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Author: Hays Post

Trump: Pompeo returning with 3 Americans detained in North Korea

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korea (all times local):

8:40 a.m.

President Donald Trump says Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is on his way back from North Korea with three American detainees, saying they “seem to be in good health.”

 

Trump made the announcement on Twitter Wednesday, saying “Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting.”

Trump added that Pompeo had a “good meeting” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump is planning a historic summit with the North Korean leader.

In another Tweet, Trump said Pompeo and the detainees will be landing at Andrews Air Force Base at 2 a.m. Thursday. He says “I will be there to greet them. Very exciting!”

 

 

Trooper Ben, Eric Stonestreet team up to promote seat belts

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LINDSBORG, Kan. (AP) — “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet has combined forces with a popular tweeting Kansas trooper to promote seat belt safety.

Stonestreet made a four-minute video with Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner. With almost 55,000 twitter followers, Gardner is better known as @TrooperBenKHP . The video was part of a welcome to the Kansas Teen Transportation Safety Conference.

Stonestreet, a Kansas City, Kansas, native who plays the character Cameron Tucker, says on the video that he once wanted to be a highway patrolman before going on a ride-along. The law enforcement officer he was with had to tell a family member that a loved one had died. Stonestreet also talked about a seat belt saving a friend’s life in a crash.

The duo signed out with sirens.

FHSU selected to host 2019 Kansas SHRM summit

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FHSU University Relations

Fort Hays State University will host the Kansas Society of Human Resource Management Student Summit in April 2019.

“Kansas SHRM is incredibly excited to partner with Fort Hays State University in hosting the next student summit and HR Games,” said Amanda Schmits, Kansas SHRM college relations director.

The student summit will feature seminars and speeches from human resource professionals from around the state of Kansas. Students will also network with human resource cohorts from peer institutions as well as learn from practicing HR professionals in one-on-one mentoring sessions.

The summit “offers networking opportunities with other HR students who could potentially be co-workers in the future,” said Marina Arenivas, FHSU SHRM student chapter president.

Additionally, the summit will feature the second annual Kansas HR games, a Jeopardy style trivia game that tests students’ knowledge of the functional areas of human resources. In the 2018 games, FHSU defeated both Wichita State and Kansas State teams en route to a third-place finish.

“The HR games offers a unique opportunity for HR students throughout Kansas to apply in-class learning and showcase their understanding of the basic body of HR knowledge,” Schmits said.

Kan. welfare agency announces changes after another child death

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The head of the Kansas Department of Children and Families says the agency is making more changes in the Wichita area after another child death.

Gina Meier-Hummel started her job as secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families on Dec. 1.
Photo by MADELINE FOX / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

Secretary Meier-Hummel said Tuesday in a news release that the agency will be “implementing corrective action plans.” The announcement came after court records showed that relatives of 2-year-old Anthony Bunn reported concerns to the agency before the toddler died last week. His mother and her boyfriend are jailed on suspicion of murder.

The welfare agency previously replaced the head of its Wichita office. It’s been under fire since a 3-year-old boy was found encased in concrete after his relatives repeatedly reported abuse to the state and police. And relatives of 5-year-old who disappeared in February also say they called the state to report suspected abuse.

Portion of 19th Street to close this week

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CITY OF HAYS

Please be advised that beginning Wednesday, May 9, 2018, that 19th Street will be closed between Allen Street and Pine Street for waterline work and be reopened by Friday evening May 11, 2018. This work is part of the Allen Street Reconstruction Project.

Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. Motorists should use caution in these areas.

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 or the contractor, Paul-Wertenberger Construction at 785-625-8220.

