Author: Hays Post
MARSHALL: Doctor’s Note Sept. 30
Friends,
Last Wednesday, I was honored to join President Trump, Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, and others for the signing ceremony of a new trade agreement with Japan.
This agreement will be a major benefit to our beef, pork, wheat, sorghum, corn, ethanol, and other industries across Kansas. Among other important provisions, the deal will level the playing field for our farmers and ranchers by reducing tariffs and matching the competitive advantage currently benefiting countries involved in the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. Specifically, the deal will cut tariffs on an additional $7.2 billion worth of agricultural goods sold to Japan.
The United States is already the top supplier of agricultural commodities to Japan, and the agreement signed today will further build on this great relationship. The agreement will allow producers across our state to continue doing what they do best – providing the highest quality, safest, and most affordable food, fiber, and fuel to our partners around the world.
R&T Hearing on AI
Last Tuesday afternoon, SST’s Research and Technology Subcommittee held a hearing on the impact of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) on workforce. AI presents unique opportunities for companies to become more efficient and streamlined, however the growth and adoption of these technologies also provides new job opportunities for the next generation. Ensuring that we have a skilled technical workforce has been a priority for Science Committee Republicans as well as the Trump Administration, as it is a vital component of US competitiveness and economic growth in the coming years.
Centura Health
Kansas was well represented at Centura Health’s meeting here in Washington. Centura Health, a Christian-run health system, has footprints in Kansas including St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City and the Bob Wilson Memorial Grant County Hospital in Ulysses. I’ve always praised mission-based health systems and how they give back to their communities. I shared with them my initiatives including my support for the 340B Drug Discount Program for rural hospitals and community health centers. These efforts would end surprise medical bills for patients, and help to reinvent rural health care in America.
Congressional Western Caucus Meeting
I joined fellow members of the Congressional Western Caucus to announce plans to modernize the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As an avid hunter and fisherman, I am dedicated to the preservation of wildlife for future generations. But with a meager 3 percent recovery rate since its inception more than 45 years ago, it’s clear the ESA must be updated. We need a plan that brings stakeholders, property owners, and local and state governments to the table when making habitat decisions to ensure species are delisted when desired population levels are met.
Talking Healthcare
I was honored to serve as the keynote speaker for the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Advocacy Summit. ASCO is a national organization representing over 40,000 physicians and other health care professionals that treat patients with cancer. I was happy to share with them a physician’s perspective from Congress and the many ways I am working to help physicians help their patients. As part of the advocacy efforts, over 130 of their members from across the country – including Kansas – were in DC this week to advocate for legislation I coauthored that would make long overdue changes to prior authorization. The bill I authored is the first step towards getting patients what they need, when they need it. And nothing is more timely than treating a patient battling cancer.
Congrats to Senator Dole
Last Tuesday, President Trump appointed Senator Bob Dole to serve as a member of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission.
The Commission is working to build a national memorial to President and General Dwight D. Eisenhower here in Washington, D.C., honoring his legacy both as Supreme Allied Commander during WWII as well as his accomplishments as 34th President of the United States.
Construction of the Memorial began in 2017, and is scheduled to open on May 8, 2020 – the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day. Senator Dole joins Kansas Senator Pat Roberts on the Commission and adds a valuable voice to the project as it nears completion. More details about the Memorial and the Commission can be found Here.
AGC of Kansas
Associated General Contractors of Kansas came through the office on Tuesday to give an update on their “Build Up Kansas” initiative and discuss workforce development issues across the state. Through “Build Up Kansas,” AGC is building workforce development partnerships with community colleges, technical colleges, and universities across the state to expose students to careers in the construction and manufacturing industries, which will be facing workforce shortfalls over the next decade. It’s great to see industry leaders thinking creatively about how to address the workforce challenges of tomorrow.
You can learn more about what AGC is doing in Kansas to promote workforce development Here.
Medicare Open Enrollment
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15th to December 7th this year. During Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to change the way they receive their Medicare benefits for the upcoming year. This is the only opportunity that beneficiaries can switch their Medicare drug plan, (part D) to one that better meets their coverage and financial needs, or change the way they receive their Medicare healthcare benefits.
For more information on Open Enrollment Click Here.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Edith Jane Bird
Edith Jane Bird, 84, passed away September 28, 2019 at Midland Hospice, Topeka, KS. She was surrounded by her loving family.
She was born August 16, 1935 to Edmond K. and Kathryn Roberson, Larned, KS. She is survived by her husband Ronald Bird, Topeka, daughters Rhonda (Bob) Wilson and Janet (Dan) Golightley of Topeka and Janell (Jim) Vineyard of Wichita, brother Norman Roberson of Larned, KS and sisters Lois Coleman of Moxee, WA and Connie Roberson Gross of Garden City, KS along with 8 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Preceded in death are parents, brothers Eldon and Bob, sisters Betty Sohl and Sherry Roberson, sister Donna Roberson Henderson and granddaughter Heather Barrows.
Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned. Visitation 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2019 with family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial in Garfield Cemetery, Garfield.
Memorials may be given to Midland Hospice House, Topeka, Kansas, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Lisa Marie Scott
Lisa Marie Scott, age 54, of Garden City, Kansas passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City.
Lisa was born September 29, 1964 to Virgil Allen Scott and Berna June (Cox) Scott in Tribune, Kansas. She grew up on the family farm south of Wallace and attended Harrison Flats School, Sharon Springs Elementary School and graduated from Wallace County High School in 1982. Lisa attended Garden City Community College. After leaving home she lived in Sharon Springs where she worked as a CNA/CMA at Prairie Manor Nursing Home, Topeka, Minneola and in Garden City for the last 30 years. Lisa volunteered at the Garden City YMCA, the Crossroads and various other organizations in the Garden City area. She was a member of the United Methodist Church.
Preceding her in death are her grandparents; and her sister-in-law, Trish Davies.
She is survived by her parents, Virgil and Berna of Sharon Springs, KS; sister, Paula (Joe) Korbe of Garden City, KS; and brother, Virgil, Jr. (Diane) Scott of Broomfield, CO; 6 nieces and nephews; 16 great nieces and nephews and numerous other family and friends.
Funeral service will be Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. MT at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church, 520 6th Street in Sharon Springs. Interment will follow the service at the Sharon Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. MT prior to the funeral service at the United Methodist Church.
Memorials will be designated to the Wallace County Foundation and may be left at the services or mailed to Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. Online condolences and information www.batemanfuneral.com
Alphonse V. Weber
Alphonse V. Weber, age 84, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Hays Medical Center. He was born December 29, 1934 in Ellis, Kansas to John and Patricia (Kozlowski) Weber. He married Victoria Romey on June 23, 1962 in Ellis.
Al had worked for Wiesner Grocery store in Ellis then began work in the oilfields as a driller for Dreiling Oil and several other oil companies until his retirement. He was a US Army veteran having served in Germany, a member of St. Mary’s Church, Ellis Knights of Columbus and served with the Ellis Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed all sports and outdoor activities including gardening and vacations. He was especially fond of the holidays and family time playing cards.
He is survived by his wife, Victoria of Ellis; a brother, Richard Weber and wife Janet of Ellis as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lawrence and Eugene Weber and two sisters, Agnes McGilvary and Cecilia Kinderknecht.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be 4 PM – 8 PM Tuesday October 1, 2019 at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637 with a combined parish vigil and rosary service will be at 7 PM.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church or St. Mary’s School.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by guest book at [email protected]
Melvin E. Bruggeman
Melvin E. Bruggeman, age 80, of Hays, Kansas passed away Friday, September 27, 2019 at Via Christi Village, Hays. He was born August 19, 1939 in Norton, Kansas to Anton and Clara (Glennimeier) Bruggeman. On February 1, 1964 he married Karen (Jochems) in Dodge City, Kansas.
Mel was the CFO at Hadley Hospital and then worked at the Hays Orthopedic Clinic. He was a veteran of the US Army. He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Church, the American Legion, St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus council 6894 and had served as a board member on the Hadley Foundation. Mel enjoyed traveling to his grandchildren’s sporting events, Ladies Baylor basketball and his trips to an occasional casino.
He is survived by his wife, Karen of Hays; a son, Mark Bruggeman of Nevada, Missouri; two daughters, Rhonda Vessali of Houston, Texas and Brenda Cox and husband Dennis of Flower Mound, Texas; a brother, Darrel Bruggeman and wife Carlene of Selden, Kansas and seven grandchildren, Jerad Bruggeman and wife Sarah, Hannah Bruggeman, Katie Bruggeman, Lauren Cox, Whitney Cox, Kaylee Cox and Madison Cox.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Delores Custer.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays. Military Honors will follow the funeral service at the church courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard. Inurnment will be 11 AM Thursday, October 3, 2019 at the Selden Cemetery, Selden, Kansas.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org)
Memorial visitation will be 5 PM – 8 PM Tuesday October 1, 2019 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
A combined parish vigil and rosary service will be at 7 PM.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]
Leonard J. Folsom
Leonard J. Folsom passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Hilltop Lodge Nursing Home in Beloit, Kansas at the age of 81. He was born on July 3, 1938 in Webster, Kansas to Lyle and Lucille (Hodson) Folsom. Leonard grew up in Webster and graduated with the Class of 1956. After graduating, he worked for the Record Office in Stockton, Kansas running their printing press and later owned the Honda Shop where he repaired and sold motorcycles. He then retired after working 25 years as a road grader for Rooks County. Leonard married the love of his life, Sondra Koontz, on March 3, 1959 in Stockton. They spent 60 years together and had two children: Blaine and Nicolle.
Leonard was always up for adventure. He loved hill climbing on motorcycles and riding three-wheelers in the wintertime with friends. He also loved animals and was very fond of his two cats, Sweetie and Princess. He enjoyed collecting antique crocks, tools, dishes and anything else old. He was an avid hunter and loved hunting with his brothers and nephews. He also enjoyed working in his beautiful yard. He and Sandy loved to dance and took lessons for many years. Leonard was a devoted family man and husband who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He was a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Sondra Folsom of Stockton; son, Blaine Folsom of Stockton; daughter, Nicolle Scheller and husband Bob of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren, Caroline, Cole, Caleb, and Chloe Scheller; sister-in-law Marcia Pumphrey and husband Foy of Eagle Rock, Missouri; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Lucille Folsom; brothers, Lyle, Vernon, and Cleim Folsom; sister, Twila Smith; and brother-in-law Robert Storer.
Leonard was a good-hearted man who worked hard, enjoyed life, loved to laugh and cherished his family and friends. Although he will be greatly missed, he will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him best, for they were greatly loved.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton will inurnment to follow in the Bow Creek Cemetery in Rural Phillips County, Kansas. A book signing will be on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Stockton. Memorials are suggested to the St Thomas Catholic Church or Mitchell County Regional Medical Foundation and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, Kansas 67669.
The Latest: Lightning strike kills runner at Kansas park
MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Authorities have identified the runner killed by lightning as he was about to finish a 50 kilometer race in southeast Kansas.
Thomas Stanley, 33, of Andover, was struck Saturday while competing in the race at the Elk City State Park, according to a social media post from Organizers of the FlatRock race. The park is about 150 miles southwest of Kansas City
Race Director Carolyn Robinson says many runners and officials tried to give Stanley CPR and first-aid, but were unsuccessful. Robinson says his wife was presented the medal he would have received. The couple had three children.
Friends have established a Go Fund Me page to assist the family.
His family described him in a statement as a “devoted husband, father, and friend.” Stanley worked for the nonprofit Kansas Leadership Center, which provides leadership training.
–The AP contributed to this report.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY — One person died after a lightning strike Saturday at Elk City Park near Independence, Kansas, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
An investigation of the incident is underway and the sheriff’s office reported early Sunday they expected to release additional details including the identity of the victim on Monday after they had contacted family.
The victim was participating in a run at the park, according to the sheriff’s department.
Leota Arment
Leota Arment, 96, passed away Friday, September 27, 2019 at Brookdale, Hays, KS.
Services are pending with All Faithers Funeral Chapel.
Kan. teen airlifted to hospital, 3 arrested after shooting
GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.
Just before 4:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting and at the same time were notified of teen with a gunshot wound had arrived at Geary Community hospital, according to a media release.
The victim later identified as Coye Crane, 18, Chapman, was airlifted to KU Medical Center in critical condition, according to the release.
Following an investigation, police determined the shooting occurred in the 200 Block of East 1st street in Junction City. Police have arrested Izek T. Jackson, 18, Enterprise; Javontez K. Brime, 18, Junction City and Malik O. Watkins, 19, Andover, on requested charges of aggravated robbery and conspiracy, according to the release.
NW Kansas students among Barton CC summer graduating class
Barton Community College has announced its list of graduates who earned associate degrees or certificates for career training during the summer semester of 2019.
Hays
Zachary Gilbert, A.A.S.
Logan Jansonius, A.A.S.
Luray
Stacey Letsch, A.A.S.
Plainville
James Naab-Frizzell, A.A.S.
Ransom
Jonathan Mask, A.A.S.
Scott City
Reagan Smyth, A.S.
Dedication of FHSU’s new art and design building set for Homecoming weekend
By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
It seemed like just a dream for so long that it’s still hard for Karrie Simpson Voth to believe her eyes when she looks out the window of her office.
From the first floor of the new Center for Art and Design at Fort Hays State University, Simpson Voth can get lost in her thoughts, watching students walk across the quad or a landscaping crew seed grass around the building.
The 43,000-square-foot CAD was finished in August, just in time for the start of classes this fall, and Simpson Voth calls it a game changer.
The center is a must-see for those attending FHSU’s 2019 Homecoming. A ribbon cutting and reception are set for 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at the CAD as part of Homecoming activities.
“I’ve watched people come in and just stop and gaze, so the building sells itself,” said Simpson Voth, professor and chair of the Department of Art and Design. “We are standing on a great reputation that was built over decades by former faculty as well as current faculty. Now we have the incredible facility to go with it.”
A portion of the dedication will center on burying a time capsule with artwork, tools and other items from current students and faculty that will give those attending Fort Hays State in 2044 a glimpse of the art and design program of 25 years before.
The time capsule is a collaborative effort. The 25-by-13-by-7-inch box is made of stainless steel donated by the FHSU maintenance department and built by Fort Hays State sculpture students under the direction of Toby Flores, associate professor of sculpture. Simpson Voth created the design for the top of the box, which will be cast in bronze.
Simpson Voth, a two-time FHSU graduate who has taught at her alma mater for 21 years, cites two major advantages to the new building: light and connectivity, which complement each other in every sense.
“We want to have shared experiences, pulling things together,” Simpson Voth said. “This gives us such a sense of community.”
The inside classroom walls also are glass, giving student artists the chance to draw inspiration for the activity outside their classroom. It also gives passersby the chance to witness the creativity within.
So it’s easy to see why Simpson Voth is excited to show off the new building. She thinks alumni will be thrilled, from the creativity to the limestone covering that keeps with the tradition of the campus – and everything in between.
Alumni who will get an early glimpse of the new building are two FHSU graduates from the Kansas City area. Buck Arnhold and Brittany Bange are scheduled to speak in the new CAD on Thursday afternoon.
Arnhold, who holds three degrees from FHSU, is one of FHSU’s Alumni Achievement Award winners this year. He is a well-known artist in Kansas City who formerly created banners for the player foundations of the Kansas City Chiefs. Bange is a product and marketing manager at Hallmark.
Simpson Voth thinks students will thoroughly enjoy hearing from those alumni, as well as Sandy Gellis, a New York artist. Gellis is the donor of a mask collection which belonged to her husband, Garry Rich, also a New York artist and the collector of the masks. The masks, from Central and South America, adorn the south wall of the first-floor lounge area.
Arnhold will be able to shed a different light on how studying art at FHSU 40-some years ago differs from today. His first degree was a bachelor of arts in 1974. He later earned a master of arts and a master of fine arts from Fort Hays State.
Other features that make the building so engaging are state-of-the-art technology throughout, a second-story balcony that overlooks an atrium filled with chairs and small tables. An enclosed walkway leads visitors to the new Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art in a renovated spacious brick building that housed the university’s power plant until the late 1960s.
The former power plant was completely remodeled. The bricks on the outside were cleaned, and matching bricks cover a new storage addition built to the west of the gallery for the department’s vast art collection.
The art and design professors are proud of the ownership they have in the new building. They got the opportunity to work with the architects to explain their needs for their students and their classrooms.
“We professors are the experts in our areas, so the architects took our vision and brought it to life,” Simpson Voth said. “We made decisions together and for our program areas, so we all had a guiding hand in the process, which makes the building that much more special.”
Three-day weather outlook
