LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has received a nearly $12 million federal grant to research challenges connected with rural drug abuse in the Midwest.
Kirk Dombrowski, professor of sociology at Nebraska, will lead the university’s new Rural Drug Addiction Research Center.
The five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health will fund a research initiative called the Rural Drug Addiction Center. Researchers will track 600 rural drug users in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.
Nebraska has seen a drastic jump in its drug overdose rate in recent years. The issue is complicated by a trend among the state’s drug users who are often addicted to a combination of substances. It’s an understudied phenomenon that’s been seen in other Midwestern states.
The program’s leader, Kirk Dombrowski, says current drug addiction treatment focuses on brain chemistry, but understanding social patterns of abuse can lead to new treatments.
COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of thefts and burglaries and have a suspect in custody.
Trevor Scott Brown-photo Cowley County
Police began taking burglary and theft reports on April 11 mainly in an area extending eastward from the East Chestnut Avenue bridge over the Walnut River. The reports ranged from the theft of golf carts and all-terrain vehicles to vehicle burglaries, according to a media release.
ACPD immediately identified the spike in crime in this area due, in part, to crime tracking software.
Patrol shifts began tackling the problem with increased physical presence and door-to-door crime prevention education. Bicycle officers also were deployed to the area as part of this increased presence.
ACPD’s investigations division began looking at the area and quickly identified a person of interest.
Trevor Scott Brown, 23, of Arkansas City, was arrested for a revoked bond. He was transported to and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield with no bond through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City.
Brown, had been arrested in January for similar crimes that occurred between October 2018 to January 2019 in the west part of Arkansas City. Brown was arrested Monday on an unrelated charge. At the time of his arrest, information was gathered that helped with this ongoing investigation.
Investigators later interviewed Brown at the county jail. At that time, detectives were able to gather direct information about all of the crimes in that area and locations to check for property that was stolen.
A majority of the stolen property since has been recovered.
During the course of the ACPD investigation, information surfaced connecting Brown to other crimes in Cowley County. Investigators worked closely with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office to assist it in the investigation of those crimes.
The cases, which involved 12 residential victims and one business owner was forwarded to the Cowley County Attorney’s Office for consideration of additional burglary and theft charges.
Kaytee Wisley, a junior in Fort Hays State University’s Honors College, was recently selected as a Truman Scholarship finalist.
Wisley, majoring in political science, is originally from Wichita, where she went to high school at Wichita Southeast High School.
The Truman scholarship, recognized as the most prestigious nationally competitive scholarship in the United States for those seeking a career in public service, awards $30,000 to just 60 students every year.
“Only about 25 percent of the 900 applicants are selected as finalists, putting Kaytee in a very elite group,” said Dr. Lexey Bartlett, associate professor of English and Nationally Competitive Scholarships coach for FHSU.
“I was truly honored to represent FHSU in this highly competitive process, and I am really thankful for the support across campus that I received to become a finalist,” said Wisley.
“Dr. Bartlett mentored me throughout the entire process from writing my essays to organizing mock interviews, and I could not be more thankful for her help and the time she invested in me,” she said.
“The application process is rigorous and intensive. Truman finalists often go on to distinguished careers in public service due to the prestige of the scholarship’s name,” said Bartlett. “This is a huge honor for FHSU and demonstrates that Honors College students can be competitive at a national level with the best and brightest students across the country.”
“The opportunity encouraged me to think very critically about what my future career goals are and how pursuing graduate school would help me reach those goals. It also gave me the opportunity to meet an amazing group of fellow finalists who inspired me with the work they had done in their communities,” said Wisley.
“Though the interview process was extremely scary, I think it prepared me well for future interviews for graduate school, internships and job opportunities.”
Wisley plans to pursue a master’s degree in public policy. After obtaining her master’s, she would then like to work in a local government advocating for better distribution of community services like mental health care and other social support services.
Dorothy Viola Sekavec, age 93, passed away on April 26, 2019 at Cedar Village in Ness City, Kansas. She was born on May 5, 1925 in Bazine, Kansas the daughter of Alex and Elizabeth Stieben Ehrlich.
On July 10, 1943 she married Harvey Sekavec in Bazine. To this union, four sons were born. Dorothy was a faithful and lifelong member of St. Paul’s Congregational Church of Bazine, where she sang in the choir and worked with the Ladies Aid. Dorothy was a homemaker and always ready to lend a helping hand and she enjoyed doing things for her family and others.
