Every high school athlete with collegiate aspirations wants the opportunity to not only play but also win. Hays High senior Jaysa Wichers has that opportunity after signing a National Letter of Intent with Coffeyville Community College to play volleyball.
The Indian’s once middle hitter now right side hitter finalized her decision in front of friends, teammates and family Thursday in the school cafeteria.
Jaysa Wichers
Wichers knew the moment she met the Red Ravens head coach the program would be a fit for her. Coffeyville has won the last two volleyball national championships and wrapped up the 2018 season at 40-3.
Hays coach Christin Nunnery calls Wichers a coach’s dream. Nunnery not only is impressed by the senior’s work ethic but also her willingness to cheer on the successes of all her teammates.
Christin Nunnery
Wichers and the Hays High Indians went 20-10 this past high school season. She also had the opportunity to play in the Northwest Kansas All-Star Match following her senior season.
SEDGWICK COUNTY – A Kansas man has been sentenced for sexually assaulting three children.
Kramer -photo KBI Offender Registry
On Tuesday, a Sedgwick County District Judge sentenced Anthony Kramer, 35, Wichita, to 618 months to life in prison, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County Attorney.
In October, Kramer pled guilty to three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and four counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
Two boys and a girl ranging in age from one to six years of age, were assaulted over two days in August of 2017. Detectives from the Exploited and Missing Child Unit also discovered sexually explicit images of other children on Kramer’s cellphone dating back to April of 2016.
Before sentencing on Tuesday, the judge noted that Kramer was a registered sex offender at the time of the assaults.
Thomas More Prep-Marian has announced the 2019 Sweetheart candidates. The crowning will be Friday at halftime of the boys basketball game.
The candidates are pictured from left: Hunter Jacobs is the son of Francis and Stephanie Jacobs and Kiara Urban is the daughter of Steve and Brenda Urban. Jack Johnson is the son of Stacy and Jennifer Johnson and Emma Pope is the daughter of Jason and Dr. Michelle Pope. Jared Mayers is the son of Stan and Pam Mayers and Julia Werth is the daughter of Darin Werth and Julie ’96 (Richmeier) and Jason Robben. Kaleb Hagans is the son of Ryan and Stephanie Hagans and Emily Schulte is the daughter of Matthew and Anne 84′ (Wierman) Schulte. Dylan Werth is the son of Darin Werth and Julie ’96 (Richmeier) and Jason Robben and Alexandra Herrman is the daughter of Troy and Tina Herrman.
Everyone loved Ralphie. He seemed the perfect dog for my son’s family — just the right size and age. He was good-natured, house-trained and playful. He went home with the family the day they first saw him at the rescue center.
Dr. Sharon Hartin Iorio is Professor & Dean Emeritus at Wichita State University College of Education.
Out for a walk a week later, Ralphie pulled off his leash and bolted. After two hours of searching and chasing, it became clear why Ralphie had been turned back to the shelter not once, but twice.
Today, Ralphie continues to be a valued pet, but his interest in escaping is now curtailed by a strong chest-halter lead.
Learning about Ralphie made me think of my developing perspective on the charter school movement. Initially charter schools appear to be exactly what is needed to correct problems facing Kansas’ schools, and some school reformers advocate for the 2019 legislature to approve broadening the charter school statute.
Yet, examination of the effects of loosening charter regulations reveals genuine flaws that need restraint.
Charter schools are public schools but they select students who attend and have leeway to operate outside traditional public school policies according to each state’s laws.
Currently, Kansas charters must be approved by and receive oversight from the school district in which they are located, follow the same accreditation policies as the school district and must reasonably reflect the racial and ethnic make-up of the school district.
Kansas has one of the strongest charter school laws in the nation but in states with looser charter policies and less oversight than Kansas, major problems have developed.
As public schools, all charters must admit students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or special needs; however, in some states there appears to be little enforcement of the mandate.
Texas law permits charter schools to cherry-pick students through admission requirements that include asking about students’ disciplinary histories. In California charters may require financial donations from families.
