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KNOLL: Un-American Americans

Les Knoll
I can’t remember the last time I was more disappointed in American politics. Disgust might be a better word.

The media frenzy meltdown over Trump meeting with Putin in Helsinki was over the top. I can prove that the criticism of our president was uncalled for.

Actually, calling out our president was a hit job. It was a scam, call it a farce. No matter what Trump did at the summit, the Democrats, in collusion with media, had plans to hang our president out to dry.

The hatred for Trump, unfortunately, is greater than love of this country or even what is good for this country.

What I have to say in this letter to the editor is based on more than opinion. Let’s consider some facts. Let’s look at the big picture that nobody wants to do. Let me make my case.

Leftists are in panic mode with mid-term elections coming this fall. Leftists are desperate, therefore, looking for anything (I mean anything) to bring down Trump poll numbers. Point being, the criticism of Trump meeting with Putin was a fabrication. It was making a mountain out of a mole hill in desperation as Dems aren’t polling well to take over Congress.

A major criticism was about Trump not calling out Putin on election meddling. The word “meddling” itself doesn’t call for all out war that the left was demanding. Assistant Attorney General Rosenstein stated that Russia’s “messing around” in our 2016 presidential election did not affect votes. Since meddling is done by most countries, including the U.S., why the hysteria?

I saw a recent government report that the United States meddled in the elections of other countries some 81 times. The left and a few Republicans made it seem like Trump’s actions at the summit were going to bring the world to an end.

Obama as president spent hundreds of thousands U.S. tax monies to oust Netanyahu of Israel. Not a peep out of these same leftists on that score. Call it hypocrisy for leftists to have different standards for a Republican president versus their Obama Democrat president.

Is it possible that the left’s Trump meltdown might be the difference between success or failure in making this country safer against nuclear proliferation? It appears Trump is having some success with North Korea, why not Russia?

What must Putin be thinking when the left gives the impression all of America is against their president? How does the “manufactured” crisis help Trump convince Putin to ease up on nukes, Syria, Iran, Crimea, etc?

Trump and Putin agreed to meet as a means of establishing a relationship, not insult each other. If there is any major calling out to do, it just seems from a common sense point of view that could come about in future meetings, not the first one. Our president as much as said without cooperation coming from Russia, America could be the worst enemy they’ve ever had.

Because Trump didn’t insult Putin the left claimed treason, impeachment, congressional sanctions, and anti Americanism, but that’s totally outrageous. For God’s sake give our president, with future meetings, a chance to do his negotiating There’s lots of proof America’s leader knows how to get things done.

Who is it that is making “America Great Again?” Trump’s accomplishments (and that’s for a future letter to the editor) are historical consequently his opponents want to destroy him! Unconscionable, as you look at his many successes for this country.

Trump’s successes are off the charts and that’s why mainstream media doesn’t go there, nor local newspapers. I repeat! Looking at the big picture the call to destroy a Trump presidency is “treason” by all the leftist un-American Americans. Destroying Trump causes Americans to lose jobs, security, etc.

Another major criticism of Trump at the summit was his reluctance to praise to the high heavens America’s intelligence community. Why in the good Lord’s name would our president do that when it’s the FBI, CIA, and DOJ through schemes, corruption, lies, and lawlessness determined to destroy Trump.

Be prepared readers for the greatest scandals and bombshells to surface soon. There’s nothing like it in all of American history. Russia’s interference in our elections is like a walk in the park when it comes to our own people doing the interfering in our own elections to make Hillary president instead of Donald Trump.

This is not conspiracy talk. There is overwhelming evidence, There is irrefutable proof to support my statements about massive corruption in Obama’s loyalists and holdovers in our government.

The bombshell scandals of collusion with Russia and an all out blitz to destroy Trump by the left will not be covered by mainstream media. Probably not even by this publication. That’s another reason for the outrageous “acting” about the summit by the left. It was meant to distract from America’s greatest scandals ever.

