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Author: Hays Post

More charges against man in sexual assault, stalking of Kan. massage parlor workers

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KANSAS CITY – Additional charges were filed last week against a Kansas City man for stalking two more victims.

Gross -photo Jackson Co.

Robert J. Gross, 66, of Kansas City, was charged in a 10-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. The superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned on Jan. 10, 2018, and adds two counts of stalking.

The indictment charges Gross with two additional counts of stalking separate victims between Oct. 1 and Dec. 22, 2017. Gross allegedly traveled from Missouri to Kansas with the intent to harass and intimidate his victims, causing them to feel substantial emotional distress.

The indictment also contains the original eight counts, which includes two counts of stalking separate victims (for a total of four victims) between Oct. 1 and Dec. 22, 2017; three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and three counts of receiving a firearm while under indictment.

Gross allegedly was in possession of a 9mm Velocity “Uzi”-type firearm on Dec. 16, 2017. At that time, Gross was both a convicted felon and under indictment in the state of Kansas for aggravated sexual battery.

Gross allegedly was in possession of a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun on Dec. 17, 2017. At that time, Gross was both a convicted felon and under indictment in the state of Kansas for aggravated sexual battery.

Gross allegedly was in possession of a Springfield 12-gauge shotgun and a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017. At that time, Gross was both a convicted felon and under indictment in the state of Kansas for aggravated sexual battery.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony, or who is under indictment, to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Gross has prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and making terroristic threats to a former girlfriend.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Gross was destroying property and stalking individuals associated with massage parlors in Kansas, which led to him being placed under surveillance by law enforcement. 

On Dec. 22, 2017, officers observed Gross allegedly purchase two shotguns from an unidentified individual in the parking lot of the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Liberty, Mo. According to the affidavit, Gross first drove to the Pizza Ranch parking lot, where he removed the license plate from the front of his car. The rear license plate had been removed as well. Then Gross drove to the nearby Lowe’s store, where he was met by an individual driving a white pickup truck. The unidentified individual allegedly sold Gross two shotguns, which he handed to Gross from his truck. As Gross was putting two shotguns in the trunk of his car, officers arrested him for being a felon in possession of firearms.

According to the affidavit, the individual who sold the shotguns to Gross told investigators that Gross called him the day before, after seeing the firearms advertised on a web site. Gross told him he wanted to buy two shotguns for $350 and they arranged to meet at Lowe’s to conduct the sale.

Attorney: Kansas keeps issuing inadequate well permits

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An attorney says that Kansas energy regulators continue to allow oil and gas drillers to apply for injection-well permits without providing adequate public notice despite complaints on the matter.

Saltwater injection wells, like this in southeast Kansas, are gaining more attention from Kansans concerned about their potential effects.
COURTESY KANSAS GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Robert Eye represents the Kansas Sierra Club, Douglas County and five individuals. Eye tells the Lawrence Journal-World that the Kansas Corporation Commission has issued more than 2,000 injection-well permits since 2008 after giving the public only 15 days to file protests instead of the federally required 30 days.

Injection wells have been linked to earthquakes many Kansas residents say have caused significant property damage.

The commission was expected Thursday to clear regulators of any wrongdoing. But commissioners announced they’d delay their final order after Eye asked them to acknowledge an oil company’s July public notices for permits with 15-day protest periods.

2 jailed for alleged marijuana possession after stopped for speeding on I-70

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GEARY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect on drug charges after an Interstate 70 traffic stop.

Sharp-Photo Geary Co.
Swanegan-photo Geary Co.

Just after 5:30a.m. Thursday, A Geary County sheriff’s deputy stopped an eastbound vehicle driven by Maurice Sharp, Las Vegas, NV., on Interstate 70 just east of the Milford Lake exit, according to a media release.

Following an investigation, deputies arrested Sharp on suspicion of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Speeding.

Deputies also arrested a passenger in the vehicle Anthony Swanegan, San Diego, CA., on suspicion of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Authorities released no additional details.

Stutterheim promoted at local accounting firm

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Stutterheim
The certified public accounting firm of Brungardt Hower Ward Elliott & Pfeifer, L.C. last week announced the promotion of Jamie Stutterheim to client services manager. With her new role, she will oversee all payroll, payroll tax filings and sales tax filings prepared for the firm’s clients. Jamie will perform duties previously provided by Deb Debes, who retired from Brungardt Hower in June after 21 years of service.

Stutterheim works in the firm’s Hays office and has extensive experience related to providing payroll services in a public accounting setting. She also has significant experience with sales tax filings, bookkeeping and preparation of financial statements.

