NATOMA — Due to the winter weather forecast, the Peterson Farm Brothers event in Natoma originally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 20, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 6.
Year: 2019
Kansas governor brings in oversight to child welfare contracts
By MADELINE FOX
Before Laura Kelly took over as governor, the Kansas Department for Children and Families overhauled which private companies would manage its child welfare system, and how the department would oversee their work.
JIM MCLEAN / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
Kelly put the brakes on that whole plan in December.
Last week she announced she’d be rolling back major parts of the changes. She canceled grants with two companies and said the state would renegotiate grants with three companies.
The main child welfare programs that DCF outsources fall into two categories: services to kids who have been removed from their homes, and programs aimed to help keep kids safely with their families.
The grants for that family preservation have been scrapped entirely. DCF Secretary Laura Howard said she had concerns about how they were awarded. One company received three regions despite not bidding on one of the regions, and receiving far lower scores in the other two regions than any other company reviewed by the agency.
The Kansas City Star reported Wednesday that that company was Eckerd Connects and that it received the grants because it had underbid its competitors.
Howard said DCF will change the family preservation grants — mostly to take advantage of federal funding from the Family First Preservation Services Act — and put out a new call for applicants.
She said many bidders “just didn’t come to the table” because the grant expectations were higher than was feasible with the amount of money DCF was looking to spend.
“We do need to align outcomes and money,” she said.
In the meantime, the two current family preservation contractors, KVC Kansas and St. Francis Community Services, will have their contracts extended by six months to the end of 2019.
Howard said she didn’t see the same mismatch of grants being awarded to low-scoring applicants on the foster care side. So those grants will just be renegotiated, not scrapped and rebid. DCF is still extending the current foster care contracts — also with KVC and St. Francis — but only by three months.
Bringing in oversight
When the new grant system was announced, then-DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel promised it would improve accountability and oversight. She said it would also offer more transparency into who was tasked with taking care of kids, and how.
But many lawmakers and child welfare advocates don’t think she delivered.
Rather than going through a contract bid process with the Department of Administration — which has previously evaluated companies’ bids, scored them, and awarded contracts — DCF’s new grant process allowed them to pick the companies in-house without that oversight.
The idea was to let the department that knew child welfare best pick the best child welfare providers.
Instead, foster care watchers were flummoxed when grants were awarded to Eckerd Connects. It had many problems familiar to Kansas, including kids sleeping in offices and bouncing from home to home, in its Florida foster care operations. Child welfare advocates were even more perplexed when the Star revealed Eckerd got the grants despite low scores.
“There needs to be a full accounting,” said Benet Magnuson, head of the nonprofit advocacy organization Kansas Appleseed. “I’m encouraged to see the governor seems determined to shine a light on what happened, and why.”
Kelly and Howard are bringing the Department of Administration back into the mix. That department, not DCF, will put out the call for new family preservation providers. And representatives from that department will join DCF staff during renegotiations of the foster care grants.
Why does it matter?
The state is obligated to provide care and services to foster kids in its custody, even when it has outsourced those responsibilities to private companies. Those services aren’t supposed to disappear or get delayed because of who’s handling them.
But some of the high-profile problems at DCF show its struggles. Children have slept in offices, been bounced from home to home, struggled to access needed mental health services and even died from abuse despite calls into the state hotline warning that they were at risk.
The grant system proposed by the previous DCF administration was meant to give DCF more control over the companies it was paying to meet care for children. It was also intended to bring more companies to the table with the hope that more players would mean more resources, more ideas, and better outcomes.
The new system would also mean multiple changes at once — to which companies handled foster care and family preservation, as well as which providers would be responsible for various regions of Kansas. Transitions are chaotic, raising fears about what that upheaval would mean for children already in crisis.
Child welfare advocates are quick to add that that doesn’t mean changes should never be made. In a privatized system, DCF’s ability to reduce the role of or outright drop a private company is one of its tools to make sure that a company delivers on its obligations to kids.
And some were hoping for change, even if it did mean disruption.
Some foster parents are frustrated that they can’t get the services they need from current contractors. Though some were encouraged that Kelly’s administration was taking a hard look at who had been awarded grants, putting the grants on pause left them in limbo about whether changes would be made.
