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Year: 2019

Phillipsburg, Logan superintendent to interview at Hays USD 489

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USD 489

Mike Gower

Michael Gower will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the USD 489 Board of Education on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Gower is the third of four candidates the USD 489 Hays Board of Education will be interviewing. Keith Hall, USD 489 interim director of finance, and Jamie Wetig, Ashland superintendent, interviewed for the job last week. One more candidate will interview with the board on Thursday. The school board is set to vote on its selection at the school board meeting on Monday.

Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups that were utilized throughout the search process.

Gower is currently serving as the Superintendent of Phillipsburg Schools in USD 325 and Logan Schools in USD 326. Gower is in his ninth year in the position at Phillipsburg and sixth year at Logan. In 2017 Gower became an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Fort Hays State University and continues to serve in that capacity.

The community is invited to meet the candidate from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Toepfer Board Room at the Rockwell Administration Center.

Schedule February 6, 2019

9 a.m. Arrive at Rockwell Administration Center

9:05  – 9:20 a.m. Meet with Superintendent Thissen

Receive schedule and information for the day

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Roosevelt Elementary School – facility tour and meet and greet

10:15 – 11:00 am Drive to Lincoln, O’Loughlin, and Early Childhood Connections

11 – 11:45 a.m. Hays High School – facility tour and meet and greet

Noon – 1:15 p.m. Lunch with building administrators

1:30 – 2:15 p.m. Hays Middle School (drive by Wilson) – facility tour and meet and greet

2:30 – 3:15 p.m.Rockwell Administration Center – facility tour and meet and greet

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Community and parent meet and greet – Toepfer Board Room

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Free time for the candidate (the district will provide transportation to and from the motel for the candidate and/or guest.

5:30 p.m. Dinner with board, candidate and guest, central administrative team

6:15 p.m. Formal Interview

UPDATE: KBI identifies suspect in Saline County carjacking, officer shooting

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SALINE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Tuesday night in Saline County.

Local law enforcement officers with guns drawn at the intersection of Country Club Road and Whitmore Road. Photo courtesy Kelsey Venables

According to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, just after 5p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5,  the Salina Police Department responded to the report of an armed carjacking near 9th St. and Schilling Rd. in Salina. The carjacking suspect, who was later identified as 24-year-old Colt F. Wright, of Derby, is alleged to have taken a 2010 Jeep Wrangler at gunpoint.

A short time later, Wright struck a Salina Police Department vehicle with the Jeep in an attempt to elude officers. Then, officers from the Salina Police Department, and deputies from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office began pursuing the suspect. During the pursuit, Wright shot at law enforcement officers from both the Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Salina Police Department who were chasing the fleeing suspect in their agency vehicles. A deputy from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office was wounded when debris from a round striking the vehicle injured his face.

Police continued to pursue Wright until he lost control of his vehicle near Whitmore Rd. and Country Club Rd. in rural Saline County. Soon after he crashed, Wright exchanged gunfire with police. One sheriff’s deputy and one police officer fired their weapons. The suspect was struck by gunfire during the exchange. No law enforcement officers were hit by gunfire.

EMS responded and Wright was transported to Salina Regional Hospital where he underwent surgery. The Saline County sheriff’s deputy was also taken to Salina Regional for treatment of his injury.

The KBI will complete a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once the investigation is completed, the findings will be turned over to the Saline County Attorney for review.

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SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a carjacking and officer involved shooting in Saline County.

Just after 5p.m. Tuesday, an armed car jacking occurred at the Kwik Shop on Schilling Road in Salina, according to Police Chief Brad L. Nelson.

Just before 5:30p.m.,  a police officer observed the stolen vehicle on Magnolia. Prior to initiating a vehicle stop, the suspect backed up and rammed the officer’s vehicle at Magnolia and 9th Street. This resulted in the police vehicle being disabled and the suspect fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. The officer was not injured.

Deputies from the Saline County Sheriffs Department located the vehicle a few moments later.

Salina Police officers and Sheriffs Deputies pursued the vehicle and the suspect fired multiple rounds at law enforcement during the pursuit.

