Game of the Week sponsored by: Service Master Clean of Hays, Insurance Planning, Thirsty’s, Patty Baconrind Appraising, Nextech Wireless, Master Cleaners, Cross Manufacturing, Coldwell Banker Executive Realty, Steel Fabrications, Lifetime Dental, Commercial Builders, Whiskey Creek, Paul Wertenberger Construction, TMP-Marion Alumni, McDonald’s of Hays, G&L Tire, Hays Chevrolet, NCK Tech, Golden Plains Credit Union and Classic Quality Body Shop
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A report says Kansas customers are paying more for electricity than in neighboring states because of investments in coal and wind power.
The Kansas Corporation Commission recently presented its analysis of electricity rates to lawmakers.
The commission found that utilities Westar Energy and Kansas City Power & Light spent billions of dollars over the last decade on coal-fired power plants in Kansas. They also spent millions of dollars complying with a now-repealed state rule for 20 percent of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020.
Commission Chief Accountant Justin Grady says Kansas decided to invest in coal when it was cheaper than gas, but the price of natural gas has since dropped.
The state Senate Utilities Committee plans to discuss the report next week.
Donna Jean (Austin) Butts, longtime Sherman County resident, passed away at the Greeley County Long-term Care Facility in Tribune, Kansas on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the age of 84 years old.
She was born in Ruleton, Kansas at the home of her Maternal Grandparents Smith, on July 28, 1934, to Charlie and Hazel (Smith) Austin.
Donna attended school from grade school through most of high school in Goodland, Kansas. She later obtained her GED. She attended NWKTC in the Secretarial course. She also attended Colby Community College in the Nursing Program, but was not able to complete it.
Donna entered into marriage to Ralph Mitchell on October 14, 1950. To this union, three children, Donna, Charles and Kenneth were born. She entered in marriage with John Butts on May 16, 1959. To this union, three more children, Kevin, Daniel and Scott were born.
During her lifetime, Donna was employed at Steiner’s Drive-In, the Sherman Theater, the Shamrock Restaurant, Boothroy Memorial Hospital, Goodland Regional Medical Center, Gibson’s and sold Avon.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Charles Dale Austin, both of her husbands, a son Daniel Butts and a great-granddaughter Darcy Lynn Miller.
She is survived by her sister, Joyce Elaine (Bill) Rogers of Denver, Colorado, her children, Donna Miller of Goodland, Kansas, Charles Mitchell of Emporia, Kansas, Kenneth (Karen) Mitchell of Arvada, Colorado, Kevin Butts of Goodland, Kansas, Scott Butts of Colby, Kansas, 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren (with one more on the way) and 2 great-great grandchildren, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Family was the most important part of Donna’s life. She collected many pictures and proudly displayed them on the walls and shelves in her home. She was excited to attend a school program, musical, sporting event or dance recital of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, even if it meant traveling out of town to attend. She was always there to cheer them on.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 10:30 AM MT at the First Christian Church in Goodland with Pastor Doug Amend officiating. Burial followed in the Goodland Cemetery, Goodland, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s name to be decided at a later date by the family and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral service arrangements were entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Galen D. Brandt, age 58, died on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. He was born on November 28, 1960 the son of Harold and Elma Jean Siemens Brandt in Wichita, Kansas.
He was a member of the Garden Valley Church, played in various bands, Neon Nights, Out In Back, and Otis Wheat. Galen worked at Old Chicago in Garden City, Kansas.
On January 14, 2019 he married Rhonda Gallaway at the Garden Valley Retirement Village. She survives.
Other survivors include:
Parents Harold and Elma Jean Brandt of Garden City, Kansas
One Brother Trevor and Becky Brandt of Garden City, Kansas
One Sister Janet White of Wilson, Kansas,
Several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019 at the Garden Valley Church in Garden City at 2:00 p.m.
Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Galen Brandt Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.
Norman Duane Walter, beloved son of Laney and Emma (Manners) Walter, was born in Norton County, Kansas on February 4, 1928, and peacefully passed away at the Norton County Hospital in Norton on January 17, 2019, at the age of 90.
Norman grew up in Norton and graduated from the Norton Community High School. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Fort Hays State University. Norman proudly served in the United States Army. On June 12, 1949, Norman married the love of his life, Mary Evelyn May in Norton, where they made their home and raised their family. He was the owner of Walter Motor Company.
Norman was a member of the Norton Christian Church and American Legion Post 63. He enjoyed playing bridge, telling stories about selling cars, but most importantly he loved spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include: three sons, Daniel Walter, Timm Walter, and Curt, and wife, Linda Walter, all of Norton; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several other relatives and friends.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved wife, Mary.