Many advocates, lawmakers and other child welfare observers questioned the necessity of so much transition at once — and whether the changes would actually make foster kids’ experiences in the system any better.
Joni Hiatt, director of Kansas programs for the foster care advocacy group FosterAdopt Connect, says she wasn’t surprised by reports that Eckerd had been chosen over groups that were deemed more qualified by the teams who reviewed family preservation proposals.
“To find out that this was how these contracts were chosen,” she said, “that’s so disappointing in so many ways.”
Putting the grants on hold left foster and birth parents in regions where new companies had been awarded grants in a holding pattern. They had to wait to see if they would have the same company handling their kids’ cases, or if it would change.
With the Kelly administration’s decision to extend out the current contracts for a little while longer, and renegotiate foster care and rebid family preservation, many are hopeful for better outcomes. But that process will take time.
“Children, their birth families, foster and adoptive parents,” Hiatt said, “they’re going to have to wait that much longer to access quality services and promised accountability.”
Madeline Fox is a reporter for the Kansas News Service. Follow her on Twitter @maddycfox.
Police investigate report of secret shopper scam in Kansas
DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a scam.
According to a social media report from police in Lawrence, individuals have received packages via UPS that request that they serve as a “secret shopper”.
The package includes two letters and a check for $2,900.
The victims are instructed to cash the check, keep $500 as commission, purchase $2,400 in Walmart gift cards, and then send the gift cards to a Mr. Knower.
“This is a scam. The check will bounce and you will owe your bank $2,900.”
Police reminded, “if it is too good to be true, then it probably is.”
Annexation at Highway 183 Bypass and 33rd approved by city commission
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners Thursday approved an ordinance to annex 23.31 acres of property located on the west side of the Highway 183 Bypass at 33rd Street. It was formerly a mobile home court.
The owners, Robert and Sondra Swift, Hays, requested annexation of the land which is approximately 500 feet from the city limits but is not contiguous.
A portion of the property being annexed is known as Creeksite Acres. Several years ago, the buildings and some infrastructure were removed from the property. The remainder of the property includes Big Creek on the west side. The entire property is located within the 100-year floodplain and any development would be required to follow city of Hays floodplain development ordinances.
Hays Public Works Director Jesse Rohr told the commission the developer plans to extend a city water main from Columbine west to the property at no cost to the city. A sewer line is located along the east side of the bypass.
Plans call for an RV park to be opened at the site according to Jacob Wood, assistant city manager.
At the beginning of Thursday’s meeting, three employees were introduced to the commission by their department heads as new hires or newly promoted.
They are Shirley McDonald, promoted to full-time from part-time administrative assistant for the Public Works Dept., Jacob Schnabel, a new Maintenance Worker I in the Water Resources Dept., and Officer Dakota Gully, who was promoted from part-time to full-time with the Police Dept.
McDonald has worked for public works for four years. “It was an easy transition,” Rohr said.
Schnabel has a bachelors degree in music from Fort State University. “He’ll also in the future be joining the Marines,” said Jeff Crispin, water resources director. “I think that’s awesome.”
Gully is from Golden, Colorado. “Like so many of the young people in our community, Fort Hays State brought him to Hays,” said Don Scheibler, police chief. “He played football for FHSU and wrestled. He has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and secondary education. I think he was on the fast track to becoming a teacher when we grabbed him up and got him interested in law enforcement.”
Both Gully and Schnabel happened to be celebrating their birthdays Thursday, which was also Valentine’s Day.
LaVern Heller
LaVern Heller passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County in Oberlin, Kansas at the age of 91. He was born on September 25, 1927 near Leonardville, Kansas to Otto and Ethel (Johnson) Heller. On December 25, 1949 LaVern was united in marriage to Wanda Lee Mickey at her parent’s home in Wakefield, Kansas. They were blessed with two children: Kathleen Anne and Robert LaVern.
LaVern grew up around Leonardville where he attended Lee School District 79 until 1937. He then attended the Leonardville Grade School for a year and later Riley Grade School. He graduated from Riley High School in 1946 and then enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a Rifleman and a Bugler in the B Troup, 8th Calvary. He was stationed at Camp Funston in Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Knox in Kentucky, Camp Stoneman in California, and Camp Omeiga in Japan. LaVern’s honorable service was recognized with the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan.
