Author: Hays Post
Entrepreneur Direct features EdSights Nov. 19
Alternative meats, markets on KLA convention program
KLA
TOPEKA – Featured presentations about the cattle markets, how the industry is using its resources to position beef as the optimal choice over plant proteins and the continual progress being made on beef sustainability will highlight the educational program at the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Convention. The three-day event will be held December 4-6 at the Wichita Hyatt and Century II Convention Center.
CattleFax Chief Executive Officer Randy Blach will offer perspective on the cattle and beef markets during Beef Industry University (BIU), sponsored by the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas. As the industry waits for one of the largest beef processing facilities, the Tyson plant in Holcomb, to come back on-line after the fire in early August, Blach will discuss packing capacity and what that means for future growth in the cattle business. He will assess where the industry stands with herd expansion and what that means for beef supplies in 2020. Blach’s outlook for the year ahead will consider grain prices, energy costs, the macroeconomy, beef exports and consumer demand for beef and its competitors.
The Industry Information Session, sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, will feature two speakers discussing how the industry is positioning beef as plant-based protein options gain notoriety. This involves separate, but closely coordinated efforts between both the checkoff and policy divisions of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). From the checkoff perspective, NCBA Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Alisa Harrison will outline how checkoff dollars are being used to highlight the taste and nutritional advantages of beef. High-level digital strategies and paid advertising on social media platforms are among the ways this is being accomplished.
In addition, Kansas Beef Council staff will share a video featured in the upcoming in-state checkoff campaign titled “One Simple Ingredient.” The message, targeted at millennials and Generation Z consumers, provides positive differentiation for beef from meat substitutes. The policy side of the fake meat issue will be presented by NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. He will outline how NCBA staff in Washington, D.C., is working to ensure all protein sources, including the plant-based varieties and cell-cultured options of the future, are produced and marketed under the same food safety and labeling standards as animal-based proteins.
The Consumer Trends Forum, hosted by the Kansas Beef Council and Kansas CattleWomen and sponsored by the Kansas Soybean Commission, will feature Elanco Animal Health Technical Consultant in Sustainability Sara Place. She will highlight how the cattle industry has reduced its environmental footprint in recent years. In her previous role as NCBA senior director of sustainable beef production research, Place oversaw the checkoff-funded life cycle assessment used to benchmark the sustainability of the U.S. beef industry. She has been interviewed on the subject by many major media outlets and has spoken on high-profile panels targeted at the consuming public.
An individual who takes his humor seriously will entertain the crowd at the Cattlemen’s Banquet, sponsored by INTRUST Bank and Tyson. Devin Henderson helps people use humor to perform at their best in the workplace. He will show livestock producers how humor can help them deal with change, stress, failure and difficult people. Henderson’s presentation is sponsored by Micro Technologies and Zoetis.
KLA members will review existing policy and consider new resolutions during committee and council meetings at the convention. Among policy issues expected to be discussed are proper labeling of meat alternatives to better inform consumers, continued efforts to preserve and enhance the lesser prairie chicken population, trichomoniasis and the CattleTrace project. Final policy consideration will come during the general KLA membership meeting at the end of the convention.
The KLA Trade Show will feature livestock products and services on display for producers, as well as being the site for many social events and meals at the convention. A barn party will close out the trade show schedule, with entertainment by the Jared Daniels Band. The band’s appearance is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and Kansas Feeds.
Schedule and registration information is available on www.kla.org or in the November/December Kansas Stockman. All livestock producers are welcome to attend.
KLA works to advance members’ common business interests on legislative, regulatory and industry issues affecting producers at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its members.
Sheriff issues alert after heifer killed, butchered in Phillips Co. pasture
PHILLIPS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are seeking information from hunters and landowners in the area of West 900 and West Osage Road in Phillips County who might have captured some suspicious activity on trail cameras, according to a social media report from the sheriff’s department.
Sometime in the past two days, someone killed a heifer and butchered it in the pasture where it was kept.
“Please review your trail cam footage and contact the sheriff’s office if you notice anything out of the ordinary,” the department asked residents.
Farmers are also encouraged to check their herds and report any missing or dead cattle.
State fire marshal identifies two victims in fatal SW Kan. fire
The Kearny County Sheriff’s Office and local fire department asked the OSFM investigators for assistance with the house fire at 2102 Road 150 that left two individuals dead. Two others were able to escape.
The fire originated in the garage. The two fatality victims have been identified as Jim Dale, 84, and Reta Dale, 84, both occupants of the house. Two other occupants escaped — one with very minor injuries and the other uninjured.
There were operating smoke detectors within the residence. Damages are estimated at $150,000.
