Annette P. Leikam, age 91, of Hays, Kansas passed away Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Via Christi Hospital St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas.
She was born March 8, 1927 in St. Peter, Kansas to Andrew and Margaret (Brungardt) Knoll. On December 30, 1952 she married Robert Leikam at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. He preceded her in death December 5, 1969.
Annette had worked as a CNA. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed flower gardening and the fall.
She is survived by two sons, Robert Leikam and wife Trudy of Hays and Ronald Leikam and wife Jackie of Hays; a brother, Andrew Knoll of St. Peter, KS; three grandchildren, Sarah Fischer, Annie Bollig and Chrissy Driscoll as well as five great grandchildren, Shaylee, Carli Jo and Brecklynn Fischer, Tracyn and Davin Bollig.
She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers, Carl, Richard, Ambrose, Paul, Isadore and Eugene Knoll and three sisters, Amelia Gaschler, Clara Leikam and Armella Gaschler.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Hays.
Visitation will be Wednesday 4 PM – 8 PM and Thursday 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
A combined parish vigil and VFW Auxiliary memorial and rosary service will be 7 PM Wednesday at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian High School or the Hays VFW.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]
Linda Carver, age 71, of Hays, Kansas died Saturday, September 29, 2018, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.
She was born February 10, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas to William W. and Jesse D. (Farmsworth) Koon. She married William H. Carver on October 29, 1973, in Iron Mountain, Michigan. He died August 26, 1991.
She grew up in Wisconsin then lived in Corning, Salina, Russell, and Hays. She enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, cooking and her grandkids.
Survivors include her two sons, William J. “J.W.” Carver, Diamond, Ohio; Paul H. Carver and his fiancé, Michelle Seib, Hays, KS; five grandchildren: Faith, Gabriella and William Jr.; Rebecca and Andrew.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, one infant son, William H. Carver Jr.; three brothers and one sister.
A memorial service will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 4, 2018, at Centennial Towers 2502 Sherman Ave. Hays, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Thursday, at Centennial Towers.
A private family inurnment will be held at the Corning Cemetery, Corning, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial to the American Lung Association.
Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].
Jeffrey Scott Nix, age 42, passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2018 in Denver, Colorado.
He was born on September 11, 1976 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Jackie Dusenbery Drake. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1999, he was the owner and operator of American Roofing in Scott City, Kansas and was the founder of Boxer Rescue of America.
He was a member of Boxer Rescue of America, Boxers & Everyday Boxers.
On May 5, 2007 he married Michelle Wright in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives.
Survivors Include his Wife – Michelle Nix of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter – Aspyn Nix of Scott City, Kansas, One Son – Jeffrey Nix of Scott City, Kansas, Five Sisters – Melissa English of Mitchell, South Dakota, Tracy Gonzales of Haysville, Kansas, Tanya Willis of Gillette, Wyoming, Stacy Koester of Gillette, Wyoming, Dawn Schott of Aurora, Colorado, Two Brothers – Nicholas Luiken of Douglass, Kansas, Rickie Drake of Arkansas City, Kansas, Big Brothers & Big Sisters Mentors – Bill & Leah Fairchild of Mulvane, Kansas and Jim & Shabana Fairchild of Wichita, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his Mother, One Sister – Cheryl Graham and Grandparents.
Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Scott Wagner presiding.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Jeffrey Nix Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.
Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.
Visitation will be from 10:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.
Fentanyl, heroin, LSD among the drugs seized — valued in excess of $500,000
Photos courtesy Barton County Sheriff
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have broken up a major drug ring after months of investigation, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Early Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s office and several other agencies executed a total of nine search warrants in Barton County in what Bellendir called “Operation Snowplow.”
The investigation began as a cocaine distribution case. Detectives had used undercover techniques to purchase illicit drugs. The case mushroomed drastically into a major distribution case involving all types of drugs, according to Bellendir.
Of particular concern was the fact the detectives came into possession of imitation hydrocodone tablets. The tablets had been manufactured to look like 5 mg hydrocodone prescription drugs. Upon analysis, it was discovered the tablets contained fentanyl, an extremely powerful painkiller, more powerful than morphine.
Fentanyl is far more likely to cause an overdose leading to death. Further lab analysis showed these tablets to be some of the strongest ever analyzed in the State of Kansas. Also, during the course of the investigation detectives obtained quantities of black tar heroin. Heroin has not been common in western Kansas for nearly two decades. Heroin is particularly dangerous due to its addictive qualities and tendency to cause overdoses. Investigation indicates a strong likelihood most of these drugs originated in Mexico and were smuggled into the United States. Evidence of money order and wire transfers of money to Mexico were also discovered by law enforcement.
