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Year: 2019

UPDATE: HMS, Wilson on soft lockdown while search warrant executed

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UPDATE 1:59 p.m. Wednesday

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said Wednesday the Hays Police Department requested a lockdown of Hays Middle and Wilson Elementary schools Wednesday because it was executing a search warrant in the 2700 block of Hickory, which is within a block of both of schools.

The search warrant was related to an armed robbery that occurred in Hays. No arrests were made at the time the search warrant was executed.

Scheibler said the case is still being investigated and no more details about the case could be released at this time.

“I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for the relationship with our school district that we have this open line of communication,” Scheibler said. “At the end of the day, our goal is make sure everyone is safe. I appreciate their cooperation in ensuring the kids wren’t out in the yard during that time period.”

Hays Post

Parents of Hays Middle School and Wilson Elementary School students were notified of a lockdown at the schools as of 12:55 p.m. Wednesday. The lockdown lasted about 20 minutes before the school was given the all-clear.

The following email was released:

At approximately 12:55, Hays Middle School and Wilson Elementary have gone into a soft lockdown in cooperation with the Hays Police Department as they conduct an operation. As a reminder, this means no one is allowed to enter or exit the school during this time. School will be business as normal inside the building. We will send another message when the operation is complete. 

Superintendent John Thissen said the district was notified by the HPD about an hour in advance of the soft lockdown that a police operation would be conducted in the vicinity of the school.

Thissen said that operation was completed at about 1:15 p.m., and both HMS and Wilson were given the all-clear.

Check Hays Post for more information as details become available.

Corrected at 2:29 p.m. for incorrect block of Hickory where the search warrant was issued.

Barbara Jean Potter

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Barbara Jean Potter, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother entered Heavens gates January 7th, 2019 surrounded by her family. A lifelong resident of northwest Kansas, Barbara was born June 14, 1957 in rural Thomas County Kansas to Sam and Pearl (Schmidt) Medford.

Barbara attended school in Winona until her sophomore year when she joined her sister Beverly at a boarding school in Laramie, Wyoming. She returned to Winona where she completed high school in 1955. Following graduation she trained to be a teletype operator, she then worked in Topeka and Denver.

On May 11, 1957 Barbara married Robert Potter. She devoted her time to being a homemaker and mother to their four children. Barbara loved cooking and sewing for her family. She served as a volunteer EMT in the Winona area, was editor for the Winona Leader, operated Potter’s Market with her husband and was a great supporter of all community activities. She taught her children the value of loving and caring for family, working hard and doing things right the first time.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Wayne; sister Beverly and great grandson Talon Mackley.

Survivors include children, Tawny (Ross) Stover, Platte City MO, Blake (Debbie) Potter, Winona, Tracee (Bob) Mackley Colby, and Tyler (Laura) Potter Lynchburg VA; nine grandsons and their loving wives, Shiloah Stover, Heath Stover, Trey Potter, Dillon Potter, Preston Mackley, Mason Mackley, Carson Potter, Logan Potter and Ethan Potter; thirteen great grandchildren and sisters, Virginia Sanders, Sandra McCune, Alana Keck and Pamela Medford.

Barbara leaves a legacy of steadfast love and devotion to her family.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2019, at the Colby United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in Beulah Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Winona United Methodist Church, the Foundation for Hope or the Prairie Museum, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Kansas suspicious death investigation goes cold

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DOUGLAS COUNTY — Police say eight months after a woman died of a head injury, investigators have not determined whether she was the victim of crime.

Sabrina Frock -photo courtesy Wright Funeral Home
Allen -photo KDOC

Sabrina Frock died in May at the home of a Lawrence man she met online.

The man identified as 33-year-old Shane Allen currently is in prison after violating probation for abusing another woman he met online two years ago. He is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Frock’s mother, Denise Slaughter, of Brookfield, Missouri, says she suspects foul play and is frustrated with the police investigation.

Police are investigating Frock’s death as suspicious but say they have no new leads.

Frock’s autopsy report has not been released.

Slaughter said police told her Frock died from a brain injury but the coroner’s ruling on whether the death was a homicide or an accident was undetermined.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report

OSHA cites contractor after fatality at Kan. job site

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MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A Maryland-based solar contractor is facing nearly $40,000 in fines after an employee died from electrocution at Fort Riley.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Wednesday it cited Power Factor LLC for four serious violations after the employee died in July while installing solar panels at the fort.

The agency says the employee was hoisting a metal rail that came into contact with overhead power lines.

OSHA cited the company for exposing workers to electrical hazards, including live and uninsulated power circuits. The agency says the company also didn’t regularly inspect the job site or train workers to avoid hazards.

The employee’s name hasn’t been released.

Power Factor, LLC. has 15 days to pay the fine or contest the findings.

An official with Power Factor was not immediately available to comment.

Coffee With a Cop at NorthHays McDonald’s

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Coffee is more than just your favorite morning beverage; it’s a connector, a culture, and a community-builder. McDonald’s® of NorthHays plans to use coffee to help connect the community and law enforcement.

