Fort Hays State University officials are warning a telephone scam targeting students.
In an email sent to students Thursday, the university said multiple FHSU students have been targeted by the scam.
“The calls appear to come from 785-628-5304, which is the main number for University Police. The caller says they’re with the Fort Hays Police, but won’t tell you their name,” the email said. “They ask that you go to a private location so you can have a confidential conversation, then ask that you search for FHSU Police on Google to see that the phone number matches the caller ID. Eventually, they tell you that your name has come up in an investigation, and ask you to send a nude video so they can verify you don’t have any drugs on you. If you start asking questions, the caller becomes belligerent and uses cuss words. They also tell you that if you go to the University Police station, you’ll be arrested.”
The school reminded students:
• Remember that caller ID can be faked!
• If University Police call you, the officer will immediately identify themselves by name.
• You can ask to call them back, so you know you are speaking to University Police. Look up the number on Google or the FHSU web site, then call and ask to speak with the officer who contacted you.
• FHSU officers will use professional language, will never tell you not to come to the police station, and certainly won’t ask for nude videos.
If you have been a victim of this scam and would like to file a police report, call University Police at 785-628-5304.
PRATT – One of Kansas’ more popular hunting traditions, the firearms deer season, is underway. Kicking off Nov. 28, 2018, the statewide season will run through Dec. 9, 2018.
During these 12 days, hunters with Firearm or Any-season deer permits may pursue deer with any legal equipment, including any centerfire rifle and handgun; any gauge shotgun using slugs; muzzleloading rifle, musket, or pistol .40 caliber or larger; and archery equipment. All deer permits are valid during the firearm season; however, unit, species, antlerless and equipment restrictions listed on the permit are in effect. In addition to their deer permits, all hunters, unless exempt by law, must also have a Kansas hunting license. Hunters with archery permits must use archery equipment and hunters with muzzleloader permits must use muzzleloaders or archery equipment.
During the firearm season, all deer hunters must wear hunter orange clothing consisting of an orange hat and an orange vest that shows 100 square inches from the front and 100 square inches from the back. Camouflage orange clothing is legal if the required number of square inches of orange is visible.
If you are a resident hunter and have yet to purchase a permit, you may do so at any license vendor or online at ksoutdoors.com. During the firearm season, hunters must possess a permit that allows the harvest of an antlered deer before they are eligible to purchase antlerless permits. Permits are valid the same day of purchase. And if you purchase your permit online, remember to print your permit and carcass tag when your transaction is complete.
Hunters should remember that all deer must be tagged before moving the carcass from the field. Any deer taken with a whitetail antlerless-only permit (WAO) must be transported with the head attached to the carcass. However, if a hunter desires to bone out a deer taken with a WAO permit in the field, the deer can be registered electronically through the internet using photos taken at the harvest sight. Electronic registration is only required if you want to bone out the carcass and transport it without evidence of antlerless status attached. To electronically register your deer, visit programs.ksoutdoors.com and click “Electronic Deer Check-in.”
For more information on current regulations, consult the 2018 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary, or visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting,” then “Big Game,” then “Deer.”
ROELAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Officers in suburban Kansas City have made a gift of the work boots that a teen was attempting to steal.
Officer Suffield and Officer Snepp who responded to the shoplifting call -photo courtesy Roeland Park PD
On Thursday afternoon, police responded to a Walmart in Roeland Park, Kansas, where the teen was caught shoplifting.
Chief John Morris says the responding officers Suffield and Snepp learned the teen was a displaced juvenile and wanted the boots so he could get work. Instead of punishment, the officers headed to the cash register.
After some words of encouragement to find a job, finish school and stay out of trouble, the teen was gifted the same pair of boots he had attempted to steal.
Morris says the teen had tears in his eyes after he was given the boots. He says the story “almost made me cry, too.”
Laurel Ted “Wimp” Goddard was born July 13, 1928. The third son of Ed “E.P.” and Katie (Fox) Goddard, he was born in the Goddard Ranch house 200 feet from where he departed this life, peacefully, in his home of 90 years.
He grew up on the ranch in rural Penokee. He attended grade school at the country school north of the home place. His job before he could barely see over the steering wheel was to pick up all the neighbor kids in his big sedan and drive them to school. He later attended and graduated from Morland Rural High School with the class of 1947, the only boy with six girls in his graduating class. After high school, he attended Kansas State University majoring in Agriculture. During college, he thoroughly enjoyed his time on the cheerleading squad, the Wampus Cats, and airplane rides back and forth to school with his brother Bill and brother-in-law Wilbur Born.