LaVern worked as a manager of the Bala Elevator and bookkeeper for the Riley Feed Store for 7 years until he moved to Palco where he worked as a heavy equipment operator for Slick’s Ditching Service for 34 years. LaVern was an active member, treasurer, and “coffee man” for the United Methodist Church for many years. During his spare time he enjoyed square dancing at the Palco Community Hall, keeping his yard looking nice, and fishing. When the weather got cold his favorite thing to do was travel with his wife to various locations in Arizona. LaVern was devoted to a life of serving God and his beloved family.
LaVern is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Shaffer and husband Brent of McCook, NE; son, Robert Heller of Palco, KS; grandchildren, Alicia Leith, Kirstyn Shaffer, and Andrew Heller; and great-grandchild, Zapleigh Zander.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Ethel Heller, wife, Wanda Heller, and sisters, Arlene Gravenstein and Darlene Maginness.
It is said, “Life has meaning only to the degree it is lived in the service of others.” LaVern lovingly gave of himself to family, friends, neighbors, and community because he valued them above all else. His legacy of honor, integrity, and faith will continue to inspire those who knew him best, until we all meet together again in our everlasting home.
Memorial Services will be determined at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County or the Palco United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, KS 67663.
HPD schedules training this week at north Vine
The Hays Police Department will conduct training on Feb. 19 and 20 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 4800 Vine.
“Police officers will be training with police vehicles and equipment. This training is being done with great care and safety,” the HPD said in a news release. “You may see law enforcement officers working in area. There is no need to be alarmed. The officers are merely conducting a realistic training exercise and there is no danger to the community.”
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the on-site supervisor (Lieutenant Tim Greenwood or Detective Sergeant Aaron Larson), or Chief Don Scheibler at 785-625-1030.
Do-not-drink order issued for Lane Co. Rural Water District 1
KDHE
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a do-not-drink order for the Lane Co. Rural Water District 1 located in Lane County.
The order took effect Monday and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a line break resulting in the potential of bacteriological contamination. A secondary water source that is high in nitrates was put into service until the primary well can be returned to use.
Until the line break is repaired the following steps should be observed:
- DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.
- Water, juice and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.
- DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.
- Water should not be ingested or used for brushing teeth. Use bottled water.
- Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from an automatic icemaker.
- Do not use water to cook or prepare food.
- Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested.
- The water may be used to flush toilets.
Limited bottled water is being supplied by the system at the Healy Elementary School for those in need.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a do-not-drink order, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
If you have questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-1317. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:https://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the Do Not Drink Order on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.
For updates online, go to:
- the KDHE news website at https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/nr_index.aspx,
- the KDHE Facebook page at https://Facebook.com/KDHEnews or
- the KDHE Twitter page at https://Twitter.com/KDHE.
Kansas 113th District Representative resigns due to health issue
Kansas Representative of the 113th District Greg Lewis announced his resignation from the Legislature effective Friday. Lewis is a farmer and cattle rancher from St. John.
In a media release, Lewis wrote: To the people of the 113th District, I share with you below what I just shared on the House floor in Topeka:
What I’m about to share I do so only that it may in some way be an encouragement to you. Proverbs 19:21 says “Many are the plans of a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” That certainly speaks of where my heart was Christmas Morning 2018 . . .
The afternoon of Christmas Eve, Susan, myself and our golden retriever, Zoee departed for Kansas City to spend Christmas with our son.
Zoee & I went for our morning walk on Christmas. After returning upstairs I began having problems with my vision, became lightheaded and unstable on my feet.
I told Susan what was going on and that I was headed downstairs while I could still get there on my own. Susan came down and I told her I didn’t know what was happening but I thought we should go to a medical facility. Susan called our son. We went by and picked him up and he told us which hospital to go to due to a short wait time. It was a God thing that we ended up at that medical facility which turned out to be a trauma center for strokes, which also means they have a good neurological team. They thought I was having a stroke but after an MRI, it showed I had a mass on the right side of my brain.
Christmas Day as I sat in the middle of Kansas City at a major medical facility, and thanks to telemedicine that the legislature had just worked on, I found myself speaking to a doctor in Denver, CO. From time to time we do get some things right in the Legislature.