Her parents preceded her in death as did her husband, Harvey on June 6, 2002. She is survived by her sons, Dale and his wife, Brenda, of Garden City, Ron and his wife, Linda, of Ness City, Marvin and his wife, Twylia, of Brownell, and Gerald and his wife, Judy, of Hays; six grandsons, Matthew, Daniel, Caleb, Michael, Jeremy, and Christopher and 13 great grandchildren, Kaden, Macon, Onna, Valerie, Brendon, Christian, Taylor, Riley, Ellie, Brynlie, Jace, Noah, and Aubrey.
Funeral service will be on Friday, May 3, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, Bazine. Burial in the Bazine Cemetery. Viewing will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Paul’s Congregational Church, Bazine.
Surrounded by loving family and friends, Donna Lee Stanton passed away peacefully into the open arms of Jesus on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. She was born November 5, 1932, in Ransom, Kansas, the daughter of Mike W. and Betty (Herren) Tuggle.
Donna moved to Stanton County when she was five years old. She married Lyndell Stanton on November 8, 1949, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Donna was a farm wife, baker and dispatcher. She worked alongside her husband on the farm for many years. She had a huge garden and spent many hours canning; sharing her good fortune with friends and family. Donna was a baker in the Johnson Co-op bakery, and served as a dispatcher for the Stanton County Sheriff Department. However; music was Donna’s passion. She played for many school music contests, weddings, funerals, graduations, and for many other functions. She was always ready to play the organ. Donna played the organ almost every Sunday at the Methodist Church in Manter where she was a longtime member. Donna was a past member of Eastern Star.
She is survived by her son, Greg Stanton and wife Mary of Dayton, Ohio; daughter, Pam Caldwell and husband Skip of Scott City; brothers, Tom Tuggle and wife Barb of Green Valley, Arizona, and John Tuggle and wife Jaime of Corpus Christi, Texas; nine grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Ruby Tuggle; husband, Lyndell; sons, Rodney, Tommy and Bryce; and grandson, Diren Hill.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 6, 2019, at the United Methodist Church in Manter, Kansas, with Pastor Mary Courtney officiating. Interment will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson, Kansas. Friends may call from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Donna Stanton Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, Kansas 67855.
Laura Lorraine Moreland, daughter of Guy and Jessie (Eatherton) Jackson, was born March 3, 1944, and passed away at the Harlan County Hospital in Alma, Nebraska, on April 26, 2019, at the age of 75.
Laura grew up in Almena, Kansas. On July 1, 1961, she married Russell “Salty” Moreland in Norton, Kansas. They made their home in Oxford, Wood River and Orleans, Nebraska where they raised their family. Laura served as the Executive Director for the Orleans Housing Authority. Her husband, Salty, passed away October 15, 2007.
Laura dearly loved her family, especially her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed her work at the housing authority and helping the patrons with their activities.
Survivors include: three daughters, Becky, and her husband, Greg Goedert, Orleans; Barb, and her husband, Dennis Gardner, Lincoln, Nebraska; and Brenda Kuhl, Orleans; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers and three sisters.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE AND INTERMENT – Monday, April 29, 2019—2:00 p.m.
PLACE – Mt. Hope Cemetery – Almena, KS
MEMORIAL – Laura Moreland Memorial Fund
Darrel J. Ruzicka, 61, passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Thursday, April 25, 2019. Darrell was born to George and Willa (Snider) Ruzicka on August 14, 1957 in Oberlin, Kansas. He attended the Oberlin Schools graduating from Decatur Community High School with the class of 1975.
Darrel worked at Raye’s Grocery Store for fourteen years. He loved to travel and traveled all over the United States. He rode his bicycle from Oberlin to the East Coast. While living on the East Coast, Darrel had a job planting trees. He saw and did many interesting things during his travels.
Darrel is survived by his parents, George and Willa Ruzicka of Oberlin, Kansas; daughter, Patricia Chitwood of Onalaska, Wisconsin; Grandson, Xavier Chitwood of Onalaska, Wisconsin; niece, Lacey Johnson of Tok, Alaska; nephews, Zeke Ruzicka of Oberlin, Kansas, Zach Ruzicka of Oberlin, Kansas, Derek Morel of LasVegas, Nevada, Levi Johnson of Valdez, Alaska, Wade Johnson of Tok, Alaska; Christopher Ruzicka of Hastings, Nebraska, and Scotty B. Ruzicka of San Clemente, California; three Great-Nieces and four Great-Nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Doyle Ruzicka and Dennis Ruzicka; sister, Georganne Johnson; and grandparents, Gerald and Christina Snider, and Joseph and Emma Ruzicka.
