OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Students in suburban Kansas City have sent thousands of sweet notes of encouragement to students in Parkland, Florida, on the first anniversary of a shooting rampage that left 17 people dead.
Image courtesy Missy Pint
Missy Pint, of Lenexa, Kansas, began planning the surprise weeks ago. She encouraged students at several schools to write words of encouragement on a candy label for “The Sweet Note Project.”
Pint flew this week to Florida, where she and a friend spent 18 hours applying labels to 400 pounds of chocolate. They delivered about 3,500 chocolate bars Tuesday to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Pint saved 2,000 for the Kansas City community.
One note read: “You are brave.” Another charmingly misspelled message proclaimed: “Your a treashore to the world.”
HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has expanded services to their cardiac program recently.
Drs. Rhea Pimentel and Madhu Reddy have been seeing patients for several months at the Debakey Heart Institute. Both physicians are electrophysiologists, cardiologists who specialize in the electrical functions of the heart.
“Our affiliation with The University of Kansas Health System has made it possible to bring these much needed services available locally,” said Bryce Young, chief operating officer at HaysMed. “We were able to make arrangements for these physicians to come to Hays on a regular basis to see patients in our heart clinic. The addition of the two electrophysiologists will help strengthen the cardiac services available at HaysMed.”
Dr. Pimentel completed medical school at Northwestern University. She did here residency at the University Hospital of Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University and a fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine.
Dr. Madhu Reddy
Dr. Reddy completed medical school at the Armed Forces medical College and did a residency and fellowship at Creighton University and a fellowship at The University of Kansas Medical Center.
While cardiologists typically evaluate and treat patients with heart-related symptoms, including a fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness and other symptoms, electrophysiologists deal with the diagnosis and management of irregular heart rhythm. In most cases, when a cardiologist suspects a patient has an arrhythmia, they refer that patient to an electrophysiologist for further care.
Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm, whether that is too fast, too slow or erratically. When the heart is unable to beat properly, it can affect blood flow, which can cause damage to or even shut down the brain, lungs and other organs. Some arrhythmias are harmless, but others can be life-threatening.
One of the most common arrhythmias that electrophysiologists treat is atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib. AFib occurs when the heart’s upper chambers—the atria—contract irregularly. AFib is the most common type of heart arrhythmia in the U.S., and it is a leading cause of blood clots that can result in a deadly stroke.
The number of people with arrhythmias is increasing and as the population ages, that number will continue to go up.
“We are excited to be able to help patients in this region with their electrophysiology needs so they can have the convenience of receiving this type of care closer to home,” said Dr. Jeffery Curtis, cardiologist and administrative director of the DeBakey Heart Clinic.
“We’re fortunate that being part of the system has given us the opportunity to have access to additional cardiologists to focus on our patients with heart rhythm problems. Any time we can partner and offer additional services for our patients it is a win-win situation. It is definitely a benefit of being part of The University of Kansas Health System.”
SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged violent attack and have made an arrest.
Herrera -photo Saline County
On Tuesday, a 19-year-old who is pregnant, had gone to visit 38-year-old Gerad Herrera at the Budget King Motel, 809 N. Broadway in Salina, according to Salina Police Lt. Jim Feldman.
The woman told police that during the visit, Herrera became irate and repeatedly beat her and strangled her multiple times. Additionally, she reported that sexual acts took place against her will, Herrera shave off some of her hair and at one point threatened to kill her, according to Feldman.
On Wednesday morning, Herrera had to leave the motel and took the woman with him. She was able to get away from Herrera and made her way to a relative’s house, according to Feldman. The relative then took the woman to the Salina Police Department.
After reporting the incident, the woman went to Salina Regional Health Center to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to Feldman.
Later Wednesday, police were able to make contact with Herrera at the motel, and after a short scuffle, he was placed under arrest and is being held on requested charges that include rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery, criminal restraint, criminal threat, felony obstruction, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Herrera has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
The USD 388 Board of Education Wednesday announced the selection of Corey Burton, as the new superintendent.
Burton will take the reins on July 1 after the retirement of Robert Young at the end of the 2018-19 school year.
Burton is currently serving as the Ellis JH/SH principal and has done so for 13 years.
Previously, Burton served as principal at Hillsboro Middle School and as district curriculum coordinator for USD 410 for three years and, prior to that position, he also served in Hillsboro High School as a business/computer teacher for from 1994-2003.
Q & A
Why did you want to be superintendent at Ellis?
My family and I truly enjoy living in the Ellis community and being a part of the Ellis school system. I knew that one day I wanted to be a school superintendent, and I am very happy that I will get that opportunity while staying in the community we love.