Substantial quantities of illicit drugs were seized during the operation. Deputies are in the initial stages of weighing and processing the evidence. The following are estimated total amounts.
200 doses of LSD, 10 kilos of high-grade marijuana, 1.5 kilos marijuana wax, 2 ounces of black tar heroin, 160 fluid ounces of liquid codeine, 1 kilo of methamphetamine, 2 kilos suspected china white heroin, 8 oz. cocaine,6 oz. suspected Fentanyl
Estimated street value of the drugs is believed to be in excess of $500,000.
Along with the drugs, sheriff’s deputies seized three firearms — one rifle and two shotguns. One of these shotguns had been sawed off to approximately 12 inches. Multiple rounds of 00 buckshot were found with the gun.
The sheriff’s office also seized more than $25,000 cash and three vehicles. It is anticipated that asset forfeiture proceedings will be filed on the cash and vehicles. The sheriff’s office is also considering the seizure of real estate related to the case.
Authorities also arrested:
• Iban Martine –Enrique, 21, Great Bend, for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, distribution of marijuana, distribution of heroin, possession of paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon, and no drug tax stamp bond is set at $100,000.00
• Miguel Gonzalez, 22, Great Bend, for possession of cocaine, possession of paraphernalia, and criminal use of a firearm bond $10,000.00
• Candice Johnson, 42, Great Bend, for distribution of Methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia Bond is set at $100,000.00
• Kennedy Beakey, 19, Great Bend, for distribution of a Hallucinogenic and possession of paraphernalia. Bond is set at $50,000.00
• Pedro Garcia, 20, Great Bend, for possession of a stimulant, and possession of paraphernalia bond was set at $10,000.00 He has bonded out of jail.
• Vincente Espino, 51, Great Bend, for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, distribution of heroin, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of LSD and distribution of marijuana. Bond set at $100000.00
Amador -photo Barton Co.
Deputies were unable to locate one suspect and seek the public’s assistance in finding Murel Dean Amador. Amador is a Hispanic male, 63 years of age, 5-foot-11, 230 pounds, brown eyes, black hair, which is balding and graying. Amador is wanted for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Warrants from the Barton County District Court have been issued. If you have information as to Amador’s location, call 911.
Monday’s investigation netted the widest variety and largest quantity of drugs seized by the sheriff’s office in approximately the last 30 years, according to Bellendir.
Officers from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, Rush County Sheriff’s Office, and Rice County Sheriff’s Office assisted with Monday’s drug bust. Command officers from the Great Bend Fire Department were present in the event of accidental overdose or injuries during the operation.
*UPDATE 3p.m. Jordan and Jayden have been located and are safe, according to Olathe Police.
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JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for assistance to locate two juveniles missing in Johnson County.
photo courtesy Olathe Police
Jayden Bruce, 9, and his brother Jordan Gerster, 15, have not been seen since school dismissed on Monday, according to Olathe Police.
Jayden is 4-foot-8 inches tall and was last seen wearing jean shorts and a peach colored long sleeve shirt with three buttons.
Jordan is 5-foot-10 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black tshirt with red lettering and a black Adidas jacket with a blue stripe.
Anyone with knowledge of their location please call us at 913-971-7500 or 911.
JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for assistance to locate two juveniles missing in Johnson County.
photo courtesy Olathe Police
Jayden Bruce, 9, and his brother Jordan Gerster, 15, have not been seen since school dismissed on Monday, according to a media release from Olathe Police.
According to police, Jayden is 4-foot-8 inches tall and was last seen wearing jean shorts and a peach colored long sleeve shirt with three buttons.
Jordan is 5-foot-10 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black tshirt with red lettering and a black Adidas jacket with a blue stripe.
Anyone with knowledge of their location please call us at 913-971-7500 or 911
TOPEKA – Monday, Oct. 1,the Kansas Department of Health and Environment began hosting the October education meetings throughout the state to share with KanCare providers and members updates and information about the upcoming open enrollment period.
The meetings in Hays are scheduled for Wed., Oct. 3 at Fort Hays State University’s Robbins Center. Providers will meet 1-3 p.m. Members will meet 6-8 p.m.
KanCare is the state’s Medicaid program.
Staff members will be available to answer questions and accept feedback from attendees. All meetings are ADA compliant, and people with disabilities will have full access. Members’ family members are also welcomed to attend. Members and providers received by mail advanced notification of these meetings. Similar meetings were also held in September.
John Schlageck writes for the Kansas Farm Bureau.Travel out to the fields of Kansas during October and you’ll see them teeming with fall harvest. Combines chomp through the fields of corn, milo, soybeans and sunflowers eager to dump the bountiful crops into waiting trucks and grain carts.
