We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Year: 2019

Randy Reed

Posted on

Randy Reed, 53, passed away March 21, 2019 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born January 19, 1966, to Marvin and Leona Strader Reed in Larned. A lifetime area resident, he was a member of the Nazarene Church in Larned, and was an avid Kansas City Royals baseball and Chiefs fan.

Survivors include four sisters: LaRayne Naugle, Great Bend, Sharon (Carl) Hinds, Independence, KS; Jackie Hedes, Elk City, KS, and Marilyn (Terry) Perez, Larned; fiancé Gail Dwinger, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

Memorials may be made to the Randy Reed Memorial Fund, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS, 67550.

Kristie Mearl (Fenton) Johnston

Posted on

Kristie Mearl (Fenton) Johnston passed away March 20, 2019 at her home in Stockton, Kansas at the age of 55. Kristie was born August 28, 1963 in Hays, Kansas to Raleigh and Ruth (Ives) Fenton. She grew up on the family farm just east of Stockton and graduated from Stockton High School in 1982.

Kristie married Steven Johnston on April 15, 1994 in Stockton, Kansas where they remained and spent their lives together. Kristie and Steven were blessed with two daughters, Jamie and Jessica. Steven later passed away on July 3, 2007 at their home in Stockton.

She was a woman who knew the value of hard work and was not afraid to do it. She had a passion for gardening, taking care of others and if there was a rodeo event going on, you can bet she was there to see the action. She enjoyed spending her free time following her daughter Jessica to her many rodeo events, riding horses, and doing anything she could that would get her out to the farm.

Kristie was blessed to find the second love of her life, Darryl, five years ago. Through this love Kristie got to spend her last years experiencing new adventures, many laughs and created memories that all of her family will treasure forever.

Kristie is survived by her daughters Jamie Balthazor and husband Adam of Stockton, KS and Jessica of Stockton, KS; parents Raleigh and Ruth Fenton of Stockton, KS; grandchildren Baileigh, Zeke, Leigha, and Blake Balthazor; significant other, Darryl Barnhill of the home; sister Kathy Glover and husband Jim of Larned, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the funeral home in Stockton with a burial to follow at the Stockton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday, March 22, 2019 at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Bull City Rough Riders or Kristie Johnston M.F. and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

New charges for man accused in Planned Parenthood arson

Posted on

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man accused of trying to burn down a Planned Parenthood clinic in February now faces new charges.

Kaster -photo Boone Co.

Wesley Brian Kaster was originally charged March 4 with maliciously damaging a building owned by  Planned Parenthood Great Plains that also provides services in Wichita and Overland Park and receives federal financial assistance.

A grand jury indictment on Wednesday replaced that charge with two new counts — using explosive material to maliciously damage federal property and malicious use of explosive materials.

An attorney for Kaster didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

The clinic in the central Missouri city of Columbia was empty when the pre-dawn fire broke out Feb. 10 . Authorities allege that the 42-year-old man broke the glass front door and threw in a “Molotov cocktail-type device.”

Hays man sentenced to 20+ years for sex offenses with underage victims

Posted on

Claude – Ellis Co. photo
By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

A Hays man was sentenced to 20 years and one month in prison Friday after he pleaded guilty earlier this year to three sex crimes involving a minor.

Andrew Bayle Claude pleaded guilty Feb. 14 in Ellis County District Court to one count each of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated sexual battery.

Earlier this month, Claude’s attorney, Cheryl Stewart, filed a motion to withdraw Claude’s plea after he contested the age of one of the victims.

Claude was originally charged with five felony counts stemming from sexual contact he allegedly had with four teenage girls ages 16 and younger between November 2017 and March 2018.

In the plea agreement reached in February, the state agreed to drop two charges and but three other felonies would stand.

He also agreed to an Alford plea on the rape charge altering the age of the victim from 13 to 14. A rape conviction of a person age 13 and under is considered an “off-grid” felony and carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years. If the victim is 14, the mandatory sentence in 155 months.

In his motion to withdraw his plea, Claude argued that the victim was actually 14.

Stewart argued, on Claude’s behalf, that if the victim was 14 at the time of the crime, he could possibly be acquitted of the charges or receive a better plea deal.

Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees argued Claude agreed that one incident happened when the victim was 13, and Drees said there was no evidence that it would have happened after the victim turned 14. He said Claude also admitted having sexual contact with a second victim who was 13.