FUNERAL SERVICE – Wednesday, January 23, 2019 – 11:00 A.M.
PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – Norton, Kansas
VISITATION – Wednesday, January 23, 2019 from 10:00 A.M until service time.
INTERMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, Kansas
MEMORIALS – Norman Walter Memorial Fund
SHAWNEE COUNTY — An accidental fire at a Kansas home caused significant damage.
Just after 4p.m. Thursday, crews responded to a fire at a home in the 600 Block of SW 9th Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Michael Martin.
Upon arrival, fire crews reported smoke and flames coming from the back southern 2nd floor of the residence. Fire suppression crews were able to extinguish the fire, containing it to second floor and attic spaces of the home. The remaining portions of the dwelling sustained significant water damage throughout.
Estimated structural dollar loss is $50,000 to the dwelling and $25,000 contents loss.
The fire was caused by a space heater appliance and or a related electrical issue, according to Martin.
Multiple occupants of the home were able to escape unharmed. Fire crews did not find working smoke detectors at the home.
CITY OF HAYS
United Airlines has launched a sale offering low fares for travel to both Denver International and Chicago’s O’Hare airport from Hays Regional Airport. Tickets under the fare special must be purchased by February 26, 2019 with travel completed by May 22, 2019. Travelers can find more information or make a booking at flyhays.com. Seats and days are limited, and blackout dates apply. See full fare rules and terms and conditions below.
Customers may also book flights to hundreds of domestic and international destinations from Hays Regional Airport on United Airlines through United’s hubs at Denver and Chicago. Effective April 9, 2019 new United Jet flights to Chicago O’Hare began complementing the United Jet service to Denver, which has operated since 2014. Bookings can be made at united.com or by calling United Flight Reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331).
The sale comes after the airport announced that 2018 was a banner year for boardings, with over 12,000 passengers flying out of Hays.
“2018 was the best year on record for enplanements at Hays Regional Airport,” said Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. “I want to thank everyone who supported the local economy by Flying Hays. We look forward to exceeding this new record in 2019.” Dixon said.
Learn more about the Hays Regional Airport at flyhays.com.
UNITED AIRLINES SALE FARE RULES
Tickets | Tickets must be purchased at least 14 days prior to departure, but no later than February 26, 2019.
Travel Period | Travel must be completed by May 22, 2019.
Fare Validity | Fares shown are valid in the Economy (Coach) cabin on United/United Express carriers and certain codeshare operated flights only. Flights are operated by SkyWest Airlines, doing business as United Express.
Minimum Stay | Not Required. Fares are one way.
Blackout Dates | Travel is not valid on February 15, 16, 17, 18, March 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 30, 31 and April 19, 20, 21, 22, May 17, 18 and 19, 2019.
Miscellaneous | Fares, fees, rules and offers are subject to change without notice. Seats are capacity-controlled and may not be available on all flights or days. Fares are nonrefundable except during the first 24 hours after purchase. Other restrictions may apply.
Basic Economy terms and conditions:
Flight changes are not allowed: Basic Economy fares are non-changeable and nonrefundable, except as stated by the United 24-hour flexible booking policy.
Seat selection and group and family seating: Seats are automatically assigned prior to boarding and can’t be changed. Customers traveling together, including families, will not be able to sit together.
Carry-on bags: You’re allowed one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) or less. Mobility aids and other assistive devices are also permitted. View our baggage policies. You’re not allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you’re a MileagePlus Premier member or companion traveling on the same reservation, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or Star Alliance Gold member. Everyone else who brings a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate will be required to check their bag and pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.
Changing a flight: Ticket changes are not allowed. This includes advance changes and same-day changes, even for Premier members. Basic Economy fares are nonrefundable.
Premier qualifying credits: MileagePlus members will still earn award miles based on the fare and their MileagePlus status. MileagePlus members will not earn Premier qualifying dollars, Premier qualifying miles, Premier qualifying segments or lifetime miles, or earn toward the four-segment minimum.
Economy Plus and upgrades: Travelers with Basic Economy fares are not eligible to purchase Economy Plus seating or premium cabin upgrades, or use their Economy Plus subscription benefits.
MileagePlus and Premier member seating benefits: MileagePlus members, including Premier members, will not be eligible to use paid upgrades, mileage upgrades, Complimentary Premier Upgrades, Regional Premier Upgrades, Global Premier Upgrades or any other upgrade types. Complimentary Economy Plus seating will not be available for MileagePlus Premier members.
