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Author: Hays Post

James F. ‘Jim’ Nieman

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James F. “Jim” Nieman, 82, died Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at the Homestead Health & Rehabilitation Center in Garden City. He was born March 16, 1936 in Sheridan County, Kansas the son of Nicholas J. & Lucy A. (Broeckelman) Nieman.

Jim grew up with his family on a farm Northeast of Grinnell, Kansas. He attended grade school in Angelus, Ks and Grinnell, Ks. He then attended and graduated from high school in Grinnell.

Jim served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. After returning from the service, Jim attended and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Ft. Hays State University. Jim worked for GAB Claims from 1962 to 1974 in Hays, Ks and Garden City, Ks. He then worked for St. Paul Claims from 1974 to 1977, and for Farm Bureau Claims in Garden City from 1977 to 2000. Jim retired in 2000. He has lived in Garden City since 1963. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City; St. Mary Church Choir; Knights of Columbus; Farm Bureau; and was very active in Meals on Wheels. Jim enjoyed gardening and was an avid sports fan where he loved to play softball. He also loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

On September 24, 1966, he married Patricia L. Bergkamp in Garden City. She survives.

Other survivors include three children Scott & wife Lori Nieman of Garden City, Ks, John Nieman of Colorado Springs, Co, and Sandy Nieman of Colorado Springs, Co; four brothers Gerald Nieman of Golden, Co, Lawrence Nieman of Sioux Falls, SD, Kenneth Nieman of Garden City, Ks, & Raymond Nieman of Hays, Ks; a sister Jean Loder of Salina, Ks; and two Grandchildren Allison Nieman and Emmy Nieman.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Al Nieman and Paul Nieman; and two sisters Erma Lou Nieman and Alma Gillespie.

A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 28 also at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Charles Seiwert as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Kansas Army Nationa Guard Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City.

The family suggests memorials given to St. Mary School in care of the funeral home.

Man sentenced for role in kidnapping of man left in field near Russell

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KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 23-year-old man was sentenced to eight years in prison without parole for his role in a kidnapping conspiracy.

Watson -photo Johnson Co.

Justin Watson was sentenced Thursday for conspiracy to commit kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime.

Watson admitted that he and his co-conspirators kidnapped a victim identified as “N.J.” in March 2017. They drove to Colorado and used the victim’s credit card in stops across Kansas.

During the drive west, the conspirators discussed killing the victim. Instead, they stopped near Russell.

They left the victim, bound and gagged, and then drove away, leaving the victim in the field. The victims removed his bindings and went to the Russell Police Department.

Watson was arrested in March in Kansas City.

Bernadine June (Griess) Johnson

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October 18, 1941 ~ September 27, 2018 (age 76)

Donations may be made to Sherman County Speedway and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland KS 67735.

Click HERE for service details.

Edna D. Pohlmann

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SMITH CENTER – Edna D. Pohlmann, age 96, passed away Thursday September 27, 2018 at SunPorch of Smith Center, KS.

Arrangements are pending at Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary.

Lonny P. Claycamp

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Lonny P. Claycamp, 61, Hays, died Thursday, September 27, 2018 at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

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

Norton Co. case included in Kan. AG’s Medicare fraud sweep

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AG Derek Schmidt charges 10 with Medicaid fraud, related crimes

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt this week announced that his office has charged 10 individuals in seven counties with Medicaid fraud and related charges as part of an enforcement sweep.

The criminal charges against the 10 defendants allege that while working as a nurse, a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) or a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), the individuals committed Medicaid fraud, stole narcotics and/or mistreated dependent adults while the defendants were working in health care facilities or board-and-care facilities that receive Medicaid funding. The cases filed were as follows:

State v. Jamie Rodriguez; Sedgwick County Case No. 2018-CR-002624-FE; Charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of theft, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance, one count of felony making a false information and one count of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult.

State v. Catherine Mary Santaniello; Johnson County Case No. 18-CR-02641; Charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of battery and two counts of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult.

State v. Ashley Elizabeth Chavez; Norton County Case No. 18-CR-000058; Charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of theft, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and one count of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult.

State v. Janelle Lynn Sakakihara; Doniphan County Case No. 2018-CR-000076; Charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, three counts of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult and three counts of battery.