District Judge Blake Bittel denied the motion to dismiss the plea agreement, ruling that Claude’s attorney was competent, Claude fully understood the plea agreement, and he previously agreed to the plea.

After dismissing the motion, Bittel sentenced Claude to the agreed-upon term of 241 months in prison. He was sentenced to 155 months for a rape charge, 55 months for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and 31 months for aggravated sexual battery.

Claude will also be subject to lifetime post-release supervision, and he must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Kansas State to lower tuition for students in 5 states

Posted on

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University is becoming cheaper for good students from five more states.

The Kansas Board of Regents agreed this week to allow new students from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas to begin paying less in fall 2020. To qualify, they must have at least a 3.25 overall high school GPA and scores of either 22 on the ACT or 1100 on the SAT. President Richard Myers says it will help with recruitment.

Under the reduced rate, they would have paid $6,562.50 this fall for 14 credit hours. Regular out-of-state students spent $11,610, and in-state students shelled out $4,375.

Qualifying students from nine other states already can receive out-of-state tuition at the same reduced rate, which is 150 percent of the in-state tuition cost.

🎥 FHSU virtual students participate in their own Student Senate

Posted on
2017-2018 FHSU Virtual Student Senate is sworn in. (Photo courtesy FHSU)

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

This is the second academic year for the Virtual Student Senate at Fort Hays State University.

Adam Schibi, on-campus FHSU Student Government Association president, says SGA is still trying to figure out the best way to conduct the election of virtual students from each of the university’s five colleges.

“Obviously, some students might come on for a semester and then not come back. Some might be on for long term, some might be much shorter,” Schibi said.

There are upwards of 15 virtual student senators at any time. Currently, elections are held in the fall.

“Students can apply. They put their name up for election. All virtual students vote on them and they’re put into the positions. They meet monthly with me.”

The FHSU virtual students can reach out to their own representatives as well as the on-campus executive staff with any concerns or questions and suggestions they might have.

They also discuss topics important to their learning and how SGA can better that experience.

“One thing that is kind of being talked about now by a couple of students is online proctoring of exams. They’ve voiced their concerns about it and some of the experiences they had,” said Schibi.

“It’s obviously very difficult, as they can be in various parts of the country and the world, to have lines of communication.

“Sending us an email is probably the best way of to make sure we have information from them. I think that’s one of the best ways we can still make an impact on those students.”

The Virtual Student Senate’s last meeting with Schibi was at the end of February.

“It’s interesting to hear some of the things they have to say in comparison to on-campus students. It’s always a good ear for us to have.”

In Oct. 2018, the Kansas Board of Regents confirmed 7,005 students enrolled in the FHSU Virtual College.

Ardis Marinell (Rathbun) Rose

Posted on

Ardis Marinell (Rathbun) Rose, age 90, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. She was born December 3rd, 1928 to Milo George and Elsie Mae Keeler Rathbun in their farmhouse in Lincoln County, Kansas. Ardis was the oldest of four girls.

Ardis attended Pleasant Ridge Country School from grades 1-6, then Shiloh Rural School for grades 6-8. During high school, she worked at the local drugstore as a ‘soda jerk’ and then at Duckwall’s as a clerk. Ardis graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946.

Ardis met Gene Rose in 1944 when she was a junior at Lincoln High School. She wrote to Gene that year and continued writing when Gene went into the Navy.

Ardis and Gene were married on March 27th, 1947 and made their home in Oakley, Kansas. They would return to the family farm in Scott County during the farming season.

To this union were born three sons: Steve, Ron, and Gary. Ardis and Gene moved to a sod house owned by Fred Paulsen, near the family farm in Scott County. They attended Pence Community Church, where Ardis helped to start a Ladies Missionary Circle. They lived in the soddy from 1953 until 1961, when they moved to the Kansas City area and Gene started school at Kansas City Bible College. Ardis was kept very busy raising the three boys. Ardis and Gene were both very active in the churches they attended during the college years. They would return to western Kansas during the summers to farm.

Ardis was president of Co-Laborers, the wives of students at Kansas City Bible College (later Calvary Bible College). These ladies met monthly to support each other and their husbands. Ardis received her “PHT Degree” (Put Hubby Through) when Gene graduated.

