SALINE COUNTY — One person died in an accident Saturday in Saline County.
A motorcycle driven by 59-year-year-old Henry Riffel of Salina was eastbound on Summit Road in rural southwest Saline County, according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.
He missed the turn onto Forsse Road, traveled into the ditch and rolled the motorcycle. A passerby came upon the accident and called 9-1-1, according to Soldan.
Riffel was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet, according to Soldan.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will not take up a challenge to a school district’s policy allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their sexual identity.
The justices on Tuesday rejected an appeal from students who argued that allowing transgender students to use the same facilities violated their right to privacy.
The court’s order leaves in a place a federal appeals court ruling that held the Boyertown School District, about 45 miles northwest of Philadelphia, could continue to allow transgender students the choice of what facilities to use.
The students are represented by the conservative Christian law firm Alliance Defending Freedom.
BARTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Monday in Barton County.
A 2015 Arctic Cat XR 700 ATV driven by Katie Baker, 34, Great Bend, was southbound on Jackson Street in Great Bend, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at 19th Street. The ATV collided with an eastbound City of Great Bend trash truck driven by 55-year-old Roberto Hernandez of Great Bend.
Baker sustained serious injuries in the crash, according to Bellendir.. She was taken to the hospital in Great Bend and later transported by aircraft to a Wichita area hospital. She was listed in critical but stable condition Tuesday morning, according to Bellendir. Baker was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. Hernandez was not injured.
By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
A veteran United States Senator says farmers deserve a trade deal with China and urges the Trump Administration to get back to the negotiating table.
Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas is the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. He says farmers deserve trade negotiations with China to continue.
“I mean our farmers and ranchers and growers all across this country deserve that,” Roberts tells KFEQ Farm Director Melissa Gregory in a sit-down interview. “We do not deserve being used as a pawn with regards to the discussion between China and the United States or for that matter any country where we have a tariff. You impose a tariff, you immediately have tariff retaliation. Agriculture is the top target and, boom, there you go.”
Roberts says agriculture wants a consistent and predictable trade policy. He says trade with China could greatly increase commodity prices across the board.
Roberts is urging the Trump Administration to get back to the negotiating table with China. Roberts says the suggestion by some to increase federal aid to offset farm trade losses is misguided.
“I don’t think we can make up with regards to price recovery,” Roberts says. “That’s a noble goal. It’s something we’ll take a look at always, but that’s not going to make up the difference with regards to what farmers have experienced,”
Roberts says increased trade with China, and its population of 1.4 billion people, would make a huge difference for American agriculture, boosting commodity prices across the board.
Robert is not pleased that the two sides broke off talks.
“I’ve been somewhat critical with regards to what is going on now, but in terms of the China situation, that could really make the difference,” according to Roberts. “It could be a giant step toward that goal. It would make a difference with virtually every commodity that we have.”
Hurvey D. Chism (Doug), 77, walked through the gates of heaven on May 25th 2019. We will celebrate his earthly life on June 1st, 2019 at the First Assembly of God Church in Great Bend, KS at 10:30am with Rev. Dwight Dozier.
Doug began his wonderful life in Forty-Four, Arkansas on March 17th, 1942. Married Gladys M. Chism (Brown) on April 16th 1961 and they brought into life three sons, Hurvey D. Chism Jr., William G. Chism and Paul C. Chism.
Doug worked as a welder and oilfield rig hand for much of his life. He built houses and fixed most anything. When he retired he also tinkered with rental houses.
He was a jokester and always had a smile on his face. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren, Felicity A. Chism, Zachary A. Chism and Tomie J. Chism. He always had a candy or a rock to give them! He took extreme pride in his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Gladys; two sons: William and Paul; three grandchildren: Felicity, Zachary and Tomie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Eunice (Collins) Chism; one son, Hurvey D Chism Jr.; four brothers: William, Roland, Ulman, and Howard, and one sister Versie.
Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]
K-State Research and Extension
MANHATTAN – Rainfall patterns that turned lawns and farm fields into unintended ponds and swelled rivers to capacity and beyond are likely to continue into June, according to weather specialists at Kansas State University.