Are there any goals you have as the new superintendent?
I believe that we have a great teaching staff and excellent school system. My hope is to continue this tradition by working with staff, students, parents and the community to ensure we continue to meet our students’ needs.
What do you think the Ellis school district is doing well right now?
Providing our students (PK-12) a high quality caring learning environment.
What do you see as some of the challenges the district is facing and how would you address those challenges?
As with any western Kansas school district, I see maintaining a quality staff as a challenge. We will need to work together to ensure our staff has competitive wages and a positive work environment. We will need to be proactive in recruiting high quality staff members.
What are some of things you will take from working at the Jr./Sr. high into working in the superintendent position?
Serving in the role of Jr./Sr. high school principal for 13 years, I feel I have a pretty good understanding on how our district runs and functions. I think this will make my transition into my new role much easier.
Do you think you have good relations with teachers, how would you improve those relationships?
I do feel that I already have a good working relationship with most of the staff. I look forward to visiting with each of them to learn more about what I can do in my new role to help them in their position.
You seem to have a very positive relationship with community members, how have you built that and how do intend to maintain that?
I believe that the community knows that I care about kids and that I am committed to my job. I don’t see this changing as I move into my new role.
Our county Farm Bureau board members support Kansas Farm Bureau’s effort to ensure farmers and ranchers have access to affordable health care. We ask Kansas legislators to vote yes on Senate Bill 32. This will allow KFB to offer its members a market-based solution for health coverage while supporting local hospitals and providers.
The cost of health care benefits is a major expense for Kansas farm families. Area producers are also battling a decline in net farm income of more than 50 percent over the past five years. KFB estimates it can offer its members a robust and competitive benefit that’s 30 percent less expensive than current market options. KFB’s health benefit will offer local farmers and ranchers a cost-effective option to receive care they need in our community.
SB 32 will provide options for area farmers and ranchers who don’t qualify for subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and can’t afford spending up to $40,000 to insure their family.
KFB’s health benefit will offer farmers and ranchers a cost-effective option to receive care they need in the communities where they live.
We strongly ask the Kansas Legislature to allow KFB to offer this coverage to its members.
Ellis County Farm Bureau President Matt Grabbe
Trego County Farm Bureau President Gerald Riedle
Rooks County Farm Bureau President Anna Luna
Russell County Farm Bureau President Gerald Machin
Gove County Farm Bureau President Kassie Remington
Rush County Farm Bureau President Maureen George
Barton County Farm Bureau President Jerry Morgenstern
Ness County Farm Bureau President Lauri Petersilie
OBERLIN — The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office has announced an arrest after a series of burglaries across several counties in Kansas and Nebraska.
The department reported Thursday that Nathan Sunblade was taken into custody Wednesday by the Norton Police Department on a Decatur County warrant.
He was arrested on suspicion of six counts of felony burglary and two counts of theft. He remains held at the Decatur County jail on a $50,000 bond.
“I would like to thank the Norton Police Department and the Norton County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this investigation,” the department said in a release on social media. “We anticipate several other arrests in these cases.”
The Kansas Legislature opened its 2019 session on January 14. It will most likely close up shop sometime in May. Governor Laura Kelly came into office with a well-defined agenda, and lots of optimistic Democrats foresaw school funding increases and Medicaid expansion moving through the legislative process.
Burdett Loomis, Professor, Political Science, College of Liberal Arts and Science, University of Kansas
Conversely, conservative Republican leaders in both chambers, their numbers buttressed by the same electorate that decisively chose Kelly over Republican Kris Kobach, have made aggressive opening moves to return the so-called “windfall” from 2017 federal tax changes back to a select number of Kansas families and corporations who may pay increased state taxes.
Meanwhile, Kansas tax revenues have fallen substantially ($49 million) below estimates for January. No one knows if that is a hiccup or the start of a trend, but it does signal a possible problem for either increased spending or reduced taxes.
And that’s just it. Legislative sessions are not sprints, they are four-month marathons, often culminating in omnibus budget packages and other deals that address a multitude of issues under severe time constraints. This comes as no surprise. Still, every legislative session is different, and sometimes, as in 2019, it will take some time just to understand where power lies and when it can be used.
Crucial here, for both Republicans and Democrats, is to determine what is the three-party breakdown of conservative Republicans, moderate Republicans, and Democrats. Although numbers will shift from issue to issue, some rough breakdown will allow Governor Kelly and legislative leaders to assess what kinds of bills can pass through the Legislature and win her signature.
The Senate’s initial salvo, passing a $191-million “windfall” tax reduction, demonstrated that the GOP-dominated Senate likely has no automatic veto-override majority of 27 votes; nor will the House. That established, the legislative process can continue, although we should not expect much in the way of short-term results. As time passes, we will get the February and March revenue reports and then, in early April, a new set of revenue estimates. Only then, perhaps, will the actual outlines of major policy decisions become clear, despite the “deadline” of April 15 for both sides to respond to the Supreme Court’s school finance decision.
All this does not mean that the Legislature will not be busy, and potentially productive, over the next couple of months. A host of younger legislators, mostly House Democrats, are eager to make their mark, with their proposals on discrimination, on spousal abuse, and other issues; likewise, legalizing medical marijuana is on the agenda, and sports betting may be.
As lawmakers address these issues, with committee hearings and, eventually, floor votes and some attempted veto overrides, legislative leaders will form a better sense of what this year’s version of the Legislature will finally look like.
Ultimately, the dual realities of a Democratic governor’s veto pen and the more conservative nature of both House and Senate will define what policies merge from the Legislature. Most likely, we will see end-game legislating and close votes that will determine what Kansas does on taxation, Medicaid expansion, and adding funds for school finance.
Recently, GOP senators, per the Kansas News Service, have challenged Laura Kelly’s political strength and her toughness. Let’s be clear, her political strength comes from her ability to veto legislation and hold her troops together to prevent overrides. Her toughness? Ha. This is a legislator who has served in the minority for 14 years and has learned all the ropes. Beyond that, she decisively defeated Mr. Macho Machine Gun in the governor’s race. She’s tough, it she’ll need all the support and all the toughness she can muster to prevail as the legislative calendar turns to May.
Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.
Irene Blanch (Sorell) Fringer was born September 28, 1921 in Garden City, Kansas to Louis Edward (Ed) and Evelyne Eva (Patenaude) Sorell.
She passed away February 13, 2019 at the age of 97 at Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin.
Irene was the youngest of four daughters born to Ed and Evelyne. Her childhood was spent in many places, as Ed was a handyman and went where he could find work. At the age of four, Irene and her family moved to Dresden, Kansas. This is where they called home for many years.
Irene graduated from Dresden High School in 1942. After high school she took care of her parents and was a house keeper for people in the community.
On January 19, 1957 Verman Jessy Fringer and Irene were married in Norton, Kansas. After their marriage they made their home on the Fringer farmstead in Custer Township south east of Oberlin. To this union three children were born. Rose, Robert, and Patricia (Patty).
Irene enjoyed farm life and all that came with the title of being a farmer’s wife. She loved and cared for the many animals on the farm. Her favorites were her cats; however, with the many family dogs running a close second.
In 1981 Irene and Verman moved to Oberlin as the farm life was getting too much for them. It was also about this time that Irene decided she needed to learn to drive a car. So, at age 60, Robert taught his mom to drive. She then became very self-sufficient and loved making trips up town.
Irene was a resident at CLC and then at Good Sam for many years. She always enjoyed being the “greeter” and always had a smile for those entering if she was at her table.
Irene enjoyed visiting with whoever might stop by. She especially loved visits from her grandkids and great grandkids, and always insisted she needed new pictures of them.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Evelyne; sisters: Zelda Barker, Josephine Plante and Louise Tilten and husband, Verman.
Irene is survived by her son, Robert Edward (Penny) Fringer of Oberlin; daughters: Rose Evelyne Fringer (Rick Stienhour) of Nebraska, and Patricia Ann (Bill) Killingsworth of Salina; grandchildren: Dylan Jay Killingsworth of Salina, KS, Ellen JoAnn (Fringer ) Osborne of Wichita, KS, Wayland Stienhour of Nebraska, Rebecca Jean (Fringer) Jones of Colby, KS, Wendi Alta Kay (Killingsworth ) Davila of Salina, KS, Dalton Stienhour of Nebraska, Sarah Jane (Fringer) Wolf of Colby, KS; 11 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many many friends.
A Wake Service will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 1:30 pm at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, KS. Burial will follow at Oberlin Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 am – 1:00 pm before the service. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Society of Decatur County for the flooring project. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com
Chetty Ann (Brown) Peckham, 75, passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
She was born at Perrin Army Air Base in Sherman, Texas, on November 3, 1943, and died at home in Derby, KS, on February 11, 2019.
Chetty was very proud to have graduated Magna Cum Laude from Butler County Community College.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester Brown of Sherman, TX and Loretta Brown of Victoria, KS.
