people. Now, that’s rural.

For more information about yaks, go to www.iyak.org. For more information about the Davids, go to www.bowcreekranch.com.

Yak, yak, yak. No, that’s not just a long-winded grownup. Yaks have increased in number in North America, with benefits for both growers and consumers. We salute Stephanie and Doug David for making a difference with their agricultural innovation. With that, I’ll stop yakking.

Trump threatens to deport millions beginning next week

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is threatening to remove millions of people living in the country illegally on the eve of formally announcing his re-election bid.

In a pair of tweets Monday night, Trump said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would next week “begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States.”

“They will be removed as fast as they come in,” he wrote.

An administration official said the effort would focus on the more than 1 million people who have been issued final deportation orders by federal judges but remain at large in the country. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to explain the president’s tweets.

It is unusual for law enforcement agencies to announce raids before they take place. Some in Trump’s administration believe that decisive shows of force — like mass arrests — can serve as effective deterrents, sending a message to those considering making the journey to the U.S. that it’s not worth coming.

Trump has threatened a series of increasingly drastic actions as he has tried to stem the flow of Central American migrants crossing the southern border, which has risen dramatically on his watch. He recently dropped a threat to slap tariffs on Mexico after the country agreed to dispatch its national guard and step-up coordination and enforcement efforts.

A senior Mexican official said Monday that, three weeks ago, about 4,200 migrants were arriving at the U.S. border daily. Now that number has dropped to about 2,600.

Immigration was a central theme of Trump’s 2016 campaign and he is expected to hammer it as he tries to fire up his base heading into the 2020 campaign.

Trump will formally launch his re-election bid Tuesday night at a rally in Orlando, Florida — a state that is crucial to his path back to the White House.

Cloudy, warm Tuesday with a chance for showers

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Tuesday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 13 mph.

Tuesday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. West northwest wind 8 to 13 mph becoming north in the evening.

Wednesday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 59. Light and variable wind becoming south around 5 mph after midnight.

ThursdaySunny, with a high near 90.
Thursday NightA 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 89.

Kansas woman jailed after chase, crash into police vehicle

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SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase and crash into a police vehicle.

Matais photo Sedgwick Co.

Just after 2:30a.m. Saturday, police observed a Nissan Versa traveling southbound in the 2200 Block of South Hydraulic in Wichita with only three properly function tires, according to officer Paul Cruz.

One of the tires was on the rims and was shooting sparks which caught the attention an officer.

Police attempted a traffic stop. The driver identified as 36-year-old Veronica Matais, did stop briefly but then sped away. Officer pursued her to the 2200 Block of South Kansas where she drove the vehicle over the curb and through a privacy fence at a residence. She then put the car in reverse and backed the vehicle into the officer’s patrol car, according to Cruz.

After the collision, she drove through the backyard of a residence, jumped out of the vehicle and ran. Officers chased and arrested her.

According to online jail records, Matais remains jailed on a $50,000 bond on requested charges of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, flee and attempt to elude, driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, criminal damage to property and driving with a suspended license.

There were no injuries reported.

Kansas boy lucky to survive knife impaling his face

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 15-year-old Kansas boy got a large knife to the face, and doctors say he’s extremely lucky.

Images courtesy Uniersity of Kansas Health System

Jimmy Russell said her son, Eli Gregg, was playing Thursday evening outside of their home in Redfield, about 90 miles south of Kansas City, when she heard him scream. She found him with a 10-inch knife jutting from just below his eye and called 911.

“It looked pretty grim, it was scary,” Russell said in a video released by the University of Kansas Health System, where he was treated.

The knife was embedded in his skull and extended to just under his brain. The blade’s tip, meanwhile, was pushing against his carotid artery, which supplies the brain with blood.

“It could not have had a pound more force on it and him survive that event,” said Dr. Koji Ebersole, who oversaw the extraction. “I don’t think he would have survived it.”

A team of surgeons put together an intricate plan to remove the blade Friday morning. They were prepared for possible bleeding into the brain, but the operation went without a hitch and the artery remained intact.

Within 24 hours of the surgery, Eli was able to talk and make light of the situation. He was due to be discharged on Monday.

“He says he is going to stay away from sharp objects,” Russell said. “That is very understandable.”

She said Eli is doing great and should make a full recovery.

“It is almost a miracle,” Russell said. “It is really, really amazing.”

The boy is fortunate he ended up in Ebersole’s hands, as it was Ebersole who removed a meat skewer from the skull of a 10-year-old Missouri boy last year in an accident that provided equally shocking X-rays. That boy was attacked by yellow jackets in a tree house in Harrisonville, about 35 miles south of Kansas City, and fell onto the skewer.

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