TOPEKA — Authorities have identified the man who died in an accident Friday in Topeka.
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Just after 6:00p.m. on Friday, fire crews responded to Heartland Motorsports near a maintenance building, according to Fire Chief Michael Martin.
Upon arrival fire and AMR crews located one adult male patient suffering from critical injuries sustained in an explosion. Despite efforts by EMS crews, 41-year-old Joshua Darryl Aubert succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed the fire cause was accidental. Evidence indicates the victim was using a torch to cut open what was believed to be an empty metal drum labeled as methanol when the explosion occurred.
PRATT – The application deadline is June 14, 2019 for resident hunters wanting to apply for an elk, either-species/either-sex deer, or antelope permit. Earlier this year, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission voted in favor of moving the resident limited draw deer and elk permit application deadlines to the second Friday in June. This is the first year application deadlines for either-species/either-sex deer and elk permits will coincide with the firearm antelope application deadline.
Resident hunters can apply online at kshuntfishcamp.com. Fees are as follows:
ANTELOPE
General Resident: $62.50
Landowner/Tenant: $37.50
Youth (15 or younger): $22.50
Nonresident Tenant: $97.50
Preference point only: $11.50
DEER
Firearm (Either-species/Either-sex)
General Resident: $52.50
Landowner/Tenant: $32.50
Youth (15 or younger): $22.50
Preference point only: $11.50
ELK*
Firearm (Any Elk)
General Resident: $302.50
Landowner/Tenant: $152.50
Youth (15 or younger): $127.50
Nonresident Tenant: $152.50
Preference point only: $11.50
Antlerless
General Resident: $152.50
Landowner/Tenant: $77.50
Youth (15 or younger): $52.50
Nonresident Tenant: $77.50
Preference point only: $11.50
*Fee to apply for an elk permit, or purchase a bonus point, is $11.50. Permit fees are collected from successful applicants only.
NEW YORK (AP) — Grocery stores owned by Kroger across the country are recalling store-label frozen berries because they might be contaminated with hepatitis A.
There have been no reported illnesses.
The stores include Kroger, Ralphs, Fry’s, Fred Meyer and other chains . The recalled fruit are branded “Private Selection” and include “Frozen Triple Berry Medley” in the 16-oz. and 48-oz. sizes and “Frozen Blackberries” in a 16-oz package.
Kroger announced Friday that it has removed the berries from store shelves, and that customers who have them at home should not eat them.
Hepatitis A, a contagious liver disease, may cause fatigue, stomach pain and jaundice. It can last a few weeks or several months and can cause liver failure in rare cases.
The Food and Drug Administration discovered the contamination.
Norton police are searching for a teenager missing since Friday.
Mason Galvan, 15, Norton, is described as 5’4″, 110 lbs. With black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen at 7:30 p.m. leaving the Norton swimming pool and was last known to be wearing a red Jordan brand hoodie, black shorts and a black shirt with “Washington D.C. printed on it with lime green lettering.
Norton police had no other information available Saturday mid-afternoon.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Norton Police Department at 785-877-5010.
MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s plant protection and weed control program this week confirmed the presence of a plant disease in hundreds of rhododendrons sold at large retail stores in Kansas. Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a plant disease that has killed large tracts of oaks and other native species in California and Oregon, and infected rhododendrons have been identified in 10 states in the Midwest, including Kansas. The infected plants that have been found in the Midwest have all been traced back to a common source.
The causal agent of SOD, Phytophthora ramorum, has been detected in rhododendrons originating from Park Hill Plants nursery in Oklahoma, and plants from that nursery were shipped to 60 Walmart stores across Kansas and one Home Depot store in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Those stores have cooperated with KDA, USDA, and other states’ plant regulatory staff as they work to destroy all infected and potentially-infected rhododendrons still for sale, along with any other host plants in the vicinity. There is no treatment for the pathogen or disease and infected plants should be destroyed to prevent spread.
Consumers who purchased rhododendrons and other known P. ramorum hosts in April, May or June of 2019 in varieties that have been determined to be infected should take action to dispose of the plants immediately to prevent further spread of the disease.
Plants can be destroyed by burning on site, deep burial, or by double bagging in heavy duty trash bags (including the root ball) and disposing into a sanitary landfill where permitted. Varieties that should be destroyed include: Cat Cunningham Blush, Firestorm, Holden, Nova Zembla, Percy Wiseman, Roseum Elegans, and Wojnars Purple.
Other varieties of rhododendrons and other plant species may be infected as well. There are over 100 known species susceptible to P. ramorum, including, trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Symptoms of SOD include foliar leaf spots, browning and wilting of leaves, and brown to black discoloration on stems and/or trunks. If you observe symptoms, or are uncertain of the variety of your rhododendron. please contact your local K-State Research and Extension office for assistance.