This mass turned out to be a glioblastoma, high grade level IV, which is a cancerous brain tumor that grows exponentially . . . But that is OK. I know this tumor cannot defeat my God or His plan of salvation for me and you.
At this point, I have had 3 craniotomies and am currently taking chemotherapy and radiation.
Philippians 4:7 talks about a peace that transcends all understanding. I can testify to this truth. God has granted me a great peace with all that has occurred and at times even a JOY which I know comes from my relationship with Him.
My parting advice to you is to enjoy each day, enjoy your family, your friends, your fellow legislators. . . but do not take yourself too seriously.
Serve your District with a servant’s heart.
- This is the House of Representatives.
- This is not the house of self Interest.
- This is not the house of special interest.
- This is the People’s House; long may it serve the People and this Great State of Kansas.
It has been an honor to have known and worked with many of you. Though being a legislator was never on my bucket list, reflecting back, this has been a great honor and experience, one which I am grateful for. Susan and I wish to thank all of you for the many phone calls, cards, emails, texts, visits, even help moving offices. But we especially want to thank you for your prayers.
It has become clearly apparent to me that I cannot represent & serve my District and the people of my District at the level they so deserve. Therefore, I am tendering my resignation as State Representative of the 113th Kansas House District effective Friday, February 22nd.
And now to the people of the 113th District- it has been an unexpected journey but a true pleasure to serve you and our rural interests. I hope to pass the torch on to another like-minded servant willing to stand up for our rural way of life and carry on the legacy we have built for our community and our children.
Thank you for the honor to serve you. Susan and I will be forever grateful.
God Bless,
Greg
Donations wanted for ‘Project Prom to Remember’
Project Prom to Remember
Do you have formal wear or prom dresses in your closet that you have been meaning to clean out for awhile? Here is the perfect opportunity to do something useful with your gently used hand-me-downs! Helping Hands with Hays USD 489 is gearing up for their “Project Prom to Remember” 2019.
They are taking donations of prom wear for both men and women to add to the student “store” Sat., February 23rd at the former Rue 21 location inside of Big Creek Crossing, Hays, from 10 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
All items are given free to those who shop with us.
Contact Jolene Windholz at [email protected] for more questions.
BOWERS: Senate Scene Week 5
SENATE HIGHLIGHTS
Last week marked the fifth week of session with the first half of the legislative session almost behind us. As we approach “turn-around” which is February 28th, one hundred and ninety-nine bills have been introduced into committees with Friday as the last day for non-exempt committees to accept bills. Six Senate bills have been sent over to the House for consideration. This week will be the last week for committees to hear and work bills before the half-way point of 2019 session.
SNAPSHOT OF THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE 2019
The Kansas Senate consists of forty Senators – twenty-eight Republicans, eleven Democrats and one Independent with fourteen women and twenty-six men. Fifteen Senators live in cities of 100,000+ population, nine with 20,000 to 100,000, six with 5,000-20,000 and six with 2,000-5000 and four with 0-2000. The Kansas House of Representatives consists of one-hundred twenty-five members with eighty-four Republicans and 41 Democrats with thirty-one women and ninety-four men.
FLOOR ACTION
ACCESS OF CRIMINAL DEFENDANT’S PRESENTENCE INVESTIGATION REPORT SB 19– changes the statute governing the presentence investigation report prepared in criminal cases.
JUDICIAL BRANCH SURCHARGE SB20 – makes the judicial branch surcharge permanent. The Legislature reauthorized the surcharge (HB2041) in 2017 which funds non-judicial personnel.
ATTORNEY GENERAL ENTERING INTO DIVERSION AGREEMENTS SB 18 – allows the attorney general to enter into diversion agreements pursuant to statutes; add a provision specifying that any diversion costs or fees collected under a diversion agreement entered into by the attorney general would be deposited in the Fraud and Abuse Criminal Prosecution Fund.
VEHICLE DEALERS AND MANUFACTURERS LICENSING ACT SB19 – identifies that the dealer may establish its average percentage markup for parts or its labor rate, by submitting to the manufacturer or distributor copies of sequential retail service orders paid by the dealer’s customers, or all of the dealer’s retail service orders paid by the dealer’s customers in a 90-day period.
CONDEMNING THE ENACTMENT OF NEW YORK’S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT SCR 1606 – Senate Concurrent Resolution 1606 condemns the enactment of New York’s Reproductive Health Act (RHA).
