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Semi strikes Cathedral Avenue railroad bridge in Tuesday accident

(Photo courtesy Steve Arthur)

VICTORIA — At 8:50 a.m. Tuesday, Ellis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a non-injury accident located in the 300 block of Cathedral Avenue in Ellis County.

Upon their arrival, Deputies found that Fritz Kiteck, 19, of Overland Park was driving southbound in a 2017 white Freightliner semi with box trailer. Kiteck failed to see the posted truck route sign or the posted bridge clearance sign notifying the 12’6″ clearance ahead.

As the vehicle passed under the railroad crossing bridge, the trailer struck the bridge, causing damage. Representatives from Union Pacific Railroad responded and inspected the bridge.

The Victoria Police Department also assisted with the incident.

— Ellis County Sheriff’s Office

HPD Activity Log Oct. 12-16

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 27 traffic stops Fri., Oct. 12, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Open Door/Window–300 block E 17th St, Hays; 4:58 AM
Animal At Large–210 block Milner St, Hays; 9:08 AM
Civil Dispute–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:46 AM
Harassment (All Other)–700 block E 8th St, Hays; 11:01 AM
Suspicious Activity–2700 block  Canal Blvd, Hays; 12 AM; 11:36 AM
Harassment (All Other)–600 block E 15th St, Hays; 11:47 AM
Theft (general)–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:54 AM
Theft (general)–600 block  Pine St, Hays; 12:04 AM; 12:08 AM
Civil Dispute–100 block W 4th St, Hays; 1:01 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:03 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block Halladay St, Hays; 10/10 11 PM; 10/12 1 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1200 block Main St, Hays; 1:24 PM
Mental Health Call–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 1:44 PM
Criminal Trespass–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:55 PM; 2:10 PM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–600 block W 13th St, Hays; 2:19 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2400 block Adelaide Dr, Thompsons Station; 9/3/15 3:04 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3:07 PM; 3:07 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 4:23 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 12 AM
Trash Dumping–300 block W 16th St, Hays; 5:55 PM; 6:25 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1700 block Felten Dr, Hays; 7:40 PM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block W 4th St, Hays; 11:08 PM
Animal Call–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 11:09 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 39 traffic stops Sat., Oct. 13, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–1100 block Cody Ave, Hays; 12:53 AM
Drug Offenses–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:49 AM; 2:15 AM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–500 block E 7th St, Hays; 3:21 AM
Drug Offenses–3300 block Elm St, Hays; 9:19 AM
Welfare Check–400 block W 32nd St, Hays; 9:47 AM; 1 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:24 PM
Animal At Large–2700 block Ash St, Hays; 4:11 PM
Civil Dispute–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 5:29 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2100 block Fort St, Hays; 6:26 PM
Domestic Disturbance–300 block E 13th St, Hays; 8 PM; 8:30 PM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block W 4th St, Hays; 10:08 PM
Liquor Offense, sell, furnish, transport–500 block W 7th, Hays; 10:34 PM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:33 PM
Obstruction of Legal Process–3500 block Vine St, Hays; 11:45 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 8:30 PM; 11:20 PM
Stalking–1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 8:24 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 22 traffic stops Sun., Oct. 14, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:08 AM; 12:15 AM
Disturbance – Noise–300 block E 12th St, Hays; 12:42 AM
Disorderly Conduct–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:40 AM
Disturbance – General–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 12:509 AM
Intoxicated Subject–4500 block Larned Cir, Hays; 12:56 AM
Water Use Violation–1300 block Anthony Dr, Hays; 1:25 AM
Disturbance – Noise–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 2:52 AM
Suicidal Subject–400 block W 17th St, Hays; 4:04 AM
Animal At Large–1800 block Fort St, Hays; 12:12 PM
Found/Lost Property–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 12:58 PM
Welfare Check–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 6 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–500 block E 16th St, Hays; 10:19 PM
Animal Call–600 block W 13th St, Hays; 10:45 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Mon., Oct. 15, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–800 block Park St, Hays; 1:56 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–3300 block Hall St, Hays; 10:18 AM
Suspicious Activity–2100 block Milner St, Hays; 10:45 AM
Disturbance – Noise–1300 block Haney Dr, Hays; 12:23 PM
Aggravated Battery–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 4:07 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 10/12 12:01 AM; 10/14 11:59 PM
Suspicious Activity–1400 block Fort St, Hays; 6:25 PM
Suspicious Vehicle–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 11:15 PM
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 11:44 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 37 traffic stops Tue., Oct. 16, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–2500 block General Lawton Rd, Hays; 5:30 AM
Missing Person–1000 block E 15th St, Hays; 7:07 AM; 7:19 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:20 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 8:20 AM; 8:22 AM
Drug Offenses–2500 block Gen Lawton Rd, Hays; 10:29 AM; 11:25 AM
Found/Lost Property–400 block W 14th St, Hays; 12:49 PM
Animal At Large–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:21 PM
Theft (general)–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 10/14 8 AM; 9 AM
Burglary/vehicle–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 10/12 11:30 PM; 10/13 10 AM
Animal Injured–200 block E 11th St, Hays; 3:54 PM
Water Use Violation–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 5:09 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 5:19 PM
Dead Animal Call–Hays; 5:35 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 5:50 PM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–1700 block Fort St, Hays; 6:16 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1300 block W 44th St, Hays; 6:57 PM
Missing Person–Hays; 7:43 PM