He started raising and showing Hereford cattle with his family at a young age. As the story goes his brother Bill talked the rest of the family into getting rid of the sheep and changing the operation over to a focus on Hereford cattle. Laurel was integrally involved in helping form the Kansas Hereford Association, served as President and sales manager and organized many Kansas Hereford sales.
In the early 50’s, he began selling Kelly Ryan feed wagons, Foremost cattle chutes, Richardson sweeps, T & L irrigation systems, Lundell choppers and various other farm equipment. He was instrumental over the years in helping engineer many aspects of feed wagons built by Kelly Ryan out of Blair, Nebraska.
Laurel was a charter member of Elks Lodge 1995 in Hill City and a charter member of Farm Bureau. In 2005, Laurel and his family received the Farm Bureau Century Farm Award. He was a member of the Methodist Church of Morland.
Laurel married Pat Schuricht on October 17, 1953. Three children were born of this union: Jerry, Julie and John. Pat passed away December 28, 1992 and Laurel was remarried to Mary Childers on July 9, 1994. The two of them had 24 very happy years enjoying each other’s company. They especially enjoyed fixing up old abandoned houses as well as the Smith horse barn and turning them into beautiful guest lodges. They proudly hosted hunters and others from many states and several foreign countries, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of Goddard Ranch and Seven Two Bar Adventures. Laurel and Mary were also host to three exchange students who became their “Italian children”. Matilde Nicolotti of Milan, Italy, Deborah del Negro, Leeds, England, and Riccardo Parigi, Ferrara, Italy. While they all stayed at different times, they became part of Laurel and Mary’s family and have returned many times to visit at the ranch.
Some of Laurel’s favorite things to do were taking care of the cattle and horses, giving ranch tours, dancing, boating, water skiing, and just in general working the cattle and land. Laurel planned to continue with his business, farming, ranching and selling livestock equipment, which was also his passion, his entire life. In later years, he faced cancer and won the battle three times, had open heart surgery and various other health issues, none of which slowed him down much. He was able to focus on enjoying his grandchildren and great grandchildren, telling stories, keeping up on politics and encouraging his family in their endeavors.
Laurel was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Katie, brothers Elmer and Bill and a sister, Alice Born. He is survived by his wife Mary; his children Jerry and Ruth Goddard of Logan, Julie and Rick Roberts of rural Hill City, John and Rhonda Goddard, rural Penokee; stepsons: Chuck Childers, Colorado and Scott Childers, Morland and stepdaughter Jennifer Childers and her husband, Brett Smith of San Francisco, California. He has five grandchildren: including granddaughters Jaime and her husband Tim Nestor, Overland Park, Darci Goddard, Kansas City, Kristan Fisher, Fremont, Nebraska; grandsons: Lucas Goddard, Norton and Cordell Goddard, Manhattan as well as three great grandchildren: Genesis, Eli and Adaline: and many nieces, nephews and friends will also mourn his passing.
He will be remembered fondly by many in the area as Wimp, nicknamed in high school by his friends after the cartoon character Wimpy on Popeye, for his similar love of hamburgers.
Larry E. Driscoll, 93, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at his residence.
Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell where the Russell V.F.W. Honor Guard will be conducting Military Rites. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday, December 10, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
Memorials have been established with the St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Russell Wrestling Club. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
Emi Kniffin, left front, and Haley Gomes, right front, admissions counselors at Fort Hays State University, pose for a photo outside the Memorial Union with 41 high school students from Colorado who visited campus on an annual road trip Sunday and Monday. Photo by Tiffany Reddig
By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Haley Gomes wasn’t aware of an overnight visit to Fort Hays State University for high school students, sponsored by the Office of Admissions, when she was searching for colleges to attend four years ago.
But Gomes, who grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colo. – part of the Denver metropolitan area –
is more than a little excited to tell teenagers about her alma mater now.
An FHSU admissions counselor in charge of the southern portion of Colorado, Gomes joined other admissions personnel at a two-day event Sunday and Monday that brought Colorado students from their hometowns to campus for a day.
“This is a great way to check out a college for free,” Gomes said. “You don’t have to stay in a hotel, and you get to meet other kids from Colorado who you don’t already know. I wish I would have heard about this when I was in high school.”
Gomes actually learned about FHSU from someone in her city who had earned a master’s degree from Fort Hays State.
After checking it out, Gomes decided on Fort Hays State and graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. She successfully applied for a position in the admissions office and has been on the road recruiting potential Tigers ever since.
She and fellow admissions counselor Emi Kniffin, in charge of the northern part of Colorado, stayed overnight with the 42 students in Cunningham Hall Sunday, then helped lead activities all day Monday.
They both have been busy this semester, traveling the eastern Colorado circuit, attending college fairs and visiting high schools.
