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Year: 2019

🎥 Survey finds opportunity to target residential landlords with water rebate programs

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Not a lot of Fort Hays State University students living off campus are participating in Hays’ water conservation programs, but most of them would like to reduce their water use.

A survey of nearly 500 Hays residents by a group of FHSU students known as Water Wise Tigers shows there may be an opportunity for the city to target incentives to property landlords.

Sociology major Kiley Heine presented the findings to the Hays city commission Thursday night.

“Eighty-six percent of the students in our sample live in rental homes. Offering policies or programs that give property owners an incentive to invest in and install water-saving fixtures in rental homes such as low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, low-flow toilets and high efficiency washing machines may help bridge the social gap between students’ desire to contribute to water-saving efforts and the reluctance to invest in water-saving fixtures and appliances,” Heine reported.

Hays Mayor Henry Schwaller (right) thanks FHSU student Kiley Heine and Dr. Brett Zollinger for the survey about water conservation attitudes in Hays.

Other students in the Water Wise Tigers group are Diane Hernandez-Ramirez and Amanda Buday, who conducted the research under the direction of Dr. Brett Zollinger, chairman of the Department of Sociology.

RCT announces auditions for ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]’

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By TOM COLE
RCT

RUSSELL – Open auditions for the Russell Community Theater (RCT) production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]” will be held Monday, May 6 starting at 6:00 p.m. Auditions will be held at the RCT Playhouse at 5th and Kansas, Russell. Prepared audition materials are not required.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]” features all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays, performed in just over 90 minutes by three actors. Fast paced, witty and physical, it’s full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike. Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of the Bard’s works in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, The Complete Works is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s classic farce, with this thoroughly revised show incorporating some of the funniest material from numerous amateur and professional productions throughout the world.

Men and women of all ages may audition. Production dates are Tuesday through Saturday, June 25 through 29, 2019. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc., New York, NY. For more information, contact RCT at 785-483-4057.

Russell Community Theater is a non-profit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer-driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 95 full-scale theatrical productions.

Man accused of rape at KSU convicted of sexually abusing 2 UMSL students

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ST. LOUIS (AP) — A former University of Missouri-St. Louis graduate student has been convicted of sexually abusing two students in their on-campus apartments in 2017 and 2018.

Bagley-photo St. Louis Co. Jail

24-year-old Devonta Bagley, of Belton, Missouri, was found guilty Thursday of six counts, including sodomy and burglary. Prosecutors say one of the assaults happened in March 2018, just four days before he was due in court on charges that he sexually assaulted an unconscious man at a fraternity at Kansas State University. That charge is pending.

Bagley graduated from Kansas State with a sociology degree in the spring of 2017. He was a graduate student at UMSL before he was expelled in October 2017.

His attorney, Joslyn Anthony, says Bagley maintains his innocence and is disappointed with the verdict.

Charles S. Button

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Charles S. Button, 86, passed away May 2, 2019, at Country Place Senior Living, Ellinwood. He was born July 20, 1932, at Great Bend, to Dee E. & Grace E. (Dorfshaffer) Button. He married Marilyn M. Hiss, May 24, 1952, at Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Charles was farmer and pilot. He was a member of the NRA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the First Congregational Church. He graduated from GBHS with the Class of 1950 and Spartan School of Aeronautics. He loved flying, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, guns, and being with his family.

Survivors include, his wife, Marilyn of the home; one son, David Button and wife Barbara of Great Bend; three daughters, Kathryn Button and husband Darrel Ratlief of McPherson, Lori Vincent and husband Jack of Hill City, and Carolyn Sutherland and husband John of Parker, CO; one brother, Robert E. Button; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, William H. Button.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2019, at the First Congregational Church in Great Bend, with Rev. Debby Rains presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the NRA or March of Dimes, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Benefit ride scheduled to help wounded Rice Co. sheriff, undersheriff

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RICE COUNTY — Officials have announced a benefit ride for the Rice County sheriff and undersheriff who were wounded during an incident this week in Sterling and rural Rice County.

Rice County Undersheriff Chad Murphy

The Blue Iron Motorcycle club, which is a law enforcement club, will take the fundraising ride on May 22 at 10 a.m.

The ride will start at the old Shopko parking lot in Lyons and end at Sonic in Sterling.

All donations from this ride will benefit Sheriff Bryant Evans and Undersheriff Chad Murphy.

Murphy was wounded after attempting to serve a warrant on David Madden. He was initially taken to a Wichita hospital in critical condition but continues to improve, according to the KBI.

Later, while approaching a home in the rural Rice County community of Raymond, Sheriff Evans was wounded in the leg. He was treated at a  Wichita hospital and has returned to a limited work schedule.

For more information on this ride, contact Justin Holiday at 620-680-0503 or Mark Towery at 620-680-0853.

Robert Henry (Bob) Rein Sr.

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Robert Henry (Bob) Rein Sr. of Larned, Kansas passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 3rd, 2019.

Born in Ellinwood, Kansas on August 10, 1939, Bob was the son of the late Ruth and Carl Rein. He graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1957. Bob served on active duty, honorably in the United States Army from 1957 – 1960. He attended Radiologic Technology school at St. Rose Hospital School of Radiological Technology in Great Bend, Kansas and spent his career working as an X-ray Technician. He served as Chief of Staff at Baptist Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, President of the Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists and retired from Larned State Hospital in Larned, Kansas.