John W. Jaco Sr.

On October 14, 2018, John W. Jaco Sr. passed peacefully at his home in Great Bend, Kansas, surrounded by friends and family after a short illness.

The son of Harry M. Jaco and Inez (Brown) Jaco. John was born March 27, 1929 at Nowata, Oklahoma. He married Dorothy Ruth Miller, March 9, 1952 at Plainville, Kansas. She preceded him in death May 6, 2006. He later married Carrol (Brumbaugh) Burkholder, August 18, 2007 in Great Bend, Kansas. He is survived by wife Carrol of the home; son, John W Jaco Jr. also of Great Bend. Other survivors include brothers, Gene C. Jaco and wife, Phyllis of Plainville, Kansas, Michael G. Jaco and wife, Bonnie of Springfield, Colorado., and nieces, Jana J. Kuhn and husband Raymond of Overland Park, Kansas and Jill J. Brin and husband Mark of Godley, Texas.

John was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was posted at various locations around the United States including Washington D.C. John served the Air Force as a cryptographer during his tenure in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After moving to Great Bend in 1961 John began a career in the real estate and insurance industry. In 1967 John partnered with Luther Moore and formed the Moore-Jaco Agency. In 1976 he became president of John Jaco Insurance, Real Estate and Financial Services. In 1980 his son JW Jaco joined the agency and continues the legacy of his father. This agency grew to be one of the largest in the Great Bend area.

John was a very active community member he participated in many local organizations. John was instrumental in starting many organizations in Barton County such as Hospice and Crime Stoppers. John was president of the Barton County Association of Independent Insurance Agents, chairman of the Cancer Fund drive, president of the Great Bend Board of Realtors, Realtor of the year 1989, director of Barton County Crime Stoppers, chairman Great Bend 3i Show, chairman of the Pari-mutuel Task Force, served on the Real Estate Advisory Committee for Barton County Community College, president of the Independent Insurance Agents Barton County, 1992 president Great Bend Board of Realtors. John’s emergency and protective services included chairman of Barton County Civil Defense in the 1960s and 70s as well as reserve officers for both Barton County Sheriff’s Office and the Great Bend Police Department. Until his time of passing, John was an elder in the First Christian Church of Great Bend, Kansas.

Services for John W. Jaco Sr. will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the First Christian Church at K96 and Broadway in Great Bend at 10:30 A.M. Visitation will be Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Kansas Honor Flights or the Water #4 Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Great Bend Cemetery on Broadway with Military Honors by McConnell AFB Honor Guard.

Leonard Joseph Augustine Sr.

Leonard Joseph Augustine Sr., age 88, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Monday, October 15, 2018 at Hays Medical Center with his twelve children by his side. He was born November 5, 1929 in Ellis to Joseph and Sophia (Flax) Augustine. He married Otillia “Tillie” Flax on August 21, 1950 at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis. She preceded him in death on August 17, 2015.