Boarding groups: Travelers with Basic Economy fares will be assigned to the last boarding group, with the exception of MileagePlus Premier members and their companions on the same reservation, primary cardmembers of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card and Star Alliance Gold members.
If you are planning to check bags: Please review our baggage policies to determine if any service charges apply.
Taxes and fees
Fares are subject to availability and may change without notice. Fares may not be available on all days or on all flights. Fares listed are per person and include government taxes and fees. Some restrictions may apply. Fares do not include applicable charges for baggage or optional services.
A fee will be charged for tickets issued by United. Service charges for ticketing with a United representative in the 50 United States and Canada are $25 by phone, $30 at a City Ticket Office and $50 in person at the airport. Ticketing charges may vary outside of the U. S. and Canada and based on MileagePlus status level. Ticketing service charges are nonrefundable. To avoid ticketing service charges, book and purchase your tickets on united.com.
SEDGWICK COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged animal cruelty.
On Tuesday morning, an unknown individual in a yellow station wagon was observed leaving a dead brown pit bull in a ditch at the intersection of Orme and Main in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.
The dog had scaring on the chest and face indicative of dog fighting, according to Davidson.
The animal abuse investigator for the Wichita police department is actively investigating the case. Police have little additional information and are asking the public for help with the case.
In addition, the Wichita Animal Action League with their donor support is offering a $3,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
NORTON — The Norton Police Department is warning residents of a potential scam regarding newspaper subscriptions.
“We have recently received reports that people are receiving phone calls from individuals stating they are with the Norton Telegram and that their information and payment is needed in order to renew their subscription,” the department said in a social media release. “The Telegram staff will not ask for personal information over the phone. As always, if you receive a call and believe it may be a scam, feel free to contact the Police Department.”
The NPD can be reached at (785) 877-5010.
Downs, Kansas — Opal A. Rexroat, 76, passed away January 14, 2019. She was born November 18, 1942 in Portis, the daughter of Omer and Neva (Fields) Rieschick.
She was a retired bookkeeper and homecare provider.
She is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Kimberly.
She is survived by her husband Richard of the home, son Justin (Hiedi) Rexroat of Beloit, three grandchildren, sister, Dorcas (Robert) Schweitzer of Osborne, and two brothers, Darrel (Della) Rieschick of Sacramento, California and Alfred (Deanna) Rieschick of Andover.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 21, 2019 at 2pm at the United Methodist Church in Downs. Visitation will be Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 4-5:30pm at the church. Memorials may be given to Downs Senior Center and the church in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs KS 67437.
Steven P. Walter, 63, of Belleville, Illinois, born Thursday, June 30, 1955, in Belleville, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois.
Steven was a roofer by trade and in his youth, was a member of the Black Knights.
He was preceded in death by his:
Brother: Paul Douglas
Sister, Cynthia Ann
Surviving are his:
Wife of 43 years: Mary, nee Kreutzer, Walter of Belleville, IL, formerly of Victoria, KS
Parents: Victor and Carol Jean, nee Conner, Walter of Mascoutah, IL
5 Children
Nicole (Doug) Clayton of Fenton, MO,
Mathew (Stacie Giovanetti) Walter of Belleville, IL
Stephanie (Greg) Giedeman of Belleville, IL
Michelle (Anthony) Bergeron of Brooklyn Park, MN
Jonathan Walter of Belleville, IL
Sister: Brenda (Robert) Bryant of Mascoutah, IL
12 Grandchildren
Chloe Walter
Sophia Walter
Taylor Hurst
Cole Clayton
Chase Clayton
Logan Giovanetti
Bailey Walter
Riley Giedeman
Anthony Bergeron, Jr.
Parker Walter
Veronica Giedeman
Victoria Giedeman
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, St. Louis, MO.
Visitation: A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 18, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at East Lodge #504, 9950 St. Clair Ave in Fairview Heights, IL.
By STEPHEN KORANDA
In her first budget as governor, Democrat Laura Kelly aims to inject cash into what she calls critical state services.
The proposal unveiled Thursday also would start to wean the state off money diverted for years from highway construction and upkeep.
But the bill met a predictably harsh reception from some Republicans. They argued the spending plan would lead to budget deficits.
To invest in services, while preserving a savings account, the budget would stretch out payments intended to fill a deficit in the state pension plan. It also continues transfers from the highway fund, although it would take less money from roads than in recent years.
That would let Kansas plow money into schools, child welfare and an expanded Medicaid program that would offer health coverage to an added 150,000 or so Kansans.