Bob loved his family, hunting, fishing, photography and history. He was an active volunteer at Fort Larned National Historic Site. He was awarded the Heritage Preservation Award from the Santa Fe Trail Association and received several certificates of appreciation for his tireless efforts marking the wet/dry routes of the Santa Fe Trail. He was also a partner in the historic preservation of Sibley’s Camp in Larned.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Rosemarie Marianne Henrici-Rein of the home, daughter Carla Rein-Bordeaux, son-in-law Marshall Arthur (Art) Bordeaux, Jr. of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, son Robert Henry (Bob) Rein, Jr. and family Stacey, Jameson and Gillian Smith of Larned, Kansas, brother William Carl (Bill) and his wife Linnea Rein of Evanston, Wyoming. He was proceeded in death by his parents and daughter Carolyn Sue Rein.

A memorial celebration, with military honors, will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary in Larned, Kansas with William C. Rein presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Bob’s honor to the Pawnee County 4H Shooting Sports in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.

Mark D. Arthur

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Mark D. Arthur, 79, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, May 02, 2019, at his home.

Services are pending with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas.

Faith Steponick

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Faith Steponick, 90, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, May 02, 2019, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Virginia was born on May 12, 1928, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of John and Grace (McAllister) Stephens. She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1946. She was united in marriage to Mike Steponick in 1976. Mike preceded her in death in 1997. She worked for Bell Helicopter for many years. She also lived in Washington and California for many years. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell, Kansas.

Surviving family include her two sons Tom and Roger Porter and a sister Shirley Krug of Russell, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mike and brother Neal D. Stephens and sisters Nenah Hummel and Vivian Brandenburg.

Cremation has been selected by the family and a private family graveside will be held at a later date. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Bell joins staff of Eagle Radio, Hays Post

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Bell

James Bell has joined the staff of Eagle Radio and Hays Post as a reporter and on-air talent.

Bell returns to Eagle after two years in Oklahoma, while his wife, Lisa, finished her doctoral studies in English.

The Macksville native, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fort Hays State University, has extensive media experience, including a former stint as a reporter for Hays Post. He previously served as news director for Tiger Media Network at FHSU and media coordinator with FHSU’s Political Science Department. He was also the news editor for the University Leader during his time as a student.

Bell can be contacted at [email protected].

Kansas teen accused of shooting at party that wounded 4

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a teen in custody.

Police on the scene of the April 19 shooting -photo courtesy KAKE

Just after 10:30p.m. April 19, police responded to reports of shots fired at a business in the 1600 Block of South George Washington Boulevard, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Officers found a 27-year-old, a 25-year-old and a 20-year-old with gunshot wounds. The 27 and 20-year-old males were transported to a Wichita hospital for treatment. The 25-year-old refused treatment.

Police also contacted a 19-year-old woman at the hospital with gunshot wounds to her leg and elbow. Her vehicle was also damaged by gunshots. She was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators have learned there was a party held at the business that night. During a disturbance, a 17-year-old and another suspect fire multiple shots that struck multiple victims, according to Davidson.

Police arrested the 17-year-old on requested charges of aggravated battery and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to Davidson.

Kansas man dies after car travels into creek bed

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Thursday in Montgomery County.

A 2003 Buick Century driven by Joseph Pomeroy Independence was northbound on County Road 2700 at 2400.

The vehicle ran off the road into a creek bed and struck an embankment, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department.

Pomeroy was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger Delores Pomeroy was transported to the hospital in Coffeyville and later airlifted to a hospital in Tulsa.

The sheriff’s department released no additional details Friday morning.

Susan Noble (Hancock) Benkelman

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Susan Noble (Hancock) Benkelman passed away on the afternoon of April 29, 2019.  She was born on May 16, 1945 in Baltimore, MD to John Harvey Hancock and Joan (LaGarde) Hancock.  She grew up in St. Francis, KS. After graduation, she attended Kansas State University for 2 years.  She married William S. Benkelman “Bill” on June 8, 1966. They moved to WaKeeney in 1967 to establish their family.

Susan was a professional volunteer including:  A 55 year member of P.E.O., also serving a term as President of the Kansas State P.E.O. Board, past state president of Kansas Optometric Association Auxiliary, American Optometric Association Auxiliary Woman of the Year, WaKeeney Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator, Trego County Library Board Member, and an active Member of FUMC.  Susan and Bill were team members on 10 Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity trips.

Her hobbies included reading, cribbage, bridge, Rummikub, and entertaining.

Susan had a way of making everyone she met feel welcome and loved.  Many people considered her a second mother. Susan could also be a feisty lady not afraid to speak her mind.  She will be dearly missed by all the lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.  Her legacy that she shared with her husband of 52 years Dr. William Benkelman consists of son Barry H. Benkelman and wife Susan of Lawrence, KS, son John H. Benkelman and wife Dr. Heather Robben of rural Riga, KS, two grandsons William L. and Jackson K. Benkelman of Lawrence, KS, her younger brother John L. Hancock of Jacksonville, AL and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be on Friday May 10th at 11am at the First United Methodist Church in WaKeeney.  Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 that morning in the Church.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to P.E.O. Chapter CT, PO Box 458, WaKeeney, KS  67672.

Hansen Foundation awards grant to USD 489 Summer Reading Camp

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USD 489 

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation awarded Hays USD 489 a $25,000 grant to pay for costs associated with the district’s second-consecutive summer reading camp.

120 students in grades K-2 across the district will be able to participate in the camp this year due to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s generosity.

Students will attend camp from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the month of June.

Activities will include reading and writing in small groups and a field trip to the Hays Public Library.

The 2018 Summer Reading Camp yielded several positive results for students who attended. Of the 112 students who participated in camp last year, 39 students were able to maintain their reading levels from the spring to the fall testing dates. 40 students increased their reading level during that same period. Only 33 students performed at a lesser level than their spring test date in the fall.

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