In 1968, Ardis and Gene returned to Scott County after Gene’s brother was killed, to help with the farming operation. Ardis enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and any type of craft activity. She was very talented. Gene and Ardis stayed in western Kansas until 1972, when they went back to Kansas City so Gene could work on his Masters degree at Calvary Bible College. During that time, they were contacted by Jerry Trecek, director of Peoria City Mission. He asked them to consider coming to Peoria, Illinois to work with that ministry. In the spring of 1973, they moved to Bartonville, Illinois where they spent the next 20 years with what became Peoria Rescue Ministries. Gene became superintendent of Victory Acres, the farm and work program for the men who came into the Mission, with Ardis right by his side.

In 1993, Ardis and Gene returned to Scott County and made their home at 809 Era in Scott City for many years. They were active members of First Baptist Church, where Ardis was very involved with the Women’s Ministry.

When keeping up a home became too much, Ardis and Gene moved into a senior duplex at 805 Madison. Ardis lost Gene on April 9th, 2010. She moved into Park Place Assisted Living in 2014, and later into Park Lane Nursing Home. She enjoyed the fellowship of friends and family. Ardis was a wonderful Christian lady who set a great example for others.

Ardis is survived by her three sons and their wives, Steve and Linda Rose of Sebring, Florida, Ron and Cindy Rose of Denton, Texas, and Gary and Kenna Rose of Gillette, Wyoming; three grandsons: Ben (Shelly) Rose of Gillette, WY, Cody (Tawni) Rose of El Cajon, CA, and Casey (Shawna) Rose of Denton, TX; two granddaughters: Joanna (Jeremiah) Bucholz of Gillette, WY, and Victoria Menchaca of Lehigh Acres, FL and eight great-grandchildren: Julia Rose, Alexa Bucholz, Ryker G. Rose, Josiah Bucholz, Zachariah Rose, Addison Rose, Arianna Rose, and Judaea Bucholz. Ardis was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Rose, her father Milo Rathbun, her mother Elsie Rathbun, and her sister Eula Mae Howell.

Funeral services for Ardis will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas, with Rev. Kyle Evans officiating. Burial will be at the Scott County Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made out to First Baptist Church Women’s Ministries in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home. Condolences can be sent to Price and Sons Funeral Home at www.priceandsons.com.

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home March 22

Posted on
Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.

Medicaid Expansion Passes the House
On Wednesday, March 20, we were planning to debate House Bill 2066, which would have updated the regulations for Advanced Practical Registered Nurses. However, in a process referred to as a “gut and go” an amendment was used to strip all of the language from HB 2066 and insert the policy for Medicaid Expansion.

This amendment provides coverage for individuals who are 138% below the Federal poverty level. The idea for states in implement Medicaid Expansion derived from Affordable Care Act (ACA) because a segment of the population did not qualify for Medicaid or ACA due to their income level. The cost to the state of Kansas is expected to be $47 million annually since there is a cost share mechanism with the Federal government providing 90% of the funding and Kansas will be responsible for the remaining 10%. I did present an amendment to help with these costs, which passed, that would require a monthly fee for those in Medicaid Expansion of $25 each month or $100 maximum for families. My amendment stipulates that if the Federal government ever would reduce the amount of funding below the 90%, the state of Kansas “shall” be able to opt out of Medicaid Expansion. Even with my amendment passed, I have continually said that I could not vote in favor of Medicaid Expansion in amendment form. This needs to be vetted and worked as a bill in the Health and Human Services committee. Since it came as an amendment, I could not support HB 2066. The bill did pass the House, 69-54.

Budget Bill
The Appropriations committee passed out the budget bill for fiscal years 2019 and 2020 late in the afternoon on Wednesday, March 20. We had a lengthy deliberation on the budget that was submitted by Governor Kelly, requests from the many state departments and agencies, and the recommendations of the budget committees that report to the Appropriations committee. Some of the details of the budget bill address the many needs of social services across the state of Kansas, increasing the number of social workers for the next two years for the Department of Children and Families, reinstating funding for the Kansas Main Street Program, a 2.5% pay increase for state employees, and continuing to make our obligations to the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS). We are planning to debate the budget bill on the House floor on Monday, March 25.

House Bill 2369 – Transportation Tolling
In addition to passing the budget out of the Appropriations committee, we also deliberated on some details for the future transportation plan. During the interim, I served on the Joint Legislative Transportation Task Force, where we addressed the future needs for the Kansas transportation infrastructure. One of the recommendations from that task force dealt with tolling in the state of Kansas and how we could address infrastructure needs by tolling.

