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Author: Hays Post

Connie Snyder

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Connie Snyder passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Hays Medical Center at the age of 72.

She was born on March 22, 1946 in Aurora, Nebraska to the late Raymond W. and Marie (Eaton) Douglas. She grew up in Aurora, Nebraska and attended Aurora Elementary School. In Junior High her family moved to Lexington, Nebraska. Connie graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1964. She attended Hastings College where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1968. Hastings College was also where she and Elvin met. On July 29, 1967, she married Elvin D. Snyder. Connie and Elvin were blessed with two children, Beverly and Steven.

Connie was a mother and homemaker for all of her life. She did work for the Sunflower Council of Girl Scouts as a Field Executive for a short while. She was assigned to and visited several Girl Scout Troops around the Dodge City, Kansas Area. She enjoyed working with Girls Scouts, but without a doubt her favorite job was mother, grandmother, and homemaker.

She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends who will tell you she was an excellent cook. Connie was a musician and played both piano and clarinet. She passed that love of music on to her children and grandchildren. Some of her hobbies were reading, crocheting, and crafts. She also loved going camping and traveling with her family. Connie loved her Nebraska “Huskers”. She would “cheer” so loud for them you did not want to be in the same room. It was like she thought they could hear her through the television. Connie had a passion for Genealogy. She thoroughly researched hers and Elvin’s family trees. In addition, she spent countless hours working on genealogy research for the state of Nebraska. For many years, Connie was the Nebraska GenWeb State Coordinator. She and her fellow genealogists were dedicated to providing free genealogical research tools.

Connie is survived by her husband, Elvin Snyder of Hoxie, Kansas; son, Steven Snyder and wife Angela of Hoxie, Kansas; daughter, Beverly Rucker and husband Ed of Hoxie, Kansas; brother, Don Douglas and Kathy McGregor of Florence, Oregon; sister Arlene Austin and husband Bob of Marysville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Quenton Rucker, Tabor Rucker, Victoria Rucker, Elyssa Rucker, Madison Snyder, and Nathan Snyder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Marie Douglas; sister, Ella Johnson; and brother-in-law, Don Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 24, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home in Hoxie, Kansas with Pastor Jake Schadel presiding. Burial will follow the service in the Hoxie City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. on Friday, November 23, 2018 at the Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Hoxie Schools Music Program and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Connie’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was always there for them and provided a good life for them. She will be missed, but her love will always be in the hearts of her family and friends.

Leonard J. Hepp

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Leonard J. Hepp, 100, La Crosse, Kansas, died Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.

Mr. Hepp was born October 17, 1918, in Cordia, Kansas, the son of Peter and Barbara (Herman) Hepp. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. He was a farmer.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and Knights Of Columbus Council 2970, both of La Crosse, Kansas.

On October 8, 1940, he married Annette “Nettie” Burgardt at Pfeifer, Kansas. She preceded him in death February 26, 2015.

Survivors include: two daughters, Lois Hepp, Washington, and Lynn Kindle (Dennis), Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother; and two sisters.

Visitation will be Friday, November 23, 2018, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.

Funeral service will be Saturday, November 24, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating. Interment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Karen J. Schumacher

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Karen J. Schumacher, 77, Hays, died Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at HaysMed.

She was born April 27, 1941 in Hays, the daughter of Adolph and Rose (Leiker) Kryzer. In 1959, she graduated from Girls Catholic High School. On September 28, 1959, she was united in marriage to Donald L. “Donny” Schumacher at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, and they celebrated over 59 years of marriage.

Karen worked in the business office at St. Anthony Hospital, was a homemaker, and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Daughters of Isabella Circle #254, and the Buckeye FCE Ladies Club. She enjoyed her pinochle card club, playing Bingo, crocheting, embroidering tea towels, and traveling with her husband and family. She was a loyal Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan and she loved animals, taking them in and caring for them.

