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Author: Hays Post

Ed Purinton

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Ed Purinton, age 67, WaKeeney, died Thursday, November 29, 2018, at his home. He was born February 3, 1951 in Quinter, KS to Leonard W. and Irene (Royce) Purinton.

Ed graduated from TCHS with the Class of 1969. While in high school he was proud to be a part of the 1968 M.C. L. High School Championship team that finished with an 8-0 record.
On August 7, 1971 he married Debby Pickering in WaKeeney Kansas. Ed was a member of the United Methodist Church of WaKeeney, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge of WaKeeney.

Ed worked for Montgomery Wards in Denver, CO from 1974-1976, until returning to the family farm south of Collyer, KS in 1976 to work with his Dad and brother, Wayne. While still engaged in farming he took on the job of groundskeeper at the WaKeeney Municipal Golf Course which he continued to do until he accepted a position with the City of WaKeeney in the Parks Department. He retired from the City in 2013.

Ed was a “people” person and never knew a stranger. Once someone met him they never forgot him. He loved to hunt and spent many memorable pheasant seasons and deer seasons hunting and swapping stories with family and friends. He was happiest when he was with a group of friends talking and laughing.

While his health permitted he went on several snowmobile trips to Idaho with his brother, Ron, and enjoyed playing golf with friends.

Survivors include his wife, Deb, brothers Wayne (Sandy) Purinton of WaKeeney, Chuck Purinton, and Ron (Cindy) Purinton, all of Sacramento, CA, a sister-in-law, Karen Pickering of Pueblo CO, nephews Troy Purinton, Cletus (Ashley) Purinton, Royce (Megan) Purinton, and nieces Kelly Pickering, Kim Fisher, Gina (Chris) Herren, and Shawnee (Scott) Legere, 15 great nieces and nephews, and many many wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Irene, a sister-in-law, Donette Purinton, and a brother-in-law, Larry Pickering.

Ed loved life and wanted to live it to its fullest. His courage and determination in battling his COPD in later years was amazing to behold. He never complained and didn’t let it slow him down while trying to do the things he enjoyed. His family and friends were a support and comfort to him.

Services will be held Wednesday, December 5th at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in WaKeeney, with burial to follow at the City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening December 4th from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, Wakeeney.

Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church or the Trego Co Historical Society. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Clyde Dean Thomas

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Clyde Dean Thomas, age 83 passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born May 27, 1935, in Scott County, KS, the son of Everett & Ruby Burns Thomas. He graduated from Scott Community High School in 1953. He married his high school sweetheart, Velda Eaton, on June 14, 1956.

He and Velda lived in Garden City, KS while he was employed with Harkness Landleveling Construction. After moving to Scott City and building houses for Delbert Jones for two years, Clyde began working with Selwin Eggleston, and became co-owner of Eggleston-Thomas Real Estate Agency in 1967. He loved developing properties, and created several housing sub-divisions in Scott City. He was instrumental in Scott City’s commercial development in the seventies. In 1981, he established Thomas Real Estate Agency, enjoying his passion of selling residential, farm, and commercial properties. In recent years, Stephanie Shapland worked with Clyde selling real estate, and he enjoyed their special relationship.

Clyde had tremendous faith in God, and was devoted to his family and friends. He was always there to offer love and care whenever needed. He loved his wife dearly, and they were nearly inseparable, attending the many activities and events of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved watching the Scott City Beavers throughout the years, and following their successes. An avid history buff, he enjoyed Western heritage and traditions of the region. He was proud of his service in the Kansas National Guard, and leadership in the Scott City United Methodist Church for many years as a board member and usher. He was a city councilman for Scott City, a former president of the Scott County Historical Society, a member of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce, assistant scout master for Boy Scouts of America Troop 149, and Scott County Little League Baseball coach

Known to all as “Granddad”, his sparkling blue eyes, charming smile, wit, and loving heart will be terribly missed.