Leonard started the family dairy farm in 1953 until his retirement. Along with the dairy farm he worked at Trego County Soil Conservation Office, Cedar Bluff Reservoir Survey Crew and Oil Refinery, Golden Belt Coop in Ellis where he delivered feed and worked at the service station, and Mid-America Dairyman Milk Plant in Ellis until his retirement.

His favorite hobby was music. He played with the Dutchmasters polka band, the Hermanettes, the Leonard Variety Band as well as numerous other bands spanning 31 years. This was something Leonard and Tillie enjoyed spending weekends in music halls. The Catholic church was very important to Leonard in his faith life being very active in the church. Leonard was drafted into the US Army in 1951 and served until 1953. He was stationed in Aberdeen, Maryland where he earned a diploma in bakery school. It was common for him to cook for 1,300 servicemen daily.

He is survived by his children, Loretta (Elmer) Zerr, Melvin (Becky) Augustine all of Salina, Dewayne “Dewey” (Pam) Augustine, Kenneth “Luther”(Donna) Augustine all of Colby, Richard (Deanna) Augustine of Hays, Michael (Linda) Augustine of Ellis, Randy (Elaine) Augustine of Hays, Darrell Augustine, Leonard Jr. (Cheryl) Augustine all of Ellis, Kathy (Rod) Stack of Salina, Timothy (Lori) Augustine of Ellis and Mark (Noalee) Augustine of Hays; a brother, Harold (Kay) Augustine of Hutchinson, two sisters, Dorothy (Eddie) Younger of McPherson and Janie (George) Daniels of Laramie, Wyoming; two sisters-in-law, Margie Augustine of Hays, Phyllis Augustine of Hutchinson and Rosita Augustine of Topeka; 24 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Eric Augustine; brothers, Elmer, Donald, Larry and Robert and a sister, Martha Beer and her husband William Beer.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Friday, October 19, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a combined rosary and parish vigil at 7:00 PM all at St. Mary’s Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church or the Good Samaritan Society, Ellis.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Condolences may be sent by guest book to www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]

Sheriff identifies Kansas man who died in rollover crash

RENO COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have identified a man who died in a violent accident in Reno County.

Just after 8a.m. Tuesday, sheriff’s deputies were advised of a vehicle in a field just south of the Arkansas River bridge on Haven Road, according to the Reno County Sheriff’s Department. Officers found a red 2003 Ford Mustang with major damage to it. The vehicle was unoccupied, so a search of the area was conducted.

A short time later the driver identified as Robert Dale Beatty II, 38, Wachita, was located and pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation indicated the Mustang was northbound on Haven Road when Beatty lost control and traveled off the west side of the road. The car came back onto Haven Road and again exited the road on the east side, struck the levy, went airborne and rolled several times before coming to rest in the field.

Beatty’s mother had made a missing person’s report in Wichita since the last time her son had been seen was 8:30p.m. Monday, according to the sheriff’s department.

Fort Hays State grad named HR director for Georgia community

Randall
HAMPTON, Ga. — The City of Hampton welcomes Cristiane “Cris” Randall from Chicago, as the new Human Resources Director. The appointment comes in line with the City’s continued efforts geared towards human capital development.

Cris Randall, comes to Hampton from the City of DeKalb, Illinois, where she served as the Human Resources Director for nearly three years. Before serving DeKalb, Randall worked for the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District, where she served as the Management Services Director overseeing the Human Resources and Information Technology operations of the Fire District. Randall also served other distinct communities such as the Village of Hanover Park, Illinois and for the City of Lawrence, Kansas. With over seventeen (17) years in local government, her experience comprises all facets of human resources, including administration of employee benefits and workers’ compensation, payroll, risk management, recruitment and retention, classification and compensation, performance evaluation management, succession planning, training and development, labor relations and human resources information systems administration as well as private industry experience in computer programming, web design and data system’s administration.

Randall earned a Bachelor’s degree, with distinctions, in Justice Studies with emphasis in Human Resources Management from Fort Hays State University, Kansas and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Public Administration. She earned several employee recognition awards throughout her career for her dedicated service to the public sector. Most recently, she received the renowned James Baird Leadership Award from the Illinois Public Employer Labor Relations Association, recognizing leadership and achievement in Illinois’ public sector labor relations. Randall is also certified Professional in Human Resources by the Human Resources Certification Institute (PHR), Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-CP) and Certified Labor Relations Professional by the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (CLRP). She is an active participant in several public sector professional organizations.

City Manager Charles Coney said, “As community of ‘Pride and Progress’, we strive to identify experts that will contribute to the overall growth and success of Hampton. We place a fundamental emphasis on attracting the best talent. We welcome Cris to our Leadership Team and are confident in the role she will play in fulfilling our strategy that aims to elevate and continuously develop human capital.”

On a personal note, Randall immigrated to the United States from Brazil in 2001 and has been a proud United States citizen since 2007. In addition to English, she also speaks Portuguese and Spanish.

— City of Hampton, Ga.

SCHLAGECK: Supermarket shenanigans

John Schlageck writes for the Kansas Farm Bureau.

Why do you think your mom made a grocery list and stuck to it?

From the time you enter the supermarket parking lot until you reach the checkout counter, every part of a supermarket is designed to make you spend more money than you need to.

Look at your own shopping habits. How often do you dash to the store for milk and walk out with a box of donuts (they’ll taste so good for breakfast), a big bag of chips and salsa (for fun), ice cream (it was on sale), a fresh baguette (it smelled so good) and a magazine (what has The Donald done with his hair now?).
The first thing most of us do when we walk through the doors is reach for a shopping cart. While you probably don’t know, this 1938 invention was designed to let customers make larger purchases more easily. Heck it’s got wheels and plenty of room.

And in case you hadn’t noticed, you can buy happiness at your local supermarket.

Most supermarkets put high-margin departments like floral and fresh-baked goods near the front door. They’re located on your right and most people shop from right to left – just like driving your car. That way you’ll run into such items when your cart is empty and you’re in high spirits.

Another reason to start with flowers and baked goods is the smell. You can’t help but follow your nose as you begin salivating and increase your speed toward the apple fritters. In less than two minutes, you’ve purchased a dozen tasty treats. Yum.

It’s almost unfair and you’re well on your way to impulse buying – grocery list be damned. These siren departments make sure you’re in a good mood and make you more willing to spend.

Where’s my moo-cow milk? You know what I came here to buy in the first place?

Supermarkets stock dairy products and other essentials on the back wall so you must fight your way through, aisles of chips, candy, cookies and other snack food – the entire store – to find them.

Once customers buy their first item, for many shopping becomes a quest. They walk up and down every aisle without deviating.

Supermarkets stack items they most want you to buy at eye level. For example, in the cereal aisle bulk items are placed at the bottom. Healthy cereal is stocked at the top while expensive, brand-name cereal is situated at eye level usually at the end of aisles.

Sugary, highly advertised kids’ cereal is placed a bit lower, so youngsters can look these items straight in the eyes while begging parents to buy them.

Sample stations slow you down while exposing you to new products. If you’re shopping while you’re hungry, chances are good you may grab a couple of these new products to snack on while you head home after shopping.

Store size matters. People tend to spend less time shopping in crowded stores. They purchase fewer items, do less impulse buying, don’t visit as much and oftentimes are anxious to get out the door.

Music impacts supermarket shopping too. Consumer studies show slow music allows people to take their time and spend more money. Loud music moves shoppers through the store quickly without affecting sales. And believe it or not, classical music entices people to buy more expensive merchandise.

The checkout line remains the most profitable area of the supermarket. It’s here that after a few minutes of waiting in line, buyers treat themselves to their favorite chocolate bar in the candy rack or a magazine they’ve been thumbing through.

Hallelujah.

But wait, it’s time to present your “Valued Shopper Card.” Occasionally you receive a deal, but more importantly this card keeps you coming back so the store can collect valuable marketing data.

You swipe your card. Pay your bill and finally you’re able to get the devil out of supermarket hell.

“You come back again now,” the clerk smiles.

John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.