Kelly’s budget also shoots to end a years-long school funding lawsuit. It would add $92 million a year more for schools to comply with a court decision from last year.
The budget follows a theme Kelly has repeated, that she inherited problems from her Republican predecessors and that she can’t restore state services in a single year.
“It’s going to take time for Kansas to heal from the damage inflicted over the last eight years,” Kelly said in a statement, “so we don’t have a moment to lose.”
Kelly’s budget director, Larry Campbell, told lawmakers in a budget briefing that the spending plan invests in services while allowing Kansas to weather economic uncertainty that, he said, could include a possible recession in the coming months or years.
“We need a cushion, and we need tools back in the toolbox to address the unforeseen economic challenges coming,” Campbell said.
At the end of fiscal year 2020, Kelly’s budget would leave Kansas with a $686 million reserve. That’s 9 percent of state spending and a decrease from the $761 million the state had banked at the end of fiscal year 2018.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning said lawmakers don’t want to extend the payoff schedule in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, or KPERS. Without the restructured pension payments, he said, the numbers in the budget don’t work.
“This whole budget is built on a house of cards,” Denning said after the meeting.
Kelly’s also pushing to expand the health care program Medicaid. She’s budgeted $14 million, although the administration says the cost would rise in the following year.
That is an underestimate of the true cost, Denning said.
“We know that it’s impossible,” Denning said.
Yet Denning applauded the proposal to reduce transfers from the highway fund.
Medicaid expansion will likely have bipartisan support in the Legislature. A bill passed both chambers in 2017 but was vetoed by then-Gov. Sam Brownback.
Democratic Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore said even if the cost estimate isn’t exact, Medicaid expansion is something lawmakers need to do because of the benefit it could offer to Kansans and struggling rural hospitals.
“I absolutely believe we have to invest in that,” Wolfe Moore said.
The spending plan also makes investments in a variety of other services.
The governor’s spending plan serves as a template for state lawmakers. Now, budget writers from the House and Senate will begin digging deeper into the bill and developing their own spending priorities.
“It’s kind of a rosy picture,” said Republican Rep. Troy Waymaster, the top budget writer in the House. “We have to go back and do a complete analysis.”
Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for the Kansas News Service Kansas. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda.
Mary Glad was born September 16, 1924 in Logan County, Kansas to Roy and Mary Tauscher Bretz. She departed this life on Friday, January 11, 2019 at her residence in The Villas of Green Valley in Green Valley, Arizona.
Mary grew up on a farm and ranch in Logan County. She graduated from Winona High School. She attended Fort Hays State College and eventually received her Bachelor of Science Degree. Her teaching career started at a one room school in McAllister, Kansas. She continued her career at the Weskan School, where like many of her fellow single teachers that lived in the old “Teacherage” she met her future husband, Melvin Glad. They were married June 13, 1948 and enjoyed 57 years together.
Mary started as a substitution clerk in 1950 at the Weskan Post Office and became Postmaster in 1980. She retired and spent time with Melvin traveling to all the grandchildren events.
She is survived by her two daughters, Lenna (Gordon) Tope and Sonja (Dennis) Weeden. Five grandchildren, Allisha (Corey) Weitzel; Jordan (Aubrey) Hanavan; Dustin (Laura) Weeden; Tia (Bill) Duncan; Gabriel (Kristina) Weeden. Two step-grandchildren, Gunnar (Rieko) Tope and Kerry (Melody) Tope. Fifteen great-grandchildren, Adriana, Bryce and Lydia Weeden; Isaac, Josiah and Samuel Weeden; Brody and Mattea Weitzel; Lucy, Henry and Olive Hanavan; Uno and Go Tope; Angie and Caleb Tope. Mary and Melvin always provided unconditional love and support for their family, and she was blessed to live a long life and see the addition of all the great-grandchildren to her family. She is also survived by her brother, Tauscher Bretz and sisters, Lois Ann Siemers and Shirley McKinney.
Mary was pre-deceased by her husband, Melvin; grandson, Patrick Weeden; parents, Roy and Mary Bretz; brother, Lindy Bretz; and sister, Roma Boschwitzki.
Her last wish was to be buried at sunset on the western Kansas prairie. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at The Villas in Green Valley, Arizona. A family and friends gathering will be Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 1 p.m. MT at the Weskan Bible Church, Oak Street & School Avenue in Weskan, Kansas. Graveside service will begin at 3 p.m. MT at the Weskan Cemetery, 523 Weskan Avenue in Weskan with interment following at sunset.
Memorials will be designated by the family later and may be left at the services or mailed to Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. Online condolences and information www.batemanfuneral.com