We celebrate his wonderful life, as he will live on forever in the hearts of his beloved wife, Velda of the home, children; Jerry (LeAnne) Thomas of Manhattan, KS, Tony (Jennifer) Thomas of Manhattan, KS, Shelli (Kirk) James of Scott City, KS, grandchildren; Jarrett (Kelsey) Thomas, Mandi (Kolby) Menard, Cody (Stephanie) Harms, Justina Harms, Cole Thomas, Staci Thomas, Jaydon Thomas, and great-grandchildren; Hadley Harms, Peyton Menard, Harrison Harms, Brielle Thomas, and Riley Menard. Brothers and sisters of Clyde include; Glenda and Clyde Schinnerer of Moore, OK, Theda and Phillip Whiteman of Johns town, CO, Wanda Patton of Johns town, CO, Ronnie Thomas of Florida, Keith and Betty Thomas of West Branson, MO, and Paula and Vic Ablang of Las Vegas, NV. Clyde was met in heaven by his grandson, Lane Harms.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 3, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. John Lewis presiding. Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas. Memorials in Lieu of Flowers may be given to the Scott County Historical Society in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

Mary Evelyn Stewart Eckart

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Mary Evelyn Stewart Eckart passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the age of 98 ½ at Neuvant House in Lawrence, KS. Mary was born on May 30, 1920 in St. Anthony, Idaho, the daughter of Carl and Elizabeth (Reed) Falk. She graduated from Stockton High School in 1938. During WW II, she and her sister Fern moved to Denver, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City to work in government positions and support the war effort. They returned to Stockton, where Mary met and married her first husband, Edwin Stewart and had 3 daughters, Stephanie, Rhonda, and Jeanie.

Mary was appointed to the Kansas State legislature in 1959, after Edwin was elected but could not serve due to his employment. Mary was only one of four women in the legislature at that time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. After Edwin’s death in 1961 and over the years, Mary worked for several businesses in Stockton, but spent 30 years as legal secretary to Stan Krysl at the firm of Hindman & Krysl. She retired June 30, 1995 with a celebration. Stan and Mary worked very closely as a team, and Stan attributed much of his success as an attorney to her.

Mary married Bill Eckart of Plainville, KS on June 13, 1969 at St. Thomas Church. They built a home in Stockton where they lived for 20 years until Bill’s death in 1989. Mary continued to live in their home in Stockton until 2009 when she moved to Lawrence, KS to be close to her daughters and granddaughters. She remained in Lawrence until her death.

Mary was a fun-loving person who enjoyed people and loved to dance her whole life. She recounted stories of those that could dance well and those that could not. A good dancer was always someone to be admired. Mary loved shopping and fashion and was well-known for the high-heeled shoes she always wore, no matter the occasion. Spending time with her family and spoiling her granddaughters was a favorite pastime. She enjoyed traveling and family vacations to many interesting places. Her family has many hilarious memories of travel with Mary and her sister Fern.

Survivors include her three daughters, Stephanie Stewart of Lawrence, KS, Rhonda Savage (Troy) of Independence, MO, and Jeanie Brown (Steve Blackwell) of Lawrence, KS; step-daughter Sue Eckart Riley of Holton, KS; two granddaughters, Barclay Hagen and Brianne Cook (Casey) of Lawrence, KS; and six great-grandchildren: Harleigh, Grayson, and Brogan Hagen; Cayman, Kiyana, and Brittyn Cook, all of Lawrence. Mary’s extended family includes six step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren. Mary felt so blest to have her family close to her and celebrated many holidays and family milestones with them.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Elizabeth Falk; two sisters, Pearl Fulghum and Fern McDonald, first husband Edwin Stewart, and second husband Bill Eckart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 7, 2018 at St. Thomas Catholic Church with burial following in the Catholic cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 6, 2018, from 4:00pm until 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Rosary and Vigil service at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to St. Thomas Parish and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton, KS 67669.

Governor: State offices closed Wednesday to mourn death of President George H.W. Bush

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The Office of Governor Jeff Colyer

WHEREAS, as the 41st President of the United States, former President George H. W. Bush was a dedicated statesman who led our country through a time of change following the Cold War; and 

WHEREAS, President Bush’s courage, dedication and leadership were evident throughout his lifetime of public service in many different roles, including serving with distinction in the United State Navy, as a delegate to the United Nations, envoy to China and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency prior to being elected President; and 

 

WHEREAS, President Trump has declared Wednesday, December 5, 2018 a National Day of Mourning for President Bush; and  

WHEREAS, State of Kansas offices were closed to mourn the deaths of other Presidents; including Presidents Kennedy, Eisenhower, Truman, Johnson, Reagan and Ford. 