“After going to all the schools in Colorado, it’s fun to see some students here today,” said Kniffin, who accompanied students on campus tours, visiting their academic departments and other presentations and activities.
Kniffin moved to northwest Kansas with her fiancé in September. Dani Hartung, a former coworker of Kniffin’s at an area elementary school, had taken a job as admissions counselor at FHSU and told Kniffin about another opening.
Kniffin, who grew up in Wichita and graduated from Baker University in Baldwin City, didn’t know that much about Fort Hays State before she sought out the admissions job.
“I didn’t know anything about the programs here beforehand, but I found out what a great school Fort Hays State is,” she said. “I love advertising (FHSU) now. I love being able to help students figure out what’s right for them.”
Getting students to campus is key, said Jon Armstrong, interim director of admissions.
“Some of these students have heard of Fort Hays State through our admissions counselors, and this gives them the opportunity to come to visit campus,” he said. “It provides people an opportunity to see, in person, what Fort Hays State has to offer.”
Participants ranged from small schools such as Fowler, which has 175 students in grades 7-12, or Mitchell High in Colorado Springs – whose enrollment of 1,300 is larger than the city of Fowler’s entire population.
“I definitely want to go here,” said Ty Korngor, who is from Colorado Springs. “I really like the campus.”
Korngor, who graduated from Mitchell High School this semester, plans to major in marketing and hopes to be on campus at FHSU as early as spring semester 2019.
“They told me I could be really involved here like I was in high school, and I liked that,” said Korngor, who was active in organizations in high school, including yearbook, photography and student government.
Danielle Pruett from Fowler, in the southeast part of the state, was just as impressed with FHSU.
“I am involved with FFA in high school and do a lot of competitions,” said Pruett, who wants to major in agricultural business in college. “This whole experience exceeded what I ever thought it would be.”
Pruett said she decided to make the trip because she grew up in a small town and thought FHSU was smaller than some of the larger schools in Colorado.
“I like keeping it small,” she said, “and I am so glad I was able to come to this. I made a lot of friends here already, and I hope I get accepted to FHSU. I love it here.”
Pruett said she was hooked after the personal road trip but admitted she was already convinced she was serious about attending FHSU after Gomes’ presentation at her high school.
Touting all the benefits of attending Fort Hays State comes easy for her, Gomes said.
“Being from a large city and close to the mountains, it was a little bit of a culture shock right at first when I came here,” Gomes said. “But once you’re here, you get the chance to step out of your comfort zone, become more open minded about things to do in a smaller city.”
One benefit that gets students’ attention is tuition rates.
Students coming from states bordering Kansas are able to take advantage of the Contiguous States Resident Tuition Program. That rate is less than half of other non-resident students.
“My twin brother’s tuition at a community college in Colorado was more than mine here at Fort Hays State,” Gomes said. “It’s amazing.”
While affordability definitely is a plus, Gomes said there are so many other factors – specifically the wide variety of nationally acclaimed programs and state-of-the-art facilities – that make FHSU an easy sell to prospective students.
“You get a top-notch education here,” she said.
Another major feature, Gomes said, is the community connection.
“Once you get here and see the Hays community, the people of Hays are really a big drawing card, too,” she said. “Everyone has such a good heart. Caring and hard-working is engrained into everywhere you go. It’s the true Midwestern spirit; they’re going to be there for you.”
The Colorado road trip was the last of its kind this semester for the admissions office. Students from Wichita, southwest Kansas and eastern Kansas came to campus on similar bus trips. For more information about the road trips or other admissions activities, visit www.fhsu.edu/admissions.
Alicia BoorDecember is quickly going by, and before we know it 2019 will be upon us. There are still a few learning opportunities being offered in December for you to take advantage of that I would like to highlight. If you have any questions over either of the programs, please call 620-793-1910 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Tax Law Update for 2019 in Great Bend
The past few years have been difficult to navigate for producers financially. New taxing laws that will be implemented in 2019 add more stress to an already stressful situation. Having a plan and idea of what to expect in the new year is crucial for your farm and its management for the future.
On December 19th at 1:30 pm, join K-State Research and Extension and Kansas Farm Management at the Great Bend Extension office. Clay Simmons, Kansas Farm Management Economist, will present a Tax Law Update for 2019. During this program, her will update producers on the new tax laws for 2019 go over information on tax planning. A question and answer session will end the program. Pie, ice cream and coffee sponsored by Ed Junior Farms will be provided. No reservations needed.
“Food Evolution” screening and discussion in Lyons
Fact vs fear of our nation’s food supply and a brutally polarized debate marked by passion, suspicion and confusion, “Food Evolution,” by Academy Award nominated director Scott Hamilton Kennedy, explores the controversy surrounding GMOs and food.
