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Year: 2019

MARSHALL: Doctor’s Note Jan. 28

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Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.

Friends,

Friday a short-term funding agreement was made to reopen the government and pay federal employees. The president announced that he would reopen the government for three weeks, with hopes that by February 15th we will pass a border security agreement that includes funding for the wall. I find myself both relieved but also increasingly frustrated with this Congress and its dysfunction. I feel for those who have been struggling during this time, and I worry that once this temporary deal expires in three weeks, they will be faced with the same uncertainty if Democrats are not willing to negotiate.

I remain firm in my belief that we must secure our southern border and put an end to this decades-old crisis once and for all. It is unfathomable that some of my colleagues continue to ignore the reality of the lives lost due to criminals and drugs flowing into the United States.

There is absolutely a solution out there where both parties would receive clear victories. It is time for everyone in Washington – Republican and Democrats alike –to quit with the partisan games, provide the funds needed to secure our southern border adequately.

Continuing My Work On The House Agriculture Committee

I am proud to say that I will be again serving the Big First and our Ag industry on the House Agriculture committee. In the 115th Congress, the House Ag team was able to achieve many monumental accomplishments like passing a five-year Farm Bill, that will provide certainty to so many people across Kansas. I am eager to be back with this great team and represent our farmers and ranchers as well as agribusinesses and so many other vital parts of our Ag industry. We have a great deal of work to do for farm country, including advocating for new trade deals, protecting and implementing the 2018 Farm Bill and expanding rural broadband access and reducing the regulatory burden on our farmers. I will also be staying on the Science Space and Technology committee.

President Trump will Veto Anti-Life Legislation

I will always serve to protect the most vulnerable and guard the innocent, unborn children. Life begins at conception, and as a physician for 25 years that delivered 10,000 babies, I will always choose life.

I signed a letter to the president, with 168 of my colleagues, requesting that he commit to vetoing any legislation that weakens the protections for the unborn. I am proud that he answered our call to action and subsequently sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) promising to veto any legislation that House Democrats might pass that would violate the sanctity of life and change or weaken the protections for human life.

I commend our president for his steadfast position on this critical issue and his quit action to defend of the most vulnerable.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Last week the nation celebrated the life of a Civil Rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We took a moment to reflect on the progress we have made as a country and all the work the Reverend did to unify a nation that was broken.

Lately, I have been thinking about what Dr. King would say if he were alive today to see the diverse partisanship in Congress. His message would be clear – we must unify to make change. We must keep working together on civilly finding common ground. We must look even beyond the rules of civility. We must begin accepting when two or more minds work together with different opinions because there is always a common goal to be found.

Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.

Book by daughter of BTK serial killer to hit shelves

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A book by the daughter of the BTK serial killer about finding out that her father had killed 10 people in the Wichita area will be released Tuesday.

Image courtesy Thomas Nelson Publisher

Kerri Rawson’s memoir, “A Serial Killer’s Daughter,” details the 40-year-old’s panicked descent into denial and depression after the 2005 arrest of her father, Dennis Rader.

His self-coined moniker was BTK, which stood for “bind, torture, kill.” The book being put out by Thomas Nelson Publishers also includes letters he sent her from jail.

BTK killer Dennis Rader is being held in the El Dorado Correctional facility photo Kansas Dpt. of Corrections

Rawson, who now lives in Michigan, has said that she hopes her story helps others wade through their own emotional turmoil. In the book’s epilogue, Rawson talks about finally finding her own peace. She says she misses her father, “the one I mainly knew.”

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 1/28/19

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khaz cheesy joke logo 20110802Cautious Student

A young student reported for a final examination that consisted of only
true/false questions.

The student took a seat in the hall and stared at the test for five
minutes. He then removed a coin from his pocket and started tossing the
coin and marking the answer sheet; heads for true, tails for false.

The young student finished the exam in just 30 minutes, while the rest
of the class was sweating it out.

Suddenly, during the last few minutes, the young student began
desperately throwing the coin and scribbling frantically.

The moderator, alarmed, approached the student and asked what was going
on.

“Well, I finished the exam in half an hour,” said the student. “But I
thought I ought to recheck my answers.”

 

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KS Academy of Mathematics and Science to hold info session in Hays

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FHSU University Relations

Staff from Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science will host six free information sessions across the state for interested students and their families in February, March and April.

The Academy offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to live and learn at Fort Hays State University and get a head start on their college educations.

Students and guests can learn about KAMS and visit with representatives from the Academy at these sessions. Please visit the registration website at https://www.fhsu.edu/kams/Info-session-registration/ to find a session in your area.

