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Attempt to thaw frozen water lines blamed for Tuesday fire

Local fire crews were called to a structure fire Tuesday evening just before 5 p.m. after the residents tried to thaw frozen water lines under the home.

According to Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers crews were called to a structure fire in the 2300 block of East 7th Street at 4:48 p.m.

When they arrived crews found fire smoldering in the insulation under the home. Fire crews removed insulation along with other materials and extinguished the material using one hose line.

There was no damage to the interior of the structure.

Myers said the fire started during an attempt of the tenants to thaw frozen water lines under the home.

Crews were on scene until approximately 6:15 to monitor the residence.

Twenty-four ECFD firefighters responded from Hays, Munjor, and Victoria. Crews from Ellis County EMS, Ellis County Sheriffs Office, and the Hays Fire Department responded to assist.

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge hosts annual raptor program

USFWS

KIRWIN – Experience a close encounter with a live Bald Eagle. Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is sponsoring an American Bald Eagle and raptor program for the public on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Dane G. Hansen Scout Camp. The Dane G. Hansen Scout Camp is located on the south side of Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge. The program will be presented by Bill Whinery, from Operation WildLife, Inc. located in Linwood, Kansas.

The exciting ingredient is a live Bald Eagle and other raptors. The presentation will focus on the natural history of eagles, the recovery of the Bald Eagle, and wildlife rehabilitation.

All ages are encouraged to attend this very informative and entertaining program. For more information please call 785-543-6673.

Learn more about the refuges by visiting our websites: www.fws.gov/kirwin and “Like” us on Facebook.

HaysMed Hospice/Palliative relocate offices

HAYSMED

HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is relocating their hospice/palliative care program on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. The new location will be at the hospital, 2220 Canterbury Drive, right inside Entrance C, Main Entrance on the west side of the hospital.

“Our team is steadfastly committed to expanding access to and raising awareness of the availability of quality hospice and palliative care for those who qualify,” said Sue Noll, RN, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care. “Having a location at HaysMed makes it easier for patients, family and staff to coordinate assistance and provide quality care to those who use our services.”

HaysMed’s hospice/palliative care mission is to enhance life’s journey by offering care and education with respect, dignity and hope to individuals and families facing serious illness, death and grief by providing the best experience that humankind can offer.

Hospice/palliative care is compassionate care for people of all ages facing a life-limiting illness. They provide a team approach to medical care, pain & symptom management and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the person’s needs and wishes. Support is provided to the person’s loved ones as well.

Hospice at Hays Medical Center is Medicare certified and licensed and has been providing services in Ellis, Rooks, Rush and Russell counties and the surrounding areas since 1978.

The care team, which consists of physicians, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers, works together to meet the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of their patients. The company’s goal is provide the greatest possible comfort and care for those who experience one of life’s most intimate and challenging moments.

Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies.

For more information about HaysMed Hospice/Palliative Care – please call 785-623-6200.

Goodland native recognized as National Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Amy Gildemeister, a Fort Hays State University graduate assistant for sexual assault prevention and student conduct in the Office of Transition and Student Conduct, was recently announced as the 2018 National Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year.

Gildemeister, a Goodland High School graduate, is majoring in education.

The award was given by the American College Personnel Association: College Student Educators International – Commission on Admissions, Orientation, and First Year Experience. It is presented to a full-time graduate student or graduate assistant studying at the master’s or doctoral level.

The ACPA Commission for Admissions, Orientation and First-Year Experience, according to its website, provides resources for scholarship, recognition and networking for all association members whose work is engaged in the management of student enrollment and adjustment.

The award will be presented at the ACPA Annual Convention in Houston from March 11 through March 13.

Sewer cleaning project winding down

(Click to enlarge)

CITY OF HAYS

The city of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted Infra Track to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations described below and shown on the map.

On Wednesday, January 17, 2018 crews will continue cleaning in the following areas:

  • At the intersection of 6th St. & Milner St.
  • Between Milner St. & Riley St. on 5th St.
  • At the intersection of Vine St. & Highway 40
  • Between Allen St. & 13th St.
  • At the intersection of Fort St. and 16th St.
  • On Oak St. between 15th St. & 16th St.
  • Between 27th & Oak St. and 28th & Oak St.
  • At 27th St. & Vine St. Frontage Rd.
  • At 27th St. & Indian Trail
  • On Centennial Blvd. & General Hays Road.
  • On General Lawton between Motz & Centennial Blvd.
  • Between Haney St. & Henry St. from 25th St. & 24th St.

Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected before the cleaning.

Performing this preventative maintenance by cleaning the sanitary sewer will improve the sewer’s performance and significantly reduce the chance for future sewer backups and related problems.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at the Water Resources Office at 785-628-7380 or via email [email protected].

 

Kansas sheriff’s deputy hospitalized after crash

First responders on the scene of Tuesday’s accident- image courtesy KWCH

SUMNER COUNTY — Three people including a Kansas sheriff’s deputy were injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Tuesday in Sumner County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Explorer driven by Sumner County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven T. Williams, 49, Wellington, was southbound on Kansas 15 two miles southeast of Mulvane.

The driver began to slow and moved to the shoulder.

A southbound 2006 Chrysler Town and Country van driven by Stephen D. Mills, 64, Mulvane, switched lanes to pass to pass. The Ford attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by the van.

Williams was transported to Wesley Medical Center.  Mills and a passenger Colleen B. Mills, 59, Mulvane, were transported to Via Christi St. Francis.  All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

 

Kansas man arrested for alleged kidnapping, rape in Oklahoma

Tran-Photo Canadian Co. Oklahoma

CANADIAN COUNTY, OK — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a rape suspect and have made an arrest.

On January 11, the Canadian County, Oklahoma Sheriff issued a “Be on the Lookout”  on a kidnapping and rape suspect including a forensic sketch of the suspect based on the victim’s description, according to a media release.

Within a few hours of releasing the BOLO news reports and social media accounts of the crime were circulating, resulting in a telephone tip from an anonymous source in Wichita.

Canadian County Sheriff’s Investigators were provided with solid information from the tip, which resulted in Wichita Police Department Detectives locating the suspect, and detaining him in Wichita.

Canadian County Investigators were able to obtain an arrest warrant from a Canadian County Judge in order to hold the suspect.

“If we hadn’t received the news coverage and social media exposure that we did, we may not have caught up to him; as the suspect had a plane ticket out of the country, to Vietnam when Wichita Police picked him up,” said Chris West, Canadian County Sheriff.

Image courtesy Canadian Co. Oklahoma Sheriff

On January 12th Canadian County Investigators traveled to Wichita to interview the suspect, identified as Hoang Vinh Huy Tran, 20, Wichita and a citizen of the Republic of Vietnam.

Investigators also processed the 2017 Toyota Camry used during the crime.

Based on the interview and processing of Tran’s vehicle, Canadian County Investigators were able to collect sufficient information and physical evidence to establish Tran as the suspect in the Dec18, kidnapping and rape in Canadian County.

Tran waived extradition to Oklahoma on Tuesday, and is currently being held at the Sedgwick County jail in Kansas. He is awaiting transfer to Canadian County, Oklahoma where charges will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.

Sunny, cold Wednesday

Today Sunny, with a high near 38. Wind chill values as low as -9. South southwest wind 7 to 14 mph.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 17. South wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west after midnight.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 54. West southwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

FridaySunny, with a high near 62. South wind 6 to 13 mph.

Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 26.

SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 54.

TMP Girls/Boys advance in MCL Tournament

By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post

Girls: TMP 62, Ellis 41

HAYS, Kan.-TMP used an 11-0 first quarter run to take a 15-8 first quarter lead over the Ellis Lady Railers in their Mid Continent League Tournament Quarterfinal matchup. The Lady Monarchs put together a an 8-0 run in the second quarter to push their lead out to 15 points. Ellis would score the final five points of the half to close the gap to 25-15 at the break. Grace Eck paced the Lady Railers with 7 first half points. Kayla Vitztum led TMP with 10.

Ellis came out fighting in the third quarter and scored the first four points to cut the TMP lead to only six points. The Lady Monarchs would follow that up with the next six points to grab a double digit lead and it would never dip any lower. TMP led 41-27 after three quarters and won the game 62-41.

Grace Eck led the Lady Railers with 17 points. Ellis drops to 6-5 overall and will play Norton in the MCL Tournament Consolation Semi-finals on Thursday in Stockton. TMP improves to 10-1 and will face Hill City in the tournament semi-finals on Friday in Plainville.

ROSE MCFARLAND INTERVIEW

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Boys: TMP 51, Hill City 22

HAYS, Kan.-TMP scored the first six points of the first quarter and never trailed in their 51-22 MCL Tournament Quarterfinal win over Hill City on Tuesday night in Hays. The Ringnecks battled back in the first quarter but still trailed 12-10 heading to the second quarter. The Monarchs took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Ringnecks 19-6 in the second quarter and led 31-16 at halftime.

Hill City scored only four third quarter points as TMP put the game away forcing 10 Ringneck turnovers in the quarter and held a 42-20 advantage after the third. There was a running clock for most of the fourth quarter as TMP eased into the 29 point victory.

Asa Brandyberry scored 15 points to lead Hill City who drops to 2-7 on the year and will face Norton on Thursday. Creighton Renz was the only Monarch in double figures with 13 points. TMP has won nine straight (9-2) and will tackle Hill City in the MCL Semi-finals on Friday in Plainville.

JOE HERTEL INTERVIEW

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

 

Kansas man sentenced on Project Safe Neighborhoods firearm charge

Flaugher-photo KDOC

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced Tuesday to 92 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a 9 mm handgun that was used in a robbery, according to U.S. Attorney Tom Beall.

Joshua J. Flaugher, 32, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In his plea, Flaugher admitted that investigators seized a loaded 9 mm handgun with a 30-round extended magazine from his residence. Flaugher was arrested at his aunt’s home in the 2400 block of Everett Avenue. Because he had a prior felony conviction in Wyandotte County District Court on a charge of aggravated battery, he was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

 

Officials investigates racist taunts during game with Kansas school

The Labette Community College Basketball team

HARRISON, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas community college will investigate allegations that fans attending basketball games yelled racial slurs toward black players on the opposing team from a community collagen  Kansas.

North Arkansas College President Randy Esters says the school plans to investigate. He says if the allegations are true, the school will take action to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

The college’s men’s and women’s basketball teams played Labette Community College last week in Harrison. The northern Arkansas city has a history linked to white supremacy, including the decades-old headquarters for the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.

The Parsons Sun newspaper in Kansas reports that video of the game shows North Arkansas fans making crow and monkey noises directed at black Labette players. The newspaper hasn’t published the video, saying the source wants to remain anonymous.

Esters says officials haven’t seen the video. The teams play each other again Wednesday.

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