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Year: 2019

Moran: Medicaid expansion could help Kansas hospitals

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LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran says many rural hospitals are “hanging on by a thread” and could benefit from the additional revenue that Medicaid expansion would generate.

Moran meeting with hospital administration in Lawrence -photo courtesy LMH

But Moran says he wants to leave the decision in Kansas to the Legislature.  Moran made the comments Wednesday after speaking to LMH Health president and CEO Russ Johnson during a visit to Lawrence.

Kansas has rejected accepting additional federal funding provided through the Affordable Care Act to expand the jointly state and federally funded Medicaid program for the poor and disabled. But the idea is being revisited now that incoming Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has expressed interest.

Moran says Kansas needs to weigh a funding increase against “how long those federal dollars will be in place.”

INSIGHT KANSAS: Jenkins gets her beak wet

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Well, that sure did not take long.

Former Kansas Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins is becoming a lobbyist. Via Twitter, she recently announced the formation of a new venture, LJ Strategies LLC, already registered to lobby in the state of Kansas.

Michael A. Smith is a Professor of Political Science at Emporia State University.

Ethics laws prohibit ex-members of Congress from lobbying that body for one year after leaving, so LJ Strategies will formally lobby only at the state level during its first year. After that, the field is wide open for Jenkins to use her years of institutional knowledge and insider connections to lobby her former colleagues.

Nothing about this is illegal. Jenkins and her partners know the law and followed it to the letter. But that does not make it right.

Jenkins’ gambit perfectly encapsulates voters’ anger at the so-called political establishment. Rage against it helped fuel President Trump’s rise among rank-and-file Republicans, who still approve of his performance in office at levels approaching 90%. Hillary Clinton came to personify The Establishment, also provoking the surprise challenge of Senator Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination in 2016. Sanders is still in the game, and continued frustration also propels Democrats’ adoration for younger figures like the outspoken new Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Ocasio-Cortez has even been discussed as a possible presidential candidate, despite the fact that she just took office and has yet to shape policy decisions.

By contrast, Jenkins and her ilk are seasoned politicos, with decades of real-world experience learning how Congress, state legislatures, and executive agencies really work. For example, Jenkins’ role in moving the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) to Manhattan was so important that it interfered with redistricting in 2012. Though population shifts seemed to dictate that Manhattan and NBAF be moved out of Jenkins’ district, the Kansas Legislature refused. Moving NBAF could jeopardize the whole project. Unable to agree on a map, legislators chucked the whole thing into the federal courts, making Kansas one of the last states to redistrict after the 2010 Census. The judges immediately and logically moved Manhattan to the First District.

Jenkins was also instrumental in a successful, multi-year effort to pass a new farm bill that was spearheaded by Senate Agriculture Committee chair Pat Roberts. The bill finally came to fruition last month, just weeks before the end of Jenkins’ term. Controversies, including changes in eligibility for SNAP benefits (formerly called Food Stamps), had delayed progress. This time, farmers’ alarm over the possible impact of Trump’s tariffs propelled the bill to passage. In addition, Jenkins was a member of House Republican leadership. Among other roles, she served on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, writing tax policy.

Jenkins is respected, but her knowledge and skill cast a dark shadow. She is part of that inside-baseball, political culture that cannot resist—in Stephen Colbert’s pithy phrase—getting their beaks wet. They dip in, keeping up with their old friends in power and using their connections for a little extra cash.

Maybe more than a little.

Governing is complicated. We desperately need experienced hands at the tiller. Unfortunately, that is become a tough case to defend, when so many long-timers see themselves as part of an elite political class, trading on political connections far removed from the lives of those they used to represent.

Lynn Jenkins accomplished some remarkable things as a state legislator, state treasurer, and Member of Congress. Now, with the formation of LJ Strategies, LLC, she becomes part of the problem.

Michael A. Smith is a Professor of Political Science at Emporia State University.

Police: Kansas couple jailed after chase with stolen gun

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas felons on new charges after a police chase.

Jensen -photo Sedgwick Co.
Detrich-photo Sedgwick Co.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, police attempted to stop a white 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee near Interstate 235 and Kansas 42 in reference to suspicious activity reported at the Motel 6, 5736 W. Kellogg, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, a suspect later identified as 39-year-old Michelle Detrich of Great Bend threw a handgun out of the window and the other suspect later identified as 36-year-old Jonathan Jensen accelerated, refused to stop and fled from police. A short vehicle pursuit ensued to the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Pallisade where Jensen then fled from the vehicle on foot.