The information sessions are listed chronologically.

February 18
Salina, 6 p.m.
Salina Public Library, Prescott Meeting Room
301 W. Elm St.

February 20
Topeka, 6 p.m.
Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium
1515 SW 10th Ave.

March 6
Wichita, 6 p.m.
Advanced Learning Library, Conference Room C
711 W. Second St. North

March 7
Shawnee, 6 p.m.
Johnson County Library – Monticello Branch, Community Meeting Room
22435 W. 66th St.

April 2
Hays, 6 p.m.
FHSU Memorial Union, Pioneer Room
700 Park St.

April 10
Junction City, 6 p.m.
Dorothy Bramlage Library, Meeting Room
230 W. Seventh St.

All information sessions are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Abby Anderson, coordinator for marketing and recruitment, at 785-628-4719 or [email protected]. Visit www.fhsu.edu/kams for more information regarding the program.

About KAMS:
KAMS is an early college program that focuses on advanced mathematics and science coursework. While studying at KAMS, students live on the FHSU campus in a select residence hall with other Academy students from around the world. Over the course of two years, students complete over 60 hours of college credit and complete their high school diploma. These college classes are taken alongside traditional college undergraduates and taught by college professors while simultaneously contributing to their high school graduation requirements.

NW Kansas communities among those receiving block grants from state

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$11 Million in Community Development Block Grants awarded for community improvement projects

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that 23 communities will receive federal grants for a variety of community improvement projects, including sewer and water projects, housing rehabilitation and community facilities improvements. These communities will share a total of $11,019,485 in federal grants.

Through the Community Development Block Grant program, 12 Kansas communities will share a total of $6,806,637 in federal grants for water and sewer projects, two Kansas communities will share $600,000 for housing rehabilitation and nine communities will share $3,612,828 for community facility projects.

“Vital public services including water, sewer and community facilities are essential to all communities in Kansas,” said Secretary David Toland. “The CDBG grants will help provide the funding needed by these 23 communities to ensure improved quality of life for their residents.”

The CDBG program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities and economic development needs. To be awarded funds, local government units must meet at least one of three program objectives:

• The grant will benefit low and moderate-income persons
• The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight
• The grant will resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available to do so

The CDBG funds are one of the Department of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities.

The following northwest Kansas communities have been awarded CDBG grants:

he City of Bird City will receive $200,50 in CDBG grant funds to complete a street project throughout the city. The city will contribute $200,507 city funds towards this project.

The City of Brewster will receive $409,980 in CDBG funds to make water distribution improvements throughout the city. The city will provide $409,980 in matching funds it secured through the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

The City of Downs will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to make water treatment plant improvement for the city. The city will provide $1,580,532 matching funds it secured from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment. The city is also contributing $900 of their local funds.

The City of Oberlin will receive $600,000 in CDBG funds to make improvements to its water distribution system. The city will provide all matching funds themselves in the amount of $475,045.

The City of Phillipsburg will receive $462,837 in CDBG funds to make improvements to its water distribution system throughout the city. The city will provide $460,738 in matching funds they have secured through the Kansas Department of Health & Environment. The city is also contributing $2,100 of their local funds.

The City of Russell is being awarded $600,000 in CDBG funds to make water distribution improvements throughout the city. The city will provide all matching funds themselves in the amount of $893,300.

NW Kansas students named to Dean’s List at Bethany

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LINDSBORG — Nearly 240 Bethany College students have earned semester honors for their academic performance during the fall 2018 semester and have been named to the Dean’s List.

To qualify for the academic honor, students must be enrolled full-time and earn a semester grade point average of 3.5.

The following area students received the honor:

Hoxie
Lisa M. Stone, Pre-Profession Art Thera

Luray
Rudolph J. Haberer, General Studies

Norton
Hailey R. Branek, Psychology

Phillipsburg
Hannah J. Imm, English Teaching 6-12

Stockton
Reed A. Stephens, Social Science Teaching

Winona
Maia R. Carter, Exercise Science

Police investigate series of Kansas armed robberies

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two more armed robberies and one attempted armed robbery that occurred Sunday in Wichita.

Wichita police crime tracking map shows business robberies or burglaries since July 1, 2018

Just after 4:42 a.m., police responded to an armed robbery at the Quik Trip, in the1000 block of East Douglas, according to officer Paul Cruz.

A 21-year-old store employee reports an unknown suspect entering the business, armed with a handgun and demanding money.  The suspect identified as a black male wearing a hoodie took cash then fled the store.