Police arrest Kan. teen for social media dispute killing of 15-year old
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.
Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 1400 Block of North Ohio Street in Wichita, according to Captain Brent Allred.
At the scene, police located a 15-year-old later identified as Marion Wheaton who had been shot in his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died.
On Thursday evening police reported the arrest of 18-year-old Malick Garrett of Wichita on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder and outstanding warrants in connection with Wheaton’s death.
Investigators have learned that Wheaton and two teenage friends walked to the area to meet with a 15-year-old boy and other unknown individuals to fight over an ongoing dispute that involved social media, according to Allred.
As Wheaton and his friends walked in the area, they were approached by a vehicle. A 15-year-old male and Garrett exited the vehicle. Garrett fired multiple shots from a handgun, striking Wheaton.
This was not a random incident, according to Allred. Multiple handguns were recovered during the investigation.
It is the 24th criminal homicide in Wichita in 2019.
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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim.
Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 1400 Block of North Ohio Street in Wichita, according to Captain Brent Allred. At the scene, police located a 15-year-old later identified as Marion Wheaton who had been shot in his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died.
Investigators have learned that Wheaton and two teenage friends walked to the area to meet with a 15-year-old boy and other unknown individuals to fight over an ongoing dispute that involved social media, according to Allred.
As Wheaton and his friends walked in the area, they were approached by a vehicle. A 15-year-old boy and unknown individuals exited the vehicle and shots were fired striking Wheaton.
This was not a random incident, according to Allred and police know some of the teens were involved in gang activity. Police know that there were basketball practices going on in the area and hope that those individuals will come forward with information. Authorities have not located the suspect vehicle and have not released details on the vehicle. Police have not reported an arrest.
It is the 24th criminal homicide in Wichita in 2019.
Karla J. Neiman
Karla J. Neiman, 56, died November 6, 2019, at Salina Regional Health Center. She was born May 22, 1963, in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Sylvester and Shirley Ann (Smith) Straub.
A lifetime Barton County resident, Karla worked in her early years at Great Bend Packing, and Fuller Brush for several years. She also managed her family’s business, Great Bend Gymnastics, before she went on to work at Coastal Mart, in Hoisington. It was here she found her niche and worked for twenty years, through several ownership changes, as Bird Express and finally CERVS, in both Hoisington and Great Bend. She was a great manager and had many employees that worked for her for many years and she loved to interact with the customers, making many lifelong friends. Her greatest love though was her family and especially her grandchildren.
On January 21, 1981, she married Jimmy Roat. They were married for many years before divorcing in 2005. She then married Mike E. Neiman, the love of her life, on March 22, 2008. They were married in Chase, Kansas, by her brother Pastor Larry Weatherman.
She is survived by her husband Mike Neiman of the home; son, Jesse Roat and companion Brittany Van Sycoc of Hoisington; daughter, Kayla Godfrey and husband James of Hoisington; stepchildren, Rachel Dove and husband Trent and Michael J. Neiman and wife Alicia, all of Great Bend; three siblings; and 10 grandchildren, Preston and Adley Roat, Klara and Jayda Godfrey, Justin Dennis, Braydon and Treyton Dove, and Matthew, Andrew, and Zachary Neiman; and her fur babies, Twinkie and Sadie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, a son, Travis Roat; and her beloved dog, Fancy.
Friends may call Sunday 1-5 p.m., and Monday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., all at the funeral home.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Denny Lewis presiding. Burial will follow in Hoisington City Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Karla J. Neiman Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Ramona Hutchinson
Ramona Hutchinson, 78, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, November 04, 2019, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Ramona was born on January 27, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Phillip and Ruth (Schooling) Lopez. She grew up in Waldo, Kansas, and graduated from Waldo High School in the class of 1959. After high school, she attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 1963, with a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish. She was united in marriage to Ralph Bauman in June of 1963, and from this union Ramona and Ralph were blessed with a son Marc. She lived most of her life in Washington State and worked as an administrative assistant for over 20 years with Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratories. Ramona found love a second time and was united in marriage to Thomas J. Hutchinson on December 20, 2007. She was a longtime member of the Bible Baptist Church in Russell. She enjoyed playing the piano starting with lessons in Osborne. She accompanied vocal groups in school, played for churches and individuals. Also, Ramona enjoyed the outdoors, her cats and was a big University of Kansas sports fan. She loved being Grandma Mona to her grandkids James and Emma, playing with them when they were young, watching them while their parents traveled, and attending their activities as the distance allowed.
