FHSU University Relations
Fort Hays State University’s Michael Walker, director of the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, recently completed negotiations training.
The training, provided by the Kansas Association of School Boards, took place in Hays. Walker, vice president of USD 489 Board of Education, was elected to the school board in November 2016 and became the vice president of the board in January 2018.
FHSU University Relations
Eight finalists who were selected for the $10,000 Faulkner Challenge, hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University, will give their business presentations at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 30, in McCartney Hall, home of the W.R. Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
The public is invited to watch the presentations.
The top three business projects will split the $10,000 in prize money into awards of $6,000, $3,000, and $1,000, to first, second, and third places, respectively.
The finalists are Authenticure, Café May, greeEat, Kalliope, Life Style 360, Making Cents of Finance, Safe Drop and Wright Enterprises.
“Because of the changes made to the competition format and increased promotion, applications have grown nine times over the last year,” said Dr. David Snow, director of Entrepreneurship at FHSU.
“A record number of business plans were submitted by the March 20 deadline,” said Snow. Students from FHSU, the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science, regional high schools and residents of Northwest Kansas submitted 27 business plans.
Presentations will run until 12:15 p.m. Judges feedback will be given from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. with awards to follow.
The Faulkner Challenge, made possible by alumnus, Kevin Faulkner, is a business plan competition for new, independent proposed ventures in the conceptual, seed or startup stages.
For free tickets to watch the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faulkner-challenge-tickets-55640862317?aff=ehomecard.
For more information about the Faulkner Challenge, visit https://www.fhsu.edu/cob/faulkner-challenge.
For more information about the FHSU Center for Entrepreneurship, visit https://www.fhsu.edu/cob/entrepreneurship.
COMANCHE COUNTY — The search in southern Kansas for a 53-year-old priest who went missing from a nursing home ended Wednesday in Comanche County.
The County Communications Center received a 911 call advising that a person thought they had found human remains in a pasture on the east side of Protection, according to Sheriff Mike Lehl.
Authorities responded to the scene and determined it was human remains. The State Coroners office was notified at that time and responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.
The remains were transported to Comanche County Hospital for a positive identification and then on to Nicholson-Ricke funeral home in Hoisington.
The remains were confirmed to be that of Father Marvin Reif. The family has been notified and the remains released to them, according to Lehl.
In April of 2017, Ref went missing from the Protection Valley Manor, a nursing home where he had been living since October 2016.
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PROTECTION, Kan. (AP) — A search is underway in southern Kansas for a 53-year-old priest who went missing from a nursing home.
Thursday’s search for Marvin Reif near Protection in Comanche County was involving more than 100 people, some on horseback and all-terrain vehicles.
Reif went missing 10 days earlier from Protection Valley Manor, a nursing home where he had been living since October. That site says Reif went walking each day around town as part of his treatment.
Reif’s sister, Karen Winkelman, said her brother had a history of depression, and that their mother’s death last month was particularly difficult for him.
As a nurse who tended to Reif, Karla Harvey says Reif spent his days reading the Bible and often fed the squirrels outside.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Criminal charges against a former police officer in Kansas who shot a man last year were dismissed Wednesday after a judge ruled the officer meant to use her Taser and mistakenly drew her gun during the confrontation.
Ex-Lawrence officer Brindley Blood, 36, was charged with aggravated battery after she shot 35-year-old Lawrence resident Akira Lewis while he was attacking another officer in May 2018.
Douglas County District Court Judge Peggy Kittel ruled that evidence did not show Blood acted recklessly during the confrontation. The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled.
After the hearing, Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson said he did not intend to refile the charges but would review the ruling to determine whether an appeal of the dismissal should be filed.
Lewis, who is black, was treated at a hospital after being shot and has said he has permanent injuries. He contends he was racially profiled. Blood and the other officer are both white.
Lewis was charged with battery against a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and driving without proof of insurance, all misdemeanors, and failure to wear a seat belt.
A video of the confrontation shows Blood, who was a rookie police officer, yelling “Taser” before firing. She told investigators that she meant to use her Taser but mistakenly drew her gun and shot Lewis.
Kittel said she did not believe Blood acted recklessly after reviewing the evidence, hearing testimony from Lewis and several officers, and watching the video .
“There is no evidence that the defendant consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk,” Kittel said. “She meant to use her Taser.”
Branson contended that despite “extensive training” on Tasers and firearms, Blood was reckless because she showed “gross deviation” from standards for such situations.
Blood’s attorneys, Tom Bath and Michael Riling, argued their client may have made a mistake but she wasn’t reckless, particularly given the few seconds she had to act.
The confrontation began when Officer Ian McCann pulled Lewis over for not wearing a seat belt during a scheduled seat belt enforcement campaign. The video shows Lewis becoming belligerent, cursing and refusing to get out of his vehicle or provide identification.