Kansas could see higher gas prices as a result of Iran sanctions

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 Pump prices could range from $2.80 to $3.00 a gallon by the summer driving season.
TOPEKA – Motorists in Kansas, as well as drivers across the United States, could see higher prices at the gas pumps due in large part to the re-imposition of economic sanctions on Iran, warns AAA Kansas. By summer, Americans could see the national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline ranging from $2.80 to $3.00. The summer driving season is only 20 days away, and it runs along the bookend summer holiday weekends, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Today’s average gas price in Kansas is $2.58, up 12 cents in the past month. One year ago, gas cost $2.18/gallon on average across the Sunflower State.
Motorists are already seeing much higher gas prices. Currently at $2.81, today’s national average is the highest since 2014. Consumers abhor $3 gasoline, but not as much as they used to do. More than ever before, consumers are also willing to pay more for gas during summer and even into the fall, as a 2018 NACS consumer survey reveals.
“Though anticipated, today’s White House decision brings a wide variety of global and domestic impacts,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman.” In the United States, one of the largest potential impacts could be increased crude oil prices due to reinstated sanctions on Iran. In turn, this could lead to increased gas prices later this summer.”
However, most motorists might not see any immediate impacts at the gas station. It can takes weeks, sometimes months, for the market increase to translate over to retail prices. The retail increase will be dependent on how expensive crude oil price goes and the duration at which crude sells at the higher price point in the market.
  • On one hand, if in the end crude oil remains at $68-$70/ a barrel (bbl.), prices will not be that much more expensive this summer than they are now.
  • On the other hand, if crude sells for $70+/bbl. for an extended amount of time, the national average could hit $3/gallon this summer.
Spending more on gasoline concerns consumers because it reduces savings and spending for everything else we need, notes AAA Kansas.
There are practices and behaviors drivers can undertake to increase gas mileage and, thus, save money on fuel, AAA Kansas says:
  • Accelerate gradually. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
  • Anticipate your stops. When approaching a red light, let your foot off the gas as early as possible.
  • In summer, drive during cooler parts of the day. Cooler, denser air can boost power and mileage.
  • Avoid long warm-ups in the morning. They’re unnecessary and waste fuel.
  • Use air conditioning. Today’s air conditioners create less drag on the engine than driving with the windows open.
  • Maintain recommended tire pressure. Low pressure reduces fuel economy and can damage tires.
  • Keep the air filter clean. Clogged filters reduce fuel economy and increase exhaust emissions.
  • Drive the speed limit.

Kansas Vendors invited to participate in Russell’s Downtown Market

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Russell Main Street

RUSSELL – For the first time, the Downtown Russell Market Pop-up Event will take place the Saturday before Father’s Day, June 16, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. We would like to invite all types of vendors to join us for a busy weekend in Russell, with over 1,000 spectators planned to arrive in our community for a Father’s Day Softball Tournament, we are anticipating a lot of foot traffic.

The market event will take place outdoors on the bricks in Downtown Russell. We are currently searching for vendors of all categories ranging anywhere from antiques to clothing. Food, music, and children’s activities will also be available. Vendors will be set up in the parking stalls between 6th and 8th street while Downtown businesses utilize the sidewalks for sales and specials.

If you are interested in joining us the cost per vendor booth is $30.00 for Non- Members and $20 for Members. Booth space is approximately 12’x15’. We ask that all booths be set-up before 9:30 am the day of the event. Event will take place rain or shine. Each vendor is responsible for all their own display tables, racks, tent, etc. Power is limited, please document on the registration form if electricity is needed, there will be an additional $5 fee for electricity.

To be included in this year’s Russell Downtown Market, vendors must register online at russellmainstreet.com/downtown-market or mail registration form and payment to 207 E. 8th Street in Russell. For more information, call 785-483-2897.

Ellis High School student journalists earn state honors

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Pictured (l to r): Breonna North, Ali Weber, Sierra Schmidt, Kyrsten Frickey, Dawson Sproul, and Lauryn Becker.

LAWRENCE — The Kansas Scholastic Press Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2018 State Contest, which rewarded the best student journalism from around the state. To earn the chance to compete in the State Contest, students qualified through Regional Contests in February.

In the State Contest, students from 82 different schools competed in 21 different categories in 3 different classifications. KSPA will award more than 350 awards for entries into the contest.

From Ellis High School, the following students won awards:
● Kyrsten Frickey, Copy Editing, Honorable Mention
● Ali Weber, Cutline Writing, 3rd place
● Lauryn Becker, Editorial Cartoon, 3rd place
● Dawson Sproul, Online Photo Gallery, 3rd place
● Breonna North, Sports Photography, 3rd place
● Kyrsten Frickey and Sierra Schmidt, Yearbook Theme and Graphics, Honorable Mention
● Dawson Sproul, Headline Writing and Design, Honorable Mention

The University of Kansas hosted the day of the competition at the Memorial Union. Nine different categories, such as editorial writing and sports writing, took place on the day of the contest. Students used notes provided in prompts to inspire their writing and cartooning entries.