Dismissed charter students go back to their assigned school districts and this sets up opportunity for a disproportionate number of high-need students in public schools.
The siphoning of public school funding associated with charters is also troubling. In each state, including Kansas, school districts must pay the per-pupil state allocation, including additional funds for special education, to a charter located within the district (i.e., state per-pupil funds move with the student).
In a recent analysis Rutgers University professor Bruce Baker found that without careful planning, charters deplete the resources of public schools. Baker writes that when public school revenues decline, districts reduce overhead expenditures.
This situation transferred to Kansas could be especially problematic to small town and rural districts due to tight budgets and economies of scale. For example, a charter and a public school in a small district likely would have difficulty duplicating fixed expenses like the major cost of transportation. This could leave both schools with fewer dollars for music, athletics and other pursuits which most Kansans agree are needed for students.
In some states charters expand through multi-state conglomerates that often operate on for-profit models. Most charter corporations are found in large, urban areas not on the Kansas prairie, at least so far. Moreover, many Kansans fear the outside control that national charters exert.
Charters, despite possible drawbacks, offer opportunity for innovation and student advancement, if they arise from local involvement and follow the social, moral and funding restrictions set forth in current Kansas legislation. Kansas was wise in setting rigorous limits for charters. Let’s keep it that way.
Dr. Sharon Hartin Iorio is Professor & Dean Emeritus at Wichita State University College of Education.
Rebecca Whitmer, Wilson fourth-grade teacher, nominated her student Brandon Dague for the January Best of the Best Award.
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
Rebecca Whitmer, Wilson fourth-grade teacher, nominated her student Brandon Dague for the January Best of the Best Award because of his kindness to his fellow students.
Whitmer focuses on one positive character trait each month. On Mondays Whitmer presents the students a quote about that trait. On Tuesdays, the students set goals around the trait. On Wednesdays, they read aloud pieces that have that trait as the theme. On Thursdays, they have class discussion, and, on Fridays, the students do shout-outs to students and staff who exhibit that trait.
During the month of December, the class’s trait was kindness.
Dague‘s goal for the week was to write students in his class positive notes. On his own time, he wrote personalized, uplifting notes to his classmates. He came in early the next morning and delivered the notes.
He revised his goal and decided to write everyone in the class positive notes. He wrote another round of notes that night.
“As he was dispersing the notes on the desks, he brought one to me as well,” Whitmer said. “It put such a smile on my face and started my day on such a bright note.
“As I watched his classmates come in and go through their arrival procedures and they started reading theses notes, the smiles that I saw just meant so much and warmed my heart. Just being able to start the day off on that positive note because of Brandon was incredible.
“I think the best part was that he perpetuated that cycle of kindness we had been talking about, and some of the other students who had received the notes decided they were going to start to write kind notes to their classmates as well.”
Whitmer said she was happy to have Dague in her class this year. She emphasized the importance of a positive classroom.
“He is so friendly. He is very polite,” Whitmer said. “He will go above and beyond for anyone. He is someone who lifts people up. If we share success, he is the first person to congratulate them. If he sees someone sitting by themselves, he will go up and try to include them as well.”
Dague also works hard in school, she said.
“He comes to school ready to learn and do his best, gives his best effort and keeps pushing himself every day,”she said.
Mackenzie Flinn
Krysten Linenberger, Munjor Early Childhood Connections lead teacher, nominated Mackenzie Flinn, assistant teacher, for the staff Best of the Best Award.
Krysten Linenberger, Munjor Early Childhood Connections lead teacher, nominated Mackenzie Flinn, assistant teacher for the staff Best of the Best Award.
Linenberger said of Flinn, “She is always smiling when she comes in. She always stays calm when working with all kids, which is really hard with toddlers. She jumps in and does what is needed from helping kids one on one to taking over a group setting if I am needing to leave.
“She always asks if anything else is needed to be done. If I ask her to do anything, she does it quickly and with a smile on her face. She gets along with everyone in the classroom and makes the classroom run very smoothly.”
