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News From the Oil Patch, Oct. 21

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By JOHN P. TRETBAR

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $44 per barrel after dropping 25 cents a barrel on Friday.

Baker Hughes reported 851 active drilling rigs across the U.S., a decline of six natural gas rigs. Pennsylvania was down four rigs. The count in Oklahoma was down two, while Texas was up three. Canada reported 143 active rigs, down three.

The rig count across western Kansas was down one to 24 last week, while the count east of Wichita was unchanged at seven. Independent Oil & Gas Service reports drilling underway on two leases in Stafford County and operators either moving in or preparing to spud new wells in Barton, Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties.

Regulators approved 41 permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas last week, 848 so far this year. There are 19 new permits east of Wichita and 22 in Western Kansas, including three in Barton County and one in Ellis County.

Independent Oil & Gas reports Kansas operators completed 28 wells last week, seven of them in eastern Kansas and 21 west of Wichita, including four in Barton County, two in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. So far this year, operators in the Sunflower State have completed 1,107 new wells.

U.S. producers set another weekly record for crude oil production. According to the Energy Information Administration, operators pumped 12.585 million barrels per day. That beats the previous record from the week before by 12,000 barrels per day.

EIA said U.S. crude inventories are now about two percent above the five year average after increasing more than nine million barrels last week.

The government predicts continuing production increases next month from the seven major shale formations in the U.S. Big gains in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico were offset somewhat by declines in the Eagle Ford and Anadarko basins. The Energy Information Administration says shale production will increase by some 58,000 barrels per day in November to a record 8.971 million barrels per day. Total conventional and unconventional U.S. production is currently over 12 million barrels per day.

The Association of American Railroads reports total freight train traffic was down seven percent during the week ended October 12, but petroleum and petroleum products showed a 7.7% increase over the same week last year.

The newest airport in the U.S. opened to passenger service last week. Williston Basin International Airport, northwest Williston, North Dakota, kicked off service October 10 when United Airlines Flight 4643 touched down. It is the first new commercial airport in the United States since Denver International opened 24 years ago.

The boom in the Permian Basin continues to fuel a surge in New Mexico construction jobs. The state added 4,300 construction jobs in a year, nearly all of them supporting the oil and gas industry.

Crude oil production in North Dakota, the #2 producer in the country, reached an all-time high in August. According to the Department of Mineral Resources, North Dakota producers pumped nearly 1.48 million [[“one point four eight million”]] barrels per day in August. Producers also set a record for the amount of natural gas captured at the well head, although at 81%, the total is still well short of earlier goals set by regulators. August production totaled nearly 45.8 million [[“forty-five point eight million”]] barrels.

Officials in North Dakota are celebrating the discovery of two new deposits of fracking sand in their state. The Bismarck Tribune says permits are in process and some excavation is already underway. One analyst pegs the possible savings at up to $300,000 per well.

The Canadian province of Alberta has gone corporate with its fight against bad press in the oil patch. Energy Minister Sonya Savage told the legislature their “war room” is now incorporated and will be formally titled the Canadian Energy Centre. Savage says they will focus on improving the reputation of Alberta’s oil and gas sector and challenging those it believes are delivering misinformation. The province has also launched a $2.5-million public inquiry into foreign funding of anti-oil advocacy groups.

UPDATE: Two arrested on suspicion of burglary after short chase in Osborne

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UPDATED 10 a.m. Tuesday: With the assistance of the Osborne County Sheriff’s Office, the Osborne Police Department has located the property from which items were allegedly stolen.

OSBORNE — A traffic stop escalated into a short chase in Osborne at approximately 7:40 p.m. Sunday.

The Osborne Police Department reported two suspects were taken into custody on felony charges. Inside the vehicle are several items resulting from a burglary that occurred at a barn located somewhere between Alton and Osborne south of Kansas 24, Chief Danny Pfannenstiel said in a social media report.

Pfannenstiel said the suspects could not recall exactly where the barn is located at exactly, oly that it was a stand lone structure with cattle nearby.

“We are asking farmers to check their properties and report any missing items to the Osborne Co. Sheriffs Office at (785) 346-2001,” Pfannenstiel said.