Just before 6p.m., the suspect crashed at the intersection of Whitmore and Country Club Road. A Deputy and Salina officer discharged their duty weapons after the crash when the suspect exited the vehicle with a handgun.

The suspect was placed into custody and was transported to the Salina Regional Hospital for treatment.

A Deputy sustained minor injuries during the pursuit and was also taken to Salina Regional Hospital and was treated and released. No other officers were injured during this incident.

The suspect’s identify has not been released.

The KBI will be investigating this officer involved shooting.

 

 

Kansas man who led police on a chase from DUI check lane sentenced

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TOPEKA, KAN. – A driver who led police on a chase at more than 70 mph was sentenced Tuesday to 42 months in federal prison on a firearm charge, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Norwood -photo Shawnee Co.

Darryl Kevin Norwood, 30, Topeka, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.

In his plea, Norwood admitted that instead of stopping at a DUI check lane he fled from police at speeds exceeding 70 mph.

He hit another car and continued to flee on foot before being arrested. Police found a .380 caliber pistol on the floorboard of his car.
Norwood was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions.

Burton will interview for Ellis USD 388 superintendent job Wednesday

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Burton

Ellis USD 388

ELLIS — Corey Burton will interview for the position of superintendent with the board of education Wednesday.

Burton is the second of three candidates that the USD 388 Ellis Board of Education will interview. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from a focus survey which were utilized throughout the search process.

Burton is currently serving as Ellis High School principal. He is in his 12th year in that position. 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.

Corey Burton’s Schedule
3:30 pm Corey’s video presentation shared with the public online and by email
5:30 -6:30 Dinner @ district office
6:30 – 9:30 Formal interview, Special BOE meeting in executive session @ district office

The board of education will conclude interviews on Feb. 7.

Fire chief presents 2018 report to Ellis County Commission

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BY JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Fire Department responded to 320 calls for service in 2018, a slight decrease from the year before but they still spent more than 6,600 hours on emergency incidents in and around the county.

Director of Fire and Emergency Management Darin Myers presented the commission with the departments 2018 annual report Monday.

According to information Myers presented to the commission, the 320 calls were a 5 percent decrease from 2017 but, from 2016 to 2017, the calls increased by 23 percent.

Myers

Of those calls, 38.8 percent were fire related and 27.8 percent were rescue and Emergency Medical Services calls.

The response times within the county continue to improve, according to Myers. He said in 2018 the average on-scene time within Ellis County was 9 minutes, 34 seconds.

“We also plan that it takes about three minutes for firefighters to get to the station before they report out and are responding in an emergency vehicle,” Myers said. “That’s pretty good timing for the volunteers to be able to get back to their station and start responding.”

Recently, the number of volunteer emergency personnel has been trending downward, according to Myers.

“Luckily, over the last four years, we’ve steadily increased,” he said. “I wouldn’t say we ever have enough, just because of the time of day the incident happens. Usually between 8 a.m. and 5p.m. is when the firefighters are working their primary jobs.”

There are currently 83 paid-per-call firefighters in six companies after two recent retirements.

The department still had an average of 12 firefighters who respond to each call. Myers said, on average, 33 firefighters respond to structure fires within the county.

Myers also highlighted 2018 accomplishments that included the improvement of the department’s Public Protection Classification, the purchase of new radio equipment and the installation of new outdoor warning sirens.

In other business, the commission elected to leave in place the county-wide burn ban resolution.

The resolution allows Myers to implement the ban unilaterally, without the commission’s approval, although Myers said he does not intend to implement the ban at this time.

The commission also approved an employee pay plan that adjusts wages for employees with more than five years of service and provides a 2 percent increase to all other employees.

Ben V. Jenik

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Ben V. Jenik entered into rest on January 18, 2019, peacefully at his home in Visalia, California, at 100 years of age. He was born on the family farm in Menlo, Kansas, on May 6, 1918 to Ben and Rosa (Volok) Jenik. He was the 6th of eight children. His brothers were Frank (Phyllis), Fred (Margaret), Beldon (Betty), and Allan (Betty). His sisters were Mabel (Fred Gaede), Alice (Vernon Richmond), and Hester (Eddie Ryan). All of his siblings, their spouses and his parents preceded him in death.