Gordon M. McCauley passed away on January 29, 2019 at Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas at the age of 91. He was born on August 23, 1927 in rural Rooks County, KS to Homer and Hilda (Moore) McCauley. Gordon was united in marriage to Delpha Keiswetter on July 22, 1951 in Phillipsburg, Kansas.
Gordon served in the Navy during World War II. He then went on to graduate from Kansas State University in 1949 with his bachelor’s degree in Physical Science with a major in Geology. He spent 45 years in the construction industry, 13 years of which he and his wife owned their own company in Arkansas. He retired towards the end of 1994 as a Division Manager for Allied, Inc. of Hays.
Gordon was a member of Shriners and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He enjoyed fishing, hunting for fossils, and loved the outdoors. He also enjoyed watching sporting events.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Delpha of the home; sons Doug McCauley of Lawrence and Gary McCauley of Fort Collins, CO; and granddaughter Hannah Kate McCauley of Lawrence, KS.
He is preceded in death by his parents Homer and Hilda; and brother Harold McCauley.
A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at the Norton City Cemetery in Norton, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.
KANSAS CITY (AP) — A state panel has ruled that the Kansas City Chiefs owe $930,000 in back tax plus interest on the decade-old Arrowhead Renovation.
At issue was the team’s argument that it didn’t owe taxes on hundreds of items it bought to outfit the new Arrowhead. The Administrative Hearing Commission disagreed in its ruling Tuesday.
The case stems from a 2014 audit in which the Missouri Department of Revenue challenged sales tax exemptions on $23 million in purchases. The state auditor found that items such as leotards for cheerleaders and weight-lifting equipment didn’t fall under the public purpose of fixing up the stadium.
The Chiefs’ lead attorney says the team will likely appeal. The Missouri Department of Revenue has previously said it won’t comment on pending litigation.
RENO COUNTY — Authorities are reporting the third fire this week caused by careless discarding of ashes.
Wednesday night fire photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Dept.
Just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday, fire crews responded to 420 East Park Street in Hutchinson for a report of a structure fire, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.
Upon arrival, crews found a single-story residential home with heavy fire and smoke pushing from the attic of the structure.
Fire crews performed an aggressive interior attack to keep the fire from spreading. Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the area of origin; however, extensive, smoke and heat damage was noted throughout the attic area. No one was home at the time of the fire. The fire was called into the dispatch center by an alert neighbor.
The Hutchinson Fire Department wants to remind the community that proper installation, venting, and clearances are required for wood burning devices.
This is the third fire in two days that was caused by wood embers or careless discarding of ashes. Fire crews will be canvassing the neighborhood with fire safety material.
The cause of the fire is being ruled as an improper vent pipe on a wood stove.
After wowing fans inside Gross Memorial Coliseum in 2010 and 2013, the worldwide sensation Harlem Globetrotters have announced they will return to Hays for a third time on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are now available HERE or at harlemglobetrotters.com.
The Globetrotters, who are committed to bringing their fans the best experience and most electrifying athletes on the planet, will give their fans a chance to get closer than ever to the action and team’s stars with their Fan Powered World Tour. At each Globetrotters game, there will be over 20 opportunities before, during and after each event where fans will get a chance to directly interact with the team’s stars – that’s a 30-percent increase over any previous Globetrotters game.
Prior to every performance, fans can secure a ticket to Magic Pass, the Globetrotters’ exclusive pregame event. Magic Pass gives fans unprecedented access to the stars of the team, an opportunity to learn tricks, shoot hoops and take pictures on the court. After each game, fans can participate in a free autograph session.
An additional exciting new element fans can look forward to this year is a new interactive mobile app with exclusive features, including an augmented reality (AR) basketball toss game and one-of-a-kind image filters that can be shared on social media.
Also back by popular demand, fans will also get a chance to see the Flying Globies, an amazing acrobatic trampoline dunk team that will defy gravity during breaks in the game action.
The Globetrotters recently added five more Guinness World Record titles to their resume, bringing the team’s standing Guinness World Record count to 21. Videos of all five records can be seen HERE.