House Bill 2369, authorizes the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation to construct new toll projects or designate existing highways as toll roads. This bill expands this authority for the Secretary, although, she would need to be granted approval by the Kansas Turnpike Authority Board and the State Finance Council, of which I am a member, for each new tolling project. The intent is also for the local communities to have a decision on the new tolling projects, as well. This bill was discussed and passed out of the Appropriations committee Thursday morning and hope to debate it next week on the floor.

Contact Information
As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, visit www.troywaymaster.com or email me at [email protected]. Also, if you happen to visit the statehouse, please let my office know.
It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill) is the 109th Dist. state representative and chairman of the House Appropriations committee. The 109th District includes Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties and portions of  Barton, Jewell, Lincoln and Rush counties.

Wanted Kansas teen jailed after 100 mph chase

Posted on

ELLSWORTH COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a high-speed chase.

William Donahue -photo Saline County

Just before 12:30a.m. Friday,  an officer on patrol in Salina noticed a maroon Chevrolet Equinox that seemed to be trying to evade the officer, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

When the officer reported it, another officer suggested that the driver of the Equinox might be William Donahue, Jr., 19, of Salina, who was wanted on four Saline County District Court warrants, three Salina Municipal Court warrants and for questioning in multiple cases.

The officer continued pursuing the Equinox as it pulled onto northbound Interstate 135 from Magnolia. Another officer was able to pull alongside the vehicle and positively identify Donahue as the driver, according to Forrester.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it exited I-135 at State Street, traveled westbound on Kansas Highway 140 at speeds reaching 100 mph and the vehicle blew through Brookville at 80 mph, according to Forrester.

Salina police had to stop their pursuit in the western part of Saline County because they had no radio contact with dispatchers and other law enforcement personnel.

At that point, the Kansas Highway Patrol and then the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office took over the pursuit. Ellsworth County deputies used stop spikes to stop the vehicle.

Deputies took Donahue  into custody and brought him back to the Saline County Jail.  In addition to the warrants, Donahue is being held on  requested charges of Theft (from a March 9 case at Menards), Obstruction (from a case on March 10), Felony flee and elude, Driving while suspended, Improper lane usage and Speeding.

Unemployment rate in Ellis County dips slightly in February

Posted on

Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.4 percent in February. This was unchanged from January and down from 3.5 percent in February 2018.

“With the labor force staying steady over the month, the unemployment rate remained at 3.4 percent for February,” said Acting Secretary Delía Garcia.

In Ellis County, the jobless rate fell slightly, from 2.6 percent in January to 2.5 percent in February.

Unemployment rates remain extremely low in northwest Kansas counties, ranging from 2.2 percent in Logan County to 3.9 percent in Rooks County.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs decreased by 2,200 from January. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, decreased by 3,300 from the previous month.

“Winter storms had a negative impact on Kansas job growth in February, especially in the construction industry,” said Labor Economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Estimates for the construction industry show a significant decline from January, down 1,800 jobs over the month. This contributed to the overall decrease in total nonfarm jobs in the state.”

Since February 2018, Kansas gained 8,800 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 7,200 private sector jobs.