Officers arrested Detrich from the vehicle, and arrested Jensen after a short foot pursuit. Officers recovered the handgun, stolen out of Hutchinson, according to Davidson.

They duo face charges of felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated weapons violation, evade and elude, traffic charges and outstandingwarrants.

Jensen has previous convictions for burglary, arson, theft, failure to stop at an injury accident and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.  Detrich has previous convictions for drugs and for an attempt to fee or elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

16-year-old killed during Kansas robbery was armed

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a 16-year-old boy who was fatally shot during a Wichita gas station robbery was armed.

Police on the scene of the armed robbery investigation -photo courtesy KWCH

A police report lists the teen’s death as a justifiable homicide. Police say a 42-year-old customer pulled out his gun and fired multiple shots Friday after he was robbed. Three others suspected of participating in the robbery then fled.

Police say the robbery is related to an earlier robbery at a Family Dollar Store in which three people held up an employee at gunpoint and took money and cigarettes. A 17-year-old has been arrested in the robberies and police continue searching for two other suspects.

In Kansas, killings are justifiable when a person reasonably believes deadly force is necessary to prevent death or extreme harm to themselves or others.

Hays VFW Stars and Stripes Breakfast Jan. 13

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Come get an awesome breakfast at the Hays VFW, 2106 Vine, Sun. Jan. 13, at 7:30 a.m.

Tickets at the door are:
Adults- $9.00/ in Advance $8.50
Kids(5-12)- $4.00/ In Advance $3.50
Kids under 5 eat free.

Menu:
Bacon, Eggs, Hash Browns, Pancakes, Sausage, Gravy, Toast, Coffee, and Orange Juice. ALL YOU CAN EAT!!!

Sponsor is Hays High Chamber Singers.

Sharon A. Barraza

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Sharon A. Barraza, age 57, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at the St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas.

She was born on January 8, 1961 in Gallup, New Mexico, the daughter of Raymond and Grace Etcitty Warner. A resident of Scott City, Kansas, since 1999 moving from Mariano Lake, New Mexico, she was a retired dietitian aide and worked for Park Lane Nursing Home.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Scott City. She was a US Army Veteran from 1980 until 1983 with the rank of SP4.

Survivors include her Two Sons – Jonathan Warner of Scott City, Kansas, Carlos Barraza of Scott City, Kansas, Three Daughters – Terri Warner of Garden City, Kansas, Crystal Morgan of Crownpoint, New Mexico, Lisa Barraza of Scott City, Kansas, Ex Spouse Roy Barraza of Mexico, Five Brothers – Leon Warner, Standing Rock, NM, Raymond Warner JR, Smith Lake, NM, Virgil Warner, Gallup, NM, Harold Warner, Farmington, NM, Dan Etcitty, Mariano Lake, NM, Nine Sisters – Lana Nez, Zuni NM, Rose Warner, Crownpoint NM, Elaine Morgan, Crownpoint NM, Sonya Largo, Crownpoint, NM, Raquel Warner, Mariano Lake, NM, April Warner, Gallup, NM, Yvonne Long, Casamero Lake, NM, Helen McCay, California, Eunice Brown, Dilkon, AZ, and Fifteen Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Three Brothers – Hubert Warner, Van Warner, Paul Warner, Four Sisters – Ruth Warner, Janice Brown, Karon Warner, and Lavern Warner.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers may be made to the Sharon Barraza Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

There will be no calling times.

2 Kan. felons jailed after counterfeit cash investigation

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DICKINSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with counterfeit cash.

Nuss -photo Dickinson Co.
Loomis-photo Herington Police

On Wednesday, police began an investigation involving counterfeit u.s. currency at 1207 North C Street in Herington, according to Police Chief Brian Hornaday.

During the search of the residence, police arrested Nathan David Nuss, 41, Herington, on suspicion of Felony Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer. When the search warrant was executed investigators located methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and county money.

Hornaday said as a result of the investigation Nuss was also arrested on suspicion of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Criminal Use of Weapons. He was transported to the Dickinson County jail where he remains jailed without bond pending a first appearance in District Court.