The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 93 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 123 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. Sponsored by Entenmann’s ® Donuts, Tum-e Yummies and Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the first pitch of the season just around the corner, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released the 2019 Preseason Baseball Coaches Poll Thursday (Jan. 31). The Fort Hays State baseball team will head into the new campaign ranked 12th in the conference.
The Tigers picked up 23 points in the balloting process, just three points behind 11th-place Southwest Baptist. Defending conference tournament champion Central Missouri tops the poll, followed closely by Central Oklahoma and Pittsburg State in second and third, respectively.
Fort Hays State enters its first season under head coach Jerod Goodale in 2019. Goodale returned to his alma mater last summer after building Colorado School of Mines into a national contender, leading the Orediggers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2018.
The Tigers return multiple starters on offense, including infielder Ryan Grasser and Cody Starkel, outfielders Jordan Wilkerson and Marcus Altman and catcher Dawson Sramek. Grasser led the Tigers with 41 runs scored a year ago while turning in a .415 on-base percentage, second best on the team. Wilkerson clubbed 10 home runs and drove in 34 RBI, both ranking second a year ago. Sramek made just two errors behind the dish, posting a fielding percentage of .987.
Ryan Ruder and Tanner Smith return from last year’s starting rotation, with the pair combining to start 22 games last season. Ruder led the team among qualified pitchers with a 7.00 ERA, 70.2 innings pitched and 48 strikeouts. Smith posted a 7.33 ERA across 50.1 innings of work, striking out 45 to account for nearly one strikeout per inning (8.05 K/9).
The Tigers will open the season on the road against Northwestern Oklahoma State on Tuesday (Feb. 5) before returning to Larks Park for their first home action the following weekend. FHSU will host New Mexico Highlands for a four-game series beginning Friday, February 8 at 3 p.m.
2019 MIAA Preseason Baseball Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (6) – 115 points
2. Central Oklahoma (3) – 107 points
3. Pittsburg State (2) – 102 points
4. Missouri Western – 81 points
5. Emporia State – 80 points
6. Missouri Southern (1) – 67 points
T-7.Lindenwood – 60 points
T-7.Northwest Missouri – 60 points
9. Northeastern State – 38 points
10. Washburn – 34 points
11. Southwest Baptist – 26 points
12. Fort Hays State – 23 points
Blaine Kincaid Smith, 26, of Salina, went to be with our Lord Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. Blaine was born June 24, 1992, in Salina, to Kristina Brin and Shawn Smith.
Blaine graduated from Salina South High School in 2010. He was a four-time state placer and two-time state champion wrestler. He went on to wrestle at Ohio Valley University, and Iowa Lakes Community College. His wrestling career taught him discipline and brought him great joy. He continued to train and mentor young wrestlers during his short life. Blaine touched more lives than he could ever comprehend.
Blaine was an ornery soul who never met a stranger. Blaine’s infectious smile and positive attitude won over so many. When you were Blaine’s friend, you were a friend for life. He took tremendous joy in spending time with his family, his son, Paxton and many friends. He loved big and played hard. Blaine lived a life of honor and loyalty to others. No matter what life threw his way, he tackled each obstacle with a wink and a smirk.
He leaves behind dozens of people that he truly loved and they all adored him: his son, “Pac-man” Paxton Smith; his partner for life, Meredith Frazier and her son Jack; his mother, who never ever gave up on him, Kristina Brin; John Munoz, the loving supportive father he craved; his sisters, Brooke Smith (fiance, Jarret Jones) of Loveland, Colo., and Blaque and Baylee Brin of Salina; siblings from his father’s side, Gracelyn and Camden Stewart of Elkhorn, Neb., and Khyra, Gage, and Ethan Smith of Wichita; grandmothers, Louetta Albers and Henrietta Smith of Salina; nephew, Tayden Jones; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by: his father, Shawn Smith; and grandfathers, Leroy Albers and Steve Smith.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m., and sharing memories at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at First Baptist Church, 843 Lewis Ave, Salina.
Memorials to any Sunflower Bank location care to The Blaine Smith Heir Educational Fund.
