Veteran Service Representative Schedule for February 2019
1st Tuesday 2/5/2019 Stockton Courthouse, 9:30 – 11:30 AM
2nd Tuesday 2/12/2019 Ness City Library, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
3rd Tuesday 2/19/2019 Osborne Veteran’s Building, 9:30-11:30 AM; Russell City Hall , 1:00 – 3:00 PM
4th Tuesday 2/26/2019 Phillipsburg – EMS Building, 9:30 – 11:30 AM; Smith Center Courthouse, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs assists veterans and authorized family members, free of charge, in matters pertaining to their VA claims and benefits.
All itinerants are on a first come first served basis. No appointment needed.
For more information, contact:
Douglas Storie, VSR
Douglas Storie, VSR
Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs
Veteran Service Representative
205 E. 7th Suite 107
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: 785-259-0364
FAX: 785-650-0392
E-mail: [email protected]
TOPEKA – Applications are now being accepted for companies seeking investment through the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) program for 2019.
The program offers Kansas income tax credits to qualified individuals who provide seed-capital financing for emerging Kansas businesses engaged in development, implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services.
The KAITC Program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and designed to bring together accredited angel investors with qualified Kansas companies seeking seed and early stage investment. The purpose of the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit act is to facilitate:
The availability of equity investment in businesses in the early stages of commercial development.
Assist in the creation and expansion of Kansas businesses, which are job and wealth creating enterprises.
Applications for certification will be accepted only for Kansas businesses in the seed and early stage rounds of financing.
Companies must meet the following criteria to be certified as a Qualified Kansas Business:
The business has a reasonable chance of success and potential to create measurable employment within Kansas.
In the most recent tax year of the business, annual gross revenue was less than $5,000,000.
Businesses that are not bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than five years; bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than 10 years.
The business has an innovative and proprietary technology, product, or service.
The existing owners of the business have made a substantial financial and time commitment to the business.
The securities to be issued and purchased are qualified securities.
The company agrees to adequate reporting of business information to the Kansas Department of Commerce.
The ability of investors in the business to receive tax credits for cash investments in qualified securities of the business is beneficial, because funding otherwise available for the business is not available on commercially reasonable terms.
Each applicant must sign a Qualified Company Agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Certification of companies must meet mandates established by Kansas statute to allow accredited Angel Investors to receive the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit. This year, the application fee has been reduced from $750 to $500.
Applications for companies seeking investment are accepted from February 1st, 2019 through August 31st, 2019.
Nine students from Fort Hays State University’s Tigers In Service recently participated in a winter break service trip with Habitat for Humanity in Kansas City, Mo.
Tigers In Service is an initiative created by FHSU’s Center for Civic Leadership to help students gain volunteer hours and participate in community service events.
While working with Habitat for Humanity, students were able to meet the family that would be receiving the house. They also learned more about the process for homeowners working with the organization.
“It was a very rewarding time for the volunteers to work so closely with Habitat for Humanity and learn more about their great cause,” said Kaitlyn Pell, project student coordinator for Tigers In Service.
Students who participated are listed in alphabetical order:
Drew Blaylock, Halstead freshman majoring in applied technology.
Audra Boerger, McPherson sophomore majoring in marketing.
Skyler Clark, Salina freshman majoring in biology.
Marisa Carman, Ottawa senior majoring in biology.
Kailee Gibson, Ozawkie senior majoring in chemistry.
Skyler Jones, Overland Park sophomore majoring in social work.
Kaitlyn Pell, Haven junior majoring in English education.
Alex Rea, Topeka sophomore majoring in political science.
Tanner Regier, Haven freshman majoring in athletic training.
Attention all music lovers. Please mark your calendar for the Hays Symphony Orchestra’s free Valentine’s Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, in Fort Hays State University’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, featuring an evening of ravishingly romantic music.
The orchestra will perform three exciting suites, all of which are fantasies of a sort.
Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” originated as a series of piano pieces memorializing the paintings of his recently deceased friend Victor Hartmann. The suite remained nearly as unknown as Hartmann’s art until it was orchestrated by Maurice Ravel. Led by conductor Shah Sadikov, the orchestra will play the Ravel adaptation.