Surviving family include her mother Ruth Elder of Russell, Kansas; brother Carlos Lopez and wife Barbara of Clarkesville, Georgia; son Marc Bauman and wife Lisa of Kirkland, Washington; grandchildren Emma and James Bauman; stepchildren Sheryl and Steven Corn of Great Bend, Kansas; Randle Hutchinson and wife Stephanie of Falun, Kansas and Bruce Hutchinson and wife Angela of Kansas City, Missouri; 10 step grandchildren and many step great grandchildren. Ramona is also survived by an aunt, cousins step-siblings and many Baumans. She was preceded in death by her father.
A celebration of Ramona’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas with Pastor Dale Lane officiating. Burial will be in Grand Center Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. on Monday, November 11, 2019, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. Monday evening. Memorials may be given to the Bible Baptist Church of Russell, Kansas and can be sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
Passing motorist alerts residents to Kansas house fire
RENO COUNTY — Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Hutchinson.
Just after 1:30a.m. Friday, fire crews responded to a structure fire at 14 East Bigger Street, according to Fire Chief Steve Beer.
Upon arrival, fire crews were faced with a one-story residential home with heavy fire coming from 50 percent of the structure at the rear of the home. All occupants were out of the home upon fire crew’s arrival.
Due to the amount of heavy fire showing and adjacent structure that was being threatened by fire, fire crews went into defensive operations. Multiple handlines and an aerial ladder were used to contain the fire. There was extensive damage to the entire attic space and rear portion of the home, according to Beer. Fire crews remain on scene completing salvage and overhaul. Fire Investigators are working to determine the cause.
A single resident was alerted by a passing motorist that was driving down the street and noticed the residence on fire. The home had no working smoke detectors in it at the time of the fire.
With the recent cold weather, and added heating devices, HFD reminded citizens about the importance of having a working smoke detector. Smoke detectors do save lives. HFD also wants to remind our citizens that we have a smoke detector program, please call 620-694-2871. Fire crews will be canvasing the neighborhood tomorrow and talking to residences about fire safety.
Sheriff: 3 Kansas detention deputies injured in violent attacks
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two separate attacks on deputies by inmates at the Sedgwick County Jail over the past week.
Just after 6:30a.m. October 31, an inmate identified as 23-year-old William Farmer became irate during breakfast and assaulted two other inmates and a detention deputy working in the pod, according to Colonel Brian White in charge of the detention division. Jail staff were ultimately able to restrain Farmer.
The 28-year-old deputy, an employee with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department for only four months, received treatment for minor injuries at a local hospital
Farmer, arrested October 9 on drug and host of driving charges has now been criminally charged with battery of a law enforcement officer and two counts of battery, according to online jail records.
Just after 4a.m.Thursday, 42-year-old inmate Dewayne Anderson, who was booked October 5, for aggravated assault and aggravated battery, left a shower, demanded a beverage, refused to return to his room and physically assaulted detention staff, according to White.
During the process of attempting to gain control and restrain Anderson, a 24-year-old detention deputy sustained a broken ankle. A 45-year-old detention deputy broke his hand during the altercation.
The detention deputy with the broken ankle was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and underwent surgery. The detention deputy sustaining the broken hand was transported by Sheriff’s Office staff to a local hospital for treatment. Despite a quick response to calm the situation, two deputies suffered broken bones, according to White.
The Sheriff’s Office Investigations Section is currently investigating the matter and will be presenting the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charges.
Hays Main Street recognized as most beautiful in state
Hays Post
MSN.com has given Hays another honor after ranking a local bakery as the best in Kansas.
On Oct. 29, Hays was noted as having the most beautiful Main Street in Kansas in MSN.com’s list of the most beautiful in every state.
INSIGHT KANSAS: Reading the nation’s and Kansas report cards
The “nation’s report card,” or National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), was released Oct. 30. Results show stagnant progress in what students know and can do on the national level and a disappointing decline in Kansas scores.
NAEP is administered every two years and is the only current assessment that compares scores across time and across states. The exam is based on a representative sample of students in Grades 4, 8 and 10 in each state with results reported at four levels of achievement—below basic, basic, proficient and advanced.
Kansas data reveal weakening performance overall and lower rates at the middle level than the elementary. The percentage of Kansas students’ scoring at proficient or advanced levels were smaller in math (33%), reading (32%) and science (34%) at Grade 8 compared to the Grade 4 level (math 40%, reading 34%, science 37%).
The total data set is massive and summary statistics drawn from data are, of course, subject to interpretation. Think-tanks, organizations and political activists already have offered varied explanations and implications.
The Urban Institute used NAEP scores and adjusted them to reflect demographic differences among the states. According to this adjustment, Kansas ranked among the bottom states in terms of decline. Across all states there was a rise in the percentage of students at below basic or basic achievement.