Ben married Viola Wassemiller on August 8, 1947 in Monument, Kansas. She preceded him in death on March 11, 2015. They were married 67 years. To this union are five surviving children: Juanita, Patty, Barbara (John), Les (Donna), and Laurie. He also leaves seven surviving grandchildren: Jopha, Cynthia, Joshua, Kleet, Coltan, Benjamin and Brandon, (one grandson, Rowdy Mangini, preceded him in death in 1988), six great-grandchildren and numerous extended family cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ben’s father passed away when Ben was 11 years old, so to help his mother, he worked the family farm and neighboring dairies. When he was 16, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was sent to the CCC camp in Lamoni, Iowa. The CCC was a program to help build roads, bridges, and dams. At age 18, he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as one of the “Pick and Shovel Gang”, replacing ties and rail. In 1940, at age 22, he went to work for the Kellner Implement Company, in Oakley, Kansas. In June 1942, he was drafted into the Army Air Force at Fort Riley, Kansas. Rifle Marksman was his military qualification. His military occupational specialty was Supply Technician. On July 25, 1943, he boarded the Queen Mary for England, where he served during WWII, assigned to the 21st Depot Supply Squadron, 8th Army Air Force, 490th Bomb Group, attaining rank of Sergeant. After his discharge on November 12, 1945, he returned to his job at the Kellner Implement Company.

In 1947, he married Viola and they made their home in Oakley, Kansas (1947-1956). In 1956 he moved his family to McDonald, Kansas where he went into a John Deere partnership with his brother Fred (1956-1958). He moved his family to Thornton, Colorado (1958-1959) and then in April of 1959, he moved his family to Visalia, California to work again for his old boss, Lloyd Kellner. Ben continued to work as a John Deere mechanic for over 40 years until he retired in 1983.

He enjoyed taking annual trips to Kansas, gardening, feeding and watching the birds, bowling, and tinkering on various projects.

He was a kind, gentle and peaceful man who will be greatly missed and eternally loved and cherished.

Services will be held on Friday, March 8, 2019, 10:00 am at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home in Oakley, Kansas, with military honors and burial following at the Monument Cemetery in Monument, Kansas.

Kan. congressional delegation mostly pleased with State of the Union address

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WASHINGON —President Donald Trump called for optimism and unity in Tuesday’s State of the Union address, using the moment to attempt a reset after two years of bitter partisanship and deeply personal attacks.

Members of the Kansas congressional delegation had a wide variety of thoughts on Trump’s address.

Senator Jerry Moran said, “President Trump is right to focus on rebuilding our nation’s crumbling infrastructure – an issue that can garner broad support from Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate – which ought to include a plan to expand broadband in rural areas.

I was also pleased to hear the president’s commitment to work with Congress to ratify the USMCA and expand trade for Kansas farmers and ranchers, expediently implement the VA MISSION Act to help provide our veterans with accessible healthcare, lower the rising cost of healthcare and prescription medication, and aggressively fight cancer and deadly diseases.

President Trump during Tuesday’s State of the Union address- White House courtesy image

Additionally, I share the president’s goal of better securing our borders and I was pleased he did not declare a national emergency at our border, instead opting to allow Congress to continue our work and negotiate a solution.President Trump’s message regarding his hope for bipartisan policy achievements was an important step in the right direction, and I am committed to working with my colleagues and the administration on delivering positive results for Kansans and for the American people.”

First District Congressman Roger Marshall said, “Since elected, this Administration has been focused on lifting regulatory and tax burdens, unleashing our economy, and most importantly keeping our country safe. Tonight, we heard President Trump discuss American exceptionalism and the endless opportunities for success that our nation has when we put politics aside and work together. President Trump made it clear that his vision for success is only possible when both parties come to the table. I am hopeful that we can take President Trump’s call for unity and begin to work closer with each other understanding that we have one goal, a better America,” Rep Marshall said. “We must secure our border; we must address this national crisis and work together on finding a solution by the February 15th deadline.”

