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TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court has adopted new child support guidelines that will take effect January 1, 2020. The court adopted the updated guidelines through Administrative Order 307, which says they are to be used as a basis for establishing and reviewing child support orders in Kansas district courts. The new guidelines are available on the Kansas judicial branch website at www.kscourts.org: Kansas Child Support Guidelines are rules judges and hearing officers follow to decide how much child support each parent is to pay toward raising their children. At the most basic level, they guide parents to create a fair and balanced distribution of resources essential to raising children: time and money. Child support pays for housing, clothing, transportation, recreation, health care, child care, and other expenses that would have been shared by the parents had the family remained intact. Federal law requires states to review their child support guidelines every four years. In Kansas, an advisory committee reviews Kansas’ guidelines to ensure that the roughly $35 million mothers and fathers pay in support each month is equitable for the parents and appropriate for the day-to-day essential needs of the children they support. Kansas has reviewed and revised its guidelines 10 times since they were initially established in 1989. The advisory committee that has done the reviews has included parents who either pay or receive child support, tax professionals with expertise in child support, attorneys, and judges. An economist is enlisted to help with the review. The current committee spent nearly a year reviewing the guidelines and making proposed updates. The updates were made available for public comment this summer, and comments were considered by the Supreme Court before the updates were adopted this week. |
Author: Hays Post
Authorities investigate after locomotives crash in Nebraska
By KALIN KROHE
Panhandle Post
Two BNSF locomotives collided on Friday night around 11 p.m. approximately 11 miles east of Alliance or a few miles west of Antioch, Nebraska.
According to BNSF public affairs director Andy Williams, one of the trains was stopped as another train hit the other in the rear while slowing down to stop. Both came off the train tracks. All the coal cars on the trains were empty.
The trains were westbound going to Wyoming.
Williams said, Hulcher Services helped lift the empty train cars and set them back on the tracks.
No one was injured in the train accident.
Former White House press secretary making stop in Kan. hometown
ABILENE — Former White House Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater is returning to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood home, according to a media release from the museum.
Abilene’s very own Marlin Fitzwater returns to discuss his new book, Calm Before the Storm: Desert Storm Diaries & Other Stories, during the next Eisenhower Presidential Library’s Lunch & Learn program.
The program is scheduled for noon Wednesday in the Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center Auditorium, 200 SE 4th, Abilene. Free and open to the public, a light lunch is included on a first come, first serve basis. A sign-language interpreter will be available for this program.
Fitzwater’s front row seat as White House Press Secretary to some of America’s most defining moments provides an intimate look at what transpired inside the White House.
Fitzwater is an American writer who served as White House Press Secretary for President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush from 1983 to 1993. Fitzwater was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal in 1992. He is the founder of the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication located at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire. He is married and lives in Maryland, in a village on the Chesapeake Bay.
A book signing will follow Fitzwater’s presentation. Copies of his book are available for sale in the gift shop and online at www.ILikeIkeStore.com.
The Lunch & Learn series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation.
🎥 Green & Growing 2019 Soil Testing
Planning a garden? Test your soil through the master gardener extension office.
Kansas, Missouri farmers sticking with Trump despite hard times
By FRANK MORRIS, Kansas News Service
Most farmers haven’t had a single good year since President Trump took office, and Trump’s policies on trade, immigration and ethanol are part of the problem.
Yet farmers, who broadly supported Trump in 2016, are sticking with him as the impeachment inquiry moves forward.
“You see everyone circling their wagons now, and the farm community is no different in that,” says John Herath, the news director at Farm Journal.
The farm magazine polls more than a thousand farmers monthly. Herath says Trump’s popularity slumped a bit in the summer, but he notes it bounced back to 76% favorable the week the U.S. House launched its impeachment inquiry.
‘Scratching our heads’
Farmer Luke Ulrich says he works at least 12 hours a day, almost every day, tending his crops and cattle near Baldwin City, Kansas.
Ulrich anticipates a decent corn and soybean crop this year. But his expenses are so high, and the prices he’s getting for his crops and cattle are so low, he’s budgeting less than $25,000 in income for the whole year.
“We more or less live off my wife’s income,” says Ulrich, looking up from the combine he’s fixing. “She carries the benefits. If it wasn’t for her we’d probably be sunk.”
President Trump is partly to blame for low grain prices. China retaliated against his tariffs by all but closing a giant export market for Ulrich’s soybeans.