Just after 6:15 a.m., police responded to an attempted armed robbery at the Petrol America,  in the 2700 block of North Amidon. A 57-year-old store employee told police an unknown black male suspect wearing a hoodie entered the business armed with a handgun and demanding money. The suspect fled the store and no loss or injuries were reported.

At 6:48 a.m., police responded to an armed robbery at the Casey’s General Store, in the 1100 block of West Central. A 40-year-old store employee told police an unknown black male suspect wearing a hoodie entered the business armed with a handgun and demanded money.

WPD investigators are currently investigating all three robberies to determine if they are connected.

High Plains Mental Health reaches out to farmers as rural suicide rates soar

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By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Tariff wars, low commodity prices, weather and isolation all take their toll on farmers and rural residents who depend on the agriculture economy.

Those stresses are starting to show in some alarming statistics in northwest Kansas.

Between 2014 and 2017, the suicide rate in the 20 northwest counties served by High Plains Mental Health increased by 64 percent. In addition, a Centers for Disease Control study released in July 2016 reported farmers, fisherman and forestry workers as a group had the highest suicide rate of any occupation in the U.S.

High Plains Mental Health is trying to reach out to this affected population through new printed materials, telemedicine services and Mental Health First Aid training.

The suicide rates are not just getting attention from community mental health professionals.

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., championed  the Farmers First Act, part of the most recent Farm Bill. The act establishes helplines and suicide prevention training for farm advocates, and re-establishes the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network through state departments of agriculture, state Extension services and nonprofits.

“We don’t know completely,” David Anderson, High Plains director of clinical services, said when asked why he thought the number of suicides had jumped. “I think we believe certainly the farm economy plays a role in that. It may be that they are being more accurately counted. There was certainly a time, because of the stigma around suicide, that corners, particularly in small communities, there was some desire to not attach a suicide to a what might have been called an accidental death.”

Brenda Seaman, High Plains assistant clinical director, comes from a farm family. She says she sees farmers facing many circumstances that are out of their control.

“What other profession do you have where you certainly don’t know what the commodity price will be for the product that you are making every year?” she said. “It could be $15 soybeans. It could be $6 soybeans. You don’t know when you plant them.”

If the price is good, that usually means other growers have had catastrophic crop loss due to weather. Regardless of the price of the commodity, the input prices go up every year.

“The weather is out of your control,” Seaman continued. “The overall political environment is out of your control, so now there is tariffs and trade wars. These are not predictable.”

Seaman said communities and loved ones should also remember those families whose livings depend on agriculture, because when the ag economy is down, they suffer too.

Farming is not an easy profession to walk away from when you are one of multiple generations who have lived on and worked a piece of land, Anderson said. There is an emotional attachment to the land.

“It is not just the economy of ‘Can you make this work?'” he said,” but it is the pressure of generations. This has been in the family for a long period of time. You don’t want to be the person who ends up losing that land or the farm.”

Technology is requiring fewer people to operate farms and farms are consolidating.

“My wife’s family farm is out near Collyer,” Anderson said. “Thirty years ago, there used to be several family farms in that area. Now there aren’t.

“More of the land is rented. Instead of a community of families in the area who relied on each other and helped each other, there may be more isolation. We know that across populations that is one of the factors that increases depression, anxiety and the risk for suicide.”

Population loss in rural Kansas counties is only projected to increase, further worsening isolation and leading to the lose of vital services for rural families, including local schools, hospitals and grocery stores.

Stigma is a serious impediment for farmers to receive help in a mental health crisis, Anderson said. They consider themselves independent, resilient and self-reliant, and it can be difficult for them to admit they need help.

Although rates are on the rise in Kansas for women, suicides in Kansas were highest among white men, age 25 to 64. During the farm crisis in the 1980s, Anderson said mental health workers were encouraged to try reach out to farm wives to reach men in farming communities that may be at risk.

High Plains is implementing a similar strategy today by putting information and resources in the hands of people who interact with farmers and their families the most.

A new brochure titled “Hope in the Heartland” is being made available to extension agents, rural bankers and grain elevators.

Kaley Connor, High Plains marketing director, said local county governments have reached out to the agency for Mental Health First Aid training courses for their employees. The 8-hour course helps to prepare people to help individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

“A lot of what we are doing with the pamphlet and Mental Health First Aid is trying to raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding mental health services — that it is OK to reach out for help if you are struggling, that mental illness is a real illness and it needs to be taken seriously. It is not a sign of weakness if you need to reach out to somebody.”

Farmers’ and ranchers’ schedules are also often not conducive for out-patient therapy visits. However, telemedicine, satellite clinics, and partnerships with rural hospitals and clinics are making mental health care increasingly accessible for rural residents.

The vast majority of clients are seen in the community on an outpatient basis, Anderson said. If a person who is suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts can ensure their safety, they will likely not be admitted to a hospital. Even those who do receive in-patient treatment for depression usually have very short stays.

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of suicide, call 911. Call High Plains at 1-800-432-0333 to get started with a mental health screening or to access crisis services, which are available 24/7 with a qualified mental health professional.

High Plains also offers a sliding-fee scale for services based on income.

See related story: BOOR: Rate of suicide among farmers alarming

AFC wins 3rd straight Pro Bowl over NFC in Orlando

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The AFC owns Orlando after a third consecutive victory in the Pro Bowl

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – The AFC owns Orlando.

Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes completed an 18-yard touchdown pass to Indianapolis’ Eric Ebron, and the AFC beat the NFC 26-7 in steady rain in the Pro Bowl on Sunday. It was the third consecutive victory for the AFC in the NFL all-star game, all of them coming at Camping World Stadium.

The last two were played in sloppy weather, with the latest one also coming amid temperatures in the mid-50s.

It was far from ideal conditions, fairly fitting considering the effort players provided. It was two-hand touch most of the day, with officials blowing plays dead at the slightest hint of contact.

The AFC rallied in the rain last year, outscoring the NFC 21-3 after halftime to win 24-23.

The AFC led 20-0 early in the fourth quarter Sunday, looking like it might notch the first shutout in Pro Bowl history. But Dallas’ Dak Prescott found Atlanta’s Austin Hooper for a 20-yard score on fourth down with 9:09 remaining.

Mahomes completed 7 of 14 passes for 156 yards and was named the offensive Most Valuable Player. New York Jets safety Jamal Adams, who had an interception and a sack, was the defensive MVP. Each got a luxury vehicle.

Each player on the AFC will get $67,000 for the victory, $8,000 more than the players who lose the Super Bowl next week in Atlanta. The Pro Bowl losers will get $39,000 each.

The game turned comical late, with several offensive guys playing defense and a few defenders taking offensive snaps.

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey caught a 6-yard slant pass from Houston’s Deshaun Watson for a touchdown with 19 seconds remaining. Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James failed to haul in the 2-point conversion.

The NFC had plenty of chances before that. The conference failed to score on a fourth-and-goal run early. Chicago’s Mitchell Trubisky, Minnesota receiver Adam Thielen and Prescott threw interceptions.

Trubisky also was sacked by Adams on a flea flicker, and Dallas’ Amari Cooper had a wide-open touchdown pass bounce off his face mask.

Seattle’s Russell Wilson also was sacked four times.

The AFC had several chances to put the game away, but Indy’s Andrew Luck and Watson threw interceptions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans picked off Watson. The play ended after several laterals and even more half-hearted attempts at tackles.

New York Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley and New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara also played defense.

IN-GAME HIJINKS

Indianapolis Colts tight end Eric Ebron had his phone tucked into the pocket of his sweatshirt and used it between the third and fourth quarters. Except Ebron didn’t take pics with teammates. He got opposing players to pose with him, working his way around the entire NFC defense.

Several players used their phones on the sidelines, but Ebron was the first to pull his out on the field.

ANOTHER NO-CALL

New York Jets safety Jamal Adams hugged a line judge after he didn’t throw a flag on an obvious pass interference play against Green Bay receiver Davonte Adams. Davonte Adams dropped to the ground in disbelief, and several NFC teammates protested.

Jamal Adams, meanwhile, celebrated alone for a moment and then hugged the smiling official.

Players from both conferences spent the week lamenting a now-infamous no-call in the NFC title game.

INJURIES

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen left the game with bruised knees. Neither was considered serious. Allen caught four passes for 95 yards before sitting down.

UP NEXT

New England and the Los Angeles Rams play in the Super Bowl next Sunday.

Strong Economy And Costly Tuition Stall Increases In Kansas College Graduates

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By STEPHAN BISAHA

DUSTPUPPY72 / FLICKR / CREATIVE COMMONS

A hot job market and the increasing cost of tuition have slowed the growth in the number of Kansans earning a college education nearly to a halt. Educators are worried that will worsen shortages of high-skilled workers and impede prosperity long term. 

“It is concerning,” said Donna Ginther, an economist at the University of Kansas. “Having these types of degrees and certificates are very important for the future of economic growth in the state and the country.” 

Kansas’ public colleges and universities granted 40,856 undergraduate degrees and certificates last year, according to the latest progress report from the Kansas Board of Regents. That’s virtually the same as five years ago and well short of the state’s goals. 

The number of undergraduate degrees and certificates earned in Kansas is well below the goal set by the Kansas Board of Regents.
CREDIT STEPHAN BISAHA | SOURCE KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS

Kansas is nine years into the 10-year “Foresight 2020” plan designed to increase the number of Kansans getting post-secondary education and to better align state college and university programs with economic needs. 

The Regents have found some success, particularly in technical education. 

An initiative started in 2012 greatly increased the number of Kansans earning college credit before they graduated from high school. More than 10,000 students participated last year. And many of those students have continued technical education programs after high school, contributing to the growth of technical colleges by more than a third from 2012 to 2017. 

Yet most of the state’s other colleges and universities have gone the other direction. 

The headcount at community colleges shrank by 12 percent between 2012 and 2017. State universities grew less than half of a percent, with many seeing declines. 

There are likely not enough students currently enrolled for the main objective in Foresight 2020 — more than 53,000 degrees and certificates earned by the end of this decade — to be achieved. 

Much of the declining enrollment at Kansas colleges and universities is among white students. Their enrollment numbers have dropped 12 percent since 2010, according to data in the Foresight 2020 progress report. Enrollment by Hispanic students has grown the most, by more than 42 percent. 

The progress report blames several factors outside of the Regents’ control, including the Kansas economy. The low unemployment rate means Kansans are able to find jobs without a college degree. 

In the early days of the recovery from the 2008 recession, college enrollment increased in Kansas as elsewhere. Unemployed Americans decided to go back to college instead of hunting for non-existent jobs. 

The reverse was true as the economy continued to improve. In 2013, enrollment in Kansas colleges plunged as the Kansas unemployment rate hit 5.3 percent. 

But while more Kansans are now employed, many remain shut out of high-skill, high-paying occupations that offer a pathway to the middle class. 

“A high school education is not going to cut for economic prosperity,” Ginther said. 

Ginther and others also worry that high-skill industries such as aerospace manufacturing that Kansas is trying to foster will experience increasing workforce shortages without more Kansans completing a college education. 

Rising tuition has also driven students away from Kansas schools. 

Students have born more of the cost of their education at public universities as the state repeatedly cut over the past decade. 

Higher tuition could be an outsized barrier for poorer students. The number of Pell Grant recipients at Kansas universities, students receiving grant money for college from the federal government, has been declining since 2015. 

Studies have shown a link between increasing tuition and decreasing enrollment, though there are disputes over the size of the effect. What’s indisputable is the massive leap in cost colleges have seen over the years. At Kansas State University, the sticker price for a semester has increased 57 percent over the last ten years. 

“When I started at K-State in the late ‘60s I paid out-of-state tuition and was able to work my way through the university with summer jobs and employment through the school year,” said Pat Bosco, the vice president for student life at Kansas State University. “That’s no longer the case now.” 

Stephan Bisaha reports on education for the Kansas News Service.  Follow him on @SteveBisaha.

 

Cold, windy Monday

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Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 32. Very windy, with a north northwest wind 22 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Wind chill values as low as 5. West wind 12 to 17 mph decreasing to 6 to 11 mph in the evening.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 37. Wind chill values as low as 5. Northwest wind 10 to 17 mph.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 9. North northwest wind 7 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

WednesdaySunny, with a high near 25.

Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 12.

ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 38.

Insurance Commissioner names acting Securities Commissioner

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KID

TOPEKA –Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced Monday she will name Jeff Wagaman as acting Securities Commissioner while he awaits Senate confirmation.

Wagaman joins the Securities Commission after serving the past eight years as Executive Director of the Crime Victims Compensation Board – a division of the Attorney General’s Office. Wagaman will also bring regulatory experience to the position having served as Executive Director of the Kansas Corporation Commission.

“A number of the past Securities Commissioners have failed the test of public trust. The Legislature’s decision to move the Securities Commission under the Insurance Department was a direct result of past transgressions,” Insurance Commissioner Schmidt said. “Jeff Wagaman has a professional track record of effectively leading people and turning around struggling organizations. I am thrilled Jeff has agreed to serve in this role and I look forward to working with the Kansas Senate on his confirmation.”

“Throughout my career in public service I have been entrusted to lead a number of critically important agencies and organizations,” Wagaman said. “I am honored to be able to continue my public service in this new role.”

In 2017 the Kansas Legislature moved the Securities Commission under the purview of the Insurance Department. The Securities Commissioner is appointed by the Insurance Commissioner and confirmed by the Kansas Senate.

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