ELECTION COMMITTEE
Constitutional Amendment on Population Adjustments – SCR 1605
On Wednesday, Secretary of State Scott Schwab testified in front of the Senate Ethics, Elections and Local Government Committee in support of a constitutional amendment that would end the revision of population figures to reflect where military members and college students reside for the purpose of redistricting. Secretary of State Schwab told the committee that Kansas would have to spend an estimated $834,000 to adjust the 2020 U.S. Census figures to prepare for redrawing political boundaries for House and Senate districts. “The adjustment requirement is burdensome, antiquated and expensive,” Schwab told the committee. “Kansas is the only state in the nation that continues to adjust census numbers. I think this provision of the constitution is a waste.” Secretary of State Schwab explained that the population report relied on for redistricting would be delayed three to six months while a private consultant contacted college students and military personnel in Kansas to determine where they want to be counted as residents. The district maps are based on population. The adjustment of census figures was originally done to allow rural areas -for redistricting- to retain people who had moved elsewhere to serve in the military or attend college. While the original purpose was to help rural areas, the revisions favored urban centers after the 2010 census. For SCR 1605 to be placed on a statewide ballot, it would require the approval by two-thirds majorities of the House and Senate.
Update from the League of Kansas Municipalities and the Association of Counties
The League of Kansas Municipalities and the Kansas Association of Counties presented in the Elections and Local Government Committee on February 5 and gave an overview of Kansas cities and counties. Did you know cities existed before Kansas was a state? It’s true – Leavenworth became a city in 1854 (Kansas became a state in 1861). Thirty-six counties were also created during Kansas’ territorial days. There are 105 counties and 625 cities in Kansas. Counties act as an administrative arm of the state government for elections, taxation, judicial administration, and land records. Counties also provide local services to their respective counties. Cities provide localized services to their residents in the form of public safety, utilities, parks and recreation, infrastructure, economic development and other locally determined services. Cities were granted “Home Rule” by Kansas voters in 1961 which means that local governments, and their officials, are allowed to make policy decisions locally on many issues that affect their cities. There are many challenges city and county leaders see as concerns for local governments. They cited continued struggles to provide quality services at the best price while dealing with a local “tax lid” which was enacted in 2015. Cities continuously cite concerns over providing quality, affordable housing; a trained workforce; and ensuring technology is available across Kansas to connect residents to the Internet for work and educational purposes.
POST AUDIT JOINT COMMITTEE
Auditing has always been a part of State government in Kansas. The original 1859 Kansas Constitution provided for an elected state auditor. A constitutional amendment in 1971 did away with the auditor as an elected position, and the 1971 Legislature passed a bill that created the Legislative Post Audit Committee and the Legislative Division of Post Audit. (The “post” in “Post Audit” refers to auditing transactions after they occur.) Today, the Legislative Post Audit Committee is a 10-member, bipartisan, joint legislative committee made up of five senators and five representatives. To help guarantee the committee’s independence, the members, once appointed, serve for the duration of their term, and the committee chair is elected by the members themselves. The committee directs and oversees the work of the Legislative Division of Post Audit, a 25-person legislative staff agency that audits government programs for efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with the law. It issues 20+ audit reports a year, on topics ranging from computer security to foster care to the state’s economic development activities. The division also contracts with accounting firms to do various financial audits, including those relied on by bond rating agencies and investors. All audits are either required by state law, or selected by the Legislative Post Audit Committee. The division’s mission is to provide accurate, timely, and unbiased information to legislators to help them make informed decisions about the myriad issues affecting Kansans.
The staff recently introduced the latest Audit of an Online Sales Tax review to the committee noting Kansas could see an additional $35M-$60M in additional revenue a year if this tax was collected from on-line companies. This audit and others can be viewed at www.kslpa.org.
From the State Library
The public can find reliable and age appropriate information online with Britannica – Public Library https://kslib.info/eor from the State Library of Kansas. Three levels of learning (Children, Young Adult, and Reference Center) offer continually updated entries, multimedia, primary –source material, maps, and links to expert websites. Double–click any word in the article for the definition to pop up with audio pronunciation. Also available at https://kslib.info/eor, Britannica – Academic includes more scholarly content. Another link https://kslib.info/kids takes you to Britannica – School for learning about any subject for all grades and reading abilities. If you have questions for the librarians – visit the website at [email protected] or call 785-296-3296.