Earlier in the week, students submitted hundreds of other entries – in 12 different categories – to an online contest that featured design, photography and online categories.

“Teaching students the bedrock skills of writing, editing, designing and photography is what our contest is all about,” said Eric Thomas, KSPA executive director. “The judges for the contest look for solid grasp of the fundamentals first and then seek entries that go above and beyond with creativity. This year’s winners showcased both creative excellence and solid skills.”

KSPA enlists the help of journalism teachers, professional journalists, university faculty members and other journalism experts to judge the entries.

— Submitted

Police: Kansas man wounded in ambush robbery

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SHAWNEE COUNTY  — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated robbery and searching for suspects.

Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to the 1500 block of SE Quincy in Topeka after reports of gunshots, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

At the scene, officers found an adult male victim who had been shot. The investigation revealed the victim was ambushed by two suspects described as black males wearing masks and he was robbed of personal belongings. His wounds were considered non-life threatening, according to Ekis. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police Department.

Kan. man who brought pellet rifle to city hall remains in jail

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HUTCHINSON — Formal charges have been brought against a Kansas man who showed up at Hutchinson City Hall last week with what was thought to be an assault weapon.

Johnny Klaassen, 60, Hutchinson was charged with disorderly conduct — a misdemeanor. He was also charged with possession of meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia

On May 3, Klassen was arrested after city personnel called 911 and reported a man with what appeared to be an assault weapon.

When officers arrived, they discovered Klassen left westbound on a bicycle. Authorities intercepted him and saw the gun slung over his shoulder. Klassen apparently wanted to talk with a city department head about a bill.

Klassen was taken into custody and remains jailed on a $6,100 bond.

Sunny, warm Wednesday

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Today Sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 10pm and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. East southeast wind around 7 mph.

Thursday A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am. Sunny, with a high near 90. South southeast wind 6 to 16 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 6 to 13 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.

TMP softball splits with Great Bend

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By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post

Game 1: Great Bend 5, TMP 4
Game 2: TMP 8, Great Bend 7

HAYS, Kan.-TMP and Great Bend split a doubleheader on Tuesday at the Monarch Sports Complex in Hays. Great Bend broke open a 2-1 game in the top of the 7th inning with three runs in game number one. TMP would answer with three runs in the bottom of the inning and had the tying run at second base when the game ended. Emilee Augustine paced the Lady Monarch offensive attack going 4-4 with two doubles.

The Lady Monarchs took their first lead of the night on a Ciera Seib two RBI single in the bottom of the second inning to put TMP up 2-1. The Lady Panthers answered with five runs in the top of the third inning before TMP scored three in the bottom of the inning to pull within one run at 6-5. The game remained tight with Great Bend holding a 7-6 lead going into the bottom of the seventh. The Lady Monarchs were able to plate two runs and pick up the 8-7 victory when Lexi Gottschalk lifted a sacrifice fly to right field that scored the winning run.

Bailey Lacy pitched both games for TMP going 1-1 on the night. Augustine finished 6-7 from the plate with three doubles on the night. The Lady Monarchs run their record to 15-5 on the year and will be in Goodland on next Tuesday for 3A Regional play.

MELISSA SCHOEPF INTERVIEW

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

 

Person of interest in murder admits role in Kan. coin scam

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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A woman considered one of two people of interest in the slaying of a Nebraska woman has pleaded guilty in an unrelated gold coin scheme in Kansas.

Boswell-photo Taney County

Court records show Bailey Boswell entered the plea Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Lincoln. Prosecutors agreed to drop several other counts in return. Sentencing is set for Aug. 3.

Aubrey Trail is accused in the scam and also is considered a person of interest in the death of 24-year-old Sidney Loofe. Court records don’t show that he or Boswell have been charged in the homicide.

Trail’s pleaded not guilty in the coin case, but a plea hearing is scheduled for him later Tuesday.

Trail has previous convictions for theft and writing worthless checks in Kansas.

Investigators say Trail used a false name when he persuaded a Kansas couple to enter a joint venture to purchase a gold coin and then sell it.

Trail and Boswell were arrested Nov. 30 near Branson, Missouri.

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