September 14, 1935 – January 9, 2019
An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.
Click HERE for service details.
Year: 2019
HaysMed honors nurses completing RN Residency Program
Two registered nurses at HaysMed were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon. They completed the yearlong RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.
The program began a year ago in February 2018 and the nurses spent the first three weeks in a classroom setting. The remainder of training focused on clinical experience, one on one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on the job training. Additionally, nurses received training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, peri-op and others.
The RN Residency class included Brandell Hecker, RN, and Kristen Jones, RN.
The RN Residency Program at HaysMed is one of only two in the state and has been offered since 2008. Shari Hertel, RN, heads the program and has oversight of all the training. HaysMed also works closely with critical access hospitals in the region through a rural residency program to provide training to nurses practicing in the rural setting.
“It is so important for new nursing graduates to have a group of peers and mentors who assist them in enhancing their skills and becoming comfortable with the challenges of practice,” Hertel said. “Our program is evidence based, with positive clinical outcomes that will help not only the participating nurses, but also our patients.”
Currently there are 5 nurses scheduled in the next program which begins Feb. 5. The program is open to newly graduated RNs and RNs that have less than one year of acute care experience.
— HaysMed
🎥 City commission debates ‘road to nowhere’
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Is it a road to nowhere or bridge to somewhere?
Hays Mayor James Meier Thursday voted against improvements to East 41st Street from Home Depot east to Vineyard Park, calling it a “road to nowhere” and a “project in search of a problem.”
Commissioner Ron Mellick voted with the majority for the improvements, which include grading, pavement, storm sewer and waterline. The low bid of $629,133.50 was from Paul-Wertenberger Construction, Hays, and was less than the engineer’s estimate.
“I look at this as a ‘bridge to somewhere,’ ” Mellick countered. “You can’t develop on either side of the actual road. I think this is a bridge out to where a developer can afford to put in housing or even commercial.”
Meier clarified in discussion that he respects those who intended to vote for the project but pointed out over the past few years the commission has discussed whether development or infrastructure should come first.
“It seems to me that through those conversations we’ve come to the clear conclusion that putting in streets, water and sewer does not give us development,” Meier said. “That’s exactly what we’re doing here, spending money on infrastructure in the hope that something will develop and there’s absolutely no evidence to show that’s going to happen.”
Vice Mayor Henry Schwaller recalled the Phase II development “has been planned since the beginning when we entered into the agreement with Home Depot and the developer.”
“Our goal then as it is now was to connect Vine Street to Commerce Parkway,” Schwaller said. “This isn’t a ‘road to nowhere’ because it is our intention to see growth happen to the north and particularly to the east, and that’s why we took an option on a piece of ground at the other [east] end of this road.”
“I think we were making a statement when we purchased an option on that property,” agreed Commissioner Sandy Jacobs, “and I would love to see that street go all the way from Vine Street to Commerce Parkway. Having the ability now with the funds from the TDD money is a very good way to do this.”
Finance Director Kim Rupp reviewed the financing plan for the Home Depot Transportation Development District (TDD).
Projects for Phases I and II totaling $4.4 million were approved in 2004 by a TDD ordinance and a 3/4-cent sales tax was enacted April 1, 2005, both for a maximum 22 years. The city then issued $1.77 million in TDD sales tax bonds to finance Phase I.
The TDD tax outperformed projections allowing the Phase I bonds to be called early and completed in January 2018. It was determined the 3/4-cent TDD sales tax could continue until March 2027 to fund a portion of Phase II improvements.
The Home Depot Transportation Development District currently includes Home Depot, IHOP, Hampton Inn, Town Place Suites by Marriott, JT Travel Plaza, Taco Grande, and an undeveloped area for 47,000 square feet of retail space.
According to Rupp, the TDD has collected a total of $2,730,214 over the last 163 months, averaging $247,000 annually the past three years.
“We project TDD sales tax revenue to increase to $282,000 per year. Based on these provisions, we agree the current annual TDD sales tax collections would support debt service, whether a bond issue or repayment of city idle funds.”
Rupp told the commission he recommended financing with city idle funds as it would save bond issuance costs and provide for interest income to the city.
“I appreciate your recommendation on the idle funds,” said Jacobs, a retired banker. “I’m glad you analyzed it all the way around. That savings of $13,500 means a lot.”
Commissioners also voted 4-1 to adopt a resolution authorizing the improvements and providing for payment of costs.
Kansas drought-free for the first time since mid-2017
According to the Kansas Water Office, Kansas is officially free of drought for the first time since June 2017.
The U.S. Drought Monitor released the latest maps on Thursday, showing no drought conditions in Kansas.
“Abnormally dry conditions began appearing on the (June 13, 2017) map, and DI-Moderate Drought first appeared on the map (July 18, 2017). Since that time, until (Jan. 1, 2019), drought conditions had affected various portions of KS,” the Kansas Water Office said.