In connection with the investigation, police also conducted a search for Ashley Brook Loomis, 30, Herington.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Thursday she was located in Herington and taken into custody, according to Hornaday.

Nuss and Loomis have previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Netflix issues warning about ‘Bird Box Challenge’

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Netflix has issued a warning to viewers against a challenge meme that has gone viral after the success of the horror film “Bird Box.”

The challenge involves fans blindfolding themselves and then trying to navigate surroundings.

Netflix offered this tweet Wednesday.

Leola June (Kear) (Epard) Sohl

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Leola June (Kear) (Epard) Sohl, 83, of Salina, passed away Dec. 30, 2018. She was born May 29, 1935, to Murray and Clara (Seigal) Kear in her great grandparents’ sod house, the Porter Collins Home, south of Brewster. June attended grade school in Brownville and graduated from Brewster High School in 1953. She married George Epard, May 27, 1953, and to their union was born two sons, Marc and Jay Epard. The family traveled south to north custom harvesting until they took over George’s family farm southeast of Colby.

June married Stan Sohl, Feb. 28,1983, and moved to Salina. They ran June and Stan’s Heirlooms Antique Store at Fifth and Walnut in Salina, and regularly traveled across several states doing antique shows. June was past president of the National Milk Glass Collectors Society. Throughout her life, June enjoyed gardening. She was known for her pickles and took great pleasure in baking and cooking, especially during the Christmas season. She was an avid duplicate bridge player until her death.

Survivors include: sons, Marc Epard (Kathy Porsch) and Jay Epard; brother, Larry Kear (Betty); stepsons, Duane and Mark Sohl; stepdaughters, Jeanine Eldar (Ilan) and Martha Bertolino (Tom); stepdaughter-in-law, Terri Sohl; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

June was preceded in death by: her parents; husbands, George Epard, and Stan Sohl; and stepson, Glen Sohl.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 Neal, Salina, with the Rev. Lori Persigehl officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in June’s name to Hospice of Salina, or Salina Regional Health Center, in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

No. 5 Tigers gear up for Top-15 battle with Central Missouri

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FHSU Athletics

After playing at home for the entire month of December, the fifth-ranked Fort Hays State women’s basketball team will head out on the road for the first time in 39 days Thursday (Jan. 3) when the Tigers travel to Warrensburg, Mo. to take on No. 15 Central Missouri. First tip between the Tigers and Jennies is set for 5:30 p.m. from the UCM Multipurpose Building.

In just its second true road game this season, Fort Hays State will look for revenge against Central Missouri after the Jennies ended FHSU’s run in the regional semifinals last season, 66-59. The Jennies went on to win the national title, winning all five other postseason contests by 10 or more points.

The win gave UCM a 15-12 lead in the all-time series with Fort Hays State. The home team has dominated the series, with the Tigers winning just three of 11 games in Warrensburg (3-8) while winning eight of 10 in Hays (8-2). The Tigers are 10-10 against UCM under Hobson, including a 2-5 mark on the road. UCM has won two straight against FHSU, one shy of its longest winning streak in series history.

The Tigers rank first in Division II with just 9.8 turnovers per game while compiling a turnover margin of +11.7 so far this season, second-best in the country. they rank in the top 10 nationally in eight other categories, including assist/turnover ratio (1.55, second), blocked shots per game (5.5, eighth), fewest turnovers (108, third), free throw attempts (309, sixth), free throw makes (227, third), personal fouls per game (13.1, ninth), scoring margin (29.9, fourth) and win percentage (10 undefeated teams remaining).

A win Thursday would be Tony Hobson’s 217th career victory at Fort Hays State University, tying him with Helen Miles for the most coaching wins as a Tiger in program history.

Fort Hays State is 35-36 in games played in Missouri under Hobson. This is the first Thursday contest for the Tigers this season. Fort Hays State is 35-14 on Thursdays under Hobson.

Tatyana Legette is averaging a double-double in league play through two MIAA contests this season, putting up 19.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per contest against No. 24 Emporia State and Nebraska-Kearney last month. Kacey Kennett has scored in double figures all three times she has laced them up against Central Missouri, averaging 14.7 ppg against the Jennies. After scoring in double figures just once in her first 39 games as a Tiger, Whitney Randall has scored 10 or more points in four consecutive contests, tied for the longest stretch of double-digit performances for any Tiger this season (Kennett).