Stutterheim anticipates graduating from Fort Hays State University in December with a bachelor’s of business administration in accounting. She is a native of Hoisington. She resides in Hays with her husband and two sons. Outside of the office and when she’s not studying, Jamie enjoys attending her children’s school activities, watching the Kansas City Royals, supporting the Fort Hays State Tigers and spending time with her family and friends.

Brungardt Hower, with offices in Hays, Garden City, and Johnson, serves clients throughout central and western Kansas.

— Submitted

Fort Hays State’s KAMS schedules statewide information sessions

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FHSU University Relations

Free information sessions regarding Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science will be offered across the state for seventh graders through high school sophomores and their families. Staff from the program will host the 11 sessions in October and November.

KAMS is an early-entry-to-college program that focuses on advanced mathematics and science. While studying at KAMS, students live on campus in a select residence hall with other KAMS students from across Kansas and around the world.

Over the course of two years, students complete over 60 hours of college credit. These college classes are taken alongside traditional college undergraduates and taught by college professors while simultaneously contributing to their high school graduation requirements.

The information sessions are listed chronologically.

Monday, October 1
Salina, 6 p.m.
Salina Public Library, Prescott Meeting Room
301 W. Elm Street

Wednesday, October 3
Topeka, 6 p.m.
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium
1515 SW. Tenth Ave.

Monday, October 8
Emporia, 6 p.m.
Emporia Public Library
110 E Sixth Ave.

Tuesday, October 9
Overland Park, 6 p.m.
Central Resource Library, Carmack Community Room
9875 W. 87th Street

Wednesday, October 24
Garden City, 6 p.m.
FHSU Higher Education Opportunity Center
409 N. Campus Dr. Ste. 107

Tuesday, October 30
Hays, 6 p.m.
Fort Hays State University Memorial Union, Pioneer Room
600 Park Street

Thursday, November 1
Wichita, 6 p.m.
Advanced Learning Library, Conference Room C
711 W. Second Street N

Wednesday, November 7
Colby, 6 p.m.
Pioneer Memorial Library
675 W. Fourth Street

Thursday, November 8
Dodge City, 6 p.m.
Dodge City Public Library, Lois Flanagan Room
1001 N. 2nd Ave.

Monday, November 12
Great Bend, 6 p.m.
Great Bend Public Library, Lower Level Meeting Room
1409 Williams Street

Tuesday, November 13
Manhattan, 6 p.m.
Manhattan Public Library, Auditorium
629 Poyntz Ave.

All information sessions are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Abby Anderson, KAMS coordinator for marketing and recruitment, at 785-628-4719 or visit www.fhsu.edu/kams.

To register, call 785-628-4719, or visit www.fhsu.edu/kams/Info-session-registration/.

WINKEL: Rains causing mushroom growth   

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Rip Winkel

 The rains we’ve received in our area of Kansas recently have resulted in the appearance of mushrooms in many a lawn and landscape. Although mushrooms can be eye-catching in size, shape and color, most of them are relatively harmless to plant life. Case-in-point is the fungus referred to as Fairy Ring. It is characterized by its arc-like or circular pattern of growth. This ring pattern is caused by the outward growth of mycelium from the fungus. The mycelium forms a dense, mat-like structure in the soil that decomposes organic material.

As the mycelium breaks down the organic matter, it releases nitrate into the soil, which in turn stimulates the growth of the grass at the outer portion of the ring. The result is a dark green appearance of the grass around the edge of the ring. Unfortunately, that same thick fungal mat formed by the fungus interferes with water infiltration. The fungus can also release certain byproducts that are toxic, leading to dieback of the grass close to the ring. Ergo, in some cases the ring is exhibited by a darker green color and in others, by a brown ring with the outside edge being darker green than the rest of the turf.

Fairy rings are difficult to control. You can sometimes eliminate the ring by digging to a depth of 6 to 12 inches and 12 inches wide on both sides of the ring, refilling the hole with non-infested soil. Or you can try to mask the symptoms by fertilizing the rest of the lawn so that it is as dark green as the ring. This, however, is not such a good idea because it tends to promote other turf problems. Commercially there are certain fungicides marketed that control fairy rings, but these products are not available to homeowners. See https://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/EP155.pdf for more info on these fungicides.

Some mushrooms in lawns are not associated with fairy rings. These could be mycorrhizal (symbiotic association with tree roots) or saprophytic (live on dead organic matter such as wood, etc.) types of fungus in the soil. Because some of these funguses are beneficial, you don’t really want to kill them. Besides, applying fungicide spray to the mushroom structures does very little good. Remember the mushroom is simply the fruiting body of the organism. Most of the actual fungus is below ground and not accessible to the chemical.

If mushrooms become bothersome, pick them and dispose of them as soon as they appear. If there are too many for that to be practical, mow them off.  If possible, remove all sources of organic debris (i.e. old, dead roots) from the soil. Keep in mind that mushrooms tend to go away as the soil dries. Applying patience may be the best measure of control. FYI, some of the mushrooms in the lawn are edible, but others are poisonous. Never eat mushrooms unless you are absolutely sure of their identity.

Rip Winkel is the Horticulture agent in the Cottonwood District (Barton and Ellis Counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at [email protected] or calling either 785-682-9430, or 620-793-1910.

Alvin Loy Keatley

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Alvin Loy Keatley, son of Clarence and Inez (Kleweno) Keatley, was born November 7, 1939 near Brownell, Kansas. He passed away in his home in Goddard, KS on August 31,2018 at the age of 78.

Alvin had to take on the responsibilities of a man at the age of 15 due to the death of his father in a farming accident. During his life he held several jobs. He farmed, sold and delivered hay, hauled cattle for Harold Witthuhn, managed the Bunge Elevator in Alexander, KS, and detailed vehicles for Marshall Auto Sales in Bazine, KS.

He was united in marriage to Bonnie Gish on August 10, 1958. To that union were born two children, Tony and Cheryl. Later he married Karen Ayres on October 14, 1972. To that union were born two sons, Kevin and Kelly.

Alvin’s favorite job, during his second marriage, was staying home and raising his sons, Kevin and Kelly. He enjoyed going to their school activities, watching them play basketball, and attending their track meets. He also enjoyed traveling to Topeka to spend time with his children, Tony and Cheryl, and his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Judy, a sister Carolyn Cox, a daughter Cheryl Rethman, and a step-father Mervin Royer.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Karen, of Goddard; his son, Tony (Brenda) of Topeka; his son, Kevin (Sarah) of Wamego; his son, Kelly (Janelle) of Goddard; and his sister, Jeanette McCormick of McCracken. He had 10 grandchildren, Shelby, Michael, and Casey Keatley; Aaron Rethman and Kayla (Steve) Walker; Kennedy and Avery Keatley and Karlynn, Kyler, and Jordan Keatley. He had one great-granddaughter, Cameron Walker. He also kept in touch with family and friends in ness County by phone. He especially enjoyed visiting with his sister Jeanette McCormick, Marian Kleweno, and Larry Kuehn.

Funeral service will be on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, 10:30 A.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Burial in the Bazine Cemetery. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral home on Monday, September 3, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M.

Roy F. Brungardt

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Roy F. Brungardt, age 73, of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 30, 2018 in Hays.

He was born December 31, 1944 in Bogue, Kansas, to Herbert and Barbara (Brown) Brungardt. Roy grew up in Hill City, KS where he attended and graduated from Hill City High School in 1962. After high school, Roy went on to Fort Hays State University where he graduated with a degree in accounting in 1966.

On June 25, 1966 he married Karen Wilhelm in Russell, Kansas. They had two boys, and kept trying to have a girl, but never were able to get that blessing. Roy and Karen spent time in the early years living in Kansas City, Russell, and Wichita, before moving back to (good ole NW Kansas) Hays in 1980. Roy was working as a CPA in these cities with companies such as Arthur Anderson Consulting, Elmer Fox & Co, and Grant Thornton. Roy Brungardt and four other partners started Brungardt Hower Ward Elliot and Pfeifer in 1986, a professional accounting firm. Roy loved working with all his fellow coworkers and clients.

If anyone knew him well, they might even say that accounting and tax returns was his one and only true hobby, as he worked in this industry for 52 years. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, The Hays Rotary Club, served on the Hays Chamber of Commerce Board, and was big help in starting the Heart of America Business Development, an organization that was created to bring or start new business to Hays, KS. Roy was also a huge supporter of TMP-Marian and FHSU. He was a big believer in faith, family, and his co-workers and clients. He used to tell his two sons if you stay honest and true to all of these, your life would be good. Roy and Karen liked to travel and also enjoyed the sport of golf.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of Hays; two sons, Jeff Brungardt ( spouse-Suzanne) of Kansas City, KS and Kirk Brungardt of Dallas, TX; four sisters, Carol Honas of Denver, CO, Lisa McCarty of Denver, CO, Debbie McMaster of Denver,CO, and Lavonne Junemann of Norton, KS; a granddaughter, Katelyn Brungardt in Chicago and a grandson, John Brungardt in KC.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 201 W. 13th street, Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hays.