NEW YORK (AP) — A former Oklahoma State assistant basketball coach pleaded guilty Wednesday to taking bribes from business advisers to steer them to star college athletes expected to turn pro.
Evans -photo courtesy Oklahoma State Athletics
Lamont Evans, 41, entered the plea in New York federal court to conspiring to commit bribery. He admitted receiving $22,000 to steer the players at the University of South Carolina and Oklahoma State University to certain financial advisers and business managers, attorney Johnny McCray said.
Evans also agreed to forfeit the bribe money he received from two financial advisers as part of the deal he signed Thursday.
“I now know that accepting those funds in exchange for introducing them to any one player was wrong and violated the law,” he said.
Evans graduated with a degree in social science from K-State in 2009. He worked with the Wildcat basketball program as a Student Assistant from 2008-09, a Graduate Manager from 2009-2011, and an Assistant Coach 2011-12, according to his OSU bio.
Sentencing was set for May 10 on a charge that carries the potential for up to five years in prison, though a plea agreement between Evans and prosecutors recommends no more than two years behind bars.
Judge Edgardo Ramos also warned that he could be deported because he is a citizen of Barbados, though he lives in Florida. He was a resident of Stillwater, Oklahoma, at the time of his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said in a statement that Evans abused his position as a mentor and coach for personal gain.
“A scheme Evans apparently thought was a slam-dunk actually proved to be a flagrant foul,” he said.
“He accepted responsibility for what happened. He will be making a vigorous appeal for the lowest sentence possible,” attorney Johnny McCray said.
Evans is the third former NCAA assistant coach to plead guilty in the case. The prosecution has revealed how well-connected mentors sometimes paid family members of top-tier athletes to steer the NBA-destined youngsters to schools or managers.
In recent weeks, similar pleas have been entered by former University of Southern California assistant basketball coach Tony Bland and ex-University of Arizona assistant coach Emanuel “Book” Richardson. Both are awaiting sentencing. Former Auburn assistant coach Chuck Person is scheduled for trial in June.
“These guys are scapegoats,” McCray said. “The bigger name coaches were not touched here. It’s really sad.”
He added: “I think this is overkill. They could have used the sanctions available within the NCAA, which has the ability to permanently bar a coach from coaching.”
When arrests were made in September 2017, prosecutors said Evans committed his crime in 2016 and 2017 when he accepted the bribes from a New Jersey-based financial adviser and another person cooperating with the investigators and posing as a business adviser to athletes.
They said Evans then falsely touted the services of the men to young athletes and their families, boasting falsely that the man cooperating with law enforcement was “my guy” and “has helped me personally.”
Jamie Wetig will be interviewing for the position of Superintendent with the USD 489 Board of Education on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 30.
Wetig is the second of four candidates that the USD 489 Hays Board of Education will be interviewing.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. Keith Hall, USD 489 interim director of finance and support services, interviewed for the job on Wednesday.
Wetig is currently serving as the superintendent for USD 220 Ashland.Wetig is in his third year in the position.
Previously, Wetig served as an administrator for Valley Center as intermediate principal from 2011 to 2013 and middle school assistant principal and activities director from 2013 to 2016.
Wetig also served as the Atchison County elementary principal from 2008 to 2011.
The community is invited to meet the candidate from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Toepfer Board Room of the Rockwell Administrative Center.
Schedule January 30, 2019
9 a.m. Arrive at Rockwell Administration Center
9:05 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. Meet with Superintendent Thissen via phone
Receive schedule and information for the day
9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Roosevelt Elementary School – facility tour and meet and greet
10:15 am – 11 a.m. Drive to Lincoln, O’Loughlin, and Early Childhood Connections
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Hays High School – facility tour and meet and greet
noon – 1:15 p.m. Lunch with building administrators
1:30 p.m.– 2:15 p.m. Hays Middle School (Drive by Wilson) – facility tour and meet and greet
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Rockwell Administration Center – meet and greet in Board Room
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Community and parent meet and greet – Toepfer Board Room
4:30 p.m. – 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, and admin team