“I’d probably be lying if I said some of us aren’t scratching our heads every once in a while,” says Ulrich. “I sometimes wonder if he didn’t bite off a little more than he could chew.”
The Trump administration hurt demand for corn by allowing dozens of oil refineries to sidestep their legal obligations to use billions of gallons of corn-based ethanol in gasoline blends.
Still, Ulrich says he’s not mad at Trump. He loves Trump’s hands-off approach to environmental regulations, and he appreciates the $28 billion aid package that Trump’s agriculture department has distributed to compensate farmers for what they’re losing in export sales.
Walking the line
Pat Westhoff, who directs the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri, says farm bankruptcies are up sharply this year and says the so-called “trade aid” payments are crucial.
“Every dollar counts right now, so it’s a difference between profit and loss for many producers,” says Westhoff.
Trump has mitigated some of the problems he’s caused farmers. Sara Wyant, president of Agri-Pulse Communications, has been polling farmers about Trump for years and says they’ve stood by him through it all.
“That is not going to hold forever,” warns Wyant. “That is going to be a position that when some of them start to face, well, either it’s Trump or going out of business, they’re not going to be still voting for Trump.”
But many farmers are keeping their hopes up. That’s what they tell Jim Mintert, director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue University. Mintert says two-thirds of the 400 farmers he polls each month look for a happy ending to the trade wars.
“I wouldn’t say that we’ve seen any evidence of people becoming, less supportive of the administration’s trade policy,” says Mintert. “That’s not to say farmers aren’t concerned. They are very definitely concerned.”
Deeply personal politics
Trump’s tried to ease those concerns. He’s promised progress on trade, pledged to force oil companies to use billions of gallons more ethanol.
And then there are the $28 billion in so-called “market facilitation payments” over and above other farm subsidies and disaster assistance.
And politics are deeply personal these days, according to Chris Larimer, a political science professor at the University of Northern Iowa. Larimer says farmers have to square their economic differences with Trump, with their partisan allegiance to him.
“These partisan identities are hardening,” says Larimer. “So, you kind of have forces pushing in both ways. And it’s sort of this ongoing experiment to see which one breaks first.”
For now, political ideology seems to be winning. While there’s a lot of grumbling about Trump among farmers, neither the trade wars nor the impeachment investigations seem to be driving them away from him, yet.
Frank Morris is a national NPR correspondent and senior editor in conjunction with the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter @FrankNewsman.
Fort Hays State to host ‘Women Entrepreneurship Week’ panel
FHSU University Relations
Fort Hays State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship will host a local women business owners panel on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 12 to 1:15 p.m. in the Memorial Union Black and Gold Room as part of “Women Entrepreneurship Week.”
A question and answer session will be followed by a reception with refreshments.
The panel discussion will feature five successful local women entrepreneurs: Deanna Doerfler, owner of Doerfler’s Harley Davidson; Lisa Kisner, founder of Lisa’s Custom Interiors; Bonnie Pfannenstiel, owner of PoPt! Gourmet Popcorn; Kiley Rupp, founder of Body and Soul Day Spa; and Tammy Wellbrock, founder of Girl Twin Solutions, LLC.
Admission is free and open to all of the Fort Hays State community.
For more information, visit https://www.fhsu.edu/cob/entrepreneurship/
Pop vocalists from NYC will play Colby venue
COLBY — YouTube and TV stars Backtrack — a five-person pop vocal group from New York City — will perform Sunday, Oct. 20. The concert begins at 3 p.m. CDT at the Cultural Arts Center, 1255 S. Range, Colby. The program is sponsored by Western Plains Arts Association, part of the local arts organization’s 50th anniversary season.
Admission is by WPAA season ticket or at the door, $20 adults and $10 students.
Backtrack’s exciting arrangements transform familiar tunes and showcase the top-notch vocal (and beatboxing) abilities of all of the members. The group takes the stage around the nation at performing arts centers, corporate events, music festivals, schools and more. They infuse heart and humor into every performance and cover genres from pop to Motown to classical, as well as perform original compositions.
Backtrack got its start on YouTube, where the group now has over 10 million views and 110,000 subscribers. They’ve appeared on PopTV & Scary Mommy’s “Lullaby League” hosted by Parks and Recreation star Jim O’Heir; Steve Harvey’s daytime show, STEVE! and Broadway’s Kinky Boots. They recently won New York’s Got Talent Season 6.