Click HERE for more from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Schlitterbahn mum on plans for park where Kan. boy died
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The operators of a Kansas water park where a 10-year-old boy was decapitated aren’t saying whether the attraction will open for the upcoming season.
Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio said Friday in an email that the Texas-based company doesn’t have an announcement “at this time” about the park where Caleb Schwab died in 2016 on a 17 story-slide that was billed as the world’s largest.
Work began last year to dismantle the slide — called Verruckt. And prosecutors have charged several people, alleging that shoddy planning and maintenance led to Caleb’s death.
Season passes for 2019 for the Kansas City, Kansas, park aren’t available on Schlitterbahn’s website. But they are available at the company’s four Texas locations, which open for spring break. Prosapio says those locations are a “focus.”
Verla Jean Edwards
Verla Jean Edwards, 96, passed away on January 9, 2019 at the Ness County Hospital in Ness City, Kansas. She was born on March 12, 1922 in Ransom, Kansas the daughter of Jesse and Nelle (Giddings) Dieffenbach.
She was a county clerk in Ness County. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and worked in the Thrift Shop. She was involved in the Ness County Historical Society. She married Virgil Klitzke on May 18, 1943 at Dodge City. She married Orvil Edwards on September 30, 1983, in Ness City, Kansas. He died on January 9, 1997.
Survivors include two sons, Fred (Donna) Klitzke of Phoenix, Arizona, Marty (Judy) Klitzke of Ness City; two daughters, Vicki (Randy) Betz of Ness City, Nancy Powers of Kansas City, Missouri; 2 stepsons, Ronald (Roseanne) Edwards of Jetmore, and C.E. Edwards; 15 grandchildren 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 step-grandchildren. She was also survived by three special friends, Donna Metzker, Becky Burrell, and Christy Seib. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and one daughter, Sandra Seibel.
Funeral service will be on Monday, January 14, 2019, at 10:00 A.M., at the United Methodist Church, in Ness City, Kansas. Burial will be in the Beeler Cemetery. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Sunday, January 13, from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Ness County Library or the United Methodist Church.
Norma J. Brown
Norma J. Brown, 88, passed away January 8, 2019.
She was born April 3, 1930 in Allison, KS to Arthur and Ruby (Black) Duncan. Norma attended school in Oberlin, graduating in 1948. After graduation, she worked at Duckwalls and then was a secretary at Oberlin Ice & Storage for Bud Kelly until she got married. Norma married Harold Brown on September 26, 1952 in Oberlin, KS.
Norma and Harold lived in the Danbury/Marion area from ’52-’57, then moved to the farm north east of Oberlin until around ’78, when they moved into town. She worked at floral shops for several years. Norma was a life-long member of the Assembly of God Church in Oberlin. She was always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. Norma enjoyed scrapbooking, reading, cross-stitching and crocheting. Most of all, she loved her family and her church.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ruby; husband, Harold, who passed in 1993 and sisters: Ura and Shirley Ann, who only lived nine months. She is survived by sons: Kevin Brown and wife Jackie of Oberlin, KS and Kent Brown and wife Deb of Oberlin, KS; grandchildren: Jeremy Brown, Justin Brown and wife Talia, Leslie Storer and husband Rex, Natalie Barlett and husband Chris and Chris Brown and wife Stacy; great grandchildren: Eric, Jace, Tyler, Isabel, Skylar, Addyson, Grady, Hannah, Morgan, Kacie, Tristan, Jayce, Zoey and #14 coming in May and great-great grandchild, Ayden.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, KS 785-475-3127. Burial will follow at Oberlin Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her name. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com
Ila F. Siemers
Ila F. Siemers, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on January 10, 2019, at the Bethany Home in Lindsborg, Kansas.
A celebration of Ila’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell, with Pastor Michael Eurit officiating. Family will greet guests the day of the service at the church from 9:30 A.M. to service time.
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
Martha Marie (Keller) Armbrister
Martha Marie (Keller) Armbrister died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 at age 95 at Good Samaritan Society in Ellis, Kansas. Martha was born June 8, 1923 in rural Trego County, Kansas to Frank and Carrie (Wendling) Keller. She was the fourth of seven children. She attended schools in Ellis and graduated in 1942. She was a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church rural Ellis.
After graduation, she worked as a clerk at the local grocery store. She married Joseph Armbrister on Nov. 1, 1945 at St. John’s. Together, they operated a farm and ranch northeast of Ellis. While they lived on the farm, Martha enjoyed gardening, sewing, and cooking and baking for her family. In 1950, Martha and Joe welcomed a daughter, Wilma Jean Armbrister. Five more children followed, with Wayne Joseph in 1951, Jeanette Kay in 1953, Darrell in 1957, Donna Mae in 1958 and Jean Marie in 1959. In 1977, they retired from farming and moved into Ellis.