Good News for Senate District #36
The Department of Commerce Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program has awarded 23 projects across the state. Seven cities in Senate District #36 will receive these grants: City of Greenleaf – $300,000 for housing, City of Washington – $600,000 for water, City of Tipton – $102,000 for storm drainage, City of Beloit – $300,000 for housing, City of Downs – $600,000 for water, City of Russell – $600,000 for water and City of Phillipsburg – $462,000 for water. For additional information on the grants from the Department of Commerce call 785 296-3610.
T-WORKS Modernization and Expansion Projects and Schedule
One of six projects proposed in the Governor’s Budget is US-281 in Russell County (15th street in Russell to 3 miles north) which is a three-mile stretch, two-lane reconstruction project with the planned schedule start date in the spring of 2020. Seventeen projects pending funding include US 281 in Russell County of 12 miles of two-lane reconstruction with a possible schedule date of 2023 and K-383 in Phillips County reconstruction and added shoulders also to start in 2023.
VISITORS FROM SENATE DISTRICT #36
The fifth week of session was one of the busiest of the legislative year so far. The Kansas State Fire Fighters Association held their annual reception for legislators at the Historic Fire Station #2 in downtown Topeka. Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services members attended their annual meeting and visited with their legislators – Kathy Coleman representing the city of Miltonvale and Region IV stopped in between her meetings. Members from home with the North Central-Flint Hills Area on Aging had lunch with us for Older Kansans Day and stayed to watch the Senate session. Kansas Livestock Association members attended their annual event and dinner on Wednesday and Leadership Mitchell County invited Rep. Susan Concannon and myself to join them for lunch and a legislative update from us. Kansas Farm Bureau members met with legislators for lunch. County Treasurers and the members of the Kansas Chiropractic Association met us on February 14th for their annual visit with legislators.
I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at www.kslegislature.org. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website. The House meets at 11:00 a.m. and the Senate at 2:30 p.m.. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.
Thank you for the honor of serving you!
Senator Elaine Bowers
Kansas State Capitol Building
Room 223-E
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, KS 66612
[email protected]
785-296-7389
www.kslegislature.org
Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is the 36th Dist. state senator and serves as the Senate Majority Whip. The 36th Senate District includes Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties and portions of Marshall and Phillips counties.
Hays High to present ‘Cheaper By The Dozen’
Irene Beilman
Irene Beilman, 95, passed away on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 in the early hours surrounded by the love of family.
She was born on May 9, 1923, the daughter of Aquiline and Mary Romey. On May 23,1943, Irene married Ben “Bun” Beilman. Together, they shared 74 years of marriage until Bun’s passing on June 16, 2017. They lived in Hays, Kansas until 1975 then moved to Topeka, Kansas with one last move to Colorado in 2013.
Her greatest love was her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved spending time gardening, writing long letters to her loved ones, taking pictures and putting them in her picture books as well as preparing delicious dinners for her ever-busy dinner table.
Survivors include six sons, Mick (Jeanne) of Broomfield, Co, Paul (Sharon) of Las Vegas, NV, Gene (Celina) of Hays, KS, Jim (Valerie) of Topeka, Ks, Chris (Theresa) of DeSoto, Ks, Bernie (Jeanette) of Topeka, Ks; two daughters, Clarita Beluscak of Broomfield, CO, and Laurie Toepfer (Phil) of Hays, KS; one sister, Kathy Riedel of Wichita, KS; one brother-in-law Allen Arnhold, 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Elmer Romey, three sisters, Marie Hertel, Ellie Young and Carole Arnhold.
A memorial mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at St Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays, Kansas, with Father Fred Gatschet officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church, and a rosary will begin at 9:40 a.m. An inurnment will take place after mass at St. Joseph Cemetery-Hays, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association or for masses in her honor.
Norton Co. Sheriff asks for help to locate stolen vehicle
According to the sheriff’s department’s facebook page, the stolen vehicle is a Maroon 2016 Chev Malibu 4 door. It had a KU license plate on the front.
If you have any information please contact the Norton County Sheriff’s Office at 785-877-5780.