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Kansas, I hereby designate Wednesday, December 5, 2018 as a legal holiday in observance of the National day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush and order that State of Kansas offices are to be closed in observance of the holiday.   

This document shall be filed with the Secretary of State as Executive Order No. 18-20 and shall become effective immediately. 

YOUNKER: Wet harvest conditions may result in soil compaction

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Dale Younker is a Soil Health Specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

The highly unusual wetter than average fall season had many of us harvesting fall crops in very wet soil moisture conditions. This resulted in leaving wheel tracks and ruts across the fields. Even where we didn’t rut up the field we may have compacted the soil to the point to where plant rooting and water infiltration will be affected. The question now is what we do to correct some of these issues we created.

If there are significant ruts across the field there may be no choice but to do at least some tillage to smooth out those areas just to facilitate future field operations. Probably not a big deal to those that typically do some tillage in their cropping system. But for us no-tillers we may have consider doing some spot tillage just to get the field smoothed back out. I would run the tillage implement just deep enough to fill in and smooth out the ruts. The type of implement you use may be somewhat determined to what is available but a vertical tillage tool may work the best. By design they are made to work shallow and smooth the ground.

That may take care of the ruts, but we still may have a compaction issue that was caused by heavy combine, grain cart and tractor wheel loads. But before we get to anxious about doing something we need to really determine how serious the compaction is. A soil penetrometer that measures the resistance, in pounds per square inch, as it is pushed into the soil works well to determine the amount and depth of the compaction. Another option would be to use a soil moisture probe and determine resistance by feel as the probe is pushed through the soil. There needs to be adequate soil moisture when using these tools to avoid getting false readings.

If we do have compaction that needs to be addressed there some options to correct it. If the compaction is not to severe and is shallow it may be best to let Mother Nature take care of itself. Through the winter the wet soil will freeze and thaw multiple times which will help loosen the soil to the depth that it freezes. In heavier clay soils the shrink-swell action when the soil wets and dries will also help with breaking up compaction layers.

If the compaction is significant, planting a cover crop, especially in fallow cropping systems, may be a good choice. Species with deep tap roots and robust fibrous roots should be a significant part of the seed mix. With the wetter than average conditions there should be sufficient moisture to get a cover crop established early next spring. The wetter soils will also help the plant roots penetrate through the compacted areas. After the cover crop is terminated and plant roots decay, channels will be left behind where new plant roots and soil water can follow through the compacted areas. The cover crop needs to be terminated timely to prevent excessive soil moisture use that may be needed for the next cash crop.

Subsoiling, or ripping, the field with a low disturbance ripper that leaves the crop residue on soil surface in place may also be something to consider. But before we go to that extreme we need

to think about the cost, the amount of time it is going to take and what potential benefit we are going to gain. University research in the corn belt suggest that ripping done at the proper time, proper soil moisture level, and at the correct depth and speed can break up compaction layers. But typically, that benefit is short lived and after one or two tillage operations the soil consolidates and gets compacted again at the tillage depth.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is a Soil Health Specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

Kansas man jailed after shots fired near college campus

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SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on weapons charges following a Sunday incident.

Kane -photo Shawnee County

Just before 2p.m., police responded to several calls of a man shooting a handgun near 17th and Lincoln in Topeka, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.

Witnesses kept an eye on the suspect and summoned officers to his location which was ultimately the 1900 block of SW Clay.

Washburn University police were notified at the time of the incident which induced security measures on campus.

Officers arrested Arsenio D. Kane, 33, Topeka. The gun suspected to have been used in the shots being fired was located at a residence near 18th and SW Buchanan.

Investigators learned that there was a specific known target of the attempted shooting; however that person did not make themselves known to law enforcement, according to Jones. There were no injuries.

Police on the Washburn campus were given the all clear shortly after Kane’s arrest.  No danger to University property or personnel occurred during the incident.