Survivors include her husband Donald, of the home in Hays, a daughter; Tanya Staats and husband Brian of Great Bend, two sons; Todd Schumacher and wife Melissa of Topeka and Ty Schumacher of the home in Hays, two sisters; Janice Arnold of Hays and Phyllis Kryzer of Wichita, and six grandchildren; Cody Schumacher and wife Taryn, Courtney Schumacher, Connor Schumacher, Charell Owings and husband Jeremy, Cierra Einsel and husband Darin, and Collin Rous and wife Anna.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm and a parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm, both on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains, in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Karen may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Glen H. Kersenbrock

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Glen H. Kersenbrock, 91, died Tuesday, November 21, 2018 at Prairie Senior Living Complex, Colby.

Services are pending with Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby.

Hutch man sentenced to 7+ years for downloading child porn

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WICHITA – A Hutchinson man was sentenced Tuesday to 90 months in federal prison for downloading child pornography from the internet, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Shane Ragsdale, 31, Hutchinson, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. In his plea, he admitted he used a peer-to-peer file-sharing network to download child pornography.

McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

SW Kan. woman appointed 16th Dist. Judge

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Judge Laura Lewis (Photo courtesy Meade County)

OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer has appointed Laura Lewis of Meade as a District Judge in the 16th District. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Van Hampton.

Lewis currently serves as the Meade County Attorney, a position to which she was first elected in 2008. She also serves as a municipal judge for Dodge City.

She received her undergraduate and law degrees from Washburn University.

The 16th District is comprised of Clark, Comanche, Ford, Gray, Kiowa, and Meade counties.

HPD Activity Log Nov. 16-19

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The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 25 traffic stops Fri., Nov. 16, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 11/15; 8 AM
Trash Dumping–3300 block Skyline Dr, Hays; 10/16 10:20 AM; 11/16 10:20 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1200 block Donald Dr, Hays; 12 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block E 15th St, Hays; 12:44 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–2700 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 12:51 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Injury–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2:11 PM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–100 block W 15th St, Hays; 2:48 PM
Suspicious Person–1700 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 3:18 PM
Dangerous Animal–1400 block Oak St, Hays; 3:42 PM
Parking Complaint–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 11/15 4:33 PM; 11/16 4:33 PM
Temporary Deprivation of Property–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 4:56 PM
Unattended Death–2900 block Sternberg Dr, Hays; 3:45 PM; 4:57 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 6:13 PM
Suspicious Activity–200 block W 29th St, Hays; 3:15 PM
Custody Dispute–2700 block Epworth, Hays; 8:36 PM
Disturbance – General–400 block E 7th St, Hays; 9:22 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:08 PM
Disturbance – General–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 10:20 PM
Unwanted Person–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:50 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 40 traffic stops Sat., Nov. 17, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–600 block Oak St, Hays; 2:02 AM
Animal At Large–100 block Ash St, Hays; 7:39 AM
Welfare Check–2900 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:32 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–400 block Riley St, Hays; 12:39 PM
Battery – Domestic–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 12: PM; 2:09 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–4200 block Vine St, Hays; 3 PM; 3:01 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–700 block Milner St, Hays; 4:24 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–500 block E 12th St, Hays; 6:16 PM
Unwanted Person–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:12 PM
Driving Under the Influence–700 block Park St, Hays; 11:22 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 13 traffic stops Sun., Nov. 18, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Criminal Damage to Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:35 AM
Disturbance – Fight–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 1:15 AM; 1:35 AM
Disorderly Conduct–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:02 AM; 2:07 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 11/18 2:51 AM; 11/8 2:51 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block W 4th St, Hays; 2:58 AM
Driving Under the Influence–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 3:15 AM; 3:21 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–3500 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 9:39 AM
Drug Offenses/DUI–100 block E 15th St, Hays; 7 PM; 10:20 AM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Mon., Nov. 19, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-Hit and Run–2700 block Hall St, Hays; 7:47 AM
MV Accident-Property Damage–300 block W 13th St, Hays; 7:57 AM; 8:07 AM
Animal At Large–300 block W 24th St, Hays; 9:25 AM
Welfare Check–1500 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:52 AM
Theft (general)–500 block E 20th St, Hays; 12 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:13 PM
MV Accident-Property Damage–1500 block Allen St, Hays; 1:45 PM; 1:50 PM
Drug Offenses–300 block W 16th St, Hays; 2 PM; 3:36 PM
Civil Dispute–1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 2:09 PM
Welfare Check–1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 3:35 PM; 5 PM
Credit Card Violations–Hays; 3:37 PM
Animal At Large–6th and Milner St, Hays; 4:18 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2500 block E 21st St, Hays; 4:34 PM
Criminal Threat–400 block W 32nd St, Hays; 4:34 PM
Animal At Large–1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 4:56 PM
Drug Offenses–2400 block Vine St, Hays; 11:04 PM