A Graveside Service for family and friends is being planned for a later date at the Big Timber Cemetery, Jennings, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Darrel J. Ruzicka Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, Kansas 67749. Online condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com
Theresa Marie (Dinkel) Giebler, age 86 of Hays, Kansas passed on April 25, 2019 at Hays Medical Center. She was born July 24, 1932 in Emmeram,KS the oldest of ten children, to Anthony and Alvina (Stecklein) Dinkel. She graduated from Girls Catholic High School in 1950. She married James E. Giebler on September 4, 1951.
As a young woman she worked at Saint Anthony Hospital as a CNA for 13 years, in charge of the Polio Ward and on the Pediatric Ward. She worked for 31 years in dentistry with Dr. Edmund, Dr. Glover and Dr. Hallagin as an assistant and receptionist, then becoming the office manager until retirement. Much of her retirement years were dedicated to caring for her husband.
Her Catholic faith was very important to her along with the devotion to the Rosary. She was a lifetime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. She was on the baking committee contributing her baked goods for funerals and dinners.
Her most joy in life was her family, immediate and extended. Each year, each child, relative and friend received a birthday card. Holidays and any other occasion to gather were cherished by her, to enjoy conversation and a meal. Her hobbies include embroidery along with watching KU basketball and KC Royals baseball.
She was preceded in death by her husband James E. Giebler, her parents, four brothers, infant Anthony Jr., Harold, Norman, and John Dinkel, four sisters, Elizabeth Hatfield, Rita Sander, Barbara Schoenberger and Charlene Rupp.
She is survived by eight children, Sheila Neuburger, Lawrence, KS; Pam Diehl and husband Steve, Wichita, KS; Greg Giebler and wife Laura, Esterville, Iowa; Steve Giebler and wife Debbie, Great Bend,KS; Rebecca Deatherage and husband David, Russell,KS; Deborah Fall and husband Scott, Hays, KS; Carma Chrisler and husband Chris, Hays, KS; James A. Giebler and wife Stacy, Westerville, Ohio; Her cherished 21 Grandchildren, 24 Great-grandchildren, 2 Great-great grandchildren, 4 Step-Grandchildren, 2 Step-Great-grandchildren and 1 Step Great-great grandchild and her sister Rosie Mermis, Olathe, KS
Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 1805 Vine Street in Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hays.
Visitation will be Monday 5 PM – 8 PM and Tuesday 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
A combined parish vigil service and rosary will be 7 PM Monday at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]
Katie Pelton, a FHSU graduate in ag business, shared chicks with students.
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
The FHSU Ag Day on Thursday was not just an event for farmers, but had information about how everyone can relate to their environment and their food.
Alpha Gamma Rho, the FHSU ag fraternity, offered information about beef. The group offered pamphlets with beef recipes, a display identifying the cuts of beef and a poster listing an A-to-Z of beef products. It is not just steaks.
Casey Jensen, senior in ag business, said visitors seemed to be the most surprised that a beef product is used in making toilet paper.
Jensen, who is from Courtland, hopes to rejoin the family cattle ranching business after graduation.
A popular stop in the quad was the chicken table, which was hosting chicks.
Students could learn about row crops, such as wheat, at FHSU’s annual ag day on Thursday.
Katie Pelton, a FHSU graduate in ag business, grew up raising chickens, ducks, pigs, cattle, horses and other livestock on her parents’ farm in Colorado.
“I love agriculture, and I love advocating for agriculture,” she said.
Pelton was handing out candy — popular with the students. She noted items such as York Peppermint Patties or Three Musketeers contain eggs. Eggs are contained in may foods and eggs by themselves are a good source of protein.
Elissa Jensen, who is majoring in conservation ecology and natural resources, represented the FHSU Bee Club Thursday and was advocating for pollinators. The club gave away salvia plants, a nectar producing flower. The club has two hives on campus, which produced more than 60 pounds of honey last year.
Although bees sometimes are elusive, Jensen said the trees around campus are likely loaded with the insects at this time of year.
“Humans are the major factor behind the destruction of the bee population, sadly,” Jensen said.
Andrew Tucker, agronomy professor, exhibited ag technology, including a drone and sensor equipment that helps farmers better use their resources.
