ELLSWORTH COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident early Saturday in Ellsworth County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Lincoln LS driven by Alexandria N. Greenwood, 20, Kanopolis, was eastbound on Kansas 156 and turned to go westbound on 8th Street in Ellsworth.
A westbound 2017 Freightliner semi driven by Pascual Lopez-Acosta, 58, Dodge City, struck the Lincoln head-on.
Greenwood was transported to the hospital in Salina. Lopez-Acosta was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
Fort Hays State graduates involved with the athletic departments at two NCAA Division II schools playing against each other Friday in women’s basketball were, from left, Gerard Wellbrock, Mike Hammett, Dustin Armbruster, Doug Self, Ryan Prickett and Lacey Jones.By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN FHSU University Relations and Marketing
As they follow Fort Hays State University athletic teams around the country, it’s not unusual for Ryan Prickett and Gerard Wellbrock to run into former co-workers who are FHSU graduates like themselves.
Prickett, sports information director at FHSU, and Wellbrock, radio voice of the Tigers, hit the jackpot this week. The duo is in Sioux Falls, S.D., covering the Tiger women’s basketball team in the NCAA Division II Central Regional.
FHSU’s first-round opponent Friday was Southwestern Oklahoma State University, which had not just one or two, but three Tiger alumni representing the Bulldogs in the tournament.
Sporting the navy and white of SWOSU as the two teams were scheduled to meet in the noon contest were Doug Self, the Bulldogs’ SID; Lacey Jones, a graduate assistant in the athletic training program in charge of working with the women’s basketball team; and Mike Hammett, radio voice of the Bulldogs.
All three worked under Prickett during their college careers at Fort Hays State. Hammett then focused on broadcasting and worked for three years at Eagle Radio in Hays, where he learned under Wellbrock.
The group met for dinner Thursday night in Sioux Falls, and Prickett and Wellbrock weren’t outnumbered. Accompanying Wellbrock, sports director for Eagle Radio, was Dustin Armbruster, another FHSU grad. Armbruster is KJLS program director at Eagle. He does play-by-play for Hays High School athletics and provides color commentary for Tiger broadcasts.
“I keep in touch with a lot of my former students who worked in our department at Fort Hays State, but it’s always nice to get together with them in person,” said Prickett, a two-time graduate of FHSU (2003 and ’05) who is in his 13th year as the Tigers’ head SID.
While the six alums knew they would be working for different schools Friday, there is a mutual respect among them.
“That doesn’t really bother me, except I obviously want our team to advance,” Prickett said. “I’m just really proud we have these individuals going out in the world and having success past Fort Hays State. Even though they don’t all end up in the sports information field, you hope they have learned some life skills to take with them out into the world, too.”
Jones said the variety of experience she received at FHSU has been invaluable as she pursues her master’s degree in athletic training from SWOSU.
“Getting that experience under Ryan and in the athletic office was great, dealing with a lot of different people,” said Jones, who came to FHSU from south central Kansas and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2016. “I feel very equipped and very ready as an athletic trainer after getting all the hands-on experience, too.”
Jones, who will graduate with her master’s degree in May, said she has been looking forward to today’s game and still follows the Tigers on the radio.
“You know you’re a Tiger through and through when you listen to Gerard,” Jones said. “He’s such a great radio broadcaster, and even if we open the video feed to watch the game, we mute the sound on it so we can listen to Gerard.”
Others who have worked under Wellbrock and Prickett share the same high opinion of them.
Self grew up in northeast Kansas and came to Fort Hays State because “I’m a small-town kid and when I visited Fort Hays, I just had a really good feeling about it.”
“Ryan is one of the hardest working guys out there, and I soon found out how well respected he is in his field,” said Self, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2010, then earned a master’s in sports administration in 2012.
“I sure learned the value of hard work,” Self said. “He taught me how to deal with people and how to wear a lot of hats. I couldn’t have found a more fitting career path for myself.”
Armbruster, who grew up in WaKeeney and graduated from FHSU in 2004, had similar praise for Wellbrock.
“There’s an opportunity to learn from every broadcaster you ever meet, the way you prepare to be on the air or act on the air or around coaches,” he said. “Certainly, being around Gerard Wellbrock has elevated my level of professionalism with the industry.”
Hammett, a 2008 Fort Hays State graduate, agreed.
“Gerard has been one of my biggest influences in the industry,” said Hammett, now in his second year as sports director of in Wright Radio in Weatherford, Okla. “You can look at how I do things, and they are real similar to the way Gerard does it. I learned a lot from him – and from Ryan, too.”
“I came to Fort Hays State because I learned you could get involved right away, different than at some larger schools,” Hammett added. “I actually wanted to be a sportswriter and stumbled into sports broadcasting, and I absolutely love it.”
It’s all about conducting yourself with professionalism every step of the way, said Wellbrock, who learned from one of the best. Wellbrock grew up listening to former Tiger broadcaster Bob Davis, who went on to become the Voice of the University of Kansas Jayhawks.
Like Armbruster, Wellbrock – who grew up in Victoria – stayed close to home to go to college and graduated from FHSU in 1990. He has been at Eagle Radio since 1992, working his way up to Voice of the Tigers in 2002.
While their younger counterparts were busy giving Prickett and Wellbrock credit for teaching by example, they said it goes both ways.
“I thought I wanted to be a teacher when I came to college, but I have found this is more my calling,” Prickett said. “I enjoy working around sports, but I also like teaching others what to expect once they go beyond these walls. I learn from them, too. I think we all learn from each other.”
“I have a really good rapport with Dustin,” Wellbrock said, “and when he is helping doing games, he makes me better. I broadcast better when he is working with me. During football season, someone told us that we look like we’re having fun doing the games. And we do.”
Wellbrock and Armbruster, along with Prickett, have more fun ahead in Sioux City after Fort Hays State pulled out a thrilling, 78-75 victory over SWOSU Friday. With the win, the Tigers (26-6) advanced to Saturday’s semifinals vs. the winner of Friday’s game between Central Missouri State University and Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
KCDHH Executive Director Robert Cooper addresses deaf and hard of hearing individuals at the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day at the Capitol on March 6, Topeka.
DCF
TOPEKA – The Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH), in partnership with the Kansas State School for the Deaf and the Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture, hosted Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day at the Capitol today, Topeka. The event drew more than 50 deaf and hard of hearing students from across Kansas to the State Capitol Building, and offered presentations from community partners, more than 10 informational booths and gave students a chance to meet with their local legislators. Interpreters were on hand throughout the day to assist with conversation.
“The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day at the Capitol is all about awareness. It gives the deaf community an opportunity to see the booths and it is encouraging folks statewide to come and learn what resources are available to them,” KCDHH Executive Director Robert Cooper said. “It also allows for service providers to learn about partners that are available, so that relationships can be built and programs can be strengthened.”
KCDHH is a part of the Rehabilitation Services (RS) division of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). The mission of KCDHH is to advocate for and facilitate equal access to quality, coordinated and comprehensive services that enhance the life of Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing. They do this through information and referral, advocacy and public education. KCDHH also works with agencies and organizations throughout Kansas to ensure availability and coordination of services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, including communication access. KCDHH maintains the state’s registry of qualified sign language interpreters in order to track interpreters’ credentials, areas of expertise and geographic areas of practice.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling is dedicating the month of March to helping people “Have the Conversation” about problem gambling. Approximately two million (one percent) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet the criteria for pathological gambling, another four to six million (two to three percent) would be considered problem gamblers. Yet gambling remains a hidden addiction for many.
Problem Gambling Awareness Month is designed to help raise awareness of the prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling. The grassroots campaign brings together a wide range of stakeholders – public health organizations, advocacy groups and gambling operators – who work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.
Across Kansas, groups including four state-funded regional task forces and a statewide coalition hold events, mount media campaigns, promote Gambling Disorder Screening Day on March 13 and conduct outreach to people who can make a difference ensuring that problem gambling services are promoted and the public is educated regarding problem gambling.
As March Madness reaches a crescendo with an estimated $10 billion in bets placed on NCAA basketball championship games, calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline spike an average of 30 percent during this month.
To get help for a gambling problem for you or a loved one, Kansas residents can call the Kansas problem gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or can visit ksgamblinghelp.com for more information. The call is free and confidential. No out-of-pocket cost treatment is available for problem gamblers and concerned others with revenues collected from state owned casinos. The program is administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Thursday night crime spree and have made an arrest..
Madams-Photo from a Nov. arrest in Saline Co.
The Dickinson County Sheriff Office reported that between 10 p.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday, Alex Q. Madacs, 20, of Dickinson County, is accused of allegedly burglarizing one residence in the county, and of stealing six motor vehicles from residences around the county.
He attempted to steal five vehicles, burglarized nine other vehicles, and set fire to one of the vehicles. During the crime spree he was allegedly able to steal a 40. caliber pistol from a residence, a 25.06 rifle from a motor vehicle, as well as numerous items of personal property from various other vehicles. The pistol was recovered from Madacs at the time of his arrest.