Martha also devoted a considerable amount of time to taking care of her mother, Carrie, with whom she remained close. Joe and Martha spent countless hours on a remodeling project of the kitchen at St. John’s. Joe passed away on Nov. 26, 1983, after which Martha enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, singing in her church choir, and participating in the ladies quilting organization at St. John’s. She was active in the Ladies Auxiliary at the Veterans of Foreign Wars for many years as well as in Ellis High School alumni activities. Martha was best known for her baking, cooking and canning abilities. Her specialties were strudel, hemmitschwengers, chicken gravy, and dill pickles. Martha entered an assisted living facility in Hays in 2007, and moved into Good Samaritan in October 2012.
Preceding Martha in death were her children Wilma, Jeanette, Darrell, and Jean, and her husband Joe, her mother Carrie and father Frank, brothers Oscar and Arthur, sisters Freda, Irene, and Helen, and daughters-in-law Terry and Kimberly.
She is survived by her sister Minnie Keller of Ellis, son Wayne of Burlington, CO and daughter Donna (Tom) Benoit of Damar, KS, grandchildren Jonathan Armbrister of St. Louis, MO, Jennifer (Jason) Stallman of Hutchinson, KS, Matthew (Becky) Benoit of Damar, KS, Haley (Jeff) Gonzales of Monte Vista, CO, Molly Armbrister of Denver, CO, Rebecca Benoit of Wichita, KS, and Randall Benoit of Palco, KS, her great-grandchildren Emmie and Madalyn Stallman of Hutchinson, Tyler and Sophia Armbrister of St. Louis, MO, Brooke and Ryan Benoit of Damar, KS, and Hannah Leiker of Casper, WY, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Monday, January 14, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Church 394 St. John-St. Andrew Rd. Ellis, KS. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday 5 PM – 7 PM at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th in Ellis. Monday visitation will be at the church 9:30 until service time.
A prayer service will be 7 PM Sunday at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]
Harvey Richard Adolph
Saturday, June 10th, 1939 – Thursday, January 10th, 2019
An obituary is pending with Baalmann Mortuary.
Click HERE for service details.
KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 1/11/19
Q: What do you call cheese that’s not yours?
A: Nacho cheese!
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Hansen grants fund nursing equipment, scholarships at Fort Hays State
FHSU University Relations
Nursing education at Fort Hays State University has been helped by two separate grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan.
The university’s Department of Nursing was granted $250,000 for equipment for its simulation lab and $150,000 for a scholarship that will help place graduates of the department in northwest Kansas.
“We are so thankful for the support the Dane G. Hansen Foundation has provided for our students” said Dr. Jenny Manry, chair of the department.
Among the equipment for the simulation lab are 20 Reality Works Babies, said Manry. The babies mimic infants and track how often they are fed, have their diapers changed and cry.
Other funding was for a Pediatric Hal manikin that has facial movements, cries, sweats, suffers seizures and produces heart and lung sounds. Additional equipment included a fetal heart monitor, a 24-week newborn manikin and funding to record activities in the simulation lab.
The video system will allow students to visualize themselves in practice and get feedback on ways to improve performance.
“This equipment will allow students to practice skills and learn assessment techniques in a safe environment before graduating and practicing in rural Kansas,” said Manry.
“We have many students who graduate and practice in rural areas,” she said. “The opportunity to work with specialized pediatric simulation equipment will increase students skill level and confidence in real life situations.”
The scholarship program’s $150,000 is designed to help place graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Registered Nurse to BSN program, the Master of Science in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program into positions in Northwest Kansas.
Students will be able to apply the final year of their programs by submitting letters of employment from an employer in Northwest Kansas and a letter from their academic advisers.
In addition, said Manry, students will meet with an interview committee to discuss why they desire to work in northwest Kansas. Each student accepting a scholarship must agree to work in Northwest Kansas for a minimum of two years.
“This is a great opportunity for students in Northwest Kansas who have a desire to return to school,” said Manry. “This scholarship will provide funding to help pay off student loans upon completion of the program.”
Scholarship amounts vary by program. Graduates from the undergraduate BSN pathway can receive $10,000. Undergraduate RN to BSN graduates are eligible for $7,000.
Graduates of the MSN in nursing administration track are eligible for $10,000 grants.
Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates are in two tracks. Graduates of the BSN to DNP track, the nurse practitioner licensure program, are eligible for $25,000 grants, and students who start the DNP program with MSN degrees already in hand are eligible for $12,000 grants with the two-year commitment.
The Hansen Foundation’s service area comprises the 26 Northwest Kansas counties stretching from Cheyenne down to Wallace County, east through the top three tiers of counties and then into the eight-county block from Jewell and Republic down through Ellsworth and Saline.
SPONSORED: 2BR apartment for rent in Hays
Two-bedroom apartment for rent at 1717 Volga Drive in Hays.
• Washer/dryer hookup
• Water and trash PAID
• Located in four-plex
Call (785) 432-1510 for more details or to schedule a showing.
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY