Hays Post – Page 1554 – Hays Post Archive

Governor authorizes reward for information on murder of Kan. woman

Posted on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

Cindy “Pinky” Easom-photo Montgomery Co. Sheriff

TOPEKA– Kansas Governor Sam Brownback Tuesday issued an executive order authorizing a $5,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of those who participated in the murder of Ottawa County resident Cindy Ann Easom.

Eason was 33, 5-foot-5 inches tall and weighed approximately 100 pounds. She was last seen in Baxter Springs, Kansas at approximately 6:00 AM on Thursday December 7, 2017 and just prior to that, investigators believe she was in Miami, Oklahoma.

Easom was found alive floating in the Elk City Reservoir with multiple gun shots to her head, but died a short time later.

“I encourage anyone with knowledge of this crime or the suspect to immediately contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office or the KBI,” Governor Brownback said.

The reward was authorized at the request of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Attorney General’s office. Anyone with information relating to this crime should immediately contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 620-330-1000 or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-KSCRIME.

“This would go a long way in helping us achieve justice for the victim,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Bob Dierks, “We appreciate any information we could receive toward solving this case.”

Feds Pave Way For Kansas To Get Hundreds Of Millions For Schools

Posted on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN

Kansas has gained federal approval for a plan that seeks to boost math and reading proficiency in public schools.
CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN / KCUR/KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

The U.S. Department of Education has thrown its weight behind a Kansas school plan that aims for much higher rates of math and reading proficiency by 2030.

Initial feedback from the federal agency on Kansas’ 90-page blueprint for closing achievement gaps had been lackluster, forcing the state to revise it.

The federal government questioned whether Kansas was complying with the 2015 civil rights law that requires drawing up plans to level the educational playing field and hold schools accountable in exchange for federal funding.

Kansas education officials were confident they could answer the federal government’s questions about how the state would gauge academic progress and improve schools where students struggle year after year. They spent weeks changing and clarifying their submission in collaboration with their federal counterparts.

Federal approval came Friday, clearing the way to receive hundreds of millions of dollars to help Kansas achieve its academic goals. Among them, graduating 95 percent of high schoolers — compared to 86 percent today.

In September, the Kansas News Service reported that state education officials sidestepped a broader public discussion in crafting their plan.

Some civil rights advocates criticized the Kansas plan for not doing enough to hold schools accountable for serving minorities, children with disabilities and other historically underserved groups. Kansas officials say they developed a school accountability plan that strikes a balance between the need for data on school performance and the risk of gathering statistically unsound numbers from smaller schools.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen is a reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can reach her on Twitter @Celia_LJ.

4 bound over for trial in contract killing of Salina man

Posted on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — A judge has found sufficient evidence for four men to stand trial in the contract killing of a Salina man.

Charles Rodgers, 31, and James Pavey, 40, were bound over for trial Monday on charges that include capital murder.

The charge allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty, although they haven announced whether they will do so. Two other suspects — 35-year-old Brandon St. Clair and 20-year-old Austin Bott — were bound over for trial on charges that include first-degree murder.

The body of 29-year-old Brandon Lee Shelby was found in June on a path near a popular fishing area northeast of Salina. Prosecutors allege that Pavey hired Rodgers to kill Shelby and that the other two were involved. The allegations were discussed on Facebook.

Nicholas ‘Nick’ Andrew Melendez

Posted on January 23, 2018

Nicholas “Nick” Andrew Melendez, born August 2, 1997 in Hays, KS, departed this life suddenly on January 14, 2018 in Woodinville, WA. He was 20 years old.

Nicholas graduated from Woodinville High School, Class of 2016. He enjoyed bike riding, making music, and spending time with his siblings and friends. Nicholas is survived by his parents David and Tara Melendez of Duvall, WA, brother Vincent Melendez, sister Grace Melendez, grandparents David and Cindy Lang of Monroe, WA and Deanna Melendez of Hays, KS.