“Carmen Fantasy,” an arrangement of Bizet’s opera by Pablo de Sarasate, will follow. Sarasate was a world famous 19-century violinist and composed the fantasy as a virtuoso piece for himself – today, it is his best-known work. Internationally famous violin soloist Veronique Mathieu will join Sadikov and the orchestra for the stirring fantasy.
“Pelleas et Melisande” began as a drama by the French author Maurice Maeterlinck. The suite, composed by Gabriel Faure, was commissioned as incidental music for the British version of the play. Guest conductor Mark Bartley of West Texas A&M University, also an associate conductor of the Amarillo Symphony, will lead the orchestra in the suite.
The post-concert reception will give the audience and performers an opportunity to meet and greet while enjoying refreshments sponsored by Insurance Planning.
Free tickets are available online at www.hayssymphony.org, at the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, or at the Downtown Hays Development Corporation.
MANHATTAN – The American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is now taking applications for its 2019 session. The event, which will be in its 82nd year, will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan.
The ALBSKLA is for young men who will enter their senior year of high school in the fall of 2019. It provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
At a minimum, applicants should be in the top half of their high school class and be involved in extracurricular activities in their school and community. Potential delegates can also be nominated to attend by their high school counselor or other influential people in their lives.
The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $325; however, in many instances, sponsors pay for the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying a $50 applicant fee. Those wishing to apply to the program should visit https://kansasboysstate.com/ to fill out an application, which are due by Tuesday, April 30, along with the fees to guarantee a spot in the program.
Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should contact Troy Fowler, ALBSKLA director of operations, at [email protected].
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy, visit https://kansasboysstate.com/ or https://ksbstate.org/.
The TMP-Marian boys and girls basketball teams picked up a pair of key Mid-Continent League wins over Norton Friday night at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.
Girls: TMP 37, Norton 34
First place in the MCL was on the line in the first game of the night and after a slow start the Lady Monarchs rallied for a three-point win over the third ranked Lady Jays thanks to a big second half from senior Emily Schippers.
Coach McFarland postgame interview
The first half was a defensive slugfest that saw the Lady Jays go on an 8-2 first quarter run to take a six-point lead after one. In the second quarter the Monarchs held Norton to just one field goal in the second quarter in a 6-2 run to cut the halftime score to 14-12 in favor of the Lady Jays.
Norton opened the second half leading 17-14 but TMP’s Emily Schippers scored the next 11 points for the Monarchs to give them a 25-20 lead with 6:25 left in the game. It was a lead they would never give up on their way to the 37-34 win.
Schippers led the Monarchs with 13. Norton’s Taryn Kuhn led two Lady Jays in double-figures with 14. Hadley Hauser finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Game highlights
With the win the Monarchs take over sole of first place in the MCL at 6-0. They also improved to 11-4 overall.
Norton is 13-2 and 5-1 in the MCL.
Boys: TMP 55, Norton 42
The TMP boys made nine three’s in the first half and had four score in double-figures as they put an end to their season-long three-game losing streak with a 55-42 win over the Blue Jays.
Bill Meagher interview
The Monarchs built an early eight-point lead late in the first quarter thanks to Lucas Lang’s third three-pointer of the first quarter.
Lang scored all 13 of his points in the first-half as he was inserted into the starting lineup for the first time in nearly a month.
Norton was able to close the gap to six in the second quarter but got no closer the rest of the way as the Monarchs pick up the 55-42 victory.
Game highlights
Ryan Karlin lead the Monarchs with 14, Lang had 13 and Jackson Schulte finished with 11.
Norton’s Carter Jones finished with a team-high 13.
TMP improved to 9-7 on the season and 4-2 in the MCL.
MANHATTAN – Farmers and ranchers from across Kansas gathered in Manhattan Jan. 25-27 for the annual Young Farmers and Ranchers leaders conference. More than 530 young crop and livestock producers from across the state attended a three-day Kansas Farm Bureau conference designed to maximize efficiency on their family operations.
The conference provided young ag producers between the ages of 18-35 with agricultural education, motivational speakers and opportunities to connect with industry resources and network with peers.
Attendees heard from KFB President Rich Felts; Russ Kohler, American Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Committee Chair from Utah; Max Harman, Kansas FFA President; and New Mexico farmer Matt Rush. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and Representative Roger Marshall also addressed the group.
Amy and Jury France, Wichita County, at Meal Packaging event
State committee members from each of the 10 Kansas Farm Bureau districts planned and hosted the Honoring Tradition, Cultivating Progress themed conference. The conference included workshops, speakers, tours and competitions. The YF&R state committee played an integral part in making this year’s conference a success.
Winners of the conference competitions included:
• Collegiate Discussion Meet – Shiloh Murray, Kansas State University
• YF&R Discussion Meet – Jacquelyne Leffler, Lyon County
• Ag Quiz Bowl – Kansas State University
• Excellence in Agriculture – Keith and Jeri Geren, Labette County
• YF&R of the Year – Scott Thellman, Douglas County
Young farmers and ranchers from 80 counties participated in this year’s event.
Kansas Farm Bureau’s mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.
Rawlins Mattix, son of Shanda and Caleb Mattix, Thomas County
RAWLINS COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the Friday shooting deaths of a father and son from Rawlins County.
The Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance just before 2:40 p.m. Friday. Agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.
On Friday afternoon, at approximately 2:10 p.m., Rawlins County Dispatch received a call from a family member reporting that a man on the property had been shot. Deputies responded to farm property in rural Rawlins County, near the Thomas County line. The property was west of the residence at 34428 County Road B, near Rexford. When they arrived they found Gary E. Withers, 74, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
Soon after, approximately one half mile away, and outside the home on the property belonging to Gary Withers, deputies discovered 41-year-old Daniel “Danny” E. Withers deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
Autopsies will be performed. No threat to the public is believed to exist related to this incident. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ new prisons chief is suggesting to legislators that the state corrections system is in crisis, and his briefings are leading lawmakers in both parties to conclude that they haven’t previously had a full picture of inmate riots and other problems.
Damage at the El Dorado Correctional Facility in 2018-photos courtesy Cheryl Cadue Kansas Department of Corrections
Interim Corrections Secretary Roger Werholtz also said Wednesday that an increased use of “double-bunking,” or housing two inmates to a cell, was a factor in riots in 2017 and 2018. Department of Corrections officials had previously dismissed a potential link.
Werholtz, who served as corrections secretary from December 2002 through 2010, returned to the job earlier this month when Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly took office. Under Republican Govs. Sam Brownback and Jeff Colyer, the department acknowledged staffing problems but then-Secretary Joe Norwood said serious disturbances were unconnected and the inmate population generally was under control.
The new interim secretary took questions Wednesday from the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee, two days after a grim briefing of the problems facing the department. Werholtz criticized double-bunking and later said that practice and overly aggressive transfers of inmatesamong prisons helped fuel riots at several prisons in 2017 and 2018.
Numerous members of the prison staff were injured during the inmate disturbances -photos courtesy Cheryl Cadue Kansas Department of Corrections
And while the department under Norwood avoided the term, Werholtz did not shrink from using “riots” to describe the disturbances. The department this week provided legislators with photos of damaged prison buildings from riots in El Dorado in June 2017 and July 2018 , Norton in September 2017 and Larned in November 2018 .
Rep. Leo Delperdang, a Wichita Republican, said he was “truly disgusted” by “what we did not hear” previously. House committee Chairman Russ Jennings, a Lakin Republican, said its members felt “shock” after Werholtz’s briefings.
“I think we’re all thankful that we now have a much clearer picture of what’s really going on,” Jennings said later. “The whole story wasn’t told.”
Damage at the Larned Correctional Facility in 2018-photos courtesy Cheryl Cadue Kansas Department of Corrections
Kelly’s proposed budget for the budget year that begins in July includes an additional $3 million to help prisons fill vacant positions. But the department is still expecting to keep 9 percent of its 3,500 positions open. The department reported that the overtime it paid ballooned from $1.7 million during its 2013 budget year to $8.2 million five years later.