Here’s the last nail to go into the coffin of Never Trumpers. They all screamed and hollered about Trump in his meeting with Putin not protecting the integrity of our elections that is so very important to a democracy, Yet these same people have no problem with millions of illegals, that are not citizens, voting in our elections.

Just think, these same people want foreigners to be the determining factor in deciding who runs this country. Case closed.

One final note. Although fallout of the Hellsinki meeting is easing, you can be sure leftists will look in every nook and cranny to “manufacture” another crisis. Actually, you can bet the farm there are more to come.

Les Knoll lives in Victoria and Gilbert, Ariz.

Kansas lawmakers respond to USDA’s $12B aid plan for farmers

Tuesday the United States Department of Agriculture announced that it would authorize $12 billion in programs to aid farmers harmed by retaliatory trade actions. These programs would provide relief to many Kansas producers who have been hurt the most from retaliatory tariffs, with pork, wheat, corn, soybeans and sorghum on the program’s list.

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry said in a media release, “Given the low prices farmers have been facing, the tariff situation is making things worse for producers as we speak,” Roberts said. “Trade remains the single best solution to the tough economy in farm country. I will look closely at the President’s assistance proposal, but I hope that the Administration is also working to quickly resolve the tariff situation and restore the export markets our farmers, ranchers, and growers rely on.”

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said the proposal was raised a month ago when senators visited the White House for a broad discussion on trade. He said the lawmakers told the president “that our farmers want markets, and not really a payment from government. And he said, ‘I’m surprised, I’ve never heard of anybody who didn’t want a payment from government.'”

First District Congressman Roger Marshall said, “This is a start, but it’s more or less putting a band-aid on a deep wound. I applaud the USDA for acknowledging the impact these tariffs have had on American producers, but this is only short-term relief, the main focus should still be on getting our trade agreements wrapped up.”

I think the message sent today by the USDA is for our farmers to hang on and believe in this administration, that our farmers are not being forgotten about.

USDA Secretary, Sonny Perdue said that today’s announcement serves as “a short-term solution to allow President Trump time to work on long-term trade deals to benefit agriculture and the entire U.S. economy.”

 

Hot, windy Wednesday with a chance for thunderstorms

Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 11 to 16 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 7pm and 1am. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South southeast wind 7 to 11 mph becoming north northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. East northeast wind 7 to 11 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light east southeast after midnight.

FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 82. South southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.

Friday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Kansas meets federal work participation rate

DCF

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is pleased to announce, Kansas met the federal work participation rate for both overall and two-parent families for FY 2017, according to a recently-released letter from the Office of the Administration of Children and Families, a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The participation rate measures how many adults are actively working toward preparing and searching for work. These activities include short-term vocational training, job searching and readiness training, high school or GED education and employment.

“We want to walk alongside Kansans in need, offer them support and serve as the spring board that propels families to become self-reliant and prosperous,” Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel said. “We positively impact thousands of lives every year, helping to build stronger, more successful families.”

According to the Office of Family Assistance, the U.S. Department of Human Services (HHS) issues TANF state work participation rates, which measure how well states engage families receiving assistance in certain work activities during a fiscal year. A state must meet either an overall (or “all families”) and a two-parent work participation rate or face a potential financial penalty.

DCF administers the public assistance programs in Kansas—including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“The recent letter from the ACF confirms what we have known—the HOPE Act is working and families are benefitting from its common-sense reforms,” Governor Jeff Colyer said. “We are empowering more families to gain employment and set them on a path of self-reliance.”

These successes are evident in the day-to-day lives of clients. In March 2018, a single mother applied for TANF. At the time of applying, she was unemployed, but met with her EES career navigator and completed a self-sufficiency agreement to work with a placement provider. Child care assistance was provided, transportation allowance was issued and other services were discussed.

The client expressed interest in renewing her cosmetology license, so EES paid for her to renew her license. In May, she reported that she is successfully employed as a Salon Manager. While her income placed her over the guidelines for TANF and SNAP, she continued to receive child care assistance.

