TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Senate has approved budget legislation that would restore some past spending cuts for the state’s higher education system.
The vote Monday was 28-12 on a bill adding $47 million in new spending to the state’s current budget and the one for the next fiscal year that begins in July. Both annual budgets total more than $16 billion.
The bill includes $18 million for state universities to reverse cuts made in their operating budgets in 2016.
The measure goes next to the House. The House approved its own legislation Saturday and negotiators for the two chambers expect to draft the final version of the budget bill this week.
Senators also expected to consider another bill that would fix a flaw in a new law increasing education funding.
Newspaper students were recognized for their collective effort when it was recently announced that the 2017-18 Guidon print edition and the Guidon Online were both awarded All-Kansas.
All-Kansas is the top state award presented to student newspapers, websites and yearbooks. Yearbook awards are typically announced late fall, while newspaper and website awards are announced in late spring. Hays High’s newspaper and website was named in the Class 4A division.
“All-Kansas is our ultimate goal for our publications, so it goes without saying that I’m extremely proud of the newspaper staff,” adviser Bill Gasper said. “This is the first time that both the newspaper and website have been awarded in the same year.
“Newspapers are judged in five areas – coverage, reporting, visuals, design and leadership. In each of those areas, the judge awards All-Kansas, an Award of Commendation, or an Award of Merit. The newspaper was awarded All-Kansas in two areas and Award of Commendation in three areas, but the judge gave the paper an overall All-Kansas rating.
“The paper’s main strength is in its comprehensiveness,” the judge wrote. “It’s a very sophisticated, impressive product that covers a variety of topics effectively.”
The website, meanwhile, is judged on coverage and content, writing and editing, breaking news, interactivity and multimedia, and design and navigation. The Guidon Online earned the top marks in four of those areas.
“Overall, you have a strong site,” the judge wrote. “Be proud of what you have created and maintained. I loved watching the updates on your site and seeing new stories as they were posted. Great job maintaining a site that is an example of what good sites should be.”
Editor-in-chief of the two publications is Lacey Gregory, while Amiyah Gonzalez is assistant editor. Isabelle Braun is the online editor.
“I’m extremely proud of the results we have received from the hard work we have put in this year on both publications,” Gregory said. “I’m pleased with the honors we received this year and I hope it will set a precedent for years to come.”
Other members of the editorial staff include sports editors Jacob Maska and Taylor Schiffelbein. Other staff members are Allison Brooks, Anna Brull, Hanna Dannar, MacKenzie Fagan, Alicia Feyerherm, Tana Herreman, Allison Hillebrand, Elizabeth Lee, Scout Perryman, Rebekah Porter, Dawson Rooney and Madison Weber.
“I’m really proud of the class,” Braun said. “I wanted them to push themselves so they could see what they could accomplish, and they did. We couldn’t have done it without Mr. Gasper though, so thank goodness we have him.”
Gasper said this is the seventh time in his 14-year tenure that the newspaper has won All-Kansas and the second consecutive year for the website. The newspaper has also been a Pacemaker finalist twice and won the award one time. The Pacemaker is a national award and is considered the highest honor a publication can achieve.
“The awards are a result of many hours of hard work by the staff and a belief of what they are doing is very important,” Gasper said. “And, not only is their work important, they are also learning valuable future workplace skills such as effective communication, teamwork, problem solving and creative thinking.”
GEARY COUNTY —A fourth Kansas suspect wanted in a March 29, attempted murder case, Jeremy Breeden, Abilene, has been located just outside of Thermopolis, Wyoming by U.S. Marshals.
Jeremy Breeden -photo Courtesy Hot Springs County Sheriff
On March 29th at about 11:15 p.m. authorities received a report of a man suffering from a gunshot wound at Motel 6, 1931 Lacy Drive, Junction City. Officers found Trenton Penn, 19, Minneapolis, Kansas who was Life-Flighted to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. Police recently confirmed Penn is recovering.
Already arrested in the case were Cody Breeden, Abilene, who was located last week in Fremont, Wyoming, Morgan Fabre, Manhattan shortly after the shooting incident occurred, and Nizar El Hilali, Clay Center in late March.
According to the JCPD the allegations against Jeremy Breeden and Cody Breeden plus Nicar El Hilali included Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault and Aggravated Battery while Fabre was arrested in March. A check with the Geary County Attorney’s Office revealed the charges against her include Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree, Kidnapping, Conspiracy to Commit 1st Degree Premeditated Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery.
BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for assistance in locating a missing registered sex offender.
Bell-photo Barton Co.
According to Sheriff Brian Bellendir, 53-year-old Ricky A. Bell. Bell is an absconded registered sex offender. He also has two previous convictions for violations of the Kansas offender registration act, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Bell is described as 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, gray hair and hazel eyes.
Anyone with information on Bell is asked to call crime stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.
Clark Burnham, 77, of Woodston, Ks.passed away on Friday, April 20, 2018. He was born to Laurence & Frankie L. (Nelson) Burnham of Denver, CO.
Clark graduated from high school and then worked as a production lineman for the Keebler Company in Denver, CO. After he retired in 1997, Clark moved to Woodston, KS.
Clark was a member of the Jehovah Witness.
Clark was preceded in death by his parents, and his companion, Marilyn Bobbitt in 2008. He is survived by his niece, Linnea Franklin.
Donations may be made to: Donor’s Choice, %Clark-Gashaw Mortuary, Osborne KS
FHSU TEECA Front Row – Blake Dreher, Brandon Bartz, Danea Buschkoetter, Christian Wetter, Devin Thomas, Blake Hinson, Tanner Swartz, Kaylene Cabrera, Joe Walters Middle Row – Eric Deneault, Aaron Thieman, Brett Brewer, Brady Hutchison, Vincent Evans, Tage Rothchild, Dalton Enfield, Urial Silva, Randy Jordan Back Row – Davin Smith, Dustin Braun, Matt Thieman, Trevin Haug, Justin Underwood, Dylan Kinter
FHSU University Relations
Fort Hays State University’s chapter of the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association won three national championships in eight competitive events against 15 other universities at the 80th annual International Technology and Engineering Educators Association conference in Atlanta, Ga.
The FHSU chapter, with 22 students and five sponsors, also had the most active members of any chapter attending.
For the second consecutive year, FHSU’s TEECA won the national VEX Robotics Competition. This year, FHSU competed with two robots that ultimately tied for first place.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this group of individuals, who constantly push boundaries and seek perfection,” said Eric Deneault, assistant professor of applied technology. “I look for bigger and better things in the future from this experienced team.” Deneault and Randy Jordan, assistant professor of applied technology, are the team sponsors.
The FHSU robotics team will advance to compete at the VEX Worlds competition in Louisville, Ky. Team members are Devin Thomas, team captain and engineer, programmer and driver; Davin Smith, engineer and mechanic; Tage Rothchild, engineer and mechanic; and Christian Wetter, machinist and document specialist.
FHSU also won the Live Manufacturing Competition, which required students to design and create a vintage Edison lamp while developing and managing a complete manufacturing assembly run producing a final product on site.
“I could not be more proud of the way that this team came together, committing the necessary time and energy into this competition, to produce a successful outcome,” said Deneault.
The team dedicated more than 150 hours of extracurricular activity to their final product. Team members are Danea Buschkoetter, team captain and documentation specialist; Aaron Thieman, design engineer; Dustin Braun, drafting and design specialist; Tanner Swartz, jig specialist and inspector; Brett Brewer, manufacturer; Trevin Haug, manufacturer; and Matt Thieman, manufacturer.
The FHSU TEECA transportation team earned the national title for the Transportation Competition. For the challenge, the team had to fly a Quad Copter with both first-person flight controls and autonomous flight controls through an obstacle course of stationary and moving targets.
Team members are Wetter, captain, flight specialist and programmer; Justin Underwood, engineer; Haug, engineer; and Dalton Enfield, document specialist.
In addition to the national championships, two FHSU team members won awards for their outstanding performance and dedication to TEECA and the FHSU Department of Applied Technology.
Smith was awarded the 2018 ITEEA/Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators Don Maley Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Smith has supported and promoted FHSU TEECA through a variety of roles, including president, vice president, and treasurer. He has participated on the robotics team for four years, earning two national championships, a second-place award at nationals, a third-place award at nationals and four regional championships.
Deneault was named a 2018 ITEEA Emerging Leader. The honor recognizes innovation, design and engineering educators who demonstrate a high level of competence and professional activity in the field of technology and engineering education.
Students, with hometowns and classifications, are listed below.
ALEXANDER (67513): Tanner Swartz is a senior.
ATWOOD (67730): Dalton Enfield is a freshman.
ASSARIA (67416): Davin Smith is a senior.
CLAY CENTER (67432): Dustin Braun is a senior.
CONCORDIA (66901): Christian Wetter is a senior.
EUDORA (66025): Justin Underwood is a senior.
GALVA (67443): Vincent Evans is a junior.
GREAT BEND (67530): Blake Hinson is a senior.
HAYS (67601): Blake Dreher is a junior.
Brady Hutchison is a junior.
Joe Walters is a junior.
HOLDREDGE, NEB. (68949): Danea Buschkoetter is a senior.
LARNED (67550): Brandon Bartz is a freshman.
LIMON, COLO. (80828): Brett Brewer is a freshman.
MANHATTAN (66503): Trevin Haug is a senior.
PHILLPSBURG (67661): Dylan Kinter is a junior.
RUSSELL (67665): Devin Thomas is a senior.
SIMLA, COLO. (80835): Aaron Thieman is a senior.
SIMLA, COLO. (80835): Matt Thieman is a junior.
SUPERIOR, NEB. (68978): Tage Rothchild is a freshman.
Pan fried chicken dinner includes:
Mashed potatoes n gravy, vegetable, coleslaw, dinner roll and dessert.
10:00 until 1:00pm or
UNTIL SOLD OUT COME EARLY. Give your mother a break on Mother’s Day or take a break from Graduation
Ellis Knights of Columbus hall
1013 Washington St.
Ellis KS 67637
Ages 5 through 9 $5.00
Ages 10 and over $10.00 ST MARY CYO
Komen Kansas Hays Race for the Cure
Municipal Park
1st St. and Main St.
Hays
7:00-9:15 a.m.: Drop in Survivor Continental Breakfast – Municipal Park South Shelter 7:00 a.m.: Registration Tent Opens 8:00 a.m.: Hays Med, part of The University of Kansas HaysMed Health System 5K Race Starts 7:45 a.m.: Kids for the Cure Activities Begin 9:15 a.m.: Kids for the Cure 50 Yard Dash 9:15 a.m.: Survivor Photo 9:30 a.m.: Survivor Parade and Celebration 9:50 a.m.: Midwest Energy Mile Family Fun Walk Starts
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Friend,
Friday, the House reauthorized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs through 2023, with bipartisan support. H.R. 4 provides stability for our aviation sector and serves as the first long-term authorization for FAA since 2012. I voted in support of the reauthorization because of the certainty it provides for the industry is vital to Kansas. This bill reauthorizes the Essential Air Service program that supports 5 of our airports throughout the Big First (Liberal, Garden City, Dodge, Salina, Hays). Included is also the funding needed to maintain our nation’s airport infrastructure and it keeps our Federal Contract Tower Program which helps four of our Kansas Airports. This bill is designed to keep our pilots, attendants, maintained and repair folks safer which ultimately keeps our nation’s travelers more secure as well.
Cong. Marshall with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke
Kansas Leads Letter Against Listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Under Endangered Species Act
Sen. Moran and I wrote a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke asking him to not to list the lesser prairie-chicken (LPC) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Last week I hand delivered that letter.
We’ve seen significant progress made through habitat conservation that has helped improve the LPC population and secure its future. The LPC population has increased by approximately 71 percent since the peak of the drought in 2013 without ESA regulations in place due to increased rainfall and on-the-ground conservation measures. Sen Moran and I urged the Secretary to not make the same mistake that the Obama Administration made by not considering the benefits of ongoing conservation efforts.
The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Pat Roberts, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, Jim Inhofe, James Lankford, and U.S. Representatives Ron Estes, Mike Conaway, Mac Thornberry, Steve Pearce, Doug Lamborn, and Tom Cole
NAFTA continued to make headlines this week as negotiators from the three countries met in D.C. in an attempt to reach an “agreement in principle.” The talks progress so far seem promising for a successful modernization of the agreement which has been vital for growth in Kansas’ aircraft, manufacturing and agriculture sectors. While I continue to have concerns about several of the proposals being discussed I have been glad to see the USTR increase their discussions with the agricultural community. Last week I had the privilege of meeting native Kansan and Chief Ag Negotiator, Gregg Doud. Gregg met with members of the House Ag Committee to address specific concerns agriculture faces. It is good to know that there are staff at USTR that have firsthand knowledge of the importance of trade to Kansas’ economy.