“It had become common practice to do what we called collapsing posts,” Werholtz said Wednesday, relaying what he and other officials heard from staff. “It’s my perception at this point that all of the facilities have been collapsing a lot of posts for a long time.”
Damage at the El Dorado Correctional Facility in 2018-photos courtesy Cheryl Cadue Kansas Department of Corrections
Werholtz said transfers of inmates had created concentrations of young, male offenders in some locations to the point where “we may have created a volatile mix unintentionally.” The department had previously acknowledged that some inmates were upset with being moved.
The department will be looking at mixing more of the younger inmates with older ones, Werholtz said, but must consider how quickly it can make such transfers.
As for double-bunking, Werholtz said increasing the concentration of inmates in a prison can create management problems. The department previously had said the practice was not a problem and the most cost-effective way to house a growing inmate population.
Werholtz said the prison system now has less flexibility to reverse double-bunking because the inmate population has continued to grow. As of Tuesday, the department had 10,071 inmates in its custody — 100 more than the system’s housing capacity, even with double-bunking.
“It was refreshing to hear what was actually going on — but also actually terrifying,” said Rep. Annie Kuether, a Topeka Democrat.
WAKEENEY – We’ve had an amazing winter, with several snowstorms transforming our landscape into a shimmering white wonderland. At Cedar Bluff State Park, our summer playground has become an icy recreation area for those adventurers who love to get out and explore during cold months.
Hiking on the Agave Ridge Trail
Head to the Agave Ridge Trail, accessed in the Page Creek Area, to begin your exploration of our park. The one-mile paved portion of the trail provides an excellent opportunity to explore the area and find the many types of wildlife that live in the park. This beginning stretch of the trail contains interpretative signs and a representation of the area’s native habitats and can be completed in approximately 20 minutes.
The more ambitious hiker will enjoy the expanded four-mile, primitive section of the trail which winds through the mixed grass prairie. This area provides a great opportunity to view many wildlife species, and can be completed in approximately 90 minutes. Both portions of the trail are open to the public for hiking and are lined on the west with a half-mile of the 100-foot cedars that give our park its name.
Wildlife Photographers Paradise
Life abounds around our reservoir in winter! Cedar Bluff Reservoir is home to a variety of creatures, large and small. Bald eagles and white-tailed deer are great subjects for your wildlife photography. Get here early to watch animals go about their daily hunt for food or look down to find their tracks in the snow. In the coming weeks ducks and geese will soon be bringing even more activity to the park as they fight for dominance and establish their territorial boundaries.
Winter Fishing
Winter fishing for walleye and crappie at Cedar Bluff State Park has been excellent this year. Our lake has benefited from all the precipitation we’ve been receiving, with water levels rising just over five feet! There are many great fish-attracting areas that present fishermen with great chances to catch that elusive “big one.”
On the Hunt
During the 2018-2019 season we’ve seen hunters from as far as Maine and Florida visiting our park due to the amazing opportunities for bird hunting that are being reported. Our county has claimed Kansas’s number one spot waterfowl hunting this year and quail numbers are continuing to rise due to the ample rainfall that produced quality food sources and good habitats. Stay alert during the hunt and keep within the boundaries of the wildlife section and Page Creek area where hunting activity is allowed.
Cedar Bluff’s Newest Attraction
Our archery range is a new addition to the park, with targets ranging from 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 yds. At this time, it is field point only range (no broadheads) and no crossbows but rangers are looking to add Crossbow and Broadhead targets soon. Get your aim straight and true as you try out our latest challenge!
Experience Winter at Cedar Bluff State Park!
Cedar Bluff State Park is open every day and vehicle permits are required to access the Agave Trail, please, follow the state park rules and regulations. Come outside, get some fresh air, and enjoy winter at Trego County’sCedar Bluff State Park!
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Friends,
I am heartbroken. In recent weeks, two states have taken steps towards legalizing abortion up to the moment of birth. Last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law that would legalize abortion at any time, lifting the cutoff of 24 weeks. Just this past week, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam voiced his support for pending legislation that would allow women to terminate a pregnancy up until the very moment before birth.
Terminating pregnancy up until the moment before birth is not only morally abhorrent but very unsafe. We must not sit idly by as innocent Americans are slaughtered in the name of health care, never to experience the beauties of this world.
Despite these developments, I take solace in the memory of the hundreds of thousands of people who marched here in Washington just a few weeks ago and all across the country in defense of the unborn. I will continue to fight alongside those who acknowledge the sanctity of life in hopes that we will one day put an end to the inhumane practice of abortion.
Happy Birthday, Kansas!
Where I am from we work hard, always put our faith and family first, we support each other, uplift each other, and are resilient through tough times. Kansas is such a special place to call home and is filled with many wonderful, caring people.
I’ve traveled thousands of miles on these country roads, each time loving this state more and more. This week she celebrated her 158th birthday and is still as beautiful as ever.
Please take a moment to watch my newest video that gives just a few reasons why I’m proud to be a Kansan.
Honoring Bob Dole
I was so proud to introduce legislation along with Senator Jerry Moran and Senator Pat Roberts to award one of the most beloved Kansans with an honor long overdue. On Tuesday, I introduced a bill in the House that would award Senator Bob Dole with an honorary promotion to the rank of Colonel. Dole, a Russell native, served in World War II as an infantry lieutenant, where he was severely wounded in combat, and was twice cited for acts of heroism under fire. Following his military service, Dole served the Sunflower State for a combined 35 years as a member of both the House and the Senate. There is no person more deserving of this honor than Bob Dole, and I am reminded every day of the shoes I have to fill while serving in the seat he once held.
Manhattan Among Best Places for Veterans to Live
Each year, a quarter-million military members transition to civilian life. I am proud to see that our very own Manhattan, Kansas was listed as one of the top 10 best cities for those making this transition to settle! I know that it can be a difficult task for our servicemen and women to transition back into civilian life and I take great pride in knowing that our city welcomes them with open arms.
The Navy Federal Credit Union analysis considered several factors such as income, employment rates, proximity to VA hospitals, affordability, and college education access for veterans. With its bustling economy and the wonderful people, it is no surprise that Manhattan has been recognized as one of the best places for military retirees to transition to civilian life.
Irwin Army Community Hospital Leading the Way
After six years of hard work and preparation, the Fort Riley Public Health Department was officially recognized as the first military organization in the Department of Defense global footprint to both seek and receive national certification by the Public Health Accreditation Board.
This recognition symbolizes the department’s high standards, outstanding performance, and commitment to the health and wellbeing of our troops and their families. Through the rigorous certification process, the health department, which operates out of Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley, found ways to improve the delivery of care, remove healthcare barriers and realize new opportunities for preventative care to reduce illness and injury.
Irwin Army Community Hospital is one of the finest medical facilities in my district, and I applaud everyone involved in this effort for earning such a prestigious honor. Public health is a vital part of community and individual well-being.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
PRATT – New line on your reels, check. Hooks sharpened, check. Tackle box cleaned and organized, check. Now all you have to do is pick up a copy of the 2019 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available now in printed form wherever licenses are sold and at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices. A PDF of the pamphlet can be downloaded at www.ksoutdoors.com. Every angler should keep a copy of the regulations in their tackle box or boat.
In addition to the current regulations on equipment restrictions, license and permit prices, and creel and length limits, there is a special section listing new regulations for 2019. One section is devoted to special length and creel limits on all reservoirs and lakes throughout the state. The Fish I.D. pages include color illustrations of common fish found in Kansas by Joseph Tomelleri. Current state record fish weights are listed along with an application and the minimum lengths required to receive Master Angler Awards.
Get a copy today so you’ll be ready when the fishing bug bites.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on theft and drug allegations.
Just after 10a.m. on Saturday Jan. 19, police responded to the 100 block of north Spruce in Wichita to investigate a stolen vehicle, according to officer Charley Davidson.
Upon arrival, officers located the stolen 2009 Gray Buick Lacrosse occupied by 28-year-old Kyle Guthrie and 25-year-old Chance Brooks. Police arrested them
Guthrie was booked on requested charges of criminal deprivation of property, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Brooks was booked on requested charges of unlawful possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
They are no longer in custody. Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case.
Veteran Service Representative Schedule for February 2019