The President called for Congress to ‘show the world that America is committed to ending illegal immigration and putting the ruthless coyotes, cartels, drug dealers, and human traffickers out of business.I am standing with the President, and we must secure our border by building the wall.”

Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes said, “President Trump set clear goals to build on the progress we’ve made to grow our economy at historic levels, rebuild our military, and invest in our communities to address serious issues like the opioid crisis,” said Rep. Estes. “Tonight, the president also clearly made the case for achieving strong border security that includes a wall, affordable health care, decisive foreign policy and legislation which protects the unborn. I applaud the president’s leadership and will work with him to secure our border, grow our economy and support families in Kansas and throughout our country.”

Third District Congresswoman Sharice Davids has not released a statement on the address.

FHSU Center for Civic Leadership events in February

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FHSU University Relations

A volunteer opportunity at the Via Christi Village in Hays with Tigers In Service is among the events in February provided by Fort Hays State University’s Center for Civic Leadership.

“This event is great for both the volunteers and the residents because it gives them both a chance to share really amazing stories and experiences with other people they may have never met before,” said Devan Flegler, project coordinator for the Center for Civic Leadership.

The Via Christi Residential Painting begins at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb 6. Volunteers will assist residents in painting a Valentine’s Day themed painting.

Highlights of events in February are listed chronologically.

Monday, February 11: Valentine’s week table
12:30 to 2 p.m. – Tigers In Service will have a table in Memorial Union so that students will be able to fill out cute, kindness notes and deliver them to the person of their choosing.
Tuesday, February 12: Red Hand Day
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – FHSU’s American Democracy Project and the Global Leadership Project will host Red Hand Day, dedicated to raising awareness of child soldiers forced into war around the world. Participants will dip their hands in red ink and place them on a picture that will be hung in the Memorial Union.
Thursday, February 14: “Love Doesn’t Hurt”
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – This presentation by the Women’s Leadership Project in the Memorial Union will dispel myths around common “red flags” in relationships.
Wednesday, February 20: Times Talk: “Online Security”
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. – The American Democracy Project and Forsyth Library will host Jessica States of the Office of Technology Services, who will present on avoiding compromised information online. The presentation will be in the South Study Space of Forsyth Library.
Monday, February 25: Table for Volunteer Opportunities
12:30 to 2 p.m. – Tigers In Service will have a table in the Memorial Union with information about upcoming volunteer opportunities around the Hays community, alternative weekend breaks and alternative spring break.

LETTER: February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

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Many adults are unaware that teens experience dating violence. Yet in 2010, the U.S. Congress enhanced what had been Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week to Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, based on the rising number of incidents in teens ages 11-17 across the country.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that nearly 1 in 9 female teens and approximately 1 in 13 male teens report having experienced physical dating violence. In addition, over 1 in 7 female teens and 1 in 19 male teens report having experienced sexual dating violence. 23% of women and 14% of men first experienced these or other forms of violence by a partner before age 18. (CDC 2017)

Teens who experience relationship violence are at risk for additional difficulties such as depression, substance abuse and suicide. Victims are also at greater risk of experiencing the same patterns of violence later in life.

As a community, we have a responsibility to make dating and domestic violence an intolerable act – anytime, anywhere.

Jana’s Campaign is thrilled that Hays and surrounding communities recognize this is a social issue that can be eradicated, and are willing to do the work involved in that process. We are extremely thankful to the hundreds of people who believe in the #PowerOfPrevention, who help support and fund our work.

We believe education is the most powerful instrument of social change and development. We believe through education, we can change and improve social attitudes, behaviors, customs, interactions, relations and social norms.

Since 2013, Jana’s Campaign has worked with nearly 550 middle and high schools educating about and preventing against gender and relationship violence. We commend these schools for understanding the importance of talking to their students about healthy– and unhealthy–relationships.

Throughout February and beyond, please join our efforts to educate and raise awareness about the hidden social disease of gender and relationship violence – dating and domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking. We ask you to encourage your local school or organization to invite us in for a presentation about these important issues!