“The persistent pattern has consisted of back and forth movement of a stationary front across the central Plains. This front is separating cold with below-normal temperatures to the north and west and above-normal temperatures to the south and east,” said Chip Redmond, manager of Kansas Mesonet, a system of weather stations across the state that detect and record weather data. “Where the front sets up daily will be the focus for the heaviest flooding rains.”
Because of already saturated soils, Redmond and his colleague, assistant climatologist Mary Knapp, do not expect flooding issues to end in Kansas anytime soon.
“It is almost a guarantee that water control issues will continue into June, if not worsen,” Redmond said. Areas in the central and eastern part of the state have been hit particularly hard.
Springtime temperatures have also been below normal, said Knapp, who added that it’s a trend likely to continue. That will also be a factor in how quickly the soil can dry out.
Beyond June, Knapp and Redmond expect temperatures to warm seasonably but noted that soil surface moisture may increase evaporation/transpiration rates, injecting moisture into the atmosphere. That in turn may result in above average shower and thunderstorm activity.
With ponds and lakes already near or at capacity in some areas, even without more moisture, it is likely to take months before flows return to normal, Knapp said.
“Every rainfall we get in the process will push back that return, possibly substantially,” she said.
More information is available on the Kansas Mesonet website, Office of the State Climatologistwebsite, and in the latest K-State Agronomy eUpdate weekly newsletter.
Phillipsburg resident Lovetta Wood passed away May 26, 2019 at her home in Phillipsburg at the age of 85. She was born Dec. 16, 1933 in Chattanooga, OK, the daughter of F.B. & CleOra (Ridgeway) Vice.
Survivors include her son, Robert of Lubbock, TX; her daughters. Sharlene Keesee and Brenda Chanley of Phillipsburg & Kimberly McCormack of Oklahoma City, OK; her brother, Bob Vice of Fallbrook, CA; her sisters, Kay Seaman of Las Vegas, NV & Lynn Vice of Mannasses, VA; 11 grandchildren & 25 great grandchildren.
Cremation was chosen: A Memorial Service will be held Sat. June 1 at 10:00 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Tony Keesee officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.
Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Christ or Hospice Services.
Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Richard Allen “Dick” Deines of Hill City, Kansas, passed away May 23, 2019 at the Graham County Hospital from pancreatic cancer. Dick was born April 28, 1942, in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the only child of Wilmer and Darlene (McGrath) Deines. They loved him more than life itself and Dick set the bar high as a loyal son.
He was a lifelong resident of Graham County, attending Hill City schools. In June of 1960, he married Judy Mayes. To this union three children were born: Chris, Laura and Greg. They later divorced.
Dick was employed at the Graham County Highway Department for 43 years, first as a Grader Operator and worked his way up to Road Supervisor. During these years there were countless families he helped maneuver through snowstorms and torrential rains by making the roads passable.
Time on the farm was spent training the kids to develop good work ethics, playing Flies and Rollers, building a two-story playhouse and cheering on the kids with their made-up plays. One of the biggest joys was to take a nothing space and use his incredible carpenter skills to make it a structure full of love.
Dick loved racing events and the more people that would go with him, the bigger the smile he would have! No car show was too cold or too hot – he would attend! He won multiple trophies for his 1970 Chevy pick-up with the Corvette engine. Time in Colorado was a highlight every visit. He could never understand why anyone would vacation in any other place.
With his marriage to Ruth, July of 1988, he inherited three children: Jason, Kari and Kyle, he immediately loved as his own. This blended group brought family life, love and fun to a completely different level. They bought and remodeled their dream home, a project that improved and grew for many years.
Every kid at one time or another benefited from his skills and expertise. He loved his family and family gatherings. Countless memories were made through the years. Laughter was a huge part of those gatherings. Usually the group was laughing at him. His sense of humor was like no other.
This man was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His passion was farming and an avid dirt track racing fan. Dick enjoyed pinochle, his DIY projects, going to casinos and of course keeping his yard meticulously manicured. He always had a way of getting a laugh out of you no matter how your day was going.
He loved his Denver Broncos and couldn’t wait to tell you about them. Dick was always a fan at the basketball games his son Greg coached, no matter the team. And when he became ill, he would call before and after the games wanting to know what the game plan was and if the team lost, he would let Greg know that he didn’t listen to his advice. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a great-grandson, Gunner.
Leaving to mourn his passing are his beloved wife, Ruth; children: Chris (Mike) Noltimier, Hill City, Laura (Jay) Newton, Hutchinson, Greg (Heidi) Deines, Hill City, Jason (Dana) Schamberger, Leawood, Kari (Landon) Jones, Hill City, Kyle (Natasha) Schamberger, Lawrence; 14 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many, many friends.
Click HERE for service details.
By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
When former Hays resident Matt Glassman graduated from Thomas More Prep-Marian in 2000 he never expected that nearly 20 years later he would be receiving his Ph.D. from Yale.
“If you would have asked me 10 years or 20 years ago when I was graduating high school whether I thought I was going to go to Yale, I certainly wouldn’t have thought so,” he said.
Adding “definitely my teachers wouldn’t have thought so.”
But with a work ethic he attributes to growing up in Hays and a conversion to a more spiritual life, he completed a long educational journey graduating last week from the well-known school with a Ph.D. in near Eastern languages and civilizations.
“I was surprised as anyone was to end up here,” Glassman said.
Following his graduation from TMP, Glassman began college at Fort Hays State University and later transferred to the University of Kansas, where he completed an undergraduate degree in political science, with the intention of going to law school.
But life had other plans, and Glassman he spent some time in the workforce before finding a direction.
“I have to attribute some of it to grace,” he said. “My life in undergrad was going nowhere, then I had a religious conversion.”
He said that conversion reset his life.
After a couple of years in the workforce, Glassman returned to school in Ohio at Franciscan Univerity of Steubenville earning a master of arts degree in theology in 2008, later continuing his studies at Boston College earning a master of theological studies in Old Testament biblical studies, studying history, middle eastern languages and archaeology.
But getting there took dedication and focus, something he attributes to working in the family’s construction business in Hays.
“When I was growing up, starting when I was 13 or 14 years old, my dad pretty much pushed me into service in the family business out there doing construction every summer that gave me two very important things that advanced my academic career.”
No. 1, he said, was “it allowed me to see that I definitely didn’t want that for myself,” he said with a laugh and, No. 2, “it gave me a real sense of determination and hard work.”
“I don’t think I would have gotten had I grown up in some other part of the country,” he said.
That work ethic allowed him to push through long nights with young children and pushing past his peers.
“High school, undergrad, certainly in graduate school, I was never the smartest guy to walk in a room, but I knew that regardless of what anyone else would say or what they are capable of that I would work harder than anybody else in the class,” he said. “I know a lot of smart people that didn’t get into Ph.D. programs when we were master’s students together … at some point it is beyond my explanation.”
Post-graduation, Glassman hopes to continue giving back what he has learned in a full-time tenure track academic position, continuing the work he as done as an adjunct instructor since 2016 at colleges near his Connecticut home.
Unfortunately, the job market for higher learning is more concentrated on the East Coast, so chance are slim he will return to the area in the near future, but he is hopeful.
“I always said if the opportunity arose to get back closer to home in the Midwest somewhere, I would jump at it. I would love to do it.”
Looking back, he said he hopes others that dream of attending a top-tier school know should know that it is possible with some determination.
“There is no real secret, you catch a couple of lucky breaks … but it’s real hard work,” Glassman said.
Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:
On the Rocks Bar and Grill 507 West Seventh, Hays – May 21
A routine inspection found four violations.
Sonic Drive-In 1708 Vine, Hays – May 21
A follow-up inspection found one violation.
Love’s Travel Stop/Dairy Queen 200 Washington, Ellis – May 20
A routine inspection found two violations.
Love’s Travel Stop/Subway 200 Washington, Ellis – May 20
A routine inspection found two violations.
Lewis Automotive Group of Hays is collecting bicycles to refurbish and give away to area children.
The staff will be fixing up the bikes, with a giveaway date to be announced later.
Bikes in any condition can be dropped off during normal business hours at Lewis Automotive, 4440 & 4450 Vine.
PLANT OPERATOR (WATER PLANT)
Are you interested in helping provide safe drinking water to the citizens of Hays? If so, the City of Hays is looking for you! Hays is looking for a reliable Plant Operator to help maintain water operations.
Typical work schedule includes 5 days a week, including every other weekend. Twice a week this position covers 3rd shift (12 am – 8 am). The other three days are 1st shift (8 am – 4 pm). Employee may choose to move to a M-F 8 am – 4 pm schedule when an internal position opens.
Requirements
Valid driver’s license & High School Degree or GED required.Dependability, great attendance record, and a positive attitude is a must. On the job training provided for the technical skills. This position requires a CDL Class B and has a residency requirement of Ellis County within 6 months of employment.
Compensation
Entry Level Pay: $13.65/hour with opportunities to advance to Plant Operator II and Senior Plant Operator based on skills and required certifications. Pay based on experience. Guaranteed raises every year. The City of Hays offers great benefits including health insurance, KPERS, Paid Time Off & Holidays. For a full list of benefits visit www.haysusa.com.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted in City Hall, 1507 Main, Hays, KS or online at www.haysusa.com until position is filled. Questions about the position may be sent to Alissa at [email protected] or by calling 785-628-7320.
By JOHN HANNA
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly this week faces a key test of her power to shape the state budget and keep moderate Republicans on her side as the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature prepares to consider overriding her vetoes of spending and tax relief measures.
Lawmakers are set to convene Wednesday to conclude any final business and adjourn for the year. The day is their only chance to enact a Republican tax relief bill and several budget items over vetoes that reflected Kelly’s belief that the measures would create future budget problems.
Republicans have the two-thirds majorities needed in both chambers to override vetoes, so Kelly needs at least a few moderate GOP defections. The votes will come only a week after skittish moderate Republicans abandoned a push with Democrats for Medicaid expansion, causing a plan backed by Kelly to fail.
“We have to rely on moderate Republicans,” said House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat. “It is a test, and hopefully they will come down on the side of fiscal sanity.”
The tax bill would reduce taxes for individuals and businesses paying more in state income taxes because of changes in federal tax laws at the end of 2017. It has near-universal support among Republicans, but Kelly contends the tax reduction — roughly $240 million over three years — would “decimate” the budget. Republicans say that the tax bill is a matter of fairness, preventing a tax hike that came without legislative action.
Kelly also vetoed an extra $51 million payment to the state pension system for teachers and other state workers. She argued that the state should dump the dollars into its cash reserves as a cushion against a future economic downturn.
Republican leaders argue that a long-term gap in funding for the state pension system remains a cloud over the state’s finances so that an extra payment is worth doing.
Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, a conservative Overland Park Republican, said he also suspects Kelly wants to pad the state’s cash reserves now so that she can tap those dollars to cover extra spending later.
“My assumption is she plans to do a lot of deficit spending going forward,” Denning said.
Even with Kelly’s vetoes of several spending items, the budget for the fiscal year beginning in July is more than $18.3 billion. It includes extra funding for public schools, social services, higher education, prisons and pay raises for state workers.
This year’s budget debate was in sharp contrast to spending debates after lawmakers slashed income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s urging and saw persistent shortfalls follow. Lawmakers reversed most of the tax cuts in 2017 and Kelly ran successfully for governor last year largely against Brownback’s fiscal legacy.
Kelly has cast top Republicans’ pursuit of tax relief this year as a return to Brownback policies, appealing to GOP moderates who helped reverse the Brownback tax cuts. State Rep. Don Hineman, of Dighton, said he and other moderate Republicans are “happy that we seem to be returning to the days of fiscal stability.”
But Hineman said the tax bill appeals to moderates because the state never intended to collect the extra revenue.
“It was a windfall to the state,” Hineman said. “It’s kind of a correction.”
Kansas could face budget problems whether Republicans override Kelly’s tax relief veto or not. Legislative researchers project a $221 million shortfall at the end of June 2022 without the tax relief and a $466 million shortfall if it is enacted, though changes in the economy could make those numbers better or worse.
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