A Funeral Mass honoring Nicholas’s life will be held on Saturday, January 27th, 2018, 10:00 am, at Holy Innocents Catholic Church, 26526 NE Cherry Valley Rd., Duvall, WA 98019. Memorial donations in his name may be made to Catholic Community Services, ccsww.org.

Floral arrangements may be ordered through Duvall Flowers and Gifts, duvallflowers.net.

Betty L. Swank

Posted on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

Betty L. Swank, 95, formerly of Osborne, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2018 at the Hospice House in Hutchinson, KS. Betty was born to Clyde & Eunice (Wurster) Suchsland in Smith County, KS on July 23, 1922.

Betty graduated from high school in Gaylord, KS. She then attended Fort Hays State. Betty married Pete Swank on January 23, 1943, and to this union, 2 daughters were born.

Betty & Pete were owners of Swank-Standley Motors, Inc. of Osborne, for over 50 years. Betty was the bookkeeper, did title work & other responsibilities with the car dealership. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church and UMW. Betty was also a member of PEO, Upsilon Tau Delta and was a Girl Scout leader. Betty enjoyed knitting & crocheting, mowing her lawn and other outdoor activities.

When Betty turned 92, she moved to WaKeeney, KS to be closer to family. She then moved to Pleasant View Home in Inman in June of 2017.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pete in 2000; brother, Robert Suchsland; 8 brothers-in-law; 8 sisters-in-law; 1 grandson, Brian Keith.

Betty is survived by her daughters: Kaye (Mark) Schwartz of Buhler, KS; Nancy (Ross) Jamison of WaKeeney, KS; 4 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.

Donelle Jordan

Posted on January 23, 2018

Donelle Jordan, 92, a resident of the Parsons Presbyterian Manor and a former resident of Cherryvale and Erie, died at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Manor.

She was born May 31, 1925, at Douglas, Oklahoma to Luin Lewis and Reva Lucille (Irey) Atterbery. Her family lived in various places in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Illinois in her early years. She graduated from Russell High School in Russell, Kansas in 1944. Another member of the graduating class was Senator Robert Dole.

Donelle had lived in Cherryvale since 1954 and was employed as a clerk in the Montgomery County Court House at Independence several years. Her husband, James M. Jordan, preceded her in death in 2006 and in 2008 she moved to Erie to reside at the Guest Home Estates. Two years ago she moved to the Presbyterian Manor in Parsons.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cherryvale and had attended the Federated Church in Erie. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and had been active in the Women’s Golf Association at the Cherryvale Country Club. Her hobbies included playing golf, crocheting and reading.

Survivors include a daughter Jennifer George, of Hays; four grandchildren, Jason (Kara) Reddick, of Sherman, TX, Michael Reddick, of Wichita, Carrie (Zach) Dunham, of Cleveland, OK and Josh Jordan, serving in the U.S. Army and stationed at Ft. Riley, KS; seven great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Preceding he in death was her husband, a son, Jerold Jordan and two brothers, Gyle Atterbery and Galen Atterbery.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 27, at the Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale. The family will receive friends at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons from 7 to 8 p.m., Friday. Memorials are suggested to the Kindred Hospice. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Edwin W. ‘Ed’ Wilson

Posted on January 23, 2018

Edwin W. “Ed” Wilson, 90, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Abilene. He was born November 8, 1927 in Carlton to Walter and Mary Elizabeth (Karr) Wilson. Ed attended local schools in the Carlton area and graduated from Abilene High School in 1945.

On October 2, 1953 he married his wife of 64 years, Sarah Travis, in Salina. Ed was a farmer. As a young man he followed the harvest from Texas to Canada. His father sold M & M tractors and so he grew to love them and later collected many of them. He also enjoyed collecting antique tools and machinery.

His love for the Lord led him on five mission trips, one to the Philippines and four to Africa. He served his Lord with his work through his church and as a member of the Gideons, where he found much joy passing out Bibles.

Ed’s great love was for his family and grandchildren. He was blessed to have them all live close and many wonderful memories were made celebrating harvest, birthdays, holidays, and everyday life. A picnic to Ed was as good as it gets.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Barbara Jo at age 6 of meningitis. Son, John Walter at age 20 of Muscular Dystrophy, and great grandson Nolan Matthew Petersen, 7 months in 2008. Brothers Roger and Bill and a sister Edith Atkinson.

Survivors include: his wife, Sarah, of the home; three sons, Jeff and wife Susan of Carlton, Mitch and wife Denise of Abilene, Mike and wife Karen of Carlton; daughter, Kellie Voss and husband Wayne of Hays; 15 grandchildren, Michelle (Lance) Miller, Angela (Matt) Petersen, Shannon Wilson (John Goddard), Amanda (Brian) Pope, Courtney Wilson, Janay (Dylan) Crosson, Dustin Wilson, Brian Wilson, Eric (Kelsey) Wilson, Kristy Wilson, Kevin Wilson, Allen (Lanee) Voss, Aaron, Jordan and Ethan Voss; 3 great-grandchildren, Aubrey Miller, Willa Petersen, and John Voss; sister, Carol Hansen of Salina and sister-in-law Caroline Wilson of Olathe.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, January25th, at the Mt. Pleasant Evangelical Presbyterian Church south of Abilene with Pastor Mark Stanger officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5:30 – 6:30 PM Wednesday, January 24th, at the Danner Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions in his name be made to The Gideons International or The Muscular Dystrophy Association. They may be left at the church the day of the service or left at or sent in care of the Danner Funeral Home POB 758 Abilene, Kansas 67410 until day of service.

HaysMed CHI to celebrate Medical Fitness Facility re-certification this week

Posted on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

HAYSMED

HaysMed – Center for Health Improvement has achieved its second re-certification by the Medical Fitness Association, the country’s leading organization dedicated solely to medically integrated wellness and fitness facilities. This certification represents a significant step forward in improving the health of the entire community and to individuals seeking to take responsibility for their personal health.

“The re-certification truly sets us apart from the rest and defines who we are as a medical fitness facility,” says Stephanie Howie, Fitness Director. “The medical fitness model is unique in the fact that we integrate many services, work closely with the healthcare providers, hire qualified staff and have established ourselves as a part of the hospital’s continuum of care. We are privileged to be one of the few nationally certified facilities in the state of Kansas.”

The Center will be celebrating its re-certification on Thursday, January 25^th– Saturday, January 27^th. The Center welcomes those in the community to work out FREE of charge on those 3 days. On Saturday, January 27th the public is invited to join the newest group fitness class CIZE in the gymnasium at 8 a.m., followed by a bootcamp style class at 9 a.m., or the water aerobics at 9:30 a.m. in the lap pool. All fitness levels welcome. For more information call 785-623-5900.

The Medical Fitness Association Facility Certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the health and wellness industry. Based on the Medical Fitness Association’s internationally recognized Standards and Guidelines for Medical Fitness Facilities, the certification process involves an in-depth, on-site review of a facility’s adherence to a set of prescribed standards and guidelines. The certification process is an integral part of ensuring that facilities provide a high level of quality and safety in the programs and services they deliver in order for them to become fully integrated into the local continuum of health care.

“With the implementation of the Accountable Care Act and its impact on healthcare systems beginning to be realized, the industry is looking for better ways to provide coordinated services for the communities they serve. As the incidence of chronic disease continues to rise, the need for more medically supervised outcomes and accountability based Exercise as Medicine programs have never been more relevant in our industry than today. It is clear that moving towards a population health prevention model of care with all its necessary components and guidelines is a herculean task. HaysMed – Center for Health Improvement has taken an important step towards filling a gap in the current care delivery model,” says Robert D. Boone, FACHE, FMFA, President and CEO, Medical Fitness Association. “The time is now to implement these accountable models of health that reduce the severity of chronic disease and improve the quality of life for those who participate.”

About Hays Med- Center for Health Improvement:
The Center for Health Improvement opened its doors 16 years ago to the community with the mission “To Help People Get Well Sooner and Stay Well Longer.” This approximately 92,000 square foot facility houses two floors of fitness, aquatic facility, gymnasium, juice bar, play center and several outpatient services including Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Southwind Surgical, and the Orthopedic clinic. “These departments as well as many others help us complete the medical fitness model and has enabled us over the past years to transform passive patients into empowered individuals,” Howie says.

About the Medical Fitness Association:
The Medical Fitness Association is a not for profit member organization, whose purpose is to lead in the development and operational success of medically integrated fitness centers impacting the “global health continuum of care” by providing research, industry standards, operational guidelines, educational programming, benchmarking, outcome measurements, professional development, and networking opportunities accomplished through its webinar series, regional meetings, Medical Fitness Institute, Annual Conference, certifications and publications.

RPM Speedway Awards Banquet Feb. 3

Posted on January 23, 2018

RPM Speedway Awards Supper, Saturday, February 3, 2018 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Ellis County Fairgrounds.

Top 10 in each class will be recognized. Awards and entertainment to follow.

Social – 5:00 PM with supper – 6:00 PM

Call 785-639-7223 for more information.

Kansas wig store manager shoots, wounds would-be robber

Posted on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

Investigators on the scene of Monday’s shooting in Wichita-photo courtesy KWCH

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a manager of a Wichita wig store has shot a man as he attempted to rob the store.

Wichita police Lt. Ronald Hunt says the shooting happened Monday at Honie’s Wig & Beauty Supply.

The store manager fired two rounds. The would-be robber was struck in his chin and shoulder and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say the wounded man appeared to be in his late 30s.

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home Jan. 23

Posted on January 23, 2018

Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), 109th Dist.

Appropriations Committee

On Tuesday of last week, the committee received a briefing on the November Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) and the monthly revenue reports through December 2017 from the Kansas Legislative Research Department. For the monthly reports, receipts are up $83 million for fiscal year 2018. Virtually that entire total is in individual income tax receipts. The Kansas Legislative Research Department indicated that it will not have all the information on individual income tax until the end of the fiscal year.

On Wednesday of last week, the Committee heard from Budget Director Shawn Sullivan who presented an overview of the Governor’s Budget. Sullivan made brief comments on the CRE and provided a state comparison of various taxing sources. His presentation focused on the Governor’s Education funding proposal. The Governor proposes expending $200 million in fiscal year 2019 and $100 million in each of the following four fiscal years. Of that $200 million, we learned that $87 million was already part of the funding passed during the 2017 session.

Some of the foundation aid increase proposed for fiscal year 2019 uses $13.9 million from the Children’s Initiative Fund. The Governor’s Education funding proposal also contains goals and objectives, which was laid out in the overview. Additional costs are associated with the objectives, including offering 15 credit hours of dual credit coursework to every Kansas high school student and offering every Kansas high school student the ACT or Work Keys assessments.

Cyber Security

John Dickson of the information and technology consulting firm, The Denim Group, testified before the Government, Technology and Security Committee regarding the state of state’s cybersecurity systems. He described how the threat of cyberattacks is always present, however not often thought about. Cyberattacks have affected the states of Utah and South Carolina and have led to large data breaches. Important information has been stolen, such as Medical and disease data, payroll, tax, DMV, and many other types of data. Dickson promoted the idea of expanding Kansas’ digital infrastructure to protect taxpayer data.

Introduced Legislation

House Bill 2448, introduced by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions, would make changes to the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System. Changes would include adding corrections officers to the pension system currently used by police and fire officers.

House Bill 2460, which is in the Federal and State Affairs committee, would allow schools to opt into a program that would provide firearm accident prevention training to K-12 students.

There are two separate programs for different student age groups. Students who are enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade would have a program based on the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe program offered by the National Rifle Association. For students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, the program would be based on hunter education which is currently offered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.

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.

Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109^th Kansas House

HPD Activity Log Jan. 19-22

Posted on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 29 traffic stops Fri., Jan. 19, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Found/Lost Property–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:37 AM
Intoxicated Subject–1200 block Donald Dr, Hays; 1:45 AM
Intoxicated Subject–100 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:34 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2500 block E 21st St, Hays; 9:30 AM
Animal At Large–1700 block E 25th St, Hays; 9:33 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1/16
Abandoned Vehicle–400 block W 13th St, Hays; 11:03 AM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–32nd and Vine Street Frontage Rd, Hays; 12:05 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 2:08 PM
MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 1:50 AM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–2200 block Donald Dr, Hays
Burglary/vehicle–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 1:10 PM; 2 PM
Suspicious Activity–1300 block Marshall Rd, Hays; 1/18 8:30 PM; 1/19 5:30 AM
Suspicious Person–100 block W 15th St, Hays; 5:02 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–2700 block Willow St, Hays; 5:40 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–3300 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 6:34 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 32 traffic stops Sat., Jan. 20, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Found/Lost Property–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:53 AM
Suspicious Activity–200 block E 20th St, Hays; 1:48 AM
Curfew Violation–800 block Ash St, Hays; 1:59 AM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 2:01 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1600 block E 28th St, Hays; 9:39 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–3200 block Ash St, Hays; 1:01 PM
Animal At Large–700 block N Campus Dr, Hays; 1:29 PM
Disturbance – General–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1:49 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:59 PM
Animal Injured–4th and Main St, Hays; 5:06 PM
Animal At Large–700 block Vine St, Hays; 5:07 PM
Disturbance – Noise–1000 block W 37th St, Hays; 5:55 PM
Battery – Domestic–1700 block Elm St, Hays; 10:12 PM
Lewd/Lascivious Behavior–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 11:01 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Sun., Jan. 21, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Unwanted Person–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:05 AM
Aggravated Battery–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:09 AM; 12:13 AM
Battery – simple–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:39 AM
Battery – simple–800 block Ash St, Hays; 12:47 AM
Civil Transport–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:55 AM
Disorderly Conduct–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 1:46 AM; 1:48 AM
Mental Health Call–1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 4:04 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block W 11th St, Hays; 9:44 AM
Burglary/business–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 10:21 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2400 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 11:23 AM
Theft (general)–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:16 PM; 3:18 PM
Criminal Trespass–4200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:51 AM
Found/Lost Property–3200 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 12:44 PM
Burglary/residence–300 block E 24th St, Hays; 1:29 PM
Animal At Large–1800 block Fort St, Hays; 1:36 PM
Pursuit/Chase–800 block Vine St, Hays; 2:02 PM
Driving Under the Influence–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 2:34 PM
Animal At Large–200 block W 33rd St, Hays; 3:16 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 3:43 PM
Found/Lost Property–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:25 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1200 block Vine, Hays; 4:32 PM; 4:36 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–15th and Ash, Hays; 6:07 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–1300 block Allen St, Hays; 7:44 PM
Criminal Trespass–4200 block Vine St, Hays; 7:30 PM; 7:40 PM
Disorderly Conduct–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:05 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 5 traffic stops Mon., Jan. 22, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–600 block E 12th St, Hays; 2:01 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3100 block Vine St, Hays; 5:24 AM
Theft (general)–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 11/13/17; 12/3/17
Assist – Other (not MV)–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 11 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–2300 block Timber Dr, Hays; 11:45 AM
Animal At Large–4400 block Newton Cir, Hays; 1:01 PM
Animal At Large–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:21 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:39 PM
Found/Lost Property–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 5:39 PM
Aggravated Assault–800 block Walnut St, Hays; 6:40 PM
Domestic Disturbance–800 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:07 PM
Found/Lost Property–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 8:17 PM

Kansas school district revisits ban on complaints against board

Posted on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

Courtesy Shawnee Mission School District

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — The governing body for the state’s third largest school district is looking into reversing a rule that prohibited complaints about school board members.

At issue is a Shawnee Mission school district policy regarding public participation at meetings.

The policy came under fire in November, when the board added school board members to the list of individuals that shouldn’t be publicly criticized.

The ACLU decried the change as “clearly unconstitutional.” Since then, three board members have retired or weren’t re-elected.

Board members tasked with reviewing the policy said Monday that they’d be willing to strike the ban on criticizing board members. But they also warned that official changes would likely take time, as the board continues to consult experts and collect public feedback.