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Author: Hays Post

Mary D. Mead

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Mary D. Mead, 103, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the Wheatland Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on January 15, 1916, in Johnston, Rhode Island to Germano and Anastasia (Girardi) Torrice who were immigrants of D’Evandro, Italy. Mary was one of 7 children and grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island. She was a secretary in the Pentagon during WWII. She met her future husband Jay Mead, who was from Waldo, Kansas, in Washington DC at a ballgame. Jay and Mary met while Jay was a soldier waiting to be shipped out for overseas duty.

After Jay’s return, Mary and Jay were married on October 02, 1944, at the Church of Saint Teresa of Avila in Providence, Rhode Island. Mary would say that her new life began when she moved to Kansas, which meant life would be without butchers and bakers and a great distance from everyone and everything she knew. She was a quick learner becoming a wonderful homemaker, and everything was made from scratch and laundry was done on a wringer washer and hung outside to dry. She often said she came to Kansas and got healthy. She resided at the homestead near Waldo until November 2000, when she moved to September Apartments in Russell and enjoyed many activities with the ladies who lived there.

Mary will be remembered for her ability to put on a meal for a crowd with seemingly little effort. She was a master at cinnamon rolls, homemade pizza and lemon meringue pie that people fought over at community dinners.

Mary is survived by her sons Stephen Mead of Hesston, Kansas, Allen Mead (Sandy) of Kismet, Kansas and Mark Mead (Patty) of Russell, Kansas; daughter Jackie Brown (Kevin) of Oberlin, Kansas; ten grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, sister Yolanda DePalo of Providence, Rhode Island, many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

A celebration of the funeral mass for Mary will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. Burial will follow at the Grand Center Cemetery north of Waldo, Kansas. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, September 23, 2019, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening. Immediately following the graveside service the family would like to invite all funeral guests to join them for a lunch at the Waldo Senior Center in Waldo, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Waldo Senior Center and sent in care of the mortuary.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Melody Y. Stevens

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Melody Y. Stevens, age 60, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.

She was born on May 24, 1959, the daughter of Herbert A. & Margie B. Stevens. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 2005 moving from Albuquerque, New Mexico, she was a Ball Room Dance Teacher and in Advertising Sales.

She attended the First Christian Church as well as the First Baptist Church. Melody was a 1977 graduate of Scott Community High School and of Fort Hays State University and performed as a member of the Tiger Debs.

Survivors include her Father – Herbert Stevens of Scott City, Kansas, Mother – Margie Stevens of Scott City, Kansas, Two Brothers – Rick Stevens of Scott City, Kansas, Stacy Stevens of Colorado Springs, Colorado, One Sister – Colette & Steve Robinson of Vienna, Virginia , Five Nephews – Chad & Mara Stevens of St. Johns, Florida, Corbin & Heidi Stevens of Scott City, Kansas, Curtis & Theresa Stevens of Salina, Kansas, Sean Stevens of Kansas City, Missouri Seth Stevens of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Two Nieces – Crista Stevens-Kirchhoff of Smith Center, Kansas, and Stefanie Stevens & Mario Lozoya of Kansas City, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by One Brother – Mark Stevens and One Nephew – Brannon Chayston Stevens.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 23, 2019 at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas with Pastors Rodney Hopper and Steve Payne presiding.

Inurnment will be held at a later date and time.

There will be no calling times.

Fleeing Kansas driver accused of DUI, hitting 5 vehicles

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BUTLER COUNTY — A driver who rammed five vehicles before a crash in Wichita Thursday night remains in jail in Butler County.

Thursday night crash scene photo courtesy KWCH

Police in Andover reported that a truck with a trailer was running into cars in a parking lot, according to Captain Joe Schroeder.  The trailer was the property of the man’s employer and the driver was not authorized to have it, according to Schroeder.

Police began a pursuit after the driver ran a red light and then continued into Wichita, where he is accused of running another red light and rear-ending a car. The driver then ran another red light, hitting more cars.

The chase ended when the driver crashed into railing. Police arrested the 32-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, fleeing and eluding, hit-and-run and running several lights.

 

The suspect was expected to make an initial court appearance Friday afternoon. However, the Butler County Attorney’s office won’t file charges in the case until next week, according to Schroeder. Police will release the man’s name after he has been charged.  There were no injuries reported.

 

Fredrick O. Mitchell Sr.

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Fredrick O. Mitchell Sr., 82, of Great Bend, Kansas, and former Russell, Kansas resident, died on Thursday, September, 19, 2019, at the Ellinwood Hospital in Ellinwood, Kansas.

Services are pending for 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Great Bend, Kansas. Family will greet guests from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. before the service Thursday morning. A luncheon will follow at the church immediately following the church service. A graveside service will be at 2 P.M. Thursday afternoon at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements. A complete obituary is pending.

Hodgeman Co. lake downgraded to algae watch status

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Algae bloom

KDHE

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health advisories for Kansas lakes.

Warnings:

Elk Horn Lake, Jackson County (upgraded from watch 9/19)

Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (unchanged)

Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County (unchanged)

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)

Lake Jeanette, Leavenworth County (unchanged)

Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County (unchanged)

Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)

Meadowbrook Park Lake, Johnson County (upgraded from watch 9/19)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (unchanged)

Melvern Swim Pond, Osage County (unchanged)

Westlake in Gage Park, Shawnee County (unchanged)

Yates Center Kids’ Fishing Pond, Woodson County (unchanged)

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation. 

Watches:

Atchison County Park Lake, Atchison County (new 9/19)

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)

Camp Hawk Lake, Harvey County (unchanged)

Carousel Lake (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)

Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County (downgraded from warning 9/19)

Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (downgraded from warning 9/19)

Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County (unchanged)

Lebo Kids’ Pond, Coffey County (downgraded from warning 9/19)

Neosho State Fishing Lake, Neosho (unchanged)

Rock Garden Pond (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)

South Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.  People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

 

Kansas judge whose tweets sank higher court bid to step down

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By JOHN HANNA

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas judge whose past political tweets sank his nomination for a higher court and prompted Republican legislators to call for a review of his conduct announced Friday that he will step down early next year.

Labette County District Judge Jeffry Jack said he will retire Jan. 2 from the bench in southeast Kansas and take a job as an area director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County. He said the new job will be based in Lawrence.

Jack’s announcement did not mention his failed nomination earlier this year for the Kansas Court of Appeals, a major embarrassment for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly during her first months in office. Asked whether it was a factor in his decision to retire, Jack said in an email to The Associated Press, “Actually, no.”

“As for the controversy over my nomination, I always recognized that as a political power play that had absolutely nothing to do with my qualifications as a judge, and I have put it behind me,” Jack wrote.

Kelly, who took office in January, nominated Jack in March to fill a vacancy on the Court of Appeals, which is the state’s second-highest court. But his nomination was doomed in the Republican-dominated state Senate within days when tweets he posted in 2017 surfaced. The Senate eventually voted 38-0 against his confirmation, forcing Kelly to nominate another candidate.

Kelly nominated Jeffrey Jack March 15-photo office of Kansas Governor

Jack’s tweets expressed support for gun control and abortion rights and criticized President Donald Trump and other Republicans, including legislators. Some included foul language or acronyms and one derided Trump as “Fruit Loops.” Jack said they represented personal opinions that did not affect his work as a judge.

But some Republican legislators argued that Jack’s tweets showed he could not be impartial. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Rick Wilborn asked the state Commission on Judicial Conduct in May to review Jack’s behavior to see whether he violated judicial ethics. The commission has yet to set any formal hearing in the matter.

“Today’s announcement is a win for justice and judicial integrity,” Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said in a statement Friday. “The people of Labette County no longer have to appear before a politically biased judge.”

Jack has served as a district judge since 2005, when he was appointed to the bench by then-Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Kelly will appoint his replacement after a local judicial nominating commission selects finalists from among the attorneys who apply.

Jack previously represented a Parsons-area district in the Kansas House as a Republican. He has served on his local Big Brothers Big Sisters board since 2005.

“It is at the trial court where Kansans go to resolve disputes and seek justice, and I am honored to have been able to make a contribution,” Jack said in a statement announcing his plans to retire.

Kelly was the first governor to have a Court of Appeals nominee rejected. Afterward, she nominated Sarah Warner, a Kansas City-area attorney, and the Senate confirmed her.

___

Man dies after after accident in Kansas grain truck

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MULVANE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a man has died after becoming trapped in a grain truck in southern Kansas.

Google image

Crews rushed to the scene around 12:15 p.m. Friday. A Sedgwick County dispatch supervisor confirmed just before 1 p.m. that the man had died. No other details were immediately released, including the name of the man.

The grain bins is near Mulvane, which is about 15 miles south of Wichita.

Linda K. Chaffin

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July 23, 1949 ~ September 20, 2019

Linda Kathleen Chaffin, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Sept. 20, 2019 at Rose Medical Center in Denver at the age of 70.

Linda was born on July 23, 1949 in Oberlin, Kan., to Walter and Mabel (Bickett) Kennedy. She and her older sister, Twila, were raised in rural Decatur County. Linda graduated from Decatur County High School in 1967. Although encouraged to explore a different career path, Linda adamantly knew her professional calling was for the nursing field, and as a result she graduated as a registered nurse from Stormont Vail Nursing School in 1970.

Linda and Paul Duane Chaffin were united in marriage on Aug. 8, 1971 in Oberlin, Kan. They have been married 48 years and are parents to Melanie and Marc.