The items from inside the vehicle include a wooden box filled with tools and old license plates, gallon glass jugs, short wooden ladder, wood handled axe, an NSA bactiostatic water treatment unit, and deer antlers, among other items.

18-month investigation leads to drug arrests in Hill City

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The Graham County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday reported the arrested of three adult males in an ongoing investigation into narcotics distribution that has been underway for 18 months.

The sheriff’s office reported the investigation led to the arrests, as well as the execution of a search warrant at 614 N. Third Ave. in Hill City.

This case is still being actively investigated and will be referred to the Graham County Attorney upon completion, the sheriff’s office said in a social media post.

Pending charges at this point are:

• Possession of Methamphetamine with the intent to Distribute
• Distribution of Methamphetamine
• Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Child Endangerment

“Names of those arrested are not being provided at this time as the investigation is ongoing,” the department reported.

Dechant recognized for Dancing Together for DSNWK event

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Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Centre in Hays, was recognized by InterHab with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award for 2019. The award was presented at InterHab’s annual Power Up Conference in Wichita on Oct. 19.

Dechant was recognized for her work in creating the Dancing Together for DSNWK event held each April at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

Dancing Together for DSNWK is a unique opportunity for young dancers from the community to participate in a special dance recital with individuals served by Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. DSNWK, Styles Dance Centre and FHSU Leadership 310 students joined together to put on the special event not only to raise money, but build awareness and community support.

Dancing Together for DSNWK has proven to not only be an amazing display of inclusion in the community, but also has provided education and awareness to the young dancers and the communities throughout the northwest Kansas area.

In addition to Dechant’s award, the artwork of Cecilia Higgins, person served by DSNWK in Hays, was selected by InterHab and was presented to one of the award winners at the conference.

InterHab is the oldest and largest association of developmental disability service providers in Kansas. They are the premier entity in the Midwest for advocacy on behalf of intellectual and developmental disability issues.

— DSNWK

Ellis Co. restaurant and lodging inspections, 10/7 – 10/20

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Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:

Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex SW Quad 1376 Hwy., Hays – Oct. 15

A routine inspection found one violation.

  • Pizza in the hot holding box was at the temperature of 122 F. Ambient Temperature of the unit was 126 F.

Kentucky Fried Chicken 2804 Vine, Hays – Oct. 15

An inspection following a complaint found no violations.

Total Convenience 106 W Main, Victoria – Oct. 10

A follow-up inspection found no violations.

 

MARSHALL: Doctor’s Note Oct. 21

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Friends,

I was blessed to greet Kansas veterans at the National World War II Memorial last week, as part of their visit to Washington, D.C. with Kansas Honor Flight.

I caught up with an old friend, Buzz from Junction City, who made the trip this year. Also attending were veterans from Abilene, Andover, Cunningham, Eureka, Geuda Springs, Hays, Haysville, Hesston, Hutchinson, Junction City, Lindsborg, McPherson, Narka, Potwin, Pretty Prairie, Salina, Stuttgart, Tecumseh, Topeka, Towanda, Wakefield, and Wichita.

One of the best parts of my job is meeting courageous men and women who have defended our freedoms in war. Their stories can be so inspiring. Thank you to each of the veterans who were in attendance today, and to all who have served our country, for your bravery and honor defending our nation.

First All Female Space Walk

Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir made history when they became the first all-women team to participate in a spacewalk on the International Space Station (ISS). The two women left the ISS at 7:50 A.M. on a mission to make critical repairs to their power system.

I am extremely proud of the technological progress that we have accomplished as a nation, and I will continue to dedicate my efforts as a member of the Science Space and Technology committee to promoting STEM education so that our youths develop the skills and knowledge that they need to continue these types of advancements. Congratulations to Astronauts Koch and Meir on making history today and thank you for the incredible service you provide to the scientific community, country and world.

Click Here if you would like to watch this historic event.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their life.

During my time as an OB/GYN, I had to inform hundreds of women of their breast cancer diagnosis. As a member of Congress, I’ve requested robust funding for the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program and have been supportive of fully funding the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides increased funding for the NIH and FDA, but also targets increased efforts on treating breast cancer.

Meeting with Ambassador Doud

The House Agriculture Committee held a briefing with Chief Agricultural Negotiator Gregg Doud, a fellow Kansan and First District producer, regarding the status of the Administration’s ongoing trade deals. We discussed the importance of Japan, USMCA, China, EU, and other initiatives he and his staff are working on for farmers and ranchers around the nation. I am extremely proud of the work Ambassador Doud and his team have accomplished so far and look forward to their future success for Kansans and the Agriculture community.

VAWA Grants Coming to Kansas

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) develops the nation’s capacity to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. I’m pleased to share some great news from the Department of Justice this week regarding funding for this important work.

OVW recently announced that there will be $3,512,887 dollars coming to Kansas from 4 newly awarded grants. The Executive Office of the State of Kansas will receive $3,065,565 from three different VAWA grants, and the remaining $447,322 was awarded to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.As a physician and former sexual assault examiner, I have seen the horrible violence that women often endure and I am glad to see the federal government investing in the safety of women and girls in Kansas and around the country.

CFTC Commissioner

Members of the House Agriculture Committee sat down with Commissioner Brian Quintenz of the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), to discuss issues related to market regulation, federal oversight, and consumer protection. It was a great conversation, and timely as the Committee begins discussions related to CFTC reauthorization. I appreciated Commissioner Quintenz’s comments and insights as we continue to work together to improve the CFTC.

PCOS Challenge Award

I was honored that PCOS Challenge awarded me with a Public Service Leadership Award for my work advancing the legislative priorities of those who are afflicted with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Throughout my career as an OB/GYN I have seen incredible advancements in technology and surgical techniques in many areas, however for diseases like PCOS not much has changed. I am committed to seeing that it does and will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle to advance research opportunities at the National Institutes of Health to accomplish this goal.

National School Lunch Week

President Donald Trump declared last week National School Lunch Week, to celebrate food service professionals, educators, and the farmers and ranchers who make daily school meals a reality for millions of children across the U.S.

Proper nutrition is essential to healthy, prosperous children. It is important that we feed our children wholesome, nutrient-rich foods and I am excited about the USDA’s effort to give local food service professionals more control over their menus and lunch lines.

As a father of four, I know how important it is for children to enjoy a wholesome noon meal and applaud the hard work of our farmers and ranchers who raise our food, along with the food service professionals who deliver it to our students.

Crop Insurers

On Tuesday I had the opportunity to talk with Ron Miller and Ted Lung from the American Association of Crop Insurers. Crop insurance is critical to the financial stability of American farmers and we discussed the importance of ensuring that farmers have access to information about how crop insurance is an essential risk-management tool. I was happy to be able to inform them that I recently became the newest member of the Congressional Crop Insurance Caucus which works with stakeholders to  educate members and staff on the benefits of the crop insurance program.

We also talked about ongoing trade deals and the recently signed Japanese trade agreement that will provide a major benefit to producers across Kansas.

Medicare Tele-Town Halls

It’s time to get ready for Medicare open enrollment. From October 15 to December 7, America’s seniors will have the opportunity to find a plan that best suits their needs. During this period, my office will host three tele-town halls to connect seniors in the Big First with regional experts from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide a general overview of 2020 options and answer questions.

Tele-Town Hall Dates:

  • Wednesday, October 23, 2019 – 2:10 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 13, 2019 – 10:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday, December 4, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.

For those that want to preview and compare 2020 health and drug plans, Click Here to get started with the newly updated Medicare Plan Finder.

Call-in information for all three calls will be: 877-229-8493 / PIN 116489.

Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.

LiveWell Northwest Kansas offers more services for those with trauma, toxic stress

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COLBY – The University of Kansas Medical Center’s Project Eagle is the recipient of one of the 18 awards granted by the Department of Health and Family Services (DCF).

As part of the grant, KU Medical Center partnered with LiveWell Northwest Kansas. LiveWell, a health and early childhood advocacy organization located in Colby, will offer expanded programming services helