WICHITA – The Hays Larks open up play at the NBC World Series Friday at 7 p.m. against the Clarinda Iowa A’s.
The Larks won their 10th Jayhawk League Championship this past season and finished the regular seascon 34-10 and 26-9 in the Jayhawk League.
The Wellington Heat and San Diego Stars are also in the pool with Hays and Clarinda.
You can catch every Larks game on 14 KAYS, 94.3 FM, on the KAYS mobile app and on HaysPost.com
By ANDREA TUDHOPE
One thousand new jobs with an average salary of $56,000 could be coming to Overland Park, Kansas, over the next five years.
Shamrock Trading Company promised the paychecks Tuesday with the expansion of its national headquarters at 95th Street across Metcalf Avenue.
Shamrock Trading Corp announced purchase of former French Market at 85th and Metcalf for expansion of 1,,000 jobs @ avg salary of $56k. #landinkansas #ksecodevo pic.twitter.com/kbvODqkZuS
— Kansas Commerce (@KansasCommerce) July 31, 2018
But specifics in state and local tax incentives remain to be settled. To help lure the project, officials have offered tax breaks they didn’t make public at a press conference about the expansion.
“There is a small amount of incentives that come from the state,” Gov. Jeff Colyer said. “Those are being finished up right now, we don’t have the final details. …We’re still in negotiation on that.”
Colyer said Overland Park has also put incentives into a package for Shamrock.
The $250 million project will redevelop the 30-acre property on the northeast corner of the major intersection, which housed a K-Mart before it closed in 2013. But the property was once known for the French Market, which Colyer said he and his family often traveled to visit from Hays, Kansas, when he was a kid.
“It was a shame to see it die and wilt right here,” Colyer said. “But now it has life, and it has life because of Shamrock. They are really showing what we can do.”
The 32-year-old family-owned transportation logistics and financial services business bought the two towers, then empty and rundown, on the northwest corner of 95th and Metcalf in 2012, bringing 700 jobs. As it expanded, CEO Bill Ryan said the company had a choice to either build a third tower, or expand across the street. Earlier this month, it purchased the 30-acre property across Metcalf.
Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach said the expansion is the sort of project imagined in ‘Vision Metcalf’ — a redevelopment plan adopted by Overland Park City Council in 2008 to revitalize the Metcalf corridor from Interstate 35 South to 123rd Street, which has seen $570 million of private investment, and an additional $270 million within five designated areas, including the 95th Street intersection.
“Other retail commercial development in this area are up for sale right now, so we’re going to see more redevelopment along Metcalf shortly,” Gerlach said. “That’s the spine of Johnson County — Metcalf Avenue.”
With unemployment rates in Kansas already at a low of 3.4 percent as of March, Colyer — who is running for a full term as governor — said he hopes these jobs will attract candidates residing outside of Kansas.
Andrea Tudhope is a reporter in conjunction with the Kansas News Service. Follow her on Twitter @_tudhope
Ruth Irma Klitzke Daniels, age 97, passed away on July 2, 2018 at her home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on April 15, 1921 in Ness County, Kansas, born to Charles & Elizabeth Jaehde Klitzke, she was the last survivor of 8 brothers and sisters. Ruth grew up on the family farm in Ness County, Kansas. She met her husband-to-be, Marvin Daniels in Ness City’s Five & Dime Store where he was the Manager.
They married in Rolla, Missouri in 1942 while Marvin was in the service. When he returned from his service in the Army, they moved to the Daniels Farm, into an adobe house built by his parents, Bill and Ida Daniels. They shared it with them and his brother Raymond and wife Neva Mae. When Ruth gave birth to Deanna, it was time for more space, so they built a house right next door and lived there until 1989, when they moved into Scott City.
Ruth was an outstanding Western Kansas Artist, and enjoyed displaying her work at many art, craft and antique shows.
She is survived by her two daughters and families. Deanna & Jerry Kerr and Gaye & Tom Fleming, Six Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family.
Ruth was a dedicated wife, Mother and wonderful cook. A member of the Prairie View Church of the Brethren in Friend, Kansas, the Kansas Kolorful Art Association, Scott County VIP Center, The HGL Club, and sang at church and Park Lane.
She was always ready to travel, Kansas City to see family, Florida, Arizona, weekend trips to the lake with family and friends or VIP dances. Surely they are dancing now.
Ruth was a wonderful example with her kindness and strength. Most recently to the caregivers and hospice workers. We are thankful to all of them who showed genuine love and care for her.
Graveside Funeral Services will be held at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 4, 2018 with Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.
In Lieu Of Flowers, donations can be made to the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Scott County CIP Center or St. Catherine Hospice.
Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 3, 2018 at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.
KANSAS CITY – Fort Hays State Coach Chris Brown and tight end Matt Wendelberger and Linebacker Jose Delgado addressed the media Tuesday in Kansas City for the annual MIAA Media Day.
Dr. Donna L. Commons, age 78, of Hays, KS, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018 surrounded by her loving family at her home. She was born on November 20, 1939 in Baxter Springs, KS to Randolph and Nola (Turrentine) Commons.
Dr. Donna was a lifetime educator. She served in all capacities from teaching Kindergarteners to college students. She held different positions from administrative, secretarial to becoming a Principal and a Professor. Her passion for teaching impacted many students throughout her career. Among teaching, she had a love for the arts. She had collected many different forms of art.
Survivors include her two sons, Dustin & Doug Boshart of Hays; and a brother, Randy Commons and his wife Sue of Baxter Springs, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Kenny & Tom Commons.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 from 5-8:00 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.
A visitation will then take place in her hometown of Baxter Springs at Derfeldt’s Baxter Chapel, 328 E. 12th Street, Baxter Springs, KS 66713 on Saturday, August 4, 2018 from 2-5:00 PM. Cremation will follow after the visitation with inurnment taking place a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.
To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or via email to [email protected].
Arrangements are by Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.
NEWTON, Kan. (AP) — Two Mennonite churches in Kansas say they could provide sanctuary to immigrants who are living unlawfully in the country.
The Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton has voted as a congregation to help such immigrants, and church members are working on transforming part of the basement into living quarters.
First Mennonite Church of Christian in Moundridge also says it is willing to offer sanctuary.
While neither church has hosted any immigrants, both are ready to help.
Shalom pastor Rachel Ringenberg Miller says they have been told by attorneys that immigration agents could come, but churches along with other areas like hospitals and schools are considered sensitive spaces. She acknowledges she be facing possible legal issues for offering sanctuary.
Both churches say they are getting support the Mennonite community.
Longtime Sherman County resident Merlyn E. Boll, 94, died Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Center in Goodland.
Merlyn was born on October 26, 1923 in rural Cheyenne County to Fred and Sophia (Rust) Boll. He was baptized with his brother Raymond, at the Cheyenne Valley Lutheran Church, south of Wheeler, Kansas. He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1941. He then served in the Korean War in the 20th Infantry, 6th Division.
In October of 1950, Merlyn married Shirley Mitchell. They had four children. Merlyn and Shirley farmed in Northwest Sherman County until 1996 when they retired and moved to Goodland.
Preceding him in death was his parents, his wife Shirley, one son Donald and a brother Raymond.
He is survived by his sister Darlene Feikert and brother Laverne Boll of St. Francis; two daughters, Susan (Johnny) Jones of Basehor, Kansas, and Janice Boll of Hutchinson, Kansas, and one son Wayne Boll of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by five grandchildren.
Cremation has been chosen and a Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be designated to the Ronald McDonald House or to Hospice Service of Northwest Kansas – Sherman County and may be sent to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Services are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Longtime Brewster, Kansas, resident Gregory Allen Mills, 62, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at the Hays Regional Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
Greg was born on March 19, 1956 in Loup City, Nebraska to Douglas and Joyce (Livermore) Mills, III. He was one of six children. He grew up and attended school at the Ansley Public School and the Burr Oak School before graduating from the Broken Bow High School in 1975. He then went on and completed his schooling for Ag Mechanics at the University of Nebraska, School of Technical Agriculture.
On October 8, 1977, Greg married Nancy Ann Wullschleger at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Leigh, Nebraska. To this union, two children Matthew and Katherine were born. They lived in Central City, Nebraska and Ravenna, Nebraska where he worked for John Deere. In 1981, the moved to Brewster, Kansas where he worked as a farm hand for 37 years. Greg enjoyed feeding cattle, and loved the different seasons of farming and what it all involved.
Greg accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was 8 years old and was baptized in the South Loup River. He was a member of the Pleasant Home Church where he served as a Junior High and Adult Sunday School Teacher and was on the Church Board for many years. He served on the Union Township Board, and for 12 years he served on the Brewster USD 314 School Board.
Preceding him in death was his father Douglas Elmer Mills, III.
Surviving family includes his mother Joyce Mills of Holdrege, Nebraska, his wife Nancy Mills of Brewster, KS, son Matthew (Jerlyn) Mills and their children Joseph and Jordan of Goodland, KS, daughter Katherine (Andrew) Pope and their children Aubrie, Ella Pierce, Anslie and Emerie of Manhattan, KS. He is also survived by his siblings, Peggy (Allen) Neth of Broken Bow, NE, Creig Mills of Holdrege, NE, Pam (Jim) Canady of Crawfordsville, IN, Rusty (Kirsten) Mills of Oconomowoc, WI and Amy (Joe) Kellerof Holdrege, NE.
Funeral services for Greg will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 10:00 AM MT at the Pleasant Home Church north of Edson with Pastor John Paulson officiating. Burial will follow in the Brewster Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Memorial contributions may be designated to the Pleasant Home Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
RENO COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.
Three years ago Lynn Conrad Hase, 36, Buhler, became friends with a 15-year-old girl during the rehearsals for the Family Community Theatre’s production of Shrek the Musical at Hutchinson’s Memorial Hall, according to investigators.
The friendship went further leading to an inappropriate relationship, according to Reno County Sheriff Captain Steve Lutz.
The parents of the girl suspected something, discovered the truth and contacted the Reno County Sheriff’s Office.
On Friday, deputies arrested Hase on four charges including two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, sodomy and indecent solicitation.
He’s free on $50,000 bond. He is expected to make a first appearance in court later this week.
Smith Center – Frances L. “Francie” Copper, 90, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Smith Center Health and Rehab.
Francie was born September 26, 1927 in Portis, KS, the daughter of Ruth (Lammey) and William Moate. She lived on a farm north of Portis until she was 13 when her family moved to a family farm east of Smith Center. Francie attended junior high and high school in Smith Center and graduated in 1945. After high school she attended college at Kansas State University graduating in 1950 with a Home Economics degree. Francie met her future husband, Don, while they both were attending KSU.
After college graduation, she became a Home Demonstration Agent in Stockton, KS for three years. On March 11, 1951 Francie married Don Copper in Smith Center at the United Methodist Church and were married for over 67 years.
In 1953 Don and Francie moved from Stockton to the family farm east of Smith Center where she had grown up. She and Don were always involved in community and school activities. They were members of the Smith Center United Methodist Church. She was a member of the United Methodist Womens’ Circle for many years. They always had a huge garden and shared their vegetables with as many friends as possible. The always fixed fresh vegetables for church and funeral dinners. She was also a member of the Over 60’s club, Pinochle club, Picnic club and she and Don were crowned the Old Settler’s Day King & Queen in 2017.
Francie enjoyed judging 4-H and open class for many years at county fairs throughout Kansas. She also judged at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. While judging at the fair she met many lifelong friends. Francie was always involved with 4-H and taught many kids cooking, sewing, baking and canning. She was a leader and very involved when her children were growing up.
She was a substitute teacher at Smith Center High School for many years. She always enjoyed the students and they enjoyed her sense of humor. Francie also taught Special Education for three years before it was started in public schools. She dearly loved her students and always followed how they were doing as they grew up.
For many years in Smith Center, Francie was known as “The Avon Lady”. She always enjoyed visiting with her customers. So many women over the years have said that they always looked forward to her stopping by their homes when they were little girls because Francie would always give them lipstick samples! She received numerous awards for her Avon sales and was an Albi award winner for many years which was a top award in Avon.
Don and Francie always enjoyed traveling with their daughter Nancy and going on cruises with Mike and Linda Nebel. They travelled to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, Western Caribbean, South America and many places in Europe. Don and Francie have many cherished memories of their travels and cruises.