She encouraged people to plant bee-friendly flowers and if you spray your lawn or garden, try to do it in the early morning or evening when bees are less active. Also be mindful of the wind that can cause chemicals to drift.
Birds, bees and butterflies will also benefit from a water source, which can be as simply as a dog bowl set outside with a little bit of water in it.
Andrew Tucker, agronomy professor, was helping exhibit ag technology, including a drone and sensor equipment that helps farmers better use their resources.
A sensor attached to a drone can measure the photosynthetic capacity of crops. The drone is flown in a grid and creates a map with GPS coordinates. Areas that show up dark green are producing well, whereas light green, yellow or red areas are not producing as well. This allows farmers to adjust the amount of water or fertilizer they apply to certain portions of their crop.
“You use it where you need it. That way you are not concerned about getting nutrients in our groundwater supply that we don’t want there or have problems with runoff,” Tucker said. “It makes farmers more efficient and environmentally friendly.”
Companies flying surveys charge about $4 to $5 per acre, but a farmer can save an average of 25 pounds of nitrogen per acre. If the price of nitrogen is 40 cents per pound, that is a $10 savings per acre. That still amounts to a $5 to $6 per acre net savings for the producers.
Sigma Alpha, FHSU ag sorority, manned a display on farm safety.
Sigma Alpha, FHSU ag sorority, manned a display on farm safety. Common accidents on the farm are the result of grain bin entrapment and equipment rollovers.
“We are trying to talk about accidents and how to prevent them and overall safety on the farm,” said Jenna Berkgren of the sorority.
Between 2012 and 2017, 11 percent of all U.S. farms experienced an accident.
The Block and Bridle Club had a display that included cows and horse stomachs.
The Block and Bridle Club had a display illustrating cow and horse digestion. This included preserved specimens of the livestocks’ multi-chamber stomachs. The students used yeast, sugar water and hay on a hot plate to exhibit the process in ruminant system.
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
Sometimes it takes a spark to get something started. Today we’ll learn about a spark which is indeed starting something, but this spark is spelled SPARC with a C. The SPARC program was launched by an innovative community foundation to encourage and support vital economic development projects in the region.
Angie Muller is executive director of the Russell County Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation. She told me about the SPARC grant program.
Angie is a native of Russell. She earned a degree in economics from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in defense studies from the University of Reading in England. She went on to work with federal agencies and then non-profit organizations in the Washington, D.C. area, but she had fond memories of home.
“I lived in exile (from rural Kansas) for about 18 years,” Angie said with a smile. In 2010, she and her husband decided to move back to Kansas to raise their family.
In doing so, they joined a surprising but growing trend of an increase in young people in rural Kansas. In general, demographic data have demonstrated long term population loss in the rural regions of the state. However, according to K-State sociology professor Matt Sanderson, data show that the population of those in the 20-30 age category and the 30-40 age category grew by about 4% in rural Kansas from 2010 to 2017. Angie is pleased to be part of that rural re-migration.
Angela Muller, Russell County Area Community Foundation
“Our kids are very happy, they live next door to their grandparents,” Angie said. “I love it.” When she moved back, she became executive director of the Russell County Area Community Foundation.
The foundation was formed in 2001 to create a permanent source of philanthropy to address current and future needs in the region through grant making and partnerships. “The foundation exists to preserve our rural way of life,” Angie said.
Today, the Russell County Area Community Foundation has more than $15 million in assets and 76 charitable funds created by various donors. The Kansas Health Foundation and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan have been key donors and partners in helping this foundation grow.
“Our board of directors got together and talked about how we could do even more,” Angie said. “We were giving out lots of smaller grants, but we wanted to think big and do something really meaningful.”
That led to the creation of a new grant initiative called SPARC: Strategic Partnership for the Advancement of Russell County. SPARC offered grants up to $175,000. “We had three goals: Significant economic development, community collaboration, and long term measured impact,” Angie said.
After proposals were submitted, two finalists emerged. In the end, the Russell County Area Community Foundation board decided to support both, at different levels and stages. The foundation awarded $175,000 to Russell Development Inc. to develop 20 acres of commercial real estate along Interstate 70. Russell County includes about 30 miles of I-70, from the rural town of Gorham, population 348, to Dorrance, population 185 people. Now, that’s rural.
The second project was not as far along and involved the development of a new tourism coalition for the Post Rock region of Kansas. The foundation decided to support that project with a $25,000 grant.