Sudden Oak Death has not shown to be a health risk to humans or animals, even if nuts, fruit, leaves or berries from an infected plant are eaten.
For photos of symptomatic plants, a list of extension offices, or other information about what you can do to help stop the spread of this plant disease, go to agriculture.ks.gov/SOD. For additional information about SOD, see www.suddenoakdeath.org.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Students from two Lawrence high schools are offering to digitally restore print photographs that were damaged when a tornado tore through Douglas County.
Pictures taken by Kansas Geological Survey staff member Elson Core of the May 28, tornado that went south of Lawrence and the KU campus
The large storm last month damaged trees, struck power lines and left a trail of debris on the southeastern edge of Lawrence, making some road impassable. County officials said six people were taken to the Lawrence hospital for injuries sustained in the storm.
Graphic design students at Free State and Lawrence high schools will begin restoring photographs this fall. It’s unclear how long it will take to return a restored digital file to each participant.
“Those tangible things that remind you of phases of your life are important,” said Barbara Tholen, a Lawrence High School teacher who pitched the idea to the two schools. “So hopefully we can restore some of that for people who lost them.”
Tholen said she wanted to notify tornado victims of the free service before they start disposing of items that were damaged in the tornado.
The newspaper didn’t provide details about the restoration process.
Jennifer Dixon-Perkins, who teaches graphic design at the school, said personal items such as photos are irreplaceable and can provide a sense of normalcy after a catastrophe.
Free State teacher Michelle Salmans said she tries to find ways for students to apply their learning to real world scenarios. Salmans said her students will take the assignments more seriously knowing they’re helping return something someone lost.
Free State senior Greta Hayden said she was eager to help after learning about Salmans’ class project.
“Photos are so sentimental,” Hayden said. “I just want to help people have that back again.”
Jason Jackson (Photo by Decatur County Sheriff’s office)
Hays Post
DECATUR COUNTY – A male suspect was arrested late Friday night following a high-speed chase in Norton and Decatur counties.
According to a social media report from the Decatur County Sheriff’s office, a report was received about 11 p.m. June 7 of an erratic driver traveling west from Norton on Highway 36. A deputy clocked the 2008 Acura MDX speeding at 107 mph.
Assistance was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and the Oberlin Police Department when the driver failed to stop.
A KHP trooper successfully deployed a spike strip. The vehicle, bearing a Colorado license plate, came to a stop a few miles east of Oberlin.
A felony car stop was executed with the assistance of Oberlin police. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Illegal drugs were found in the car.
An investigation continues. Charges against Jackson and bond are pending.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Friends,
On Wednesday I traveled to Normandy, France, to honor the 75th anniversary of D-Day. On June 6th, 1944, future President and Kansan, General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the command for Allied forces to invade German-occupied Europe. During the initial invasion 2,499 Americans selflessly gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy. The world owes them a debt that can never be repaid.
I am grateful to be able to participate and pay homage at this solemn event to the heroes who risked everything and gave their lives fighting for a better world. This anniversary serves as a reminder of the cost of liberty and of our continued responsibility to protect it like those who came before us.
Abilene native Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s D-Day Message
Talking Trade in France
My time in France included meetings with the French Parliament and European trade representatives. I have previously expressed my frustration with European Union Ambassadors’ unwillingness to include agriculture in trade negotiations between the U.S. and EU.
The European Union is one of Kansas’s top trade partners and a crucial market for Kansas beef, pork and soybeans. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. domestic exports of agricultural products to the EU totaled $11.5 billion in 2016. That means the EU countries together would rank fourth as an agricultural export market for the U.S.
In my meetings Friday with French officials, I continued to advocate for the inclusion of agriculture goods in a future trade deal. It is crucial that in this difficult time for Kansas producers, Congress make agriculture a priority and do everything in its power provide open, fair markets for farmers to sell their goods.
Democrats Block Born Alive Protections
On Monday, I gave a speech demanding that the Born Alive Survivors Protection Act be brought to the house floor for a vote, only to once again be rejected by anti-life Democrats. The Born Alive Survivors Protection Act would provide protections to babies that survive botched abortions and ensure that they receive the immediate medical care they desperately need. To date, 198 Republicans and 3 Democrats have signed the petition demanding a vote. I find it hard to understand why this legislation should even need to debated, yet my Democratic colleagues continue to reject it outright. I have spent my entire professional career fighting for the lives of babies as an OB-GYN. I would have never thought that the fight would be harder in Congress than in the delivery room.