WINKEL: Storing summer bulbs for winter

Rip Winkel

This week I have received a number of calls about what to do with those bulbs that cannot over-winter here in Kansas.  The cold season is approaching, in fact has already zapped many of our garden plants with the first freeze of the fall just this last past weekend. Now would be a time to start thinking about storing those bulbs that will not survive Kansas winters if you have not done so already. Bulbs, such as gladiolus, caladium, dahlia, tuberous begonia, calla lily, and canna lily, need to be dug-up and stored in a protected area so they can be re-planted again next year.

The bulbs you plan on keeping should be dug-up after frost has at least partially browned the foliage. Allow them to dry for about a week in a shady, well-ventilated site such as a garage.  Freezing temperatures should be avoided.  Remove excess soil and pack them in peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite. It is important that the bulbs don’t touch one another so that if one decays, the rot does not spread. Dusting them with fungicide before storage will help prevent rotting.                          

 Caladium should be stored between 500 and 600 F. The other bulbs mentioned should be stored as near 400 F as possible. Finding a good spot to store the bulbs may be difficult. Some people place them against a basement wall farthest from the furnace and insulate them so the wall keeps them cool.

Did you know, however, the “bulbs” or the plants mentioned in the list above are not true bulbs. A true bulb is an underground stem with fleshy, scale-like layers surrounding a center bud. Think of the layers when you peel an onion. The scales are food storing leaf bases and they are attached to what is called a basil plate. It’s actually the bottom of the bulb from which the roots grow out.

Canna and calla lilies, however, have root like structures called rhizomes. These are horizontal, underground plant stems that produce new shoots and root systems. Rhizomes are used to store starches and proteins, enabling these plants to survive underground in unfavorable seasons. Other rhizomes are irises, bamboo, and lily of the valley.

Caladium, and many begonias have tubers. Tubers are yet another type of swollen stem. There is no basil plate like that of a true bulb, and the outside skin tends to be leathery. Tubers have eyes, or growth nodes, from which the new plants grow. Examples of tubers are anemones, cyclamens, peonies and of course, potatoes.

Gladiolus is a corm. Corms are also stems generally round in shape, where the plant grows out of an indention at the top of the structure. Roots develop out from the top of the corm into the ground. And just like the rhizome and tuber, this structure stores nutrients and water for use in future need. 

The dahlia is a tuberous rooted plant. Unlike the three root-like structures above, tuberous roots are a true root, thickened to store nutrients. The fibrous roots absorb water and nutrients, to be stored in the swollen parts. Tuberous roots grow in a cluster, with the tuberous portions radiating out from a central point. Day lilies also have tuberous roots.

Rip Winkel is the Horticulture agent in the Cottonwood District (Barton and Ellis Counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at [email protected] or calling either 785-682-9430, or 620-793-1910.

Police arrest driver who fled after hitting 12-year-old Kan. boy

MIAMI COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident and have a suspect in custody.

Security camera image shows the SUV in the background. It is the vehicle believed involved in the hit and run accident- photo courtesy Paola police.

Just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday, a 12-year-old boy was struck by a dark colored SUV, according to a media release from Paola police. The vehicle with front end damage on the passenger side was also leaking fluid was believed to be heading south on Pearl Street near El Potro restaurant and struck the child near Grandview Street.

The vehicle fled the scene. The 12-year-old was transported to Overland  Park Regional Medical Center for treatment of unknown injuries. Late Tuesday, police reported they had a suspect in custody. They have not released any names or the condition of the injured boy.

Any one with information is encouraged to contact the Paola Police Department at 913-259-3640.

Wednesday morning earthquake reported in Kansas

SUMNER COUNTY — A small earthquake shook Kansas early Wednesday morning. The quake at 4:47a.m. measured a magnitude 3.0 and was centered approximately 10 miles northwest of Caldwell in Sumner county.

USGS image

This is the first quake reported in the state since a 2.7 magnitude quake on Thursday October 11.

There are no reports of damage or injury from Wednsday morning’s quake.

Sunny, mild Wednesday

Today Sunny, with a high near 66. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 40. East southeast wind around 6 mph.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of rain after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 58. South wind 6 to 16 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. South wind 11 to 15 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 69. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon.

Friday Night Clear, with a low around 39.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 63.

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