On Thursday, January 17, 9-10:30 a.m. during a come-and-go event, McDonald’s of NorthHays, 3406 Vine, will host a “Coffee with a Cop” event in conjunction with the city of Hays Police Department.

This “Coffee with a Cop” event brings police officers and the community members they serve together over coffee to discuss community issues, learn more about each other and build relationships in an informal, neutral environment. All Coffee with a Cop attendees will receive a free small cup of McCafẻ® roast coffee courtesy of your local McDonald’s.

Area McDonald’s restaurants will continue to work with law enforcement departments throughout the year to host additional Coffee with a Cop events with the goal of improving relationships between law enforcement and community members – one cup of coffee at a time.

“As a McDonald’s Owner/Operator, being involved in the community is the cornerstone of my business. Supporting our local law enforcement is a huge priority for our organization,” said Gail Kuehl, Owner/Operator, McDonald’s of Hays, Russell and WaKeeney.

“I hope that community members will attend our Coffee with a Cop event and feel comfortable to ask questions, bring forward concerns or simply get to know our officers.”

For updated information, visit https://www.facebook.com/HaysPD/.

 

Mid-Continent League Tournament brackets released

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The Mid-Continent League has released the brackets for the 2019 boys and girls basketball tourament which begins with feather bracket games on Saturday.

The Trego girls and the Phillipsburg boys are the top-seeds in their respective brackets.

The TMP-Marian girls are the three seed and opens at home against on Tuesday(1/15) at 6pm. The Monarch boys are seeded seventh and will take on Smith Center in the feather bracket at approximately 6:45pm Saturday in Stockton.

Click below to view the brackets…

Girls MCL Tournament Bracket

Boys MCL Tournament Bracket

Ferne E. Miller

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Burdett – Ferne E. Miller, 105, passed away January 6, 2019 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned.

She was born August 23, 1913 in rural Bazine; the daughter of Orren and Flora Winkelman Salmans. A longtime area resident; she was a beautician and a homemaker.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Burdett, Shiley E.H.U. and the Burdett Seniors.

On October 12, 1949 she married George Merle Miller at Lakin, Kansas. He passed away March 1, 1982.

Survivors include; two sons, Steven (Margaret) Miller, Burdett and Kim (Peggy) Miller, Caldwell; four grandchildren, Nate (Mandy) Miller, Ryan (Tina) Miller, Brock (Bryttni) Miller and Monica (Adam) Brown and five great grandchildren; Grayson, Beckett, Mia, Dayton and Eva.

She was preceded in death by; a brother, Herbert Salmans and a sister, Florence Miller.

Funeral will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church, Burdett with Carolyn Tarman presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will be in Brown’s Grove Cemetery, Burdett, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church, Burdett, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Fort Hays State grad named athletic director at Liberal High

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Courtesy photo

LIBERAL — Nathan Smith has been named the Liberal High School athletic director effective July 1.

Smith comes to Liberal from Garden City High School where he worked as an assistant in the athletic office and testing coordinator. He has previous experience as an athletic director along with 13 years of coaching football, wrestling and track.

He completed his master in Educational Administration from Kansas State University in the spring of 2018. Smith has a K-12 Physical Education degree and a Human Health and Performance degree with an emphasis in Recreation and Sports Management both from Fort Hays State University.

Nathan and his wife Chrissy (Headrick) Smith have two children, Trinity (9), Bladen (4), and are expecting another daughter in April.

“My family and I are excited about the opportunity that we have been blessed with and look forward to getting to know the community,” Smith said.

“Nathan comes to us with a wealth of experience, knowledge and ideas. He understands the importance that athletics and activities play in both the development of our students and the enrichment of our community. I am confident that Nathan will be fully invested in Liberal High School and the Liberal community,” said LHS Principal Ashley Kappelmann.

— Liberal High School

KSCA chess tourney in Hays Saturday

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A KSCA (Kansas Scholastic Chess Association) sponsored chess tournament will be held at the former Kennedy Middle School building, 1309 Fort, Hays on Saturday, January 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The tournament is open to all students in grades kindergarten through high school senior.  There will be separate sections for different age levels.  Medals will be awarded for all in the top third of each section.

More information and registration is available by calling the TMP-Marian office at 785-625-6577.  Registration cost is $7 per person and is to be paid at the tournament site on Saturday.

Additional information about the KSCA organization is available at www.ksca.us.

– SUBMITTED –

Harlan D. Campbell

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Harlan D. Campbell Sr., Age 77, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas.

Harlan was born October 14, 1941 in Norton County, Kansas, the son of Guy Donald & Winona Jewell (Hayes) Campbell. A resident of Tribune since 1958, he was manager of the Farmco station in Tribune, Kansas.

Harlan was a member of the N.R.A., Kansas Trap Shooters Assn and the Anthem Masonic Lodge in Scott City, Kansas.