Temporary replacement named to lead Haskell University

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LAWRENCE (AP) — A temporary replacement has been named to lead Haskell Indian Nations University after a scathing federal report.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that the Bureau of Indian Education says Haskell professor Daniel Wildcat will serve as acting president beginning Tuesday. For as long as the next 60 days, Haskell Indian Nations University President Venida Chenault will be on “special assignment for the BIE.”

Haskell faculty learned of the change in an email from the Haskell president’s office. The email says the change is to help the BIE “meet mission objectives.”

The announcement came after a report issued Friday said administrators at the university had underreported crime statistics for a two-year period and failed to follow internal policy when handling misconduct complaints. A university spokesman didn’t immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Johnson County man sentenced, banned from banking

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A former banker who lives in Johnson County was sentenced today to 3 years probation and banned from working as a banker, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Michael W. Yancey, 59, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements on a loan application. In his plea, he admitted the crime took place while he was working as a senior vice president and commercial lender at Farmers Bank & Trust, N.A., in Overland Park. Farmers Bank is headquartered in Great Bend.

Yancey conspired with another person to obtain and maintain a business loan of $850,000 from Farmers Bank for two companies by falsely representing the terms of a real estate purchase in Basehor, Kan. He falsely represented to the bank that the property’s purchase price was $1.1 million when in fact it was $850,000. The false information made it appear the loan conformed to a maximum 75 percent loan-to-value ratio when in truth the loan was approximately 97 percent of the purchase price. He also falsely stated that the loan involved a seller carryback of $150,000 and a borrower equity injection of $125,000.

McAllister commended SIG-TARP (Office of Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program), the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.

KDHE issues food safety tips for the holiday season

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Hotline for suspected foodborne illnesses offered

TOPEKA – As we enter the busy holiday season, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is sharing important food safety practices by encouraging Kansans to follow some simple tips to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Clean your hands for 20 seconds with soapy water before touching any food. Wash hands and surfaces often during food preparation. Always serve food on clean plates and avoid reusing plates that previously held raw meat and poultry.

Separate raw and cooked foods to avoid cross contamination. Use a separate cutting board for cooked foods and raw foods and always wash them after use. Do not cut raw vegetables on the same cutting board as raw meat. Wash any utensil after preparing one food item before going on to the next item.

Cook using a food thermometer to make sure all food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature; turkey, stuffing, and casseroles should be 165°F; veal, beef and lamb roasts should reach 145°F; and ham, pork, ground beef and egg dishes should be 160°F. When reheating, leftovers should be thoroughly heated to 165°F.

Chill leftovers within two hours of cooking. Keep track of how long items have been sitting on the table and discard anything that has been out longer than two hours. Keep hot foods hot, 140°F or hotter, and cold foods cold, 40°F or below. Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw food in the refrigerator, in a cold-water bath or in the microwave.

Report suspected foodborne illnesses to KDHE by calling 877-427-7317. Often, calls from concerned citizens are how outbreaks are first detected.

Need more information? Visit the following food safety websites and enjoy your holidays.

Ellis High cheerleaders bring home second straight title

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(Back row, from left) Cheyenne Born, Michelle Gottschalk, Michaela Keller, Maddy Guffey, Clara Crawford, Morgan Bittel, Haley Schmidt, Madison Gottschalk
(Front row, from left) Evalyn Miller, Rylee Werth, Cassie Waldschmidt, Grace Beisner, and Camryn Frickey.