Learn more about Teen Dating Violence and Jana’s Campaign at www.janascampaign.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Kim Cebula
Jana’s Campaign Executive Director
Hays

Oakley to host NWKS regional 2019 KidWind Challenge

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KidWind 2018

KCC

Kansas high school and middle school students will compete in the ultimate wind energy learning experience beginning next week. They have done their homework when it comes to wind power and used that knowledge to build, test and fine-tune their turbines.

Now it is time to see how they stack up against the competition. Each team’s turbine will be put to the test in a 48″ × 48″ wind tunnel at a wind speed of approximately 3.5-5 m/s.

Four regional competitions are scheduled. The winning teams from each age group (4-8 and 9-12 grades) will advance to the state finals for a chance to represent Kansas in the national competition in Houston, Texas during the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) conference on May 20-23.

Registrations are still being accepted. The schedule of events appears below.

Region                  Date                      Location              Time

Southwest          February 7          Dodge City             9 am – 3 pm

Northeast           February 14        Manhattan               9 am – 3 pm

Southeast           March 1               Burlington           9 am – 3 pm

Northwest      March 7                  Oakley                9 am – 3 pm
(NW Kansas Educational Service Center)

State Finals       March 30             Topeka                 9 am – 3 pm

Kansas KidWind has been expanded from one event last year to five to make it easier for teams from all regions of the state to participate. This year there are currently 43 teams registered compared to 17 last year.

In 2018, students showcased their creativity with wind turbines constructed using everything from soda cans to vinyl records. The 2018 team from Oxford Middle School, Overland Park, went on to place first in the national KidWind competition in Chicago.

More information about KidWind can be found at https://kansasenergyprogram.org/kidwindchallenge.

KidWind sponsors include the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), Enel Green Power North America, Westar Energy, and NextEra Energy.

Sheriff asks for help to locate Kansas felon who was driving stolen truck

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GREENWOOD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are searching for a stolen car suspect involving a Kansas felon.

Hatfield -photo KDOC

Just after 11:30a.m. Tuesday, Greenwood County deputies attempted to stop a green Chevrolet pickup truck for a traffic violation just west of the Eureka city limits, according to a media release.

The driver of the truck failed to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The pursuit continued north of River Street where the driver drove through yards and abandoned the truck in the 1100 block of N. Walnut Street.

During the course of the following investigation deputies discovered the pickup truck was stolen from Wichita.

The suspect driver is Tyler Hatfield, 31, of Wichita. He has active warrants for his arrest and has numerous ties to Eureka and the surrounding area.

He is known to steal vehicles and is believed to still be in Greenwood County.  Hatfield has six previous convictions for burglary, theft and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Anyone with information regarding this case or Tyler’s whereabouts you are encouraged to contact the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office at (620)583-5568.

Victoria woman named new equity partner at Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball

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Meagan Wellbrock

The certified public accounting firm of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered (ABBB) is pleased to announce Meagan Wellbrock, CPA has been promoted to partner.

“Meagan has served the firm and our clients well throughout her tenure,” said Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of ABBB. “Congratulations on this achievement, Meagan! We look forward to your continued leadership and appreciate your dedication to the firm.”

Wellbrock began her career at ABBB as an intern and joined the firm full-time in 2007. As the Audit and Attestation (A&A) Service Line leader, she focuses on providing A&A services, managing a variety of audit engagements, and consulting on managerial and operational concerns.

Wellbrock graduated summa cum laude from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and also holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. In addition to being a member of the FHSU Alumni Association, she is affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA), where she also serves on the Audit and Assurance Tax Force.

Wellbrock was named the AICPA/KSCPA Women to Watch Emerging Leader in 2015 and has graduated from both the AICPA Leadership Academy and the KSCPA’s “20 up to 40” leadership program.

She serves as treasurer for CASA of the High Plains, a board member of the Victoria USD 432 Foundation, and was previously a board member for the United Way of Ellis County. She resides in her hometown of Victoria with her husband, Scott.

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