On May 18, 1960 he married Judith Vayrene McGinness at Tribune, Kansas

Harlan’s surviving family includes His wife – Judith Campbell of Tribune, Kansas, Three children – Harlan D. Campbell, Jr. of Tribune, Kansas, Erica Trevino of Tribune, Kansas, Vayrena Hamilton of Tribune, Kansas, One sister – Reva C. Brown of Golden, Colorado and Two grandchildren.

His parents, a daughter- Tammy I Campbell, a brother- William F. Campbell and a sister- Norma Jean Runyon precede him in death.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Friends may call from 1:00 pm through 8:00 pm Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Tribune, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Greeley County E.M.S. in care of the funeral home.

Helen M. Kaiser

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Helen M. Kaiser, 88, died January 7, 2019, at Diversicare of Hutchinson. She was born December 19, 1930, in Odin, Kansas, the daughter of Alois F. and Regina (Hermann) Prosser.

On October 10, 1950, she married Frank S. Kaiser in Odin, Kansas. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2001.

A longtime resident of Hoisington, Frank and Helen were former managers of the Dairy Queen.

Helen was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She was active in many aspects of church, including the Altar Society, Parish Bible Study, as a Eucharistic Minister, in RCIA, Renew Program, and the Parish Council. She was also a Dominican Associate, a former member of Daughters of Isabella of Claflin, a member of the American Eagle Club and the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

She is survived by children, Cletus J. Kaiser of Rogersville, Missouri; Timothy D. Kaiser and wife Janet of Wichita, and Gina A. Streetman of Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Natalie Warrick, Alan, Bradley, and Kimberly Streetman, and Matthew, Chelsea, and Lisa Kaiser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; seven brothers, Tony, John, Bill, Joe, Julius, Leonard, and Louie Prosser; and seven sisters, Anna Steiner, Tillie Kramer, Jean Rome, Eleanor Kingston, Cecilia Tipperman, Catherine Schremmer and Mary Birzer.

Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 7p.m.

Vigil with Altar Society Rosary will start at 7 p.m., all at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Thursday, January 10, 2019, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

HPL seeks to reach more readers through Little Free Library expansion

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By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Hays Public Library has expanded a program that seeks to make reading more accessible to the public.

Five new Little Free Library locations were added in Hays in November in cooperation with the Hays Parks Department.

The libraries are boxes on posts located at seven Hays parks locations and one near the Victoria swimming pool.

The idea behind the boxes is “Take a book, leave a book.” Each box is stocked with books that can be taken without cost and without a need to check out the books from the library. If you like the book, it is yours to keep, said Samantha Gill, HPL adult services manager.

The library uses donated books or books taken out of circulation at the library to fill the boxes. However, the program encourages readers to also leave books they no longer need or want for other people to take from the boxes. If you don’t have a book to leave, that is OK too.

“Right now at our library we are trying to make sure that we get outside of our four walls,” Gill said. “People don’t need to feel that it is necessary to come to our physical building to get books. We are trying to figure out different ways to get books into people’s hands outside of the building who might not be able to make it to the library.”

Although the Little Free Libraries generally see less use in winter as people are using parks less, the Little Free Libraries have proved popular in the summer and warmer months.

“There have been days that I have filled up the Little Free Library at the Aquatic Park and then that evening I drive by and it is completely empty.”

Children have waited in lines for books, when they saw the library van pull up to the Little Free Libraries, Gill said.

Although the Little Free Libraries are also stocked with both adult and young adult books, the most popular books in the program have been children’s books.

Reading is very important to children’s development and shown to be a predictor of future success in school. Keeping books in the home is a key part of that process, Gill said.

All seven Little Free Libraries in Hays have individuals or groups who have adopted the libraries and help make sure the boxes are kept stocked with books. During the winter, the boxes are usually checked a couple of times of month, but during the summer, the Gill urges her volunteers to check the boxes at least once a week.

All of the boxes were hand painted. Nicole Thibodeau, local artist and library employee, painted all of the boxes except the box at the dog park, which was painted by Rebecca Grizzell.

“I think it is a fun, innovative way to get books into the hands of people who might not be able to come to the library or who are at the park and want just to browse and see what we have to offer,” Gill said. “We are really proud of it. Maybe in the future, we will add another one here or there, but for now we are really happy with the success of this project.”

A complete list of the Free Little Library locations in Hays is listed below. See a map of the locations by clicking here.

If you have additional questions about the program, you can contact the library at 785-625-9014.

Hays Aquatic Park, Fourth and Main
Seven Hills Park, 33rd and Hillcrest
Hays Dog Park, Highway 183 By-pass
Frontier Park, Highway 183 By-pass
Aubel-Bickle Park, 30th and Sherman
Ekey Park, 19th and Holmes Road
Kiwanis Park, 17th and Harvest Avenue

Betty L. Wagner

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Betty L. Wagner, 84, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, January 08, 2018, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas

Services are pending at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.

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