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Author: Hays Post

Willie Eller

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Phillipsburg resident Willie Eller passed away April 9, 2018 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg at the age of 52. He was born June 16, 1965 in Smith Center, KS, the son of LeRoy & Helen (Manion) Eller. He was a welder.

Survivors include 2 sons, Scott of Kirwin & Phillip of Beloit; his daughter, Tiffani Killion of Kearney, NE; his fiancé Melinda VanKooten of Phillipsburg; his mother, Helen of Phillipsburg; his sister, Donita Buck of McCook, NE and 4 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 13 at 2:30 p.m. in the Heartland Worship Center, Agra, with Pastor Monte Brunner officiating. Burial will follow in the Kirwin Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and 9:00 to 9:00 Thursday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Thursday evening.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Willie Eller Memorial Fund.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

RAHJES REPORT: April 9

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Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra) 110th House Dist.

Hello from Agra!

We are now past First Adjournment and back in the district until April 26th for what should be the veto session, but with some last-minute maneuvering, we will be back for eight days and Sine Die will be on the last day of the session, May 4th.

There are still a few big things left to do before things are finished for this year, the budget and tax bills. In order to get to the big Omnibus Appropriations bill, there are a few more pieces that need to be decided.

With the federal tax bill that was passed, there are some consequences back to the states, and late last week the Senate dealt with a number of the issues from tax money coming back through repatriation of money which has been held off-shore and as it comes back into the U.S. economy, the tax consequences will be less than the normal tax rate. There were also some changes to itemization and what is and isn’t allowed. Once we have a better handle on these dollars, it will be part of the numbers of the final spending bill.

The K-12 Education Budget Committee finished their work and over the weekend, a bill was passed out of both chambers and is now headed to Governor Colyer.  It is close to $534 million dollars of new money phased in over the next 5 years.

One of the highlights is to add more money to Special Education and keeps many of the weightings which have been beneficial to the USDs of the 110th District.  There will be a lot of speculation and consternation about this bill and is it enough or too much money.  We will know over the next few weeks if this will be deemed constitutional. This bill will be the legislature’s response to the Kansas Supreme Court and they will decide if it provides a suitable and equitable education to the students of Kansas.

I thought the bill fiscal impact was too high, but the negotiations broke down between the House and Senate and we need to move forward; I voted for the bill.  In explaining my vote, I said “It is not a day to spike the ball, or be happy, but someone must lead, and today is that day.” If this bill is ruled unconstitutional, we will be back later this year for a special session.

Many people have asked about a possible constitutional amendment on school finding.  There is still time to bring it up for debate and vote with the remaining days of the session, but currently, I do not know what the schedule is.

I look forward to talking with you as we are out and about in the district so please feel free to reach out with concerns and questions, I will do my best to respond it a timely manner. The best way to contact me by email is: [email protected] and my cell number is (785) 302-8416.   You can also check out kenforkansas.com.

It is my honor to be your representative.

Man critically burned in SW Kansas kerosene lantern fire

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FINNEY COUNTY —One person was injured in a fire Sunday in Finney County.

Just after 4 a.m. police responded to 2801 N 8th Street Lot 4 in Garden City for a reported structure fire, according to a media release from Garden City Police.

When officers arrived on the scene, they located a 21-year-old man suffering from severe burns.

The fire was extinguished before officers arrival, but still smoldering. The injured man was treated on scene by Finney County EMS and transported to St. Catherine Hospital.  He was then flown to Via Christi Hospital Burn Unit in Wichita for treatment.

The investigation revealed the homeowner was using kerosene camping lanterns for warmth inside the mobile home. Investigators determined the lanterns caused the fire.

The residence sustained minimal structural damage to the kitchen floor, front door, and side wall.

Authorities did not released the victim’s name.

Police: Another skimmer found on Salina bank ATM

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SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating report of another skimmer on an ATM machine on a bank in Salina.

Previous image of bank ATM in Salina

A man attempting to use the ATM at Sunflower Bank, 1201 West Crawford and noticed something unusual, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The bank customer pulled on the card reader and it came off. He notified the authorities who also found a camera and a memory card on the ATM machine. Police are reviewing security camera images to help identify a suspect, according to Forrester.

Police have found skimmers, used to capture private financial information, on a number of ATMs across the state over the past five years. In mid-March, police found a credit card skimmer, and blue-tooth device on a gas pump in Salina.

Norine Giebler

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Norine Giebler, 88, Hays, died Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the Willow House in Hays.

She was born April 25, 1929 on the family farm in Ellis County, Kansas the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Pfannenstiel) Dreiling.  On August 23, 1948 she was united in marriage to Paul J. Giebler in Ellis, Kansas.  He preceded her in death on December 6, 1992.  Norine was a custodian for twenty seven years at Hays Orthopedic Clinic and was a volunteer for many years at the Arc of Central Plains thrift shop, volunteering twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays.  She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and volunteered to help with funeral dinners there for many years.  She was also a member of the Perpetual Adorers and Sisters of St. Agnes Associates.  She enjoyed her Tuesday morning prayer group, making noodles for TMP-Marian and for friends and family, ironing and seamstress work, and attending her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include three sons; Donald Giebler and wife Alanna of Stevensville, MD, David Giebler and wife Kathy of Hays, and Dale Giebler and wife Robin of Ellis, a daughter; Joan Dunn and husband Dave of Hays, two sisters; Rose Dorzweiler of Ellis and Norma Schumacher and husband Mel of Hays, eleven grandchildren; Amy Davidson and husband Drew, Andrew Giebler and wife Elizabeth, Kevin Giebler, Krista Whitley and husband Wes, Jamie Schmidt and husband Brian, Kim Terry and husband Billy, Mike Giebler, Michael Dunn and wife Mary, Laura Dunn, Linda Carr, and Joe Giebler, four step-grandchildren; Jason Carrasco, Amber Hernandez, Angela Keller, and Ashley Keller, nineteen great grandchildren; Seraphina, Isabelle, Molly, Danica, Declan, Brandon, Dylan, Sean, Molly, Marshall, Treighton, Damien, Aubrey, Logan, Rylie, Taylor, Daniel, Corbin, and Hailey, five step-great-grandchildren; Talisha “TJ”, Kaylee, Kloee, Kareem, and Ryder, one step-great-great grandchild and one great-great grandchild due this month.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, and a brother-in-law; Marion Dorzweiler.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, with Fr. Don Zimmerman officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street.  A Perpetual Adorers rosary will be at 5:00 pm followed by a vigil service and rosary at 6:30, all on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hospice of HaysMed, or to the Cancer Council of Ellis County, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Sheriff: Suspect injured in Kan. marijuana wax lab explosion

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BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects after an explosion and fire.

Location of the fire and explosion-google map

Just after 5p.m. Friday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office responded along with the Great Bend Fire Department to the 70 block of Southeast 20 Road, for a  possible structure fire, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The fire was extinguished and during the subsequent investigation it became apparent there had been a butane explosion. The resident had fled from the area. Deputies contacted the Sheriff’s Office detectives who responded to the scene and obtained a search warrant.

Upon investigation it became apparent that a clandestine lab was in use for the manufacture of marijuana wax, also called BHO or DAB.

This is a fairly recent phenomenon in the drug culture, according to Bellendir.  In this type of operation the active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is extracted from the plant in a highly concentrated form. The process uses butane and other flammable substances. This is the first lab of this kind the Sheriff’s Office has located in Barton County.

Sheriff’s deputies seized a substantial quantity of marijuana, finished BHO, drug paraphernalia and processing equipment at the scene.  Over 100, 10 ounce bottles of butane were also seized.

The resident later returned to the scene with severe burns but refused medical treatment. Deputies have not reported an arrest.

Tractor and Farm Safety youth course offered in Hill City

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COTTONWOOD EXTENSION

A Tractor and Farm Safety course will be offered on Saturday, April 28 in Hill City at the 4-H Building from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is for youth 14 – 15 years of age, who will be doing farm work this summer for pay.

Federal law requires youth 14 – 15 years of age who will be working on a farm for someone other than their parents, operating a tractor or other farm machinery to complete the Hazardous Occupation Training course.

A pre-registration fee of $15 is due by Wednesday, April 25th to your local Extension Office. This includes refreshment breaks, lunch and rental of a student manual.

To register call the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 785-628-9430 or your local Extension Office by April 25th.

Lt. Governor joins USDA Under Secretary in visit to drought areas

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Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann, USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey and FSA state executive director David Schemm look at a dryland wheat field is in rural Pratt County while touring drought conditions in south central Kansas on Friday.

KDA

MANHATTAN — Lt. Governor Tracey Mann hosted Bill Northey, the USDA Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service, on a trip to south central Kansas on Friday, April 6, to visit drought-affected fields and to speak with farmers and ranchers in the area.

They were joined by David Schemm, USDA FSA state executive director in Kansas; Jackie McClaskey, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture; Tracy Streeter, director of the Kansas Water Office; and Rich Felts, president of Kansas Farm Bureau.

A roundtable discussion at the Kanza Cooperative in Pratt gave area farmers, ranchers and industry partners an opportunity to talk about their experiences and concerns with the representatives from state and federal agencies who have a voice in policy issues. The group discussed a variety of issues including crop insurance, the Conservation Reserve Program, trade, farm programs and more.

“Agriculture is the backbone of the Kansas economy, and Governor Colyer and I will work with local farmers and ranchers to understand the challenges they are facing and do what we can to support them throughout this drought,” said Lt. Governor Mann.

State and federal government officials were hosted by local farmers and ranchers and representatives from the Kanza Coop in Pratt during a visit to drought-affected areas of south central Kansas on Friday.

The group walked wheat fields near Pratt, Kansas, which have been distressed by the drought conditions currently impacting much of Kansas.

Governor Colyer signed a drought declaration for the state on March 6, and the conditions have only worsened since that time, with the newest U.S. Drought Monitor showing 49 counties in D2 (severe) or D3 (extreme) drought levels and now 6 counties at D4 (exceptional) levels. Pratt County is at the D3 (extreme) drought level.

 

Recruiting During a Time of Low Unemployment is May 9

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Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association will hold its monthly meeting from noon to 1 p.m. May 9 at the Fort Hays State University Robbins Center (Eagle Communication Hall), One Tiger Place.

Registration is from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m., with a short business meeting starting at 11:30 a.m.

The program for the May meeting will be “Recruitment During Time of Low Unemployment” presented by Mike Henke, business trainer and consultant.

The program will be submitted for HRCI and SHRM continuing education credits.

This month’s meeting is free for guests. Guests can RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 785-628-7320. WKHRMA members can RSVP at wkhrma.shrm.org. The deadline to RSVP is noon on May 4.

WKHRMA is an affiliate chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), a local professional organization for persons engaged in personal or human resource management. For more information on WKHRMA, visit wkhrma.shrm.org.

Kan. deputy recovering after crash chasing reported stolen vehicle

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OSAGE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a weekend chase that injured a Kansas deputy

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Osage County Deputy Richard L. Smith, Jr., 53, Lyndon, was in pursuit of a suspect driving a reported stolen vehicle southbound on Fairlawn four miles east of Osage City just before 11:30p.m. Friday.

The chase started in Franklin County, according to Osage County Sheriff Laurie Dunn.

Upon approaching the T-intersection at 245th, the suspect vehicle was blowing up dust, obstructing the deputy’s view. The deputy’s 2015 Dodge Charger struck a ditch and came to rest in a field.

Other law enforcement officers continued the pursuit and arrested 37-year-old Joshua D. Smith of Lawrence. He remains jailed on requested charges of driving while suspended, possession of stolen property, flee and attempt to elude and warrants in Douglas County.

Deputy Smith was transported to the hospital in Topeka. “He has been released from the hospital but is very sore,” according to Dunn. Deputies did not arrest a woman in the reported stolen vehicle.

Hays natives inducted into FHSU Tourism, Hospitality Honor Society

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FHSU University Relations

Nine tourism and hospitality management students at Fort Hays State University recently participated in the 2018 induction ceremony for the Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society in FHSU’s Memorial Union.

“Professional benefits of ESD include an opportunity for outstanding students to distinguish themselves in the eyes of educators, recruiters and industry executives in an increasingly competitive industry,” said Dr. Stacey Smith, chair of the Department of Applied Business Studies.

Educational benefits include the opportunity for ESD chapters to provide a stimulus for students to strive for academic excellence.
Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society, established in 2014, recognizes outstanding tourism and hospitality management students. It is sponsored by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education.

“Today, there are over 90 active Eta Sigma Delta chapters throughout the world,” said Smith. “The growth is a testament to the dedication of both students and professionals in hospitality and tourism to the pursuit of academic, professional and personal excellence.”

The students are listed by hometown.

ARRIBA, Colo. (80804): Adam Daniel, senior, is a Flagler High School graduate.
GARDNER (66030): Alexandra Fox, senior, is a Gardner Edgerton High School graduate.
HAYS (67601): Brooke Forinash, junior, is a Hays High School graduate.
Cyrus Haynes, junior, is a Solomon High School graduate.
Taryn Rupp, sophomore, is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
HOYT (66440): Delaney Da Silva, junior, is a Royal Valley High School graduate.
VALLEY CENTER (67147): Alexandria Glidewell, junior, is a Valley Center High School graduate.
WICHITA (67226): Katelyn Neer, junior, is a Pittsburg High School graduate.
YORBA LINDA, Calif. (92886): Karla Vargas, junior, is a Buena Park High School graduate.

Ruth A. Smith

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Agra resident Ruth A. Smith passed away April 5, 2018 in Smith Center at the age of 102. She was born August 12, 1915 in Phillips County, the daughter of Ira & Lillie (Jacobs) Cox.

Survivors include her son Arnold & wife Linda of Madison, KS, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Becky Saddler officiating. Burial will follow in the Agra Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Tuesday & Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Agra United Methodist Church.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Ellis Co. Commission will hear report from treasurer at Monday meeting

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By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will review the treasury’s investment income, discuss the purchase of asphalt and get update on the fire department’s fire protection rating at Monday’s commission meeting.

Treasurer Lisa Schlegel will provide an update to the commission on an investment program she has implemented. Under the program the treasurer’s office invests idle funds in an effort to increase earnings for the county.

According to a prepared statement from Schlegel, the investment income for the first-quarter of 2018 has already surpassed all of the interest income generated in 2017.

Public Works Director Bill Ring will present the commission with bids for cold-mix asphalt and for six miles of cold-in-place recycling of asphalt road surface.

Monday’s meeting starts with the Public Building Commission at 5 p.m. with the regular commission meeting to follow at the Ellis County Administrative Center.

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