HPD Activity Log March 18-21

Posted on

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and conducted 25 traffic stops Mon., March 18, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Lost Animals ONLY–300 block W 10th St, Hays; 1:21 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1200 block Steven Dr, Hays; 7:29 AM
Battery – Domestic–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 3/17 9:30 PM; 9:50 PM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–2700 block Hickory St, Hays; 8:25 AM
Drug Offenses–2500 block Henry Dr, Hays; 8:37 AM; 9:05 AM
Urinating in Public–500 block W 34th St, Hays; 8:49 AM
Juvenile Complaint–100 block E 28th St, Hays; 8:53 AM
Mental Health Call–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 8:49 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block W 14th St, Hays; 9:33 AM
Aggravated Battery–2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 3/17 8 PM; 3/18 11:04 AM
Animal At Large–2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 11:26 AM
Sex Offense–2500 block Henry St, Hays; 6:30 AM; 8:37 AM
Theft (general)–1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 12:03 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:58 AM
Animal At Large–600 block E 6th St, Hays; 1:28 PM
Driving Under the Influence–1700 block E 29th St, Hays; 4:06 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–300 block W 17th St, Hays; 4:14 PM
Animal At Large–1300 block Haney Dr, Hays; 5:50 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1700 block Oak St, Hays; 7:01 PM
Drug Offenses–300 block E 5th St, Hays; 7:12 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 11:01 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Tue., March 19, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Death by Natural Causes–400 block W 14th St, Hays; 7:06 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1700 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 8:09 AM
Suspicious Activity–2400 block Walnut St, Hays; 3/18 6 PM; 3/19 9:01 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block Walnut St, Hays; 10:21 AM
Drug Offenses–400 block W 14th St, Hays; 10:34 AM
Forgery–2200 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 11:12 AM
Battery – simple–3000 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 1:06 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:21 PM
Found/Lost Property–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:49 PM
Suspicious Activity–1300 block Haney Dr, Hays; 2:55 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 4:25 PM
Animal At Large–21st and Elm, Hays; 5:01 PM
Dangerous Animal–1800 block Fort St, Hays; 6:10 PM
Civil Dispute–100 block W 4th St, Hays; 7 PM; 7:18 PM
Mental Health Call–2700 Hall St, Hays; 8:20 PM; 8:09 PM
Suspicious Activity–100 block E 15th St, Hays; 11:05 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Wed., March 20, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–100 block E 15th St, Hays; 3/19 11:26 PM; 3/20 12:30 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–400 block  E 15th St, Hays;  12:56 AM
Found/Lost Property–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 9:17 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2200 block E 22nd St, Hays; 9:29 AM
Disturbance – Noise–1800 block E 25th St, Hays; 9:46 AM
Welfare Check–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:31 AM
Burglary/residence–500 block W 23rd St, Hays; 7:30 AM; 12 PM
Suspicious Activity–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:38 PM
Civil Dispute–3700 block Hall St, Hays; 3:49 PM
Suspicious Activity–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 4:36 PM
Civil Dispute–300 block W 17th St, Hays; 4:56 PM
Theft (general)–2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 3/14 12 PM; 3/20 5:34 PM
Animal At Large–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 7:30 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 25 traffic stops Thu., March 21, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Person–500 block Ash St, Hays; 12:56 AM
Battery – simple–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:40 AM; 1:45 AM
Drug Offenses–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 6:33 AM
Disturbance – General–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 7:49 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block W 36th St, Hays; 7:46 AM
Mental Health Call–1700 block Dechant Rd, Hays; 9:38 AM
Theft (general)–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 3/12 8 AM; 3/17 8 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block E 22nd St, Hays; 10:37 AM
Found/Lost Property–600 block Park St, Hays; 9:41 AM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:06 AM; 11:08 AM
Burglary/residence–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 9 AM; 11 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:33 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–1700 block Judith Dr, Hays; 2/21 5:27 PM; 3/21 5:27 PM
Disturbance – General–300 block E 6th St, Hays; 5:28 PM
Welfare Check–100 block W 36th St, Hays; 5:37 PM
Animal At Large–2900 block Country Ln, Hays; 6:09 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–26th and General Lawton, Hays; 6:41 PM
Driving Under the Influence–300 block W 33rd St, Hays; 7:40 PM
Alarm – Business–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 8:02 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2100 block Milner St, Hays; 8:58 PM
Suspicious Person–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:15 PM
Disturbance – Noise–500 block Mission Mount, Hays; 11:20 PM

Gary Allen Leiker

Posted on

Gary Allen Leiker, 53, passed away March 20, 2019, at his home in Newton. He was born Oct. 2, 1965, in Ellinwood, to Don James and Bennie Lou (Gray) Leiker. Gary married Carla Jo (Graeter) July 30, 1988, and were later divorced.

A short time resident of Newton coming from Great Bend, Gary dedicated his life to law enforcement, serving Stanton, Stafford and Barton counties. In earlier years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and camping.

Survivors include his father and step mother, Don James and Toni Leiker of Great Bend; one daughter, Casey Carruth and husband Cameron of Washington D.C.; three brothers, Troy Leiker and wife Dorothy of WaKeeney, Darron Leiker and wife Beth of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Chad Leiker and wife Melissa of Great Bend; one grandchild, Candice Carruth; step brothers include- Darin Workman & wife Jennifer of Liberal; Bren Workman & wife Lynne of Nebraska; Roy Workman & wife Brenda of Newton; Mark Anthony & wife Kelly of Calhan, Colorado; one step-sister, Melissa Keeler & husband Mike of Great Bend, He was preceeded in death by, his mother, Bennie Lou Moos and stepfather Lyle L Workman Sr.

There will be a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 29, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at Bryant Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Memorials may be given to the Gary Leiker Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File