Disaster Aid Is On Its Way
This week Congress passed much needed disaster relief legislation, allocating $19.1 billion to help Americans struggling to recover from the catastrophic storms and flooding that we have seen in Kansas and across the country.
On May 26, the President declared an Emergency Declaration for the State of Kansas, which at this time includes 18 counties but more are under consideration for addition. Ensuring that our communities have the tools and resources needed to recover from the severe flooding is essential, and this aid package will provide assistance to farmers and families who are impacted.
This legislation specifically allocates $3 billion dollars to the USDA to distribute to farmers and ranchers who have been impacted, covering farmers for loss of stored product as well as compensation for those whose land has been damaged by the weather.
Health Innovation Roundtable
This week I organized a health innovation roundtable with 20 innovators in the health industry, pioneering new techniques to deliver quality and cost saving care. From tech titans and small business entrepreneurs to investors, each participant shared their projects and business models. We discussed what federal road blocks exist that hinders their ability to advance, and what potential new avenues could be utilized in Medicare coverage and reimbursement.
While I would love to list them all, I would like to highlight is the great work of Dr. Josh Umbehr with Atlas MD, a Kansas based direct primary care practice. Dr. Umbehr, who has testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and has been recognized at the national level, specializes in a “Netflix” like model that makes the patient their primary focus aligns all other incentives for cost and quality care around that centerpiece. A resounding success, he asked that Congress consider allowing direct primary care as an allowable expense under Health Savings Accounts, a concept which I fully support.
A special shout out to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for joining us for this special event!
As a member of the GOP Doctors Caucus as well as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee’s Healthcare Task Force, I am tasked with developing market-based solutions that would reduce the cost health care. I will continue to keep you updated as we further develop these policy proposals.
Improving Continuity of Care for America’s Seniors
Since last Congress, I’ve been working with Reps. Mike Kelly and Suzan DelBene in drafting a bill that would enable physicians to better serve their patients by streamlining a dreaded issue – prior authorization. Prior authorization is the pre-approval process that healthcare providers must go through before performing a procedure or prescribing a medication, and is long overdue for an update to address the needs of physicians and patients. After many drafts and receiving input from Kansans, Reps. Suzan DelBene, Mike Kelly, myself, and Ami Bera, introduced H.R. 3107, the “Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2019. This bill would improve the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage plans through common-sense transparency, electronic adoption, and an analysis on the items and services subject to prior authorization.
I will always be a physician at heart, and my work towards helping improve the care that patients receive is the work I am most proud of. This bipartisan legislation will make the lives of patients and their families better.
To learn more, please see the joint press release HERE.
Kansas Bankers
Before heading to the airport I got a chance to speak with representatives from the Kansas Bankers Association. We touched on how important local banking institutions are for growing rural communities and the importance of increasing credit opportunities in these rural areas. They also got me up to speed on all the work that their industry is doing in order to protect the privacy data of Kansan consumers. As a former community bank board member I understand the importance of the work that they are doing, and look forward to working with them to ensure that Kansans have access to the services that they need to prosper.
Kansas Building Industry Association
A delegation from the Kansas Building Industry Association made it to my DC office this Wednesday, and I was glad that we had the opportunity to discuss their issues in between votes.
Workforce development remains an issue that so many industries around Kansas are facing. Labor shortages can lead to higher costs for consumers, which for the building industry can mean increased home prices, delays in production schedules, and lower economic growth. I take these issues very seriously and am committed to making sure that we have the workforce we need for Kansas to thrive.
New Summer Interns in DC
In our office this summer we are excited to have 3 new interns with us. We love being able to bring more Kansans to Washington. Our three new interns are Sarah Mauler, Lacey Pitts, and Wyatt Rugan.
Sarah Mauler, Lacey Pitts, and Wyatt Rugan
Sarah is from Great Bend and is a senior at Kansas State University majoring in Human Resource Management, Wyatt, also from Great Bend, is a junior at the University of Kansas majoring in Accounting and Lacey is a former K-State student from Buhler. We could not be more excited to welcome these interns to Capitol Hill.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Charging documents say a suburban Kansas City nursing home worker stole rings valued at nearly $10,000 from a 99-year-old dementia patient by using lotion to slip them from the woman’s hands in the middle of the night.
Goodall photo Johnson Co.
23-year-old Leah Anne Goodall was arrested Saturday ahead of her preliminary hearing. The certified nursing assistant is charged with mistreatment of an elder.
A daughter of the elderly woman noticed her mother was missing four rings in April 2018. Court documents say staff at the Overland Park, Kansas, nursing home, told her that Goodall had cared for her mother the previous day and didn’t return to work.
When officers told her there was surveillance video of the room, Goodall allegedly admitted to taking the rings. They have been returned.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism joins the governor in reminding residents and visitors that Kansas has an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate the many natural splendors of our state.