For many years Don and Francie went camping at the lake with their motor home. They both enjoyed spending lake time with family and friends and had lots of good times. Going to KSU football games over the years became their favorite thing to do in the fall. They always loved tailgating with family and friends. The presence of Willie the Wildcat was everywhere in their home.
Francie resided at Smith Center Heath and Rehab for the last nine years. She enjoyed getting to know the employees and was always interested in what was going with their families. Many of them have said how much she will be missed. They all made her home away from home more enjoyable.
Francie was always known for her sense of humor and wit. She cherished the time she was able to spend with all of her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and a son-in-law Jim.
Francie is survived by her husband Don of Smith Center; a daughter Nancy Roberts of Wichita; two sons, Jeff (Marla) Copper of Hays and Jim (Pam) of North Newton; two sisters, Betty Jane Lambert of Manhattan, Carolyn (Kurt) Heaton of Topeka; a sister-in-law Marilyn Copper of Wichita; eight grandchildren, Josh Copper of Newton, Joey (Alicia) Copper of Bel Aire, Ashley Roberts of Wichita, Aaron (Brittany) Roberts of Wichita, Molly (John) McMurtrie of Hays, Michael (Charlotte) Copper of Hays, Maggie (Cameron) Moeder of Ellis and Millie Copper of Kansas City, MO; fourteen great grandchildren, Miley, Ally, Remy and Reed Copper, Hudson and Brynn Roberts, Jack, Jacy and Jerzy McMurtrie, Emersyn and Elliot Copper, Camdyn Copper, Weston and Callen Moeder and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 2, 2018 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, KS, with Pastor Dennis Lambert officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS. Memorials may be given to Smith County 4-H and sent in care of the funeral chapel.
MIAA
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Northwest Missouri topped both the coaches and media poll in the 2018 MIAA Football Preseason poll. The Bearcats received 14 first-place votes and 382 points in the media poll. NWMSU had four first-place votes and 103 points in the coaches poll.
Fort Hays State came in second in both polls after receiving five first-place votes but was edged out by a point in the coaches poll. In the media poll, the Tigers had 13 first-place votes and 375 points.
In third place, for both polls, was Central Missouri as it received eight first-place votes between the two polls. UCM had 349 points in the media poll and 96 points from the coaches. Pittsburg State came in fourth place for the two polls and earned one first-place vote from the media. PSU had 311 points from the media and 81 points from the coaches.
The coaches had a tie for the fifth spot between Emporia State and Central Oklahoma. The Hornets took the fifth slot in the media poll, followed by the Bronchos. Washburn claimed the seventh position in both polls. Missouri Western was picked eighth in the media poll and ninth by the coaches. Lindenwood was tabbed ninth by the media and eighth from the coaches.
Nebraska Kearney was slotted 10th followed by Northeastern State at 11th in both polls. Missouri Southern rounded out each poll in the 12th spot.
MIAA Football kicks off its opening week on Thursday, August 30 as all 12 teams are in action that night. For the complete 2018 MIAA Football schedule, click HERE.
MIAA Coaches Poll
Northwest Missouri (4) – 103
Fort Hays State (5) – 102
Central Missouri (2) – 96
Pittsburg State – 81
Central Oklahoma – 67
Emporia State – 67
Washburn – 63
Lindenwood – 46
Missouri Western – 40
Nebraska Kearney – 30
Northeastern State – 19
Missouri Southern – 12
MIAA Media Poll
Northwest Missouri (14) – 382
Fort Hays State (13) – 375
Central Missouri (6) – 349
Pittsburg State (1) – 311
Emporia State – 243
Central Oklahoma – 229
Washburn – 223
Missouri Western – 171
Lindenwood – 160
Nebraska Kearney – 98
Northeastern State – 66
Missouri Southern – 45
From the annual Jayhawker PRCA Rodeo to an inflatable carnival, there’s still plenty left to do at the 2018 Graham County Fair.
Click HERE for more.
RILEY COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Monday near the intersection of Avery Avenue and Robinson Drive in Riley County, according to the RCPD activity report.
When officers arrived on scene they found a bicyclist, James Baustert, 15, of Manhattan had been struck by a vehicle.
Baustert was transported to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries, according to to RCPD spokesperson Hali Rowland.
The vehicle described as a dark colored truck fled the scene of the accident, according Rowland.
