GREAT BEND – A Hoisington man today pleaded guilty to second degree intentional murder, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
Chaz Zachery Stephens-photo Barton Co.
Chaz Stephens, 26, pleaded guilty to the charge in Barton County District Court. District Judge Mike Keeley accepted the plea. Sentencing is scheduled for June 3 at 1:30 p.m.
As part of the plea agreement, Schmidt agreed to dismiss the remaining lesser charges in the case.
Stephens was charged with the crime in connection with the March 2018 death of his girlfriend’s two-year-old daughter in Hoisington.
The body of Iviona Lewis was found in March of 2018 northwest of Hoisington.
The child was last seen four days earlier on a Sunday at her home in Hosington but was not reported missing until Tuesday afternoon.
Hoisington Police Chief Kenton Doze said the girl’s mother was visiting her brother in Great Bend, and the delay in reporting Iviona’s disappearance was caused by confusion over who was supposed to be caring for her.
Thought it was windy in Kansas Thursday? Check out this Minnesota State Trooper doing battle with Mother Nature.
Wind: 1. Trooper: 0.
A trooper directing traffic around a jackknifed semi this morning on Highway 86 & Interstate 90 in Jackson County was knocked to the ground by a wind gust.
The trooper was not injured but the video is a reminder of theconditions caused by this snowstorm. pic.twitter.com/xTwrwKCM3f
She was born on March 25, 1942 in Wichita, KS, the daughter of Lloyd and Josephine (Hanson) Finkbeiner. Barbara was raised in Wichita, Burbank, CA and Clay Center. She graduated from CCCHS in 1961. Barbara married Terry Spilker on August 24,1962.
She worked as a switchboard operator for United Telephone, farmed with her husband, worked at Clay Center Floral and owned Barb’s Kountry Krafts. Barbara was a member of the Clay Center United Methodist Church. Terry preceded her in death on February 22, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors:
Son: Todd Spilker and wife Stephanie Mertz-Spilker of Wamego, KS
Daughter: Tara and husband Bryan Johnson of Junction City, KS
Daughter: Gina Spilker-Johnson and husband Stephen Johnson of Hays, KS
Son: Kyle and wife Jennifer Spilker of Olathe, KS
Nine Grandchildren
Funeral Services: Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Clay Center, KS
Minister: Rev. Andrea Beyer
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, Kansas
Visitation: Monday, April 15, 2019 from 3-8 PM at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home
Memorials: in lieu of flowers, United Methodist Church or Clay County Animal Rescue and Education Center c/o the funeral home
Grow Hays and the Fort Hays State University Small Business Development Center are holding a short course on Value Acceleration at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th.
Guest speaker — FHSU SBDC’s Rick Feltenberger — will lead participants through the process by focusing the approach on building a business with characteristics that drive value, and integrating the owner’s personal and financial objectives into it now.
The first 10 paid registrations will receive a free copy of the groundbreaking book “Walking to Destiny: 11 Actions an Owner MUST Take to Rapidly Grow Value and Unlock Wealth.”
Contact Ernee Sly at (785) 628-3102 to register for the event.
Memories of Earl and Nonie Field, and their gift to Fort Hays State University – the largest gift in university history – were celebrated today in a news conference in the Memorial Union, attended by almost 200 people.
The Fields, childhood sweethearts, lifelong citizens of Hays and devoted alumni and supporters of Fort Hays State, made an extraordinary gift to FHSU in their estate plans.
“Nonie passed away in 2009 and Earl in 2013,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation.
“At the time of Earl’s passing, their estate gift to Fort Hays State University was valued at approximately $20 million. Their gift is unequivocally life-changing for our students, but it is also the largest single gift ever made to FHSU,” he said.
“The Fields Estate gift will be counted toward FHSU’s Journey campaign and will support student scholarships in perpetuity for the areas of art, athletics and music.”
FHSU President Emeritus Edward H. Hammond told the story of the Fields’ love for each other and for the college they attended.
FHSU President Emeritus Edward H. Hammond told the story of the Fields’ love for each other and for the college they attended, which became Fort Hays State University. It was the love story he learned during the 26 years that he knew the Fields.
“Higher education was always a very high priority for the Fields,” said Hammond. “Earl graduated in 1937 with degrees in economics and business and married Nonie a year later.”