TOPEKA — On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Ellis High School cheerleaders competed in the KSHSAA Spirit Game Day Cheer Showcase in Topeka.

They competed against 21 other schools in Class 1-2A. The cheerleaders performed in crowd-leading, band chant, and fight song categories.

The Ellis High School Cheerleaders were named Class 1-2A Game Day Cheer Showcase Champions for the second year in a row. They are coached by Kristi Bittel.

AAA Kansas warns of driving dangers on ‘Drinksgiving’

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Thanksgiving Eve Is Big Party Night For Students, Others, Home For The Holiday

WICHITA – The day of frenzied shopping that follows Thanksgiving is commonly referred to as Black Friday. But, in recent years, some have started referring to the night before Thanksgiving as ‘Blackout Wednesday’ or ‘Drinksgiving’ because of the heavy alcohol consumption or binge drinking done by college students and others, home for the holiday and reuniting with friends and family at bars, restaurants or homes.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the day before Thanksgiving sees more impairment-related crashes than any other day of the year. Those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs endanger not only themselves, but also others they share the road with – such as their passengers, other motorists and their passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
“While ‘Blackout Wednesday’ or ‘Drinksgiving’ may be clever ‘buzz’ words, there’s nothing clever about being buzzed or drunk and getting behind the wheel,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA Kansas. “Drivers also need to remember that prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs can impair the ability to drive safely, as well. Combining any of these drugs with alcohol can increase the impairment factor more.”
From 2012 to 2016, more than 800 people died nationwide in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period (6:00 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday), making it the deadliest holiday on our roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
During that same period in Kansas (2012-2016), over the 5-day Thanksgiving holiday, there were 188 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 109 injuries and four fatalities.
On average, across Kansas, three persons are injured every day, and one person is killed every four days in alcohol/drug-related crashes. And the crashes tend to be more severe. Vehicle occupants in alcohol- or other drug-related crashes are more than 2.5 times more likely to be injured or killed than those involved in crashes where alcohol or other drugs were not a factor.
Each week across Kansas, more than 250 drivers are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence). A DUI conviction will result in jail time, the suspension or revocation of driver’s license, a fine of $500 to $2,500, participation in an alcohol or other drug treatment program and, where alcohol is cited as a contributing factor, the purchase and installation of an ignition interlock device by the offender. This device requires the offender to blow into a device that measures blood alcohol concentration prior to starting the car. It’s embarrassing and a hassle.
The Kansas Highway Patrol, along with local law enforcement, will be increasing patrols to foster safe roadways during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week, with a special eye out for impaired drivers.
AAA Kansas is reminding anyone headed out Wednesday night or throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and planning to drink:
  • Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Don’t risk it.
  • Make a plan ahead of time to have a sober, designated driver
  • If you don’t have a designated driver, call a friend or family member, taxi or car share service such as Uber or Lyft to get you home safely
  • Never let family or friends drive if they have had too much alcohol to drink
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement
“It is never OK to get behind the wheel of a vehicle when you are buzzed, drunk or otherwise impaired,” AAA Kansas’ Steward reiterated. “The risk of injury or death for yourself, passengers and others on the roads is not worth it, especially when there are other ways to get home safely. AAA Kansas wants everyone to safely enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with their friends and family and not have to deal with a tragedy caused by impaired driving.”

Thomas Co. man hurt in rollover accident

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A Thomas County man was injured in a vehicle accident just before midnight Tuesday in Rawlins County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Ernest J. Leija, 21, Gem, was driving a 2004 Ford Explorer east on Road G, a half mile west of Highway K-25 at 11:41 p.m.  Leija lost control of the SUV as he moved to the right when meeting an oncoming vehicle.

The SUV left the roadway, overturned and came to rest in a field on the south side of the road.

Leija was taken to the Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood and later was flown to Swedish Medical Center in Eagle, Colorado.

He was not wearing a seatbelt.

 

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