“Our goal is to make this a vibrant community for years to come,” Angie said. She is passionate about rural Kansas. “People are friendly, we have beautiful scenery and great schools. It’s a fantastic place to raise a family and it’s worth preserving,” she said.
For more information about the foundation, go to www.rcacf.net/
Sometimes it takes a spark to get something started. In this case, it was a program named SPARC which is stimulating economic development in the Russell region. We commend Angie Muller and all those involved with the Russell County Area Community Foundation for making a difference with creativity and philanthropy. I’m thankful for their creative spark.
And there’s more. As mentioned, one of the SPARC grants is supporting a new regional tourism initiative. We’ll learn about that next week.
WAKEENEY – There is much to love about the great state of Kansas—the art and architecture, local cuisine, fun events, and the awe-inspiring landscape that tells the story of the past, present, and future of our state. The Kansas Sampler Foundation has designed a program that encourages Kansans to get out and explore the hidden gems found in the Sunflower State. It’s called the Big Kansas Road Trip, and it’s bringing people from across Kansas right through Trego County to visit three of our northwest Kansas neighbors.
The Land and Sky Scenic Byway
The Big Kansas Road Trip (BKRT) is an annual event that puts a spotlight on a three neighboring counties. The 2019 event is focusing on the Land and Sky Byway, taking travelers through the communities and rural areas of Cheyenne, Sherman, and Wallace counties on May 2nd to 5th.
What You’ll See on the Big Kansas Road Trip
The four-day adventure explores the historical sites, shops, attractions, and scenic roads of Northwest Kansas at your own pace. The red carpet is awaiting you at the many lodging options and restaurants you’ll find along the way, and the BKRT Program Guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Goodland, Sherman County
Sherman County (Goodland, Kanorado, Edison) is famous for its celebration of our state flower with its giant Van Gogh painting, but did you know it’s also the home of America’s first patented helicopter? You’ll find it at the Goodland’s High Plains Museum.
When you get hungry make a stop at Crazy R’s Bar & Grill for their delicious burgers and steaks or King’s Cafe, which is a great place for home cooking and pastries.
Cheyenne County (St. Francis, Bird City, Wheeler) offers visitors a chance to experience the amazing beauty of the Western Kansas prairie. Travel to the Arikaree Breaks to see a pint-sized Kansas version of the Grand Canyon, or stand tall at “Three Corners,” where Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas meet. At Cherry Creek Encampment and the Ancient Indian Traders Trail take a moment to reflect on our difficult history with the original people who claimed this prairie their own.
Wallace County (Sharon Springs, Weskan, Wallace) is home to Mt. Sunflower, the highest point in Kansas at 4,039-feet. The mechanically-minded people will enjoy visiting the Radiel Wrench Museum, where they’ll find a collection of 10,000 wrenches, and hobbyists of domestic crafts should visit the General Store for bulk food, fabric and sewing supplies, and gifts.
Take a peek into Kansas’s prehistoric story at the Fort Wallace Museum—home to a 40-foot long replica of a plesiosaur fossil discovered in 1867 by the fort’s surgeon. The museum also contains Old West memorabilia and art work that will take you back to the days when legendary Western men, like General Custer, Wild Bill Hickock, and Buffalo Bill Cody, called the fort “The Fightin’est Fort in the West.” And, don’t miss touring the Kansas Pacific Railway’s Superintendent’s Residence. Built in 1879, it is considered to be the finest example of its kind in the West.
Much, Much More!
There are many more fascinating things you’ll find along the 2019 BKRT route, like Erin’s Food Truck that will be featuring a special menu for the tour. Special events, such as a concert series by Michael Martin Murphey that will occur on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Check out the Big Kansas Road Trip website for more information.
NOTE: Sherman and Wallace counties observe Mountain Time. Once you’ve entered these counties you are in a time warp, reversing time one hour!
Marci Penner
The “Stump”
You can find out more about the BKRT from program organizers Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe at one of the Kansas Sampler Festival’s “Stump “ events. During the 15-minute question/answer games they will provide more insight into the many things to see and do in the three featured counties. The Stump events are scheduled in seven different communities located in the featured counties and the winner will receive a prize from a Stump sponsor!
Don’t Forget to Stop by Trego County on Your Trip West!
The Smoky Valley Scenic Byway has its own adventure waiting for you! Take a break during your adventure at the many great restaurants, shops, and attractions located in Trego County.