Today’s green, red and silver monsters move through the fields with the urgency of tanks rolling through a war game. Across Kansas, farmers pilot these 12-ton behemoths as easily as the family car.
On gravel and blacktop roads tandem trucks and semis race back from the elevators so the machines can fill them up again. Fall harvest in Kansas marks that magical time of the year when producers of food and fiber reap what they have sown.
Seeing this bountiful production unfold, underscores the importance of farming and ranching in Kansas. Our Kansas farmers – and their contemporaries across this great land – continually risk all that is theirs; hoping success is what each harvest and year will bring.
They work with the land, chemicals, computers and livestock. They must understand markets, people, soil crops and climate. Their livelihood is largely dependent upon factors, especially weather, that are oftentimes completely out of their control.
Still, farmers farm to succeed. They farm to grow and harvest crops and produce livestock. Farmers see their vocation not only as a business, but also as a way of life to preserve in good times and bad. They have their feet planted firmly in their soil. They are dedicated to the land and providing us with the safest, most wholesome food on the planet.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the average person consumes approximately 10 pounds or 160 bowls of cereal annually. When you couple that with approximately 22 pounds of red meat and poultry, it’s clear why Kansas harvest is an important time.
Today’s consumer has the option of using nearly 3,500 different corn products. These uses range from corn flakes to corn sweeteners. Corn and milo remain the top source of livestock feed.
Countless foods are made from today’s fall soybean crop. Some of these include crackers, cooking oils, salad dressings, sandwich spreads and shortenings. Soybeans are used extensively to feed livestock, poultry and fish.
Sunflowers from the Sunflower State can be used as an ingredient in everything from cooking to cosmetics and biodiesel cars. And as you probably already know, they’re a tasty snack – and healthy too.
So, if you have an opportunity to visit our state’s fertile fields this fall, think about the professionals who are busy providing the food we find on our tables each day. Tip your hat, raise an index finger above the steering wheel of your car or give a friendly wave to these producers of food and fiber who are dedicated to feeding you and the rest of the world.
John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.
OK, we’ll agree, no matter how you think President Donald Trump is at running the country, or making it great again, or defending the borders or choosing justices for the Supreme Court, he is probably the No. 1 crowd-raiser in the country.
Like him or not, he can raise the crowd, and during Saturday’s “Make America Great Again” rally in Topeka, that crowd is going to be the real news of the event which will close roads, with such tight Secret Service security some attendees will be afraid to scratch at the Kansas Expocentre without first catching the eye and getting a nod from a guard.
Now, we’ve all heard the speech about how well Trump believes he has done in nearly two years of being president, but another key for Kansans is going to be who attends the rally.
Count on Republican gubernatorial nominee Secretary of State Kris Kobach to put on a clean shirt for the event, at which he will be cited for being the first big-league Kansas elected official to endorse Trump. Trump returned the favor, endorsing Kobach over Gov. Jeff Colyer for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Look for the president to again tout Kobach over Democratic challenger Sen. Laura Kelly for the governor’s office.
Oh, and 2nd District congressional candidate Steve Watkins? He’s also one of the prime reasons that Trump will be holding his MAGA rally in the Second District. Watkins gets endorsed for his effort to keep the 2nd District congressional seat in the hands of a Republican so that Trump’s party can maintain a majority in Congress.
Of note, both Kobach and Watkins are in races that pollsters put within the margin of error in a heavily Republican state. What? A close Republican/Democratic race in Kansas? Yes, it can happen. At this point, conservative Republicans are of course wrapped up for Kobach and Watkins, but those moderate Republicans? The ones who elected Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum and Gov. Bill Graves and more than a dozen legislative leaders of past years who have endorsed Kelly? Not sure.
That’s where it becomes interesting to see just who shows up for the Trump rally and get chairs to sit in up front at the rally where they can be photographed in apparent support of the president, who by the way carried Kansas with 56 percent of the vote in 2016.
In the past two years, those 671,018 Kansans for Trump have seen just what he’s done with his power. It’s not quite certain whether some of those voters have decided that they made the wrong choice and figure that anyone who Trump endorses probably ought to stay at home, or if those who think Trump has done well will wonder why their legislators apparently don’t think so…or maybe had dinner reservations for Saturday evening…
So, do Kansas Republicans want to be seen at the Trump rally? Some will, some won’t, and it becomes a political decision on just where you care to be seen. Or, whether it will matter as much as, say, being seen at a strip club 20 years ago?