The movie aims to reset the conversation on the science behind our food and to make the case for science to guide our decision making. Food Evolution examines genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply and the importance of the scientific method in making decisions about what we put in our bodies and our environment.
The screening of this film will be held in Rice County on Dec. 19 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Rice County Extension Building. Dr. Dan Thomson, DVM, Karen Blakeslee, Rapid Response Center and Mikey Hughes, College of Ag Ambassador will be here to lead the discussion about the science behind GMOs and the film.
Rice County Extension 701 E Main, Lyons, KS or call for questions. 620-257-5131. No reservations needed. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or calling 620-793-1910
Greenhand Ritual team from L to R: Jeremy Long, Advisor; Logan Pruter, Reporter; Ashton Lund, Vice President; Derek George, President; Nicholas Racette, Secretary
NATOMA — The Natoma FFA Chapter has done well this Fall in CDEs. On Nov. 15, 12 members traveled to Russell to compete in the Northwest District Milk Quality and Products (MQ&P) and Food Science events. Expectations were set high, because since 2014, Natoma has placed in the top three in district MQ&P, along with 3rd and 2nd place finishes at state in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The state team in 2018 also took 9th. Members participated in a final practice at the NHS Ag Building two nights before the event.
Natoma Milk Quality and Food Science teams. Back row L to R: Braydon Hays, Jayson Engling, Preston Ostmeyer, Ethan Dickerson, Jayce Dickerson, Derek George. 2nd Row L to R: Ashton Lund, Jacob Murphy, Shayne Engling, Logan Pruter, Shandra Griffin. Front Middle: Nicholas Racette
Results on the day were as follows: Senior team (3rd overall), Greenhand team (2nd overall), Jayce Dickerson (2nd high Sr. indiv.), Derek George (2nd greenhand indiv.), Ashton Lund (3rd greenhand indiv.). In the Food Science event, Ethan Dickerson was 6th out of a field of 137 contestants. The senior Food Science team was 8th of 18 teams and the Greenhand team placed 7th out of 17.
Two weeks later, the Greenhands and Shandra Griffin headed to Colby Community College for the Vet Science CDE and FFA Ritual competition. Shandra competed individually, while the Greenhand team placed 7th of 16 teams. Derek George was 3rd out of 80 participants in the event, with Ashton Lund, Nicholas Racette, and Logan Pruter completing the team.
The Greenhands then went before a panel of judges and carried out the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of an FFA meeting. Each member memorized an officer part, and Derek and Nicholas even learned two, due to the fact that there are actually six officer positions in the FFA. While the team did not crack the top three, they gained valuable experience and worked as a team to accomplish a difficult task. The next event for the Natoma FFA is the Agriculture Sales and Job Interview competitions in Northern Valley on Jan. 10.
On another topic, FFA Fall fundraising items will be in on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 13, so if you ordered from the FFA, expect a delivery soon thereafter.
JACKSON COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Thursday in Jackson County.
First responders on the crash scene Thursday- photo courtesy WIBW TV
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Toyota Corolla driven by Garrett N. Klahr, 16, Wetmore, was westbound on 286th Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 75.
A southbound Kenworth semi driven by David J. Christianson, 54, Canby, MN., struck the Toyota in the passenger side. The vehicle spun around and traveled into the southwest ditch.
Klahr was transported to the hospital in Topeka where he died. Christianson was not injured. The KHP did not have details on seat belt usage of both drivers.
SHERMAN COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Thursday in Sherman County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Trina E. Brutsche, 63, Goodland, was southbound in the 600 Block of Caldwell three block east of Main Street.
The Chevy struck Ernest Garza, 53, Goodland, who came from the west side of the street.
Garza was transported to Goodland Regional Medical Center. Brutsche was properly restrained at the time of the accident and not injured, according to the KHP.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will boost its annual spending on foster care by $35 million under state Department for Families and Children grants that have been awarded to five contractors.
DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel during Thursday’s conference-photo courtesy Kansas DCF
DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel had a news conference Thursday to introduce the contractors and discuss how she believes the grants will improve services for abused and neglected children. The department announced them Nov. 1 , six months after requesting proposals from interested parties.
The grants run four years, starting July 1. The state expects to spend $245 million on foster care during the fiscal year beginning on that date. That’s a 17 percent increase over the current fiscal year.
Departing Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer’s administration announced the grants five days before Democratic state Sen. Laura Kelly was elected governor. She takes office Jan. 14.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., spoke on the Senate floor to celebrate Coach Bill Snyder’s career as Kansas State University’s head football coach, and honored his impact on K-State, the city of Manhattan and Kansas.
Snyder recently announced his retirement after 27 seasons at the helm of K-State’s football program.