She is survived by her husband, Ray Peckham of Derby; daughter, Laurie Lynn Lo Nigro; granddaughter, Nora Ann Lo Nigro, both of Wichita; many cousins. Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Friday, February 15, 2019, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
Funeral Mass will be at 1:30 pm, Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Graveside Service will be at 1:00 pm, Monday, February 18, 2019, at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, KS. Special thanks to Kiefer Senior Care and Kindred Hospice. A memorial has been established with St. Fidelis Catholic Church, 900 Cathedral, Victoria, KS 67671.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school district is taking steps to respond to two students bringing guns to Lawrence High School in the last week.
Lawrence High -Google image
USD 497 spokeswoman Julie Boyle said Tuesday night that the district had activated its Crisis Support Team at Lawrence High. She said the district also will have more adults present during late arrival and has asked for increased police presence at the school this week.
School staff is being asked to identify students who need more counseling and a gun safety campaign will be at basketball games on Feb. 19.
Boyle says no one was endangered during the two incidents, one on Feb. 6 and the other Tuesday. Three other gun-related incidents were reported this calendar year at Lawrence High and Free State.
Boyd Lynn Scarrow, age 73, entered into rest on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at the Jewell County Hospital, Mankato, Kansas. He was born on January 3, 1946 in rural Mankato, Kansas to Vern and Ruby (Hamilton) Scarrow.
He was a 1964 graduate of Mankato High School. Lynn then played football for Fairbury College. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University.
Lynn served in the Army National Guard.
He married Sonja Berry on October 3, 1971 in Mankato, Kansas.
Lynn worked as the Jewell County Treasurer before retiring after 32 years. Lynn began farming with his father Vern in the 70’s.
He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as treasurer, Jaycees and Mankato/Rock Hills Booster Club. Lynn also coached baseball, was involved in 4-H, served as leader of the Eager Beavers.
His passions were family, farming, and watching KSU Sports.
Lynn is survived by his wife, Sonja of Mankato; 1 daughter, Tara Scarrow and husband David Garcia, Concord, CA.; 2 sons, Preston Scarrow, Galena, KS.; Justin Scarrow (Jenny), Mankato, KS.; 6 grandchildren, Ryan and wife Dakota, Caitlynn, Case, Gracelynn, Addysin, and Gannon Scarrow; 2 brothers, Lloyd Scarrow (Sharon), Fairbury, NE.; Von Scarrow, Lindsborg, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents Vern and Ruby, sister, Marjorie Lucas.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on, Friday, February 15, 2019 at the Melby Mortuary in Mankato, Kansas. Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mankato with Pastor Dennis Beckmann officiating.
Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the Jewell County Hospital ISB, Evangelical Lutheran Church or Mankato Endowment, c/o Melby Mortuary.
For online condolences, please visit www.melbymortuary.com.
Donald Eugene Chegwidden, 82, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.
Don was born May 31, 1936, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Harley and Charlotte (Marsh) Chegwidden. He grew up in Bunker Hill, Kansas, and graduated from Bunker Hill High School. He then attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a degree in Biology.
Don was united in marriage to Julia Rae Rogg on June 21, 1958, in Bunker Hill. This union was blessed with two daughters, Connie Louise and Suzanne Marie. They made their home in Russell.
Don was a Biology teacher at Russell High School for 37 years. During this time he also worked as a crop adjuster and at the Bunker Hill grain elevator during harvest. He was well known for raising exotic animals and birds, classic shetlands and miniature horses, and many breeds of cattle. He was a mentor to many and enjoyed hearing from former students. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He also belonged to the Russell Masonic Lodge and the Isis Shrine of Salina.
Don’s surviving family include his wife of 60 years, Julia, of the home; daughters, Connie Kelley (Dick) and Suzanne Matthias (Greg), all of Wichita, Kansas; granddaughter, Julia Tyler (Jarrett), and great grandson, Jeremiah Everrett Tyler, of Katy, Texas; and brother, Dan Chegwidden (Janet) of East Lansing, Michigan.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Connie Pat Chegwidden.
A Celebration of Don’s life will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, February 15, 2019, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell. Masonic Services will be conducted by the Russell Masonic Lodge. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, February 14, 2019, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established with St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
HUTCHINSON — A bill going through a Kansas House committee is being pushed by Kansas State Fair GM Robin Jennison in hopes it will provide another avenue to raise funds for various projects.
House Bill 2215 would allow the State Fair Foundation Board to become a nonprofit 501(c)3 entity.
Jennison explains the reason for the legislation:
Jennison says the plan is simple in that it will give the fair a chance to be more sustaining:
Jennison added that it also allows the fair to go after private donations and funds to help with needed projects:
A hearing on the bill takes place Monday. The hope is to have it on the House floor later this week.