State v. Jennifer Lynn Jones; Wyandotte County Case No. 2018-CR-000988; Charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of theft, one count of felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and one count of felony making a false information.

State v. Jessica Jo Washington; Sedgwick County Case No. 2018-CR-002617-FE: Charged with two counts of Medicaid fraud, one count of theft, one count of felony possession of a controlled substance and one count of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult.

State v. Melissa Ann Seiber: Sedgwick County Case No. 2018-CR-002623-FE: Charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of theft and one count of felony possession of a controlled substance.

State v. Jillian Mallory McCorkendale; Miami County Case No. 2018-CR-000158: Charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of theft, one count of felony possession of a controlled substance and one count of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult.

State v. Nicole Pechanec: Butler County Case No. 2018-CR-000440: Charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of theft, one count of felony possession of a controlled substance, one count of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult and one count of forgery.

State v. Erin Grae Whitlow; Wyandotte County Case No. 2018-CR-000996: Charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of felony possession of a controlled substance and two counts of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult.

All criminal charges are merely accusations. Individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The cases were filed as part of a statewide sweep by the attorney general’s office cracking down on illegal and harmful activity in Kansas facilities that receive Medicaid funding.

Robert J. ‘A.’ Schmidtberger

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Robert J. “A.” Schmidtberger, age 87, of Victoria, Kansas, died Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born October 7, 1930, on the farm south of Victoria, Kansas to Alphonse and Clara (Graf) Schmidtberger. He married Patricia “Pat” (Miller) on November 29, 1950, in Hays, Kansas.

He was a mechanic for over 50 years. He started working at O’Loughlin Chevrolet in Hays, then worked 30 plus years in Russell for Drube Chevrolet, Arnhold-Schlegeck Chevrolet and Lyda’s Chevrolet. He was an instructor at North Central Kansas Technical College in Hays for one semester, then worked for Ellis County Road and Bridge Department and retired in 1993. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the American Legion. He attended Victoria High School, was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, St. Fidelis 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus and held a number of board positions. He was a crossing guard at the Victoria Grade School for a number of years. Robert enjoyed his farming, playing cards and his family.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia “Pat” Schmidtberger, of the home; three sons, Robert L. Schmidtberger, William J. Schmidtberger and wife, Diana and Bradley A. Schmidtberger and wife, Lori, all of Victoria, KS; two daughters, Bonnie L. Sander and husband, Steve, Walker, KS; Rebecca A. “Becky” Scheck, and husband, Jim, Victoria, KS; one brother, Marvin Schmidtberger and wife, Nancy, Pratt, KS; three sisters, Albertina Foos and Rosie Leiker, both of Hutchinson, KS; Edna Ptacek, Minneapolis, KS; 28 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Michael Schmidtberger and wife Ann; one infant brother, Linus Schmidtberger; five sisters, Mary Schmidtberger and husband, Severin; Hubertine Schultz and husband, Sam; Hermina “Minnie” Roth and husband, Cecil; Sister Vivian Schmidtberger C.S.A.; Angelitta ‘Angie” Schmidtberger; three brothers-in-law, Clarence Foos, Al Ptacek and Edward Leiker.
Funeral services are at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 29, 2018, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. With military honors by the Victoria V.F.W. Post #1751. A private family inurnment will be held at later date.

A vigil service and a Knights of Columbus / Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, all The Basilica of St. Fidelis. Memorial to The Basilica of St. Fidelis.

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Condolences can be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via email to [email protected].

WATCH Replay: Kavanaugh-Ford Senate hearing

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Dr. Ford during Thursday’s testimony

WASHINGTON — With high drama in the making, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh will defend his reputation Thursday.

The Senate Judiciary Committee — 11 Republicans, all men, and 10 Democrats — was to hear from just two witnesses on Thursday: Kavanaugh, the federal appeals court judge who has long been eyed for the Supreme Court, and Christine Blasey Ford, a California psychology professor who accuses him of attempting to rape her when they were teens.

Watch a replay of the hearing.