“I urge everyone to join me and visit our wonderful state and local parks, trails and national sites,” Kelly said. “All of Kansas is waiting for you. So, get outside and make outdoor activities a regular part of your life in the Sunflower State.”
Enjoying the Kansas outdoors contributes to our quality of life; promotes physical and mental health, fitness, and environmental awareness; and is an ideal way to exercise and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends. Also, many of our important cultural and historic events and traditions are linked to places in Kansas which are parts of national, state and local park systems.
Outdoor recreation has a significant economic impact in Kansas. It is growing nationally, generating $887 billion in consumer spending. And in Kansas, it generates an estimated $7.3 billion in consumer spending and supports 71,000 direct jobs.
Great Outdoors Month connects all of Kansans to the outdoors, and especially children, through diverse events such as National Trails Day (June 1), National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1-9), National Get Outdoors Day (June 8), the Great American Campout (June 22) and National Marina Days (June 8), Kids to Parks Day (held May 18), Great Outdoors Day of Service (June 14) and more.
To plan your outdoor activities, visit KSOutdoors.com and TravelKS.com where you’ll find a wealth of ideas, tools and information to get in the great outdoors.
Gordon Lauren Harms went to be with Jesus on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at his home in Jetmore, Kan.
He was born in Hodgeman County, Kan. to George Henry Herman and Leona “Ruth” (Harms) Harms on March 13, 1942. He grew up on a family farm in South Roscoe Township and was a lifetime resident of Hodgeman County. Gordon attended Schoen Grade School (District 66) through the 8th grade, and then graduated from Jetmore High School in 1960. He became an X-Ray and lab technician and first worked at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. He worked in various hospitals in southwest Kansas as an X-Ray and lab tech until 1975. Gordon was what some would call a jack of all trades, working throughout his life as a hospital administrator, high school custodian, Fairmount Cemetery sexton for several years, Jetmore city councilman, USD 227 school bus driver, co-owner of Harms Monument and Prairieland Post Art, and even a car wash operator.
His biggest accomplishment, of which he was most proud, was his role as an emergency medical technician. He was an essential part of the formation of Lane Co. and Hodgeman Co. EMS, and he served as director of Hodgeman Co. EMS for 33 years, retiring in 2013. He was a board member of both KEMTA and SKEMS organizations, former president of KEMTA, SWK Region 2 coordinator and site tester, and an instructor and coordinator for KS EMT and EMT-I for many years.
Many remember him as an excellent phlebotomist and skilled IV starter, often called in by the hospital’s nursing staff and specially requested by several patients. Gordon was involved in several committees and clubs, an active member of his community. He was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Dodge City. He thoroughly enjoyed life – some of his hobbies included taxidermy, hunting, fishing, camping, and boating with family and friends. Gordon loved Colorado, the outdoors, hog roasting, and liked watching K-State and Kansas City Chiefs football. He had an appreciation for music and was known for his beautiful singing voice; he sang at many funerals and weddings. Gordon was a comfort to so many; he will be remembered for his gentle nature and compassion for others.
On December 30, 1961, he married Kay (Vieux) Harms in Dodge City. They had four children: Michele (Bob) Crabill of Jetmore, Kan., Darron Harms and Lisa Wasinger of Hanston, Kan., Vaughn (Julie) Harms, and Brandon (Trisha) Harms, all of Jetmore. Kay preceded him in death on April 12, 2019.
He later married Diana Arnold on September 25, 1999 in Dodge City. She survives. He gained four children from his marriage to Diana; Tammy Denison of Jetmore, Kan., Todd (Lisa) Arnold of Wellington, Colo., Sharon Kiehl of Pampa, Texas, and Billy (Chantelle) Arnold of Hays, Kan.
His numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren have many memories of the time they shared with their Grandpa.
He will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Diana; his children and grandchildren; his sister, Donna Salmans of Jetmore, Kan., and his brother Dean (Susan) Harms of Dodge City, Kan., several nieces and nephews, countless lifelong friends, and fellow EMTs.
Gordon is reunited in Heaven with his parents, his brother Darrel, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A celebration of his life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 10, at the United Presbyterian Church in Jetmore, Kan. with Pastors Randall Jahnke and Mark Durham presiding. Following the service, burial will take place at Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Beckwith Funeral Home in Jetmore. Memorials are suggested to the Gordon Harms EMS Scholarship Fund in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 663, Jetmore, Kan. 67854.
Catherine Holland, 76, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, June 05, 2019, at the Russell Regional Hospital.
A celebration of Catherine’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, June 10, 2019, at the mortuary. Family will greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening.
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements. A full obituary is pending.
By James Bell