Agriculture Exports Seek New Markets
In order to return our agriculture economy back into growth, we must look for new export opportunities to untouched markets. A great example of a $2 billion largely untouched market is Cuba. Due to sanctions imposed decades ago, Cuba imports most of their food products from Brazil, Argentina, Vietnam and the EU instead of the United States that is just off the coast of Florida. If we can fix American agriculture’s disadvantage by passing bipartisan legislation, we would be improving our rural communities and creating good-paying jobs. If the U.S. was able to sell its goods to Cuba, Kansas could top $55 million in additional sales with a 25% boost in wheat sales. The 2018 Farm Bill will help increase these exporting opportunities for farmers all across the U.S. I am working with Representatives’ Rick Crawford from Arkansas, and Tom Emmer from Minnesota to get the ball rolling in getting this important legislation passed. Click here to read the full story and specific bills being considered on this issue.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
Pompeo Confirmed as Sec. of State
I was really proud to see the Senate share the same confidence the people of Kansas have for Mike Pompeo and confirm him this week to be our 70th U.S. Secretary of State.
Secretary Pompeo ran two businesses in Kansas and served 3 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives before being appointed to the Director of the CIA in January 2017. A West Point and Harvard Law Graduate, Secretary Pompeo has experience in both the legislative process as well as national security. He is a proven leader, and I know the folks back home are proud to have one of their own representing American interests throughout the world.
Tele-Townhall
I want to thank everyone who joined me for Thursday night’s Tele-Townhall. We had thousands of callers and covered a lot of ground! Most of your questions focused on healthcare and the cost of healthcare, a problem I came to Washington to try and fix! In the House, we voted to fully repeal Obamacare Despite the lack of headlines in the media, I am working daily behind the scenes to fix our broken and costly healthcare system.
Callers also discussed the importance of prayer, renewable energy, immigration, infrastructure, and national security.
Another widely mentioned issue was NAFTA and the importance of providing our farmers and producers certainty. I have fought hard to do that by advocating to preserve our trade deals and expand into new markets. I believe our Farm Bill provides that certainty as well. The 2018 Farm Bill protects crop insurance, provides additional funding to EQIP, strengthens our farm programs and reduces regulatory burdens. Our bill invests in rural broadband, ensures we are protecting the health of our livestock and helps our beginning farmers and ranchers who are starting during already tough times.
Right now, we are seeing politicians put their party over people by not supporting the Farm Bill because it requires work-capable adults receiving food stamps to either work part-time or take advantage of the job training programs (that the bill funds). So we asked folks on the call how they felt about the work requirements, of the almost 400 responses, 83 percent of those surveyed voted in favor of part-time work requirements for work capable adults.
Shirley Jane Rudd Dixon, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at Greeley County Long Term Care in Tribune, Kansas. Shirley was born July 23, 1926 in Belpre, Kansas, the daughter of Herbert Ernest & Mayrella Windhorst Rudd. Shirley moved with her family in 1937 to Tribune, Kansas. She was a 1944 graduate of Greeley County High School and a 1948 graduate of Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas earning a Bachelor of Science degree. It was in Ottawa that she met Vee Dixon, her husband of 63 years. Vee and Shirley were married on June 15, 1948 in Tribune.
Following Vee’s Graduation from Washburn Law School, they returned to Tribune, where they lived the rest of their lives. She was a math teacher, abstractor, and homemaker. Shirley was a member of the First Presbyterian Church as well as a Sunday school teacher and Church organist. Shirley was an active member in Presbyterian Women, and many church activities. She was also active in E.H.U., Progressive Club and served as a leader for both Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vee, her parents and two sisters, Ruhe Pringle and Pat Jackson.
Shirley’s surviving family includes:
Three Children-
Jane Ellen Dixon Scarffe, Lawrence, Kansas
Wade Masterson & Kerry Dixon, Tribune, Kansas
Chris Rudd & Kellee Dixon, Tribune, Kansas
Seven Grandchildren, Twelve Great Grandchildren
A celebration of Shirley’ life will take place at a later date at First Presbyterian Church, Tribune.
Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church in Tribune, Kansas in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO 301, Tribune, Kansas 67879
Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at priceandsons.com