 

Tourism & Hospitality Management Program celebrates 10 years at FHSU homecoming

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By Dr. Stacie Smith, Chair
FHSU Dept. of Applied Business Studies

The Fort Hays State University Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) degree is celebrating its 10th year as an academic program in conjunction with FHSU’s 2018 Homecoming festivities.

In 2008, the THM program started under the direction of associate professor, Dr. Stacey Smith. Dr. Karen Thal, assistant professor, and many adjuncts have been added to support the growth of the program. The program continues to expand and gives students real-world experience by requiring an internship before graduation and providing hands-on learning through externships and study abroad opportunities.

The program has received numerous badge recognitions over the years including recognition as a 2017 Best Online Program in Hospitality Management by BestColleges.com; Best Online Hotel Management Degree by ACOnline.com; and Best Online Hospitality Management by AffordableCollegesOnline.org.

The program has added two student organizations. Eta Sigma Delta is an honorary society that recognizes THM students for high academic achievement. The THM Travel Club has planned two externships to Kansas City, MO, and Dallas, TX, where students experienced a week-long networking immersion with industry professionals. The Travel Club also planned a study abroad experience to Budapest, Hungary, in partnership with Budapest Metropolitan University over the topic of Spa Management. The Travel Club is currently planning another study abroad experience to Costa Rica and Ecuador for January 2019 over the topic of Sustainable Tourism.

Virtual students have also traveled to campus to be inducted into the honor society and have joined in the study abroad experiences. The program continues to build partnerships both domestically and internationally. THM alumni currently have careers in a broad range of business areas spanning many sectors of the industry including event planning, hotels, cruise ships, restaurants, travel companies, casinos, managed services, convention and visitors’ bureaus, vacation ownership, theme parks, and more.

The celebration begins on Friday evening at 6:30 at The Venue in Thirsty’s Pub and Grill, 2704 Vine Street #B, with a social gathering consisting of appetizers and networking. Also, be sure to stop and say hello to greet students and alumni at the tailgate prior to the football game beginning at 3 p.m. Tailgate spots are #130 and #131.

Alumni, friends, supporters, and current students alike are invited to the festivities on Friday and Saturday.

If you are interested in attending, would like to learn more about the program or have any questions, please contact:

Dr. Stacey Smith, Chair
Department of Applied Business Studies
Fort Hays State University
785.628.4772
[email protected]

KU $20M in budget cuts involves buyout program

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LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas plans to cut $20 million from its budget by leaving many vacant faculty positions unfilled and implementing a buyout program for older faculty members.

KU Interim Provost Carl Lejuez

KU Interim Provost Carl Lejuez presented budget cuts at a town hall meeting Wednesday.

He says a new voluntary retirement program that was adopted in August would work in tandem with the university’s decision not to fill many vacant positions. Lejuez says 45 faculty members have applied for the program, which offers a buyout option to tenured and tenure-track faculty who are 62 or older.

He anticipates that 50 more faculty members will sign up by the program’s Oct. 5 deadline.

Lejeuz says the program gives the university flexibility to either refill or eliminate the positions.

Portion of 27th Street in Hays will be closed for maintenance

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The Ellis County and City of Hays Public Works Departments will be conducting an asphalt road sealing project on west 27th Street on Thursday.

Crews will begin working beginning at the intersection of west 27th St. and US 183 Bypass and work east for three-fourths of a mile ending at the intersection of west 27th and Englewood St.

This portion of west 27th St. will be closed to thru traffic beginning at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Work is expected to be completed by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use alternate routes of travel until the project is complete.

Direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Department at (785)-628-9455 or the City of Hays Public Works Department at (785)-628-7350.

Kan. felon charged after slow-speed chase, changing seats with passenger

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RENO COUNTY— A Kansas man arrested after leading police on a slow-speed chase has been formally charged.

Palermo -photo Barton Co.

Angelo Palermo, 36, Hutchinson, led law enforcement on a slow-speed chase on U.S. 50 on Sept. 22.

Once stopped, Palermo was arrested for fleeing and eluding, DUI, driving while suspended, illegal transportation and failing to drive in the right lane.

During the slow-speed chase, Palermo allegedly switched positions with the passenger, according to statements in court.

He finally stopped after pulling off the highway at Jordan Springs Road.

Palermo has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He is scheduled to be back in court Oct. 17.

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