The Fields started their adventure in life together with Earl as a teller for First National Bank of Hays and Nonie as a teacher. One of their true loves became Fort Hays State University, which Earl served as board member and president of the FHSU Alumni Association and a leader of the Tiger Half Century Club.
Hammond recounted that Earl Field, with Nonie’s support, built the Field Abstract and Title Co., Hays, and operated it from 1946 until he retired in 1979. He also served as chairman of the board for Heritage Savings Association and Heritage Financial Corp., Hays, and was president and chairman of the board for Farmers State Bank.
Together, Hammond said, they received the university’s Distinguished Service Award, served as members of the university’s first Capital Campaign Committee, were members of the Tiger Athlete Difference Makers, and in 1991 were inducted into the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame.
“Earl and Nonie did most things as a couple, but a couple with different interests,” said Hammond. “For Earl it was athletics, and for Nonie it was art and music.”
“It’s difficult to put into words the impact the Fields have had on the Hays community and Fort Hays State University,” said Curtis Hammeke, FHSU director of athletics.
“Earl and Nonie loved this university and realized that scholarships were the lifeline for the future. They didn’t anticipate that tuition and educational costs would do anything but rise over the years, and they wanted to assist in providing scholarships that would keep pace.”
Adam Flax is one of 164 students who have already benefitted from Fields scholarships.
Adam Flax is one of 164 students who have already benefitted from Fields scholarships.
“I was born and raised right here in Hays, Kansas, and am currently finishing my senior year as a music education major,” said Flax. “I have been fortunate to live in a community that holds music and the arts in great esteem – Fort Hays State University being no exception. I would like to thank the Fields on behalf of myself and so many others for allowing us the chance to not only grow and share our talents, but to keep music and the arts as an integral part of Fort Hays State University.”
Current FHSU President Tisa Mason wrapped up the conference by touching on the Fields’ monumental act of generosity and the beautiful legacy that they have left at Fort Hays State.
“We could not be more appreciative and delighted to honor the lives of Earl and Nonie Field,” said President Mason. “The impact that their charitable gift will have on the lives of current and future Tigers at Fort Hays State University is incredible. Earl and Nonie are giving educational opportunity to students in need, to students who often must work multiple jobs, and to students who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend college.”
“I only wish that Earl and Nonie could see the faces and genuine joy of the students who will benefit from their gift,” she said.
Gifts to Fort Hays State University are 100-percent tax deductible. To learn more about the Fort Hays State University Foundation, and how you can support FHSU, visit https://foundation.fhsu.edu/ or contact the office at 785-628-5620 or by email to [email protected].
On Saturday, Thomas More Prep-Marian and Hays High School Student Councils teamed up to host a TMP-M versus HHS Faculty/Staff basketball game to raise funds for the Hays ARC Park.
Along with the basketball game, the event consisted of a student dunk contest and Hays Police Department versus Hays Fire Department three-point shooting contest. The game was a close and entertaining game, and TMP-M came out victorious. The winner of the dunk contest was HHS student Trey Adams and TMP-M student Jack Johnson took runner-up. For the three-point contest, the Hays Fire Department came out on top with Travis Hageman making six three pointers over the HPD’s Kyle Comstock with four three pointers.
TMP-M
The fundraising goal between both schools was $4,000 and, by the end of the evening, the grand total fundraised was $4,323. Since the goal was met, TMP-M Principal, Chad Meitner and HHS teacher and girls basketball coach Alex Hutchins received a pie in the face.
“Both student councils groups would like to thank everyone who participated in the event as well as those who donated both time and money,” TMP-M said in a news release.
Gregory Ray Martinez III, age 21, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in rural Wichita County, Kansas.
Greg was born May 22, 1997, in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Gregory R. Martinez, Jr. & Jacki Hilburn. An employee of Seaboard Industries, he was a lifetime resident of Leoti, Kansas.
Greg was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas and was a 2018 graduate of Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Kansas.
Greg’s surviving family includes-
His father and step mother-
Gregory & Sheryl Martinez, Jr.-Leoti, Kansas
His grandparents-
Isabel Clark-Garden City, Kansas
Ken Clark-Leoti, Kansas
Gene & Doris Langdon-Leoti, Kansas
Numerous uncles, aunts and cousins
His grandparents, Gregerio & Josephine Martinez precedehim in death.