Kane was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections under suspicion of felony criminal damage, criminal use of a firearm, possession of stolen property (the firearm), and criminal trespass.

SPONSORED: Extension seeks Family and Community Wellness agent

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K-State Research and Extension is seeking an EXTENSION AGENT, Family and Community Wellness, in the Cottonwood District.

Primary office located in Hays, KS, with other office in Great Bend, KS.

See www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs for responsibilities, qualifications, and application procedure.

Application deadline: 12/14/18.

K-State Research and Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Background check required.

HaysMed nurse recognized at March of Dimes gala

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Jill Rozean of HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, was recently recognized as a finalist at the seventh annual March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards Gala in Kansas City.

Nurses who demonstrated excellence and leadership were recognized at the March of Dimes 2018 Nurse of the Year Awards. This event honors nurses from across Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area whose strength, courage and perseverance advance their profession. March of Dimes received nearly 800 nominations across 22 categories.

Patients, families and colleagues honor the selflessness, dedication and passion of Kansas and Greater Kansas City Nurses with nominations for the awards. From neonatal and pediatric care to mental health and advance practice, these awards recognize the contribution that registered nurses are making in our community and help fund the mission of the March of Dimes.

Rozean works in the Women/Infant Department of HaysMed and has been an associate since 2001.

— Submitted

Rankings of FHSU programs in Sept., Oct. and Nov.

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FHSU University Relations

Fort Hays State University’s Virtual College received four No. 1 rankings among many others from different agencies during the months of September, October and November for its affordable programs and quality online degrees.

Two online programs at FHSU were ranked No. 1 by OnlineU.org: the general studies degree with a concentration in sustainability (environmental science) and a Master of Arts with a concentration in history.

In addition, FHSU was ranked No. 1 by TheBestSchools.org for a virtual Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in art and art history. A No. 1 ranking was awarded to FHSU’s virtual Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Internet marketing by GradSchoolHub.com.

No. 1, 2019 Most Affordable Online Environmental Science Degrees
FHSU’s online Bachelor of General Studies degree with a concentration in sustainability (environmental science) received a No. 1 ranking from OnlineU.org for its acceptance rate and affordability.

Requirements to obtain a Bachelor of General Studies degree from FHSU includes the completion of 120 credit hours, a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and a minimum of 80 hours of course work in the liberal arts and science areas.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2PZhaAP.

No. 1, 2019 Most Affordable Online Master’s in History
OnlineU.org also recognized FHSU’s online Master of Arts in history and FHSU’s online Master of Arts in public history for its affordability.

“At FHSU, you can earn a master’s degree from a highly respected program with its roots firmly set in a rich historical landscape,” says FHSU’s website. Paid graduate teaching assistantships are also available in this program.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2PLlx1c.

No. 1, 10 Most Affordable Master’s in Internet Marketing Online 2018
Also recognized for its affordability, FHSU’s online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in internet marketing received a No. 1 ranking from GradSchoolHub.com.

“For working professionals who are self-motivated and independent, we use the latest technology to ensure that your education adapts to your needs,” says FHSU’s website. “We’re committed to providing you the highest quality of resources and answers whenever you need to get in touch with us.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2zrYdvr.

No. 1, The Best Online Master’s in Art and Art History Programs
The FHSU Virtual College’s Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in art and art history program received the No. 1 spot for its quality, academic excellence, reputation, financial aid assistance, range of degree programs and strength of online instruction methodology.

“The master’s in art history online prioritizes critical thinking through four core classes focused broadly on liberal arts, humanities and information literacy,” said TheBestSchools.org. “In these courses, students learn how to identify, deconstruct and rebut theoretical frameworks.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2D1jyiy.

No. 2, The Best Online Bachelor’s in Computer Programming Programs
The FHSU Virtual College is ranked second for the Bachelor of Science in computer science.

“The school’s computer programming online degree uses a flexible structure that allows full- or part-time students to take as many courses as their schedules can handle,” says TheBestSchools.org.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2zX4B16.

No. 2, The Best Online Bachelor’s in International Business Programs
This ranking is for FHSU’s Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in international business and economics.

“The university’s commitment to personal academic advising is evident in its live, on-demand, and online tutoring services. FHSU encourages transfer students to apply, offering pre-enrollment options to make the transition from one school to another as stress-free as possible,” says TheBestSchools.org

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2yRK2A6.

No. 2, The Best Online Bachelor’s in Network Administration Programs
FHSU’s online Bachelor of Science with a major in information networking and telecommunications was recognized in this category.

“The concentration in computer networking and telecommunications prepares graduates to work in telecommunications companies or in corporate, education, law enforcement, health care, and other computer and network positions,” says FHSU’s website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2HWvoOV.

No. 3, The Best Online Bachelor’s in History
The FHSU Virtual College was recognized for having one of the top online Bachelor of Arts programs with a history major.

“An online bachelor’s degree in history will introduce students to the process of researching and examining history, as well as studying the histories of different regions around the globe,” says GuideToOnlineSchools.com.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2SUCzc8.

No. 4, The Best Online Bachelor’s in Environmental Science
FHSU’s online Bachelor of General Studies degree with a concentration in sustainability, known as environmental science was recognized. FHSU was also recognized for having the lowest tuition rates.

“An accredited bachelor’s degree program will require a four-year commitment and will include classes in political science, communications, business, basic math and science, the national park system, global warming, conservation efforts, and wildlife threats,” says GuidetoOnlineSchools.com.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Pje5LB.

No. 6, The Best Online Master’s in History
The Master of Art with a concentration in history at FHSU was named one of the top online programs.

“Fort Hays State University has a notably low tuition of only $4,316 per year and an exceptional median alumni salary of $99,100,” says GuideToOnlineSchools.com.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2F6NVHb.

No. 11, The Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Program
The online Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in child development at FHSU was recognized for being one of the best with the lowest tuition on the list of schools.

“The program is designed for a wide variety of people, including online degree seekers, day-care providers, early childcare providers and parents,” according to FHSU’s website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2SQv6e6.

In addition to the two No. 1 rankings, OnlineU.org also recognized FHSU’s Virtual College with several other rankings this fall.

No. 2, 2019 Most Affordable Child Development Degrees Online
Based on its affordability, FHSU’s online Bachelor of General Studies degree with a concentration in child development was awarded a top spot in this ranking.

This liberal arts degree offered by FHSU provides students whom have well-defined career objectives and do not require a course specific or career specific degree the opportunity to graduate.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2P8qEJv.

No. 3, 2019 Most Affordable Online Colleges and Degrees
OnlineU.org ranked the FHSU Virtual College for its affordability and various selections of online degree programs.

FHSU’s Virtual College offers more than 50 online degrees specifically designed for adult learners. “Our online degree programs are fully accredited, affordable and utilize the latest in learning technology for what we think is one of the best values in higher education today,” according to FHSU’s website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2OwumYd.

No. 4, 2019 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degree
The FHSU Virtual College received a No. 4 ranking in affordability for 34 affordable online master’s programs.

“Fort Hays State University offers over 30 exclusively online master’s programs and is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools,” according to OnlineU.org’s website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Qpaqbx.

No. 8, The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree
FHSU’s Virtual College for individuals seeking a bachelor degree earned a top ranking for being one of the most affordable online colleges and degree programs.

With an annual tuition averaging $6,778 and 60 online bachelor degrees to choose from, it allows non-traditional students to attend school, while still maintaining a job and a family.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Qwauq8.

FHSU, Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Business Administration
FHSU’s online Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in business administration has been chosen as one of the 20 best degree programs across the United States.

“FHSU offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree program that allows concentrations in management, human resource management and operations management. Your program is designed to provide you with a high-quality program to fit any lifestyle,” says Online-Bachelors-Degrees.com.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2qxqH2D.

No. 3, Hays, KS is One of the Best Cities in the U.S. for Working Students
FHSU has been ranked nationwide as the third best school throughout the United States for working college students.

“The school’s tuition charges totaled $4,007 in 2017-18 for students, well under the $5,655 annual earnings of a student getting minimum wage in this city. In fact, such a student could pay tuition and still come out ahead of costs by $1,648,” according to the study on StudentLoanHero.com’s website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2OqbABP.