The individual members also have distinguished resumes. Come enjoy this outstanding group of performers
WPAA’s 50th season has been made possible by numerous business and individual donors throughout the area.
— Submitted
Kansas leadership program kicks off two-year educational experience
Several from northwest Kansas part of the 2019 class
By MARY LOU PETER
K-State Research & Extension
MANHATTAN – From Kansas City to Garden City and Sharon Springs to Liberty, members of the newest class of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership program jumped into their first seminar recently to become better acquainted and hear updates on the state of agriculture and rural communities. And that was just the first night.
“Awkward is awesome,” said one new member of KARL Class XV, who spoke of getting out of one’s comfort zone during the “Genesis Seminar” held Aug. 22-24 in Manhattan and Junction City.
The new class of 28 came from their day-to-day work in banking, education, agriculture, government and other backgrounds to build their leadership skills and learn more about their state, country and the world and how they’re all connected – all with the goal of developing effective leadership skills. Overall, they’ll attend nine in-state seminars over two years, plus a “Blue Chip” session for a closeup view of the corporate world. They’ll also travel to Washington, D.C. in 2020 and to United Arab Emirates in 2021.
Ernie Minton, dean of Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture, and Mike Beam, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, were among the speakers at the kickoff event, hosted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture in Manhattan. The rest of the seminar was at Rock Springs Ranch near Junction City, where sessions focused on developing group dynamic skills, team building and ethics in leadership.
“These seminars are a chance for KARL class members to learn from speakers and also from each other’s experiences as they become more familiar with opportunities and challenges across the state,” said Jill Zimmerman, KARL president. She cited a presentation by Lane Letourneau of the KDA Division of Water Resources as he explained water permit types and requirements in the state and the difference between Local Enhanced Management Areas (LEMA) and Intensive Groundwater Use Control Areas (IGUCAs).
Deputy Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith spoke with the class about animal traceability, including a pilot program called Cattle Trace. KDA Agriculture Marketing Director Kerry Wefald spoke of the current economic impact agriculture has on the state. Other presentations focused on listening and conversation; rural revitalization; civil discourse; being a courageous leader; and creating your own story.
“The best part of the session was seeing the comfort level of the group change from the prior day,” said class member Garrett Reiss of St. George, Kansas, in describing the final day of the seminar. “You could clearly see the level of conversation getting deeper and the closeness of the group increase immensely just over a couple short days.”
Making connections with current and former class members and seminar speakers is a big part of being involved in the program, Zimmerman said.
Previous KARL class members have gone on to hold elective office in their communities and at the state level, and to lead numerous state and national organizations, including Kansas Farm Bureau, National Sorghum Producers, National Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Wheat Associates and Kansas Water Authority.
Next up for Class XV is a November 6-8 seminar in Garden City focused on economic development.
Northwest Kansas members of the class include:
– Ellis, Ellis County: Darci Cain (Fort Hays State University)
– Downs, Osborne County: Amy Doane (Smith County Memorial Hospital)
– Phillipsburg, Phillips County: Kayla Jarvis (First National Bank and Trust)
– Oakley, Logan County: Leigh Ann Maurath (Kansas Farm Bureau)
– Russell, Russell County: Andrew Ochampaugh (Agrilead, Inc.)
– Sharon Springs, Wallace County: Clay Schemm (Arrow S Farms)
Kansas man dies after ejected when pickup rolls
COMANCHE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 1a.m. Sunday in Comanche County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Melvin R. Odell, 69, Coldwater, was eastbound on I Street two miles east of Coldwater.
The driver lost control of the pickup. It ran off the roadway to the right, rolled multiple times over a barb wire fence and the driver was ejected.
Odell was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Hatfield Prusa Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
Ellis Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat set for Sunday
ELLIS — The Ellis Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Ellis Food Pantry. The food pantry is located behind Casey’s.
Community members will be going door to door collecting non-perishable food items for the the food bank.
This is a great way for students to earn community service hours, KAY points, FCCLA points, FFA involvement and others.
Kansas man who used BB gun in 3 robberies sentenced
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man who robbed three stores was sentenced this week to 84 months in federal prison, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Willie Smith, 39, Wichita, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted that in 2018 he robbed the QuikTrip store at 1532 S. Seneca. He showed the clerk what appeared to be a revolver before demanding money. Later, when investigators searched his apartment, they found a black BB gun they believe Smith used in three robberies.