Visitation will be Tuesday 5 PM – 8 PM and Wednesday 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

A combined rosary and parish vigil service will be Tuesday at 7 PM at the funeral chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to TMP-Marian and Hays Med Hospice Center.

Condolences may be sent by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]

Peter Virgil Pfeifer

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Peter Virgil Pfeifer, 85, died Friday, August 31, 2018 at Via Christi Village Care Center.

Pete was born on August 20, 1933 in Hays, Kansas to Pete and Catherine (Unrein) Pfeifer. He grew up on a farm just north of Hays and remained there for his entire life.

Pete took over the farming when his father’s health was declining and met Anita while she was still in high school. Peter married Anita M. Pfannenstiel on September 27, 1952. This earthly love story would continue until Anita’s passing on July 13, 2012.

Pete was all about farming and providing for his family. He had a love for many things, but one that continued life-long was horses. Pete, along with fellow quarter horse lovers formed a local chapter of the Registered Quarter Horse Association. They acquired land and donated their time to prepare the grounds and construct the arena. When his family was young the pastures were full of horses. He passed on this love to his children. The horses were used to herd the dairy cattle for milking and the pleasure of riding these beautiful creatures of God. It was a sad time when Peter sold his last horse.

Pete loved sports. He was a great athlete but had to give up organized sports to take over the farming. He played ball with his family and encouraged each of them to compete. Pete and Anita bowled on a league for many years. When his children played he would attend if the milking schedule permitted. Pete also followed professional football and college football and basketball. In his later years he knew when the games were on TV and planned his evenings around the games. He was diligent about watching the Kansas State Wildcats and the Kansas City Chiefs. He watched many a Kansas City Royals game because that was Anita’s favorite. Many discussions (aka bets) were made over the prospect of his team winning. When his later years permitted he traveled with Anita to watch the grandsons and granddaughters participate in sporting events.

Pete being a typical farmer was a “jack” of all trades. His welding abilities went into the construction of most of the storage sheds on the farm. When Mom wanted a “new” house he helped complete the carpentry work, etc. on that house. He had plumbing, electrical and mechanical skills which he used to keep everything operating.

Carpentry was another of his loves. Once the milk cows were gone the milk barn was converted to his workshop. He now had time to build furniture for Anita and his now grown, married children and the grandkids. Over the years cradles, rocking horses, tables, dressers, bookcases, end tables and many other pieces were created by his love for family and talent for carpentry.

Pete wanted to carry on the German traditions and feed his family economically. So, he acquired the needed equipment and butchered beef, pork, chickens, rabbits and wild game. The “butcher” room was a busy sight with all of us doing our part. The end result was great tasting meats, especially the pork sausage and liverwurst.

When Pete lost his love Anita in July 2012, he taught himself to do wood carving. Anita and Pete would have celebrated 60 years of marriage that September. So, he turned that great loss into carving. He looked forward each day into going into his little carving shop. Once again just like the furniture the family were recipients of his many creations. He became very creative and started adding motion in his designs. The horses and cattle were his favorites and his best.

Pete is survived by his seven children; his son Steven and Denise Pfeifer and their children, Kim and Rick (Tristan, Wyatt, Westan) and Melissa and John (Gretchen), stepchildren, Travis and Emily (Anna and Ryan), Mike and Nicole (Ace, Kaden and Rylee), Bryan and Jennifer, and Larry; his son Dennis and wife Janet, their children, Jaime and Dave Liudahl (Carter, Chloe, and Coleman), son Dustin and Amber (Andre, Maya, Anthony, Bella and Anna), daughter Jara (Dakota, Demitria and Journee) and son Dexter and Carissa; his daughter Joyce Pfeifer (Marissa McHugh), his son Randy and Linda (Brandy), his daughter Karen and Dan Randa , their son Justin and Hillary (Owen), their son Jordan (Ashlynn); his daughter Diana and Gordon Lynn and their daughter Audrey and Joe Roundy (Tatum, Jett and Jensen), their son Trey and Reanna ( Gordon and Waylon) and their son Austin; and his son Keith and Cindy (Kiana). This makes 18 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren for Pete.