Analysts of these data suggest more attention be focused on students who are struggling. From this perspective Kansas schools need to continue the recent focus on helping children who have experienced trauma as well as increasing attention to pre-school programs, and students who are English language learners, who live in poverty and who need special education. But demographic and economic correlations simply reveal reality not destiny.
Kansas Association of School Board analysts looked at the NAEP data and were not surprised to see the lag in academic improvement, because during the Great Recession (2009 to 2017), nearly 2,000 school positions were cut statewide and multiple programs were reduced or eliminated.
KASB points out that 10 years ago, Kansas was one of the highest performing states, but currently ranks about the same as the national average. It will take time to implement improvements; KASB predicts NAEP scores to rise as court-ordered funding allows schools to add nurses, counselors and other personnel as well as adding and retaining highly qualified teachers.
Conservative analysts interpret the recent NAEP scores as too much money thrown at problems without meaningful accountability for schools and students, plus a lack of rigor throughout the curriculum. These are legitimate concerns; however, advocacy for adding charter schools and more tax credits while curtailing spending could set NAEP scores back even further. Cutting funds and privatizing public education cannot in themselves increase NAEP scores for the more than 90 percent of Kansas children now attending public schools.
Think of it this way: The ticket price can keep kids out of the theater, but the movie will play on. Taking constructive advice from varied perspectives—by truly increasing accountability and strengthening curriculum in tandem with building a high-performing educational team and supporting the most disadvantaged students—these together stand a good chance to increase NAEP scores. It’s time to work collectively across all groups and bring our students to the show. The world will keep moving on; will Kansas students join it?
Dr. Sharon Hartin Iorio is Professor & Dean Emerita at Wichita State University College of Education.
Forever Rush County half way to goal; fundraising continues through 2020
Even though Forever Rush County has reached the half-way mark to establishing a $100,000 endowment fund at the Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF), the group is not taking a breather. Instead, it is energized to raise the next $50,000, Committee Chair Kara Jecha of Timken said.
“Raising enough to get us to the half-way point gives us even more incentive to keep working for the other half,” Jecha said. “Our committee members should be
commended for their commitment and support.”
Originally, Forever Rush County asked for help in setting up a $50,000 endowment. But the GBCF challenged them to double that.
“We readily accepted the challenge, which includes a dollar-for-dollar match from the Foundation,” said Jecha, a life-time Rush County resident. “When we learned that
generous donors are willing to support a $100,000 Rush County endowment, we didn’t hesitate to accept the challenge.”
The matching funds are donated by the Glenn and Elaine Mull Family Fund at GBCF. This match is in effect until Dec. 31, 2020.
“We will continue talking to potential donors, who have been receptive to learning more about Forever Rush County,” Jecha noted. “We are gratified that they are at least
willing to listen. They have been gracious in taking the time to hear our story.
“Rush County has an amazing opportunity to build an endowment and leave funding for future generations,” she added. “An endowment is forever.”
While no one can define exactly what Rush County’s needs will be in the future, the endowment can be used in a variety of areas. Examples include parks and playgrounds; libraries and education; health and social services; long-term care; and city projects.
Jecha is helping spearhead this initiative because “Rush County is my home. I grew up in rural Albert and want future generations to have the same benefits I had growing up. We want people to continue to live, work and play here.”
Jecha and her husband, Jay, pledged the first $1,000 to this initiative and are pledging the last $1,000.
“We believe having ‘skin in the game’ is fundamental to show we are serious about attaining success. Others have put their heart and soul into this, and we have God as our pilot.”
The committee chair also noted that the GBCF has been “a great partner. We are not on our own in setting up the endowment.”
Christy Tustin, GBCF executive director, has collaborated with Jecha to spread the word through personal visits, phone calls and community events.
“Raising the first half of the goal is tremendous progress,” Tustin said. “Kara and the committee have been wonderful champions for the effort by sharing the message
about supporting Rush County far into the future.”
They understand the value of endowments, which are funds set aside for the long-term benefit of an organization or community, Tustin noted. The principal amount is
permanently protected, while the fund’s income supports charitable causes.
Tustin pointed out that the Giving Tuesday campaign, which runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 3, would be a great time to donate to Forever Rush County, as well as other Rush
County organizations.
“Building community endowments requires a sort of leap of faith because it takes people willing to invest for the long-term without seeing immediate results sometimes,”
Tustin commented.
“As the endowment grows over time, we will be able to demonstrate how much it will benefit programs across Rush County.
“It takes a group of people willing to step forward and champion the cause. This initiative would not have been nearly as successful without this local support. It is obvious that people care very much about Rush County and its future.”
At $23 million in total assets and more than 180 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford.
For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.