Madacs was located in the 2600 block of Fawn Road in Dickinson County near the burning vehicle. He was taken into custody without incident and is being held in the Dickinson County jail pending a first court appearance on Monday.
Deputies from the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office located additional stolen personal property, a stolen motorcycle from Manhattan and recovered the rifle while searching the residence and property of Madacs.
The Dickinson County Sheriff’s office was assisted by the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Abilene Police Department.
This is an ongoing investigation and the Dickinson County Sheriff’s office expects additional arrests to be made in the coming days.
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Recovery teams have found the body of a Stilwell man who drowned Saturday while fishing alone in a one-person kayak at Tuttle Creek lake.
KDWP&T game wardens on the scene of the search
Searchers used boats with sonar to locate on Thursday the body of 21-year-old Anthony Berg.
Kansas Wildlife and Parks Game Warden Jesse Gehrt says that while they don’t know all the details, it was windy on the day Berg drowned and they believe that’s what led to the accident.
The recovery teams were unable to locate his body over the weekend, and windy conditions earlier this week had postponed the search.
HUTCHINSON, Kan.-Offense was at a premium on Friday afternoon in the girl’s 3A State Tournament Semifinal in Hutchinson. TMP and Royal Valley struggled to make shots in the first half. The Lady Monarchs led 10-7 after the first quarter of play. Royal Valley scored the first seven points on the second quarter and led 14-10 late before a four point run by TMP tied the game at 14 points apiece at halftime.
The second half continued with both teams going back and forth at each other with intense defensive pressure. TMP took a three point lead heading into the fourth quarter after an Aubrey Koenigsman three pointer. She was fouled on the shot but was not able to complete the four point play.
TMP would hold a slight advantage most of the fourth quarter. The Lady Monarchs led by five points with under a minute to play as Royal Valley drilled a late three pointer to send the game to overtime. The Lady Panthers banked in a guarded three to take a three point advantage early in the overtime and TMP was not able to overcome the deficit in the 54-52 overtime loss.
Royal Valley improves to 17-7 on the season and will play for the state title tomorrow. TMP drops to 22-3 and will play the consolation final at noon on Saturday.
Hays Post is launching its inaugural Triple-Chance Bracket Challenge! Enter your picks for the upcoming men’s college basketball championship and have a chance to win $250 CASH or Popt Gourmet Popcorn gift baskets.
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Eric Norris, Hays, has been appointed the acting State Librarian.
OFFICE OF THE GOV.
TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer announced today the appointment of Eric W. Norris, of Hays, as Acting State Librarian replacing interim State Librarian Cindy Roupe.
After receiving a Bachelor’s in English from University of Kansas and a Masters in English from Fort Hays State, Mr. Norris served as a reporter and columnist for the Hays Daily News before starting as a librarian in 2005. He then went on to receive a Masters in Library Science before becoming the Director of the Hays Public Library, a position he held for six years.
“We are excited to add someone of Eric’s expertise to the team,” said Governor Colyer. “I look forward watching Eric exercise his leadership to strengthen the state’s libraries. I am confident that he will make an incredible impact in this new post.”
“I believe there are three skills necessary for a successful career in public librarianship: customer service, budgeting and planning, and leadership” said Norris. “I am thankful and excited for this new opportunity to serve the people of Kansas, and look forward to working with librarians and educators to lead and strengthen our profession.”
Mr. Norris is also a member of the Kansas Library Association and formerly served on the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), 109th House Dist.
Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House
March 9, 2018
Cybersecurity
Last session, the Government, Technology, and Security Committee was created to evaluate Cybersecurity making sure a system is in place to protect citizens and state government from dangerous attacks and breaches on personal and critical data. Kansas has not been immune from cyberattacks and release of personal information. This Committee advanced two measures to the House for debate.
Last Thursday, the House debated these two bills. The first one, House Bill 2332, amends stipulations of required meetings for the Information Technology Executive Council (ITEC). This was necessary to increase the effectiveness and attendance of the ITEC meetings.
House Bill 2359 creates the Kansas Cybersecurity Act. This bill creates the Kansas Information Security Office (KISO). The bill also spells out the Information Technology and Cybersecurity duties of Executive Branch agency heads.
The bill also creates the Cybersecurity State Fund, which is financed with an annual basic rate per employee for all government and non-government entities connecting to state network services.
Both bills passed on Monday, March 5 each with a 115-0 vote.
State Revenues
On Friday, March 1, the Kansas Legislative Research Department released the revenue numbers for monthly receipts in Fiscal Year 2018. With the February revenues included, the total State General Fund receipts are up $275 million from the November estimate. Individual income tax receipts are $269 million above the estimate. The Kansas Legislative Research Department cautions that, as with the previous two months, a large portion of the growth in individual income tax receipts above the forecast appears to have been driven by the recently enacted change in federal tax law. However, these numbers are enlightening, especially since we will be addressing the issue on K-12 Education finance, and other budgetary matters, later this month when we begin work on the budget bill.
More Bills In the House
On Wednesday, the House debate two bills regarding K-12 education. The first bill, House Bill 2757, reinstates due process rights for teachers in statute as it is currently for community and technical college employees. I voted “no” on this bill as I contend that the local school boards should be allowed to negotiate due process as has been the case since 2014. The bill did pass out of the House, 73-48, however the future of the bill is uncertain in the Senate.
House Bill 2758 would require that school districts adopt anti-bullying policies and procedures that would cover incidents of bullying, harassment, and/or cyber-bullying. I voted “yes” on House Bill 2758 and it passed with a vote of 120-1.
On Friday, the House debated Senate Bill 405 which would amend the current law regarding the number of animals permitted in a confined animal feeding facility. The bill also establishes the animal unit measurement calculation for chicken facilities that use a dry manure waste system and, if they do have this type of waste system, then they would need to obtain a federal permit if there are 125,000 or more broilers or 82,000 or more laying hens. This bill derived from the concerns and discussions of Tyson building a poultry facility in the state of Kansas. The bill advances on to final action on Monday, March 12.
Appropriations Committee
This week in the Appropriations Committee, we were busy in continuing the budget reports from the respective budget committees. Monday, we started the week with continuing discussion on the budget for the Kansas Department of Transportation. We then delved into the budgets for the Kansas Highway Patrol, Correctional Institutions, and Sentencing Commission.
We continued budget discussions on Tuesday, with the budgets of the state hospitals, namely Osawatomie and Larned State Hospitals, as there has been much needed attention regarding these two state institutions. Then on Wednesday and Thursday, we concluded the week’s discussion by deliberating the budgets of the Kansas Lottery, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Corporate Commission, and the Department of Commerce.
We also had two bill hearings this week. The first bill was on monetary transfers, which is Senate Bill 276. The second bill, House Bill 2582, is in regards to claims against the state of Kansas.
Contact Information
As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, visit www.troywaymaster.com or email me at [email protected]. Also, if you happen to visit the statehouse, please let my office know.
It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.
Phillipsburg resident Rose Erickson passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, KS at the age of 83.
She was born August 23, 1934 in Prairie View, KS, the daughter of Herman & Elizabeth (Tillema) Wolters. On Nov. 4, 1955 she married Norman A. Erickson in Prairie View. Rose worked as a bookkeeper at the Coop Refinery in Phillipsburg for many years.
She is survived by her husband, Norman, of Phillipsburg and a sister, Dolores Walcott of Albuquerque, NM.
Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will be Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, KS, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in the Prairie View Reformed Church, Prairie View, KS with Pastor Aaron Rust officiating.
Friends may sign the book Tuesday, March 13, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Services. Online condolences to: [email protected].
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say an 11-year-old boy is believed to have been accidently shot by his older brother with a rifle.
The boy was treated Thursday evening at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after being taken there in a personal vehicle.
Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office determined the boy had been shot in the ankle with a .22 caliber rifle by his 16-year-old brother outside their residence. The injury is not life-threatening.
Sgt. Kristen Channel says the sheriff’s office is still investigating, but it appears the shooting was accidental.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A new law in Kansas promises harsher sentences repeat drunken drivers who kill or injure others.
Gov. Jeff Colyer on Friday signed “Caitlin’s Law.” It takes effect in July and stiffens penalties for drivers who cause accidents while intoxicated or while circumventing restrictions placed on them because of DUI convictions.
Colyer said state officials hope tougher penalties will send a message to people with a history of driving under the influence. The presumed prison sentence for a person with a previous DUI conviction will be nearly 8 years, rather than 5½ years.
The new law is named for Caitlin Vogel, a Stilwell special education instructor killed by a drunken driver in 2016 with two previous DUI convictions at the time of the accident. Her 26th birthday would have been Friday.
ELLSWORTH COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident early Saturday in Ellsworth County.