This client recently expressed her gratitude for DCF and her career navigator:

“Thank you so much for all your help!!! You are amazing and have made what was a difficult time in my life, so much easier. You are so friendly, easy to work with, and I just can’t thank you enough for your time and dedication that you put into my case. I have come across several people at your office and none as caring, or willing, to do a good job as you have been and have done. I am very appreciative of you! Thank you so much!” 

In addition to administrating public assistance programs in Kansas, DCF also funds numerous poverty-prevention programs focused on creating prosperous, healthy families.

One such program, Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K), is a multi-year program for students in grades seven through 12, that offers tools to successfully transition students into postsecondary school, the military or directly into the workforce with marketable skills.

JAG-K is primarily funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) dollars. Funds are available through an annual federal block grant.

In 2017, JAG-K had a 98 percent graduation rate. This program has steadily and consistently helped remove barriers to success for youth in danger of dropping out of school.Kansas adopted the program in 2013.

The Kansas Reading Roadmap (KRR) is another DCF program funded primarily through TANF. KRR is a reading initiative, focused on literacy and poverty-prevention across the state. In one semester, KRR decreased the number of students struggling to read by 46 percent.

To learn more about public assistance programs or poverty-prevention programs in your area, please visit www.dcf.ks.gov

FBI investigates Kan. woman’s death as possible hate crime

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — The FBI has opened a hate crime investigation into the stabbing death of a Kansas woman whose relatives allege the suspect is a white supremacist.

Ronald Lee Kidwell, 47, is charged with second-degree murder in the slaying of 43-year-old MeShon Cooper, who was missing for a week until her body was found July 14 at Kidwell’s home in Shawnee.

Cooper -courtesy KCPD

Kidwell’s estranged daughter and a cousin told The Kansas City Star that Cooper’s death was likely a hate crime because Kidwell was an avowed white supremacist. Cooper was black.

FBI spokeswoman Bridget Patton confirmed Tuesday that the agency was investigating whether Cooper’s death was a hate crime.

According to a police affidavit, Kidwell told police Cooper attacked him at his home and threatened to tell everyone that he is HIV positive. He said he “flipped out” when Cooper hit him in the hand with a knife, which he grabbed before stabbing and killing her.

A joint investigation by Shawnee, Lenexa and Kansas City police led officers to Kidwell’s home after phone records showed that Cooper visited Kidwell’s house July 6, the last day she was seen alive, the affidavit said. A search warrant was requested after police found “an overwhelming smell of bleach” at the home. Kidwell at first denied knowing where Cooper was but eventually told police that Cooper’s body was wrapped in trash bags and inside of a trashcan in his garage, according to the affidavit.

Kidwell -photo Johnson Co.

Kidwell’s estranged daughter Carolyn Foster told The Star that Kidwell was a “monster” white supremacist who enjoyed targeting and assaulting black people. She said he often showed off his swastika tattoo and bragged about belonging to the Ku Klux Klan. Forster said he pretended to befriend minorities and then harmed them.

“He’s been a monster his whole life,” she said. “He’s the true definition of evil.”

His cousin, Shana Turner, said most of Kidwell’s family had disowned him because of his racist views.

“Whenever I was around him, he’d talk about white power,” she said. When she heard about the murder allegation, “it didn’t surprise me that she (the victim) was black.”

Kidwell has spent 15 years in prison on various assault charges. In 2011, Kidwell was convicted of second-degree assault in Clay County after attacking and sexually assaulting a black woman. He did so without a condom, he told detectives at the time, despite knowing he was HIV positive.

Kidwell is jailed on $1 million bail.

Kansas woman jailed after alleged stabbing

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a stabbing.

Goodwin-Jones -photo Shawnee County

Just after 12a.m. Tuesday, officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of SW Polk Street in Topeka after report of a disturbance, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

Upon arrival they found an adult male victim who was suffering from several knife wounds. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police arrested 21-year-old Tranae Christian Goodwin-Jones of Topeka. She was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for aggravated battery.

HPD Community Night Out Aug. 2

The Hays Police Department will host its 3rd Annual Community Night Out event on Thursday, August 2 from 5-8 p.m. at the Hays Aquatic Park, 300 Main.

Join us for a fun evening of free swimming and food! Free hotdogs and hamburgers will be served to the first 1,000 people in attendance.

We would like to thank our sponsors that help make this event possible: Fraternal Order of Police Hays Lodge 48, Pepsi, Phaze 2, Walmart, Crawford Supply and the Hays Recreation Commission.

Police issue alert for wanted Kansas felon

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police Department (WPD) Officials are requesting the help of the community to locate an absconded dangerous felon, 30-year-old Tremain Shears, according to officer Charley Davidson. 

Shears -photo Wichita Police

Shears has a warrant through Sedgwick County for removing his court-ordered ankle monitoring device.  Shears is a documented gang member, and is considered armed and dangerous. He has a previous conviction for aggravated, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

If you know the whereabouts of Shears please call 911 or Crime Stoppers immediately

Dranon L. Berry

Dranon L. Berry, age 87, passed away on Monday, July 23, 2018 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.  He was born on January 30, 1931 in Cordell, Oklahoma, the son of Wilson W. and Bessie Lee Isbell Berry.  A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1959 moving from North Dakota, he was a farmer, Owner and Operator of Amaco Service Station and worked for the Scott County Road Department.
He was a past member of the Beaver Valley Boys and the Beaver Valley Express bands.
On December 15, 1951 he married Magnild N. Otterson in Stanley, North Dakota.  She survives.
Survivors include Wife – Maggie Berry of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter – Cheryl A. & Robert Seng of McCool Junction, Nebraska, Two Brothers – Wayde R. Berry of Scott City, Kansas, Gerrell D. Berry of Dakoma, Oklahoma, One Granddaughter – Nichole A. & Jamen Hall of Seward, Nebraska, Three Great Grandchildren – Dathen R. Hall of Seward, Nebraska, Evan R. Hall of Seward, Nebraska and Brielle A. Hall of Seward, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Seven Brothers and Four Sisters.
Funeral Services will be held at Price & Sons Funeral Home of Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 28, 2018 with Pastor Ed Sanders presiding.
Memorials may be written to the Dranon L. Berry Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

UPDATE: Kan. woman, teen stabbed to death, 3 arrested

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double murder and have 3 suspects in custody.

Just after 12:15 p.m. Monday,  police were dispatched to a residence in the 3400 Block of SE Girard in Topeka in reference an unknown trouble call that came through police dispatch, according to Lieutenant Andrew Beightel.

Upon officers arrival they discovered a 17-year-old identified as Jesse A. Polinskey and 28-year old Lisa Sportsman. They were stabbed and beaten to death, according to Beightel.

Sportsman, Hutto and Showalter -photos Shawnee County

Following an investigation, police on Monday arrested 19-year-old Matthew Hutto, 31-year-old Richard Showalter for requested charges of first degree murder and aggravated burglary, according to Beightel.  They also arrested 40-year-old Bradley Sportsman on requested charges of conspiracy to commit first degree murder.

———————

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a murder scene.

Crime scene tape at the home where police were conducting the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV

Just after 12:15 p.m. Monday,  police were dispatched to a residence in the 3400 blk of SE Girard in Topeka in reference an unknown trouble call that came through police dispatch, according to Lieutenant Andrew Beightel.

Upon officers arrival they discovered a 17-year-old boy and woman gravely injured. AMR personnel also responded and pronounced both subjects deceased at the scene.

Police are investigating these deaths as homicides. The names of the victims are not being released at this time until the next of kin have been notified.

Kansas community gathers on slain child’s 3rd birthday

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Community members in a Wichita neighborhood attended a candlelight vigil this week on the birthday of a 2-year-old child who was beaten to death this spring.

Tony Bunn -courtesy image

Anthony Bunn would have turned 3 on Monday, the day about 150 people gathered in Riverside to remember the child.

His mother Elizabeth Woolheater and her boyfriend Lucas Diel have been charged with murder in Anthony’s May 4 death.

Elizabeth Woolheater photo Sedgwick Co.
Lucas Diel photo Sedgwick Co.

Zak Woolheater is the child’s maternal grandfather. He says it’s important to gather on Anthony’s birthday to remind the community of what he calls the country’s child abuse epidemic.

The Wichita area has seen several child abuse homicides and a disappearance within the past year. The Kansas Department of Children and Families says it’s working to improve child welfare programs.

Bryce M. Nagel Colgan

Bryce M. Nagel Colgan, 29, Colby died Tue., July 24, 2018, at his residence in Colby, Kansas.

Services are pending with Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby.

Maxine Marie Zollinger

Maxine Marie Zollinger, 78, of Belton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 11th with family at her side.

Maxine was born on July 21, 1939 in Hugo, Colorado to Omar Riley and Edrie Avis (Summers) Oster.  She was the youngest of six children.  While Omar Riley was her birth father, she claimed William J Oster as her Dad.

After graduating high school, Maxine moved to the Denver area and worked as a bookkeeper.  She met Willie Warnie Alley at the Western Drive Inn in Aurora, Colorado.  They were married on April 2, 1960.  Willie was a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force so the couple lived many places but considered Colorado their home.  Upon his death in Vietnam on September 1, 1969, she moved herself and her three young children from Aurora to Hugo to be near family.

In 1973, she met Ralph Orland Zollinger (aka Zolly & Hugo) while working as a waitress in Limon Colorado.  The two married and combined families on July 31, 1974 in Goodland Kansas.  Maxine was both a homemaker and worked with USD 352 in Goodland as a bookkeeper and also served as the Board Treasurer.

Her hobbies include bowling, reading, crocheting and baking.  She loved to play computer games, especially POGO.  She never denied the family when they wanted a burrito night, homemade dinner rolls or vacuum cleaner cookies.

Just over a year following Orland’s death in 2008, Maxine moved to Hutchinson, Kansas to be closer to Connie and Bob, and a bit closer to Cyndy.  She was an active participant at craft shows with Connie for many years.  She remained there just over 8 years before moving in March 2018 to Belton Missouri to be near Cyndy.

Maxine is preceded in death by both parents, Bill & Edrie, sister Patsy, brother James, both spouses, Bill & Orland and two grandchildren, Bryce & Krista Gotchall.

Survivors include Maxine’s siblings, Jane Hoyt, Don & Joyce Riley and Virginia Chaffin all of Hugo Colorado, her 3 children with Willie, Bob (Marilyn) Zollinger, Ellinwood Kansas, Cyndy (Tim) Hurd, Peculiar Missouri and Connie Zollinger, Hutchinson Kansas.  She is also survived by Orland’s 4 children, Paula (Dave) Krizek, Jennings Kansas, Donna (Dean) Fenner, Goodland Kansas, Carol (Larry) Gotchall, Schoenchen Kansas & Michael Zollinger, Clayton Kansas.

Grandchildren include April (David) Hegarty, Matthew (Mindy) Zollinger, Hayley McKee, Brett Hurd, Emily Hurd, Joshua Zollinger, Edriana (Chuck Barrow) Zollinger, Devin Thomas, Jamie (Chad) Dolan, Justin Bolt, Tyler (Lisa) Bolt, Andrea (Eric) Lobmeyer, Derek (Trista) Fenner, Shayla Gotchall, Amanda (Joe) Strnad, & Savannah Zollinger and fiancé Chris.

Great-Grandchildren include Zack, Riley, Addyson, Finley, Olivia L, Kodi, Gavyn, Blakely, Kaydee, Bryson, Maycee, Taylor, Kimber, Kaitlind, Olivia S, Kolby, Klayton, Kolin, Jada & Everlee.

Memorial services for Maxine will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 10:30 AM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland with Pastor Zach Anderson officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the Goodland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the American Diabetes Association or Serenity Care Hospice and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Service arrangements are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

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