Interesting decisions coming up. Nobody doesn’t wasn’t to see the president at some point in their lives. This might be a bucket-list decision for some statewide and legislative candidates, but for some, well, they may lose years of service in their pension calculations if they are spotted at the rally in apparent support for Trump.
Do Republicans or Democrats get the best campaign handcards out of being seen at this rally?
Guess we’ll see in November…
Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com
The Breast Care Center at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will hold a Positively Pink event from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20. This program is for breast cancer survivors and their family and friends. The event will be held at The Center for Health Improvement, 2500 Canterbury.
A variety of events and activities will be offered. Dr. William Smith, Breast Radiologist, and Denise DeBoer, APRN, will kick things off with opening remarks at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to bring their sneakers to participate in activities such as stretch and balance, Zumba, yoga and meditation.
During the event, participants will have an opportunity to schedule a mammogram with the Breast Care Center. The Center for Health Improvement massage therapists will provide complimentary chair massages.
There is no fee for the event, and participants do not have to register. Healthy snacks and educational material (nutrition, lymphedema, sleep, health coaching, etc.) will be provided along with door prizes and drawings.
Golden Plains Credit Union is pleased to announce it has partnered with Platinum Group, one of the leading real estate company in Hays, and has opened a new downtown location at 118 E. 11th Street (across from Gella’s Diner).
“Golden Plains is committed to providing the best products and services to our members and teaming up with Platinum Group is just another example of our commitment,” said Member-President Erich Schaefer. “This partnership gives our members a smart and easy home buying solution.”
Golden Plains’ Mortgage Lending department currently has three employees at the downtown location and 1 employee at the Broadway location. The new location is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We are excited about our presence in downtown Hays and having another location for your mortgage needs,” said Ruth Ruder, vice president branch services in Hays.
Golden Plains offers a variety of mortgage loans including 1st mortgage, 2nd mortgage, Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC), Rural Development loans, First-time Homebuyer grants and Construction loans.
“I am really thrilled about partnering with Platinum Group,” said Assistant Vice President Mortgage Services, Melissa Amrein. “Our convenient downtown location provides a one-stop shop for all your home buying needs.”
Platinum Group was founded in 2016 by Hays native, Adam Pray. This real estate company provides clients a full-service location with a realty company, a mortgage lender and future plans to include an insurance company all under one roof.Platinum Group employs eight local agents and three office staff and focuses on giving buyers and sellers a personalized experience to meet all of their real estate needs.
“We are happy to serve our members at both Golden Plains locations for fast and convenient service,” Ruder said. “Golden Plains is grateful to Platinum Group and Adam Pray for the opportunity.”
Golden Plains Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution. Golden Plains has 15 locations throughout Central, Western and Southeast Kansas, with approximately 78,835 members and over $653 million dollars in assets. For more information visit gpcu.org.
FRANKLIN COUNTY — Two children died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Monday in Franklin County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford Focus driven by Clytie D. Bowden, 31, Wellsville, was southbound on Tennessee Road four miles west of Kansas 33.
The driver failed to yield right of way at Kansas 68 and entered the intersection. A westbound 2003 Subaru Baja driven by Crag R. Evans, 40, Ottawa, struck the Ford on the passenger side.
Briana Sobba,11, and Becham Klemen, 3, both of Wellsville were pronounced dead at the scene.
Lillian Klemen, 6, and Elle Bowden, 12, both of Wellsville, were transported to the hospital in Ottawa and then transferred to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City.
Bowden was transported to Research Medical Center. Evans was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Only Lillian Klemen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
Today Patchy drizzle before 7am. Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 88. East southeast wind 6 to 11 mph becoming south 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 15 to 17 mph.
WednesdaySunny, with a high near 92. South southwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday NightIsolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Northeast wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 12 to 17 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
ThursdayScattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday NightScattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
FridayIsolated showers before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Democrat Sharice Davids in her race against Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder in an eastern Kansas congressional district.
Today, I’m proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren’t just running against something, but for something—to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service. They deserve your vote: pic.twitter.com/NO5jnhX3XD
Obama included Davids on a tweeted list Monday of more than 250 candidates he endorsed across the nation. Davids was the only Kansas candidate listed.
The ex-president, a Democrat, tweeted that he was endorsing candidates running “to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service.”
Davids is a Native American and LGBT lawyer who was a White House fellow during Obama’s administration.
President Donald Trump tweeted his full endorsement of Yoder in July. Yoder is seeking a fifth term in the Kansas-City area 3rd District.
Democrat Hillary Clinton narrowly carried the district in the 2016 presidential race.
Annette P. Leikam, age 91, of Hays, Kansas passed away Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Via Christi Hospital St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas. 