About the FHSU Virtual College
Distance education at Fort Hays State began in 1911 when faculty voted to offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to gain the continuing education required to teach. The distance education department created then evolved continuously with changing technology and culture until, in 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College.

Kansas lawmakers begin talks about sports betting

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers will get a crash course in sports gambling this week as they consider how to capitalize on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in May that lifted a federal ban on it.

Rep. Jan Kessinger

Seven states offer legal sports betting , and Kansas is among numerous other states considering whether to jump on the bandwagon. The surge in interest comes after New Jerseysuccessfully challenged the federal ban, clearing the way for gambling on games to expand beyond Nevada.

Democratic Gov.-elect Laura Kelly voiced support for expanding into sports betting during her campaign. Kansas already allows commercial casino gaming. The challenge is the details, said state Sen. Bud Estes, a Republican from Dodge City who is the chairman of the committee that will handle bills on the topic.

“I don’t want to skate on thin ice on something we don’t know anything about,” he said, while adding that it is “probably” going to happen in some form. He’s encouraging all lawmakers to show up Tuesday and Wednesday in Topeka for a special interim committee session on the topic.

No legislation has been drafted yet for the upcoming session, which starts Jan. 14.

Key issues include ensuring the tax rate isn’t so high that betters turn to illegal wagers and providing oversight to prevent fraud or cheating in games. Where and how bets can be cast also raises other questions. Will betting be restricted to casinos or allowed at sports bars, too? Are mobile betting apps permitted? If so, who will manage them?

“If we start passing legislation for interest groups, we could make a real mess,” Estes said. “We need to be educated. I’m not going to let my committee go out and pass a lot of legislation right out of the bag. We need to be smarter before we do it.”

During the last legislative session, Republican Rep. Jan Kessinger, of Overland Park, introduced a bill that received a hearing but failed to gain much traction. Budget officials estimated that it would have generated $75 million a year. He plans to try again next year.

“That is not waving a magic wound, boom,” he said of the revenue such a bill would generate. “It would take a while to get up to speed.”

He said the money could allow the state to address several pressing issues, including foster cases , the state pensionsystem and highways. He said some money would be set aside to help problem gamblers.

Kessinger would like to see sports betting available in social settings, such as sports bars and restaurants.

“It will generate more excitement and interest in sports, which I think will drive more traffic into these social settings,” generating jobs and more revenue from taxes of food and drink sales, he said. “There are a lot of different opportunities there.”

Cloudy, cold Monday

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Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. North wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. West southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west southwest after midnight.

WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 46. West southwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

ThursdayPartly sunny, with a high near 28.

Insurance, Securities agencies part of financial literacy program for inmates, families

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KID

TOPEKA — The Kansas Insurance Department and the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner are sponsoring a program to help federal penitentiary inmates and their families improve their financial literacy.

The “Read to Me, Dad” project is a pilot program that provides inmates at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, KS, with financial education on a variety of topics.  Classes take place over a four-week period and are taught by volunteer professionals. More than 20 inmate fathers and grandfathers signed up to participate, according to Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance, and Shannon Santschi, Director of Investor Education at the Securities Office.

“Fathers haven’t forgotten about their financial obligations that will need to be addressed upon release,” said Commissioner Selzer. “The men participating in ‘Read to Me, Dad’ are eager to gain knowledge and insight into budgeting, saving, banking and improving their credit. The program also provides children and grandchildren of inmates an opportunity to connect with their parents or grandparents through financially-themed literature. This program fosters literacy and financial capability in vulnerable populations in an effort to break the cycle of incarceration.”

Volunteer professionals have been recruited through the MoneySmart KC network and the Kansas Insurance Department. Modules from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Money Smart financial education program provide the foundation of the financial course.  Following the financial course completion, inmates will read and video-record two financially-themed stories for their children.  The accompanying books for the children are being provided by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

“‘Read to Me, Dad’ provides a financial education service to both inmates and their children,” said Santschi. “It is a program that connects positive ideas within the family. So far the response to the program by inmates has been very positive — most men are asking for more opportunities to learn about managing their money.”

For more about the program, email [email protected].

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