Pete is also survived by his sisters Florence Kuhn, Venita Collier and brother Robert J. Pfeifer. He was preceded in death by sisters Agnes Kreutzer, Regina Arnhold, Martina Kreutzer, Alfreda Schmeidler and his brother Wilfred James Pfeifer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, Hays, with Fr. Barry Brinkman officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and 9:00 am until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus Council #1325 rosary at 7:00 pm, all at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or for family wishes, in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Pete may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Patrick ‘Pat’ Depperschmidt

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Patrick “Pat” Depperschmidt, also known as “”The Lawnmower Man” 87, La Crosse, Kansas, died Friday, August 31, 2018, at his home.

Mr. Depperschmidt was born November 1, 1930, in Liebenthal, Kansas, the son of John and Bernadine (Werth) Depperschmidt. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas, living in La Crosse for 55 years. A 1949 graduate of Schoenchen High School, Schoenchen, Kansas, he was a machinist for Weitzel Manufacturing, La Crosse, Kansas, for many years, and later worked in the maintenance department of Rush County Memorial Hospital, La Crosse, Kansas.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas; Knights of Columbus Council 2970, Third Degree, Life Honorary Member, Liebenthal, Kansas; and American Legion Post 180, Great Bend, Kansas.

He was a United States Army veteran, serving from 1954 to 1956.

He loved to go to the lake, fish, boat, and camp. Sales and auctions; repairing lawnmowers; Friday night cards at Earl’s; and an occasional scotch and water were also favorite activities.

On January 12, 1963, he married Rita Schuckman at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas. She preceded him in death August 20, 2008.

Survivors include: his son and daughter in law, Troy and Sharon Depperschmidt, Kansas City, Missouri; and one sister, Viola Enslinger, La Crosse, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and eight siblings.

We would like to thank his dear friend, Larry Muth, for assisting Pat to remain independently living at home and the compassionate care of his friend and primary P.A., Dodie Martin.

Visitation will be Monday, September 3, 2018, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating. Interment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, or Hospice at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas, or the donor’s choice.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Cloudy, warm Sunday with a chance of thunderstorms

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Today
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 7 to 11 mph.

Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 66. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Labor Day
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South southeast wind 7 to 9 mph.

Monday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 8 to 13 mph.

Tuesday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 75.

Wednesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 62.

Thursday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72.

President Trump’s Trade Talks With Canada Carry High Stakes For Kansas

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By STEPHEN KORANDA

President Donald Trump has reached a tentative trade deal with Mexico, and now the focus of tariff talks shifts to Canada.

Much of Kansas’ farm output is sold to Canada, which has so far not been included in a trade deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.
FILE PHOTO / Kansas News Service

It’s a high-stakes situation for Kansas industry because Canada is the top export market for the state.

Kansas exports totaled more than $11 billion in 2017, led by agricultural products, aircraft and airplane parts. Nearly $2.5 billion of those exports went to Canada. The other partner in the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexico, was the second biggest market for Kansas exports, at nearly $2 billion.

When it comes to agriculture, Canada is generally the number three market for Kansas, behind Mexico and Japan.

Josh Roe, deputy secretary of agriculture in Kansas, stressed the importance of the NAFTA deal for Kansas farmers.

“I just can’t place enough emphasis on Canada and Mexico moving forward,” Roe said.

The deal with Mexico keeps tariffs on farm products at zero. Mexico buys around 30 percent of the state’s ag exports.

Roe hopes the same zero-tariff mindset continues in the talks with Canada. Between 8 and 10 percent of Kansas agriculture exports are sold to Canada, including meat from the state’s packing plants, flour and soybean products.

Roe said the top goal for the trade talks is simple: Keep the Canadian market open to Kansas farmers. Many of the state’s producers are already struggling.

“We’re still at a place with very depressed commodity prices, very low farm incomes,” Roe said. “Any additional shock that takes away those markets just has very detrimental impacts.”

However, NAFTA is nearly 25 years old, so Roe believes it could use some updating. Protections for intellectual property and updated definitions for technology could help boost high-tech products.

With the right changes, there could be a growth in the sales of animal pharmaceuticals, seed technology and software related to agriculture.

“A majority of our exports now really are those base ag commodities,” Roe said, “but in the digital era, it’s not always something concrete we can hold in our hands.”

In a letter to Trump this week, Republican Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran sent a similar message. Moran suggested Trump try to lower tariffs on dairy products going into Canada, but he urged the president not to move forward with a new trade deal unless Canada is on board.

“Any new agreement that excludes Canada would, unfortunately, be a significant step in the wrong direction,” Moran said in the letter to the president.

Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for KPR a partner in the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda.

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