Blood arrived after McCann called for backup. Lewis eventually jumped out of his SUV, and is seen on the video hitting McCann and slamming him to the ground. Blood drew her gun, stood over the two men, yelled “Taser-Taser-Taser” and fired once.
After Lewis cried out in pain, Blood can be heard on the video saying, “Oh, (expletive), I shot him.”
Lewis’ attorney, Shaye Downing, has said that the officers “initiated physical contact and escalated a situation that could have been easily de-escalated by any number of interventions.”
Blood, who graduated from the police academy just six months before the shooting, resigned from the department in late January.
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Thursday Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 58. North northeast wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday NightPatchy drizzle before 1am, then rain likely after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 41. North northeast wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
FridayDrizzle, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 43. North wind 11 to 14 mph.
Friday NightRain likely before 2am, then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow. Cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
SaturdayRain and snow likely before 10am, then a chance of rain between 10am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
ABILENE, Kan. – The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is hosting two National Geographic student contests. Both the GeoBee Kansas State Competition and Kansas GeoChallenge Regional competition will take place in Abilene on Friday.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A single ticket sold in Wisconsin matched all six numbers in the Wednesday night Powerball drawing to win the third-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history. Due to strong ticket sales, the jackpot climbed to an estimated $768.4 million at the time of the drawing with a cash option of $477 million.
Powerball said the winning numbers are 16, 20, 37, 44, 62 and the Powerball number is 12.
The $768.4 million is the third-largest behind the world record $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot shared by winners in California, Florida and Tennessee in January 2016, and the $1.537 billion Mega Millions jackpot won in South Carolina last October.
“It’s going to be a very green spring for our first Powerball jackpot winner of 2019,” David Barden, Powerball Product Group chairman and New Mexico Lottery CEO, said in a statement. “A jackpot of this size can make many dreams come true – not just for the winner, but for all Lottery beneficiaries and the lucky state of Wisconsin.”
Although the prize grew steadily since the previous jackpot winner on Dec. 26, the odds of matching the five white balls and single Powerball remained one in 292.2 million.
The $768.4 million estimated figure refers to the annuity option, paid over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt for the cash prize, which for Wednesday’s drawing would be an estimated $477 million. Both prize options are before taxes.
Seven tickets matched all five white balls, but missed matching the red Powerball in Wednesday’s drawing to win a $1 million prize. Those tickets were sold in Arizona, two in California, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey and New York. Two other tickets, sold in Kansas and Minnesota, matched all five white balls and doubled the prize to $2 million, because the tickets included the Power Play option for an additional $1.
Powerball is played in 44 states, plus Washington, D.C., the U.S Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Dennis R. Schrock, age 72, of Concordia, KS, passed away on Sun., March 17, 2019 in Concordia, KS. He was born on April 11, 1946 in Fairbury, NE to Elmer & Mildred (Hasse) Schrock.
Dennis attended grade school in Almena, KS. He attended Mankato Middle School and graduated from Mankato High School in 1964. He then attended and graduated from junior college in Fairbury in 1966. Dennis attended Ft. Hays State Univ. before being drafted into the US Army, where he served as an M.P. during the Vietnam era. After his military service, Dennis went to work for the Rock Island railroad and later worked for Northern Natural Gas Co. from 1972 to 1993. Dennis then helped his daughter and did daycare for his grandchildren, which he knew was his most important job! Dennis married Janet Ouellette on Sept. 1, 1970 and to this union was born two daughters, Nicole & Stacie. Dennis was an avid supporter of his grandchildren’s athletics and activities.
He is survived by his daughters, Nicole Reed, Clyde & Stacie Blubaugh (Mark), Olathe, KS; grandchildren, Dyelan, Derica & Drayden Reed, Clyde & Taylor, Brooke, Brett, Caitlin, Joshua & Matthew Blubaugh, Olathe; his daughter’s mother & caregiver, Janet Schrock, Concordia; brothers, Rodney Schrock (Janice), Fairbury, NE & sister, Violet Calder, CO
He was preceded in death by his parents & a brother, Donald.
It was Dennis’ wishes to be cremated and the family will celebrate his life at 2:00 pm on Sat., April 13, 2019 at the Skyline Church at the LCL Buffalo Ranch, 431 1st Road, Clifton, KS 66937 with the family greeting friends after the service from 2:30-5 pm at the church. Private family burial of the cremains will be Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Ft. Riley, Ft. Riley, KS at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Solomon Valley Hospice or Skyline Church in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
GEARY COUNTY— Three people died in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Wednesday in Geary County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Camaro driven by Leroy AllenMyers, 58, Arab, AL., was westbound on Interstate 70 at the Kansas 177.