As a long-time resident of Goodland, Kan., Linda was known as a genuine friend and admired for her strong faith in God. She had a love of gardening, reading, baking, crocheting, and music of all kinds. Linda was happiest planning or hosting dinners for family, friends, and church fellowship. She enjoyed a book club with her library friends and was an avid supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s many activities. Linda was a member of Calvary Gospel Church and served on the Goodland Churches Thrift Shop Board.

Fulfilling her life’s calling as a nurse, Linda retired from Goodland Regional Medical Center in 2015 after 45 years of nursing, yet she kept her license current and continued her mission of care-giving in daily life. She performed many roles, including floor, surgical and clinical nursing with dignity and compassion. Linda had great pride in her profession and continued to stay connected with many friends and colleagues through the years. She modeled the nursing oath of service through her actions.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Dwayne Scott.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul, her daughter, Melanie (Travis) Daise, her son Marc (Cynthia) Chaffin, and her adoring grandchildren, Jackson Daise, Allison Daise, Olivia Chaffin, and Bridget Chaffin, all of Goodland, Kan., and a sister Twila Scott of Gardner, Kan. She is also survived by her dear friend Rowena Fabella of Chicago, and numerous extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donations may be made to:

Goodland Public Library
and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735

Goodland Regional Medical Center
and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735

Calvary Gospel Church
and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735

Harvest Evangelical Free Church
and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735

Police ask for help to find suspects in ATM theft at events center in Salina

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SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary, have released images of the damage and asked the public for help to locate possible suspects.

Late Monday or early Tuesday Sept. 17, unknown persons entered the Tony’s Pizza Event Center located at 800 The Midway, Salina, and removed a Sunflower Bank ATM, according to police.

They later destroyed the ATM and removed the contents.

The suspects apparently threw a brick through a southern window of the main lobby to gain access. Area surveillance systems are being checked for the suspect(s). With the value of the destroyed ATM machine, the costs of the damage to the facility, and theft of the ATM money, the total loss overall is $31,460.00. Salina Police detectives are seeking information on the identity of the suspect(s).

The brick used to break the window.

If you have any information concerning this event, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit www.pd.salina.org and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and you are not required to give your name.

Kansas City Police: Don’t leave grenades ‘just lying around’

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KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police are urging people not to leave grenades “just lying around” after the discovery of one led officers to temporarily block off surrounding streets.

Police that that the modified grenade was found Wednesday morning. It then was removed to a secure, off-site location so bomb and arson squad members could investigate further.

Police say, “It should go without saying, but please don’t leave grenades — even inactive ones — just lying around.”

Barbara A. Barnett

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Barbara A. Barnett, age 69, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at the Garden City Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on March 26, 1950, in Garden City, Kansas, the daughter of Galen Otis and Gwendolyn (Shull) Whitson. Barb was a resident of Healy, Kansas since 1984 moving from Scott City, Kansas and was the local Avon lady for 29 years.

She was a member of the Healy United Methodist Church and the Healy United Methodist Women in Healy, Kansas.

She was a graduate from Scott Community High School in 1969. On March 15, 1984, she married Billie Barnett Sr. in Dighton, Kansas. He survives.

Survivors include her Husband- Billie Barnett Sr. of Healy, Kansas. Step Son- Billie and Robin Barnett Jr. of Healy, Kansas. Step daughter- Elizabeth McDonald of St. Joseph, Missouri. Three sisters- Shirley and Richard (Dick) Steffens of Leawood, Kansas, Janet and Mark Soeken of McPherson, Kansas and Anita Whitson and Dale Koster of Garden City, Kansas. One brother Robert (Bob) Whitson of Clay Center, Nebraska. Five grandchildren, Two nieces, Two nephews, eight great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at the Healy United Methodist Church in Healy, Kansas with Pastor Bud Tuxhorn presiding.

Memorials can be made out to the Healy United Methodist Church or Healy United Methodist Women in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

There will be no calling times.

Fredrick O’Brian Rupp

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Fredrick O’Brian Rupp, 62, of Bushton and Hays, Kansas, died on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Fred was born on November 15, 1956, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the son of Linus and Bernice (Weigel) Rupp. He grew up and attended school in Cheyenne and also lived in Denver, Colorado, Bushton, Kansas and Hays, Kansas. He worked for Sun Oil in the oil field for many years. He was a member of the Catholic Church. He enjoyed working with leather crafts, painting and watching Denver Broncos Football. Most of all he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving family included his sister Janice Yanda (Daryel) of Gorham, Kansas and brothers Curt Rupp of Bushton, Kansas and John Rupp (Kim) of Mooresville, Indiana, Step Mother Mary Ann Rupp of Lyons, Kansas. Step Sisters Tina Sims, Katrina Sims and Step Brothers Tim Sims, Billy Wade Sims and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Dale Yanda.

Fred’s wishes were to be cremated and have a Celebration of Life to be held on a later date that was warm so all his buddies could ride their bikes! The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday September 28th at Lincoln Park in Russel, KS at the corner West 3rd Street and North Lincoln Street from 2pm and 5pm. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

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