Vigil services will be held at 9:30 am Monday, April 15, 2019, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Monday, April 15, 2019 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas with Father Tim Hickey presiding.
Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas
Friends may call from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to the Greg Martinez III Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at priceandsons.com
Barry David Walker, 47, was born on May 16, 1971 in Wheatridge, Colorado. He passed away on April 5, 2019 in Northglenn, Colorado. Barry graduated from Lake County High School in Leadville, Colorado.
He had a passion for both hunting and fishing. Barry’s favorite holiday was the 4th of July. He was the “firework expert” of Selden, Kansas. Barry loved spending time with his family and friends.
Barry was preceded in death by his brother, Brian and grandparents: Dorman and Carol Hill and Mahlon and Gladys Walker. He is survived by his parents, Ellis and Gloria Walker of Selden, Kansas; brother, Todd Walker of Selden, Kansas; sister, Luann Walker of Norton, Kansas and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church in Selden. Inurnment will follow at Selden Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pauls Funeral Home to help with expenses.
Nickalaus Dale Leiker, 37, passed away April 9, 2019 in Great Bend. He was born January 3, 1982 at Denver, Colorado to Bradley & Patricia (Davis) Leiker.
Survivors include, his mother, Patricia McCartney; his wife, Ronda S. Leiker; one daughter, Jazmin Leiker; two stepsons, Clayton and Ray; three brothers, Paul Leiker and his wife Rebecca, Anthony Leiker and William Leiker; and one sister, Elizabeth Daniels. He was preceded in death by his father, Bradley Leiker.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Nickalaus Leiker Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Deborah Nadine Cobb, 68, passed away April 9, 2019 at her home in Great Bend. She was born January 27, 1951 at Belvidere, to Donald & Nellie (Hembree) Cobb.
Deborah had been a long-time Haviland resident and homemaker. She liked to listen to classical music, read, paint and draw. She especially loved to have tea parties with her grandkids and read to each of them.
Survivors include, one son, Garrison Cobb and his wife Brittaney of Great Bend; one brother, Grant Cobb and one sister, LaDonna Herman, both of Missouri; and six grandchildren, Christopher Avery, Adalynn Cobb, Daniel Lewis, MaKynna Lewis, Teigan Cobb and Brinley Cobb. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation has taken place and Private Family Services will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Deborah Cobb Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Fri., April 12, 2019 in the area of Hall St. to Fort St. between 27th St. and 16th St. also from Main St. to Vine St. between 21st St. and 12th St.
This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.
Approximately 1,100 students from 67 schools are expected for the Fort Hays State University Department of Art and Design’s 45th annual High School Art Exhibition on Wednesday, April 17, in Gross Memorial Coliseum.
Students will also participate in a sidewalk chalk competition and can attend demonstrations in Rarick Hall hosted by art and design students and faculty.
The exhibit will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to noon.
Mary Poppins was traveling home, but due to worsening weather, she decided to stop at a hotel for the night. She approached the receptionist and asked for a room for the night.
“Certainly madam,” he replied courteously.
“Is the restaurant open still?” inquired Mary.
“Sorry, no,” came the reply, “but room service is available all night. Would you care to select something from this menu?”
Mary smiled and took the menu and perused it. “Hmm, I would like cauliflower cheese please,” said Mary.
“Certainly, madam,” he replied.
“And can I have breakfast in bed?” asked Mary politely.
The receptionist nodded and smiled.
“In that case, I would love a couple of poached eggs, please,” Mary mused.
After confirming the order, Mary signed in and went up to her room for the night.
The night passed uneventfully and the next morning Mary came down early to check out. The same guy was still on the desk.
“Morning, madam. Sleep well?”
“Yes, thank you,” Mary replied.
“Food to your liking?”
“Well, I have to say the cauliflower cheese was exceptional, I don’t think I have had better. Shame about the eggs, though….they really weren’t that nice at all,” replied Mary truthfully.
“Oh…well, perhaps you could contribute these thoughts to our Guest Comments Book. We are always looking to improve our service and would value your opinion,” said the receptionist.
“OK, I will…thanks!” replied Mary….who checked out, then scribbled a comment into the book. Waving, she left to continue her journey.
Curious, the receptionist picked up the book to see the comment Mary had written.