At sentencing, the court also took into account as relevant conduct two other robberies Smith committed in 2018. Smith robbed the Express Mart at 565 S. Market. During the robbery, he showed the clerk what appeared to be a revolver. Smith also robbed Pete’s Liquor at 332 W. Harry. During the robbery, he pulled out what appeared to be a revolver.
New attorney for suspect in fatal shooting of Washburn player
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man charged in the shooting death of a former Washburn University football player and the wounding of current New York Giants cornerback Corey Ballentine has a new attorney.
KiAnn Caprice was appointed this week to defend 18-year-old Francisco Mendez, who faces 12 charges after the April 28 shooting that killed Dwane Simmons. The appointment came after Mendez’s previous attorney withdrew from the case.
Last month, Mendez pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, four counts of attempted murder and seven other counts. Simmons, Ballentine and three other Washburn players were shot at as they celebrated after Ballentine was drafted by the Giants earlier in the day.
Investigators have said at least three guns were used in the shooting.
Evelyn Rose Meitl
Evelyn Rose Meitl, 96, of Oberlin, went to be with the Lord on October 10, 2019 surrounded by her family. She was born in Rural Decatur County on October 9, 1923 to Arthur A. and Florence E. (Spiers) Orr. She was one of four children. Evelyn attended Elementary School at the District 23 Rural School and High School at Oberlin High School and Canton High School in Canton, Illinois. On November 23, 1943, Evelyn married Bernard J. Meitl at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Leoville, Kansas. They were blessed with a family of eleven children.
After Ben and Evelyn were married, they made their home on a farm northwest of Dresden until moving to the Meitl homeplace. She moved to Leoville and then Oberlin, Kansas where she has made her home for many years. Evelyn ran the grocery store in Leoville, Kansas from 1971-1972 and was part owner of the Dresden Thrift Shop. She would say her occupation was homemaker. She was a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother who helped on the farm and raised her family. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Leoville and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oberlin, Sacred Heart Alter Society, Dresden Guild, and the American Legion Auxiliary of Dresden.
Evelyn worked hard keeping her home and volunteering at church, and where she was needed. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, doing family genealogy, playing cards, puzzles, and watching TV game shows. Her garden provided many good meals for her family. She liked to do quilting. She enjoyed family history and spent hours doing genealogy searches. Most of all her priority was her family. She enjoyed spending time with family and loved them dearly.
Evelyn is survived by her sons, David Meitl (Janet) of Dresden, Kansas, Ed Meitl (Janet) of Dresden, Kansas, Dan Meitl (Megan) of Oberlin, Kansas, Alvin Meitl (Karma) of Salina, Kansas; daughters, Pauletta Bieker (Gene) of Oberlin, Kansas, Patty Gray (Ron) of Wichita, Kansas, Betty McDowell PhD of Prattville, Alabama, Rose Chancellor of Gastonia, North Carolina, and Mary Cressler (Russell) of Jennings, Kansas; grandchildren , fifty-two; great-grandchildren, eighty-five; great-great grandchildren, twenty-three; and great-great-great grandchild, one; God-children, twelve; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard (Ben) J. Meitl; parents, Arthur & Florence Orr; son, Larry Paul Meitl; daughter, Donna M. Boswell; brothers, Loyde R. Orr and Roy E. Orr; sister, Erlene Schroer; grandsons, Mickeal Quakenbush and infant grandson; three great-grandchildren, Blade Bieker ,Christina Quakenbush, and Aaron Phillips; sons-in-law, Tim Kinser, Robert Boswell, Tony Bieker, and Ken Chancellor; and daughter-in-law, Naomi Meitl.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Leoville, Kansas, at 10:30 A.M. with Father Carlos presiding. Interment will follow the service in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Leoville. Visitation will be Monday, October 14, 2019, at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, Kansas from 11:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. A Vigil service will be held on Monday, October14, 2019, Pauls Funeral Home-Oberlin at 7:00 P.M. The family suggests memorials to the Evelyn Meitl Memorial Fund or to Masses and may be sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave, Oberlin, Kansas 67749. Online condolences may be left at www.Paulsfh.com
Evelyn lived a very fulfilled life. She will be missed. She will be in our memories forever and in our hearts. Remember Evelyn with love and joy.
Click HERE for service details.