The defending National Champions returned three All-MIAA performers, including the league player of the year and a first team All-American in leading scorer Paige Redmond. The Jennies are in the middle of the pack in the MIAA in scoring average this season, totaling 73.4 points per contest, while ranking second-to-last with 66.5 points against each night. UCM drills 9.2 three-pointers per game, ranking second in the conference. The UCM offense is very reliant on the five starters, with all five averaging at least 8.5 points per contest and the bench chipping in just 10.1 points each night. Redmond ranks in the top five in the MIAA in both scoring (16.1 ppg) and assists (4.0 apg), while both Morgan Fleming (15.0 ppg) and Megan Skaggs (14.4 ppg) also sit in the top 10 in the league in scoring.

Tigers on the road for first time since November in test against Mules

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Ryan Prickett / FHSU Athletics

FHSU Athletics

Fort Hays State heads out on the road for the first time since late November when it plays at Central Missouri on Thursday night (Jan. 3) in Warrensburg. Tipoff is set for 7:30 pm, which follows the women’s contest at 5:30 pm. FHSU enters at 8-3 overall, 2-0 in the MIAA, while Central Missouri is 7-4 overall, 0-2 in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State is on a six-game win streak entering Thursday night’s contest. All six of those wins were inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. FHSU has not won away from home yet this season, going 0-2 in true road games and 0-1 in neutral site contests so far. Fort Hays State’s last win away from Hays was in the quarterfinals of the MIAA Tournament in Kansas City last year, and the last true road win was at Northeastern State on February 8, 2018. FHSU is 0-4 in true road games since that win at NSU.

The teams make their only meeting of the season in Warrensburg for a second-straight year. UCM won last year’s game 81-66, putting the game away early with a 24-point halftime lead.

Central Missouri enters Thursday on a two-game win streak after non-conference wins over Mid-America Nazarene and Avila University to close out December. The Mules look for their first conference win after dropping road games at Southwest Baptist and Washburn in early December to open MIAA play. Central Missouri is 6-0 at home so far this year.

Ruth Kelley Hayden

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Ruth Kelley Hayden, 97, of Atwood, died Saturday, December 29, 2018, at the Rawlins County Health Center. Ruth was born in Atwood, June 22, 1921, to Irene (Henderson) and Alonzo W. Kelley. She attended Atwood Grade School and graduated from Atwood High School in 1939. She earned an associate of arts degree from Cottey College in 1941 and a bachelor’s degree from Kansas University in 1943. On March 28, 1943, she married Irven W. Hayden Jr. at the Atwood Methodist Church. Ruth and Irv were blessed with seven children and 72 years of marriage, most of them spent in Atwood.

Ruth was a homemaker interested in writing, history and travel. While raising her family, she was a columnist for the Atwood Citizen-Patriot, producing “That’s Livin’” from 1956-1963 and the feature series “Interesting People” from 1959-1961. She published two volumes of Rawlins County History, The Time that Was. Ruth and Irv were founding members of the Rawlins County Historical Society and members of the Kansas State Historical Society. Ruth was an agent for Atchison Travel and Arrow Travel in the 1970s and ‘80s.

Ruth was a member of the Atwood United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Chapter AX of P.E.O. International, the Town and Country Guild, Union HDU and the KU Alumni Association. She served on the board of directors of the Second Century Fund and on the scholarship committee of the Hanson Foundation. She was a Girl Scout, Boy Scout and 4-H leader.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Pat) Maley and Lonnie (Bob) Frick; son Thorne Hayden; daughter Sally Hayden; son-in-law Mike Dennison and granddaughter Belle Hayden.

She is survived by five children, Mike (Patti) Hayden, of Lawrence, Kelley (Marta Heffner), of Reno, NV, Tom (Carol) Hayden, of Halfway, OR, Katy (Bob Tricks) Hayden, of Ellis and Paul (Tara) Hayden, of Atwood; five grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Atwood United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to Second Century, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com.

Robert J. Pfeifer

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Robert J. Pfeifer, 91, Hays, died Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at HaysMed.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

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