The vehicle entered the median, struck guard rail and vaulted over K177 highway coming to rest on the west side of K177.
Myers and passengers Joey Brannon Tidwell, 21, Albertvile, AL., and Halie Marie Davis, 23, Madison, AL., were pronounced dead at the scene. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP
GEARY COUNTY— Three people died in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Wednesday in Geary County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Camaro driven by Leroy AllenMyers, 58, Arab, AL., was west bound on Interstate 70 at the Kansas 177.
The vehicle entered the median, struck guard rail and vaulted over K177 highway coming to rest on the west side of K177.
Myersand passengers Joey Brannon Tidwell, 21, Albertvile, AL., and Halie Marie Davis, 23, Madison, AL., were pronounced dead at the scene. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP
GEARY COUNTY— First responders are working a single vehicle, fatal crash on Interstate 70 at Kansas 177 south of Manhattan, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Troopers responded to the scene just after 5:30a.m. and report three fatalities. We will report additional details as they become available.
HAYS, Kan. – Tyler Olson had three hits and Marcus Altman drove in three runs to lead the Fort Hays State baseball team’s 14-hit explosion in an 8-4 win over Northwestern Oklahoma State Wednesday afternoon at Larks Park. The Tigers improved to 3-21 overall with the win while the Rangers dropped to 17-13 on the season.
Jerod Goodale Postgame Interview
Game Highlights
Olson went 3-for-4 at the plate, scoring two runs and adding his fourth RBI of the season. Altman belted his first home run of the season, scoring two runs and producing three RBI. Dawson Sramek and Ryan Grasser also earned multi-hit bids on the afternoon.
FHSU starter Jake Taylor tossed 5.1 innings, allowing four runs, seven hits and walking two batters. Taylor also stuck out two Ranger hitters. Ryan Brown (1-0) came on in relief and earned the victory with a scoreless 3.2 innings of work, allowing only one hit and striking out three hitters.
Northwestern Oklahoma State grabbed a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning after poking an RBI double and a 2-run blast to left field. The Tigers were able to get a run back in the home half when Marcus McDaniel ripped an RBI single through the right side of the infield, scoring Olson from second base.
The Tigers scored three runs with two outs in the third to take a 4-3 lead. Ryan Grasser started the rally with a two-out walk. Jared Haynes pushed Grasser to second with a single to left. Altman followed with a two-run double to center field. Altman then scored when Olson placed a ball through the left side of the infield.
NWOSU tied the game 4-4 with a run in the top of the sixth only to see the Tigers answer with two in the bottom of the inning. Altman homered to left field wall for his first home run of the season. Jordan Wilkerson reached on an error which scored Marcus McDaniel who reached on an infield single
The Tigers added two insurance runs in the eighth after Wilkerson earned an RBI single through the left side and Grasser was beaned by pitch with the bases loaded.
FHSU will be back in action this weekend when they take on Lindenwood for the first MIAA series in Hays. The Tigers and Lions will play single games Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Larks Park all starting at 1 p.m.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man convicted in the rape of a child under the age 14 and deported in February is back in Kansas.
According to the Kansas Department of Corrections Simon Rochel-Cervantes, 46, a citizen of Mexico, spent 7-years in the Ellsworth Correctional Facility for the rape and aggravated intimidation of a witness.
He was released and deported on February 19. On March 5, he was found in Sedgwick County, according to a media release from the United State Attorney.
Rochel-Cervantes is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI investigated.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After taking home the individual title at the Rockhurst Invitational, Senior Hannah Perkins has been named MIAA Women’s Golf Co-Athlete of the Week, sharing the award with Missouri Western’s Shi Qing Ong. It is the fifth time in her career that Perkins has earned the honor.
The senior won her third tournament of her career at Crestview Country Club in Wichita, Kan. Perkins fired identical rounds of 78 to finish with a six-stroke margin of victory for a total of 156. It is her fourth top-5 finish of the season and third top-3 finish of her senior campaign. A native of Wichita, Perkins helped the Tigers to a runner-up finish in the event.
BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a school resource officer Wednesday following allegations of rape, and other sex crimes against children.
Just before 5 p.m., Mark A. Scheetz, 30, of Lansing, was arrested without incident in Bonner Springs, Kansas for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to a media release.
Scheetz has been employed for approximately one year as a school resource officer for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Police Department, assigned to F.L. Schlagle High School.
Prior to that, he was employed by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office from 2016 to 2018. However, the alleged crimes are suspected to have occurred when Scheetz resided in Norton County between 2013 and 2015, and stem from reports that he engaged in sex acts with a minor, sent lewd photos to minors, and used electronic devices to solicit sex with minors.
Following his arrest, Scheetz was transported to Norton, Kan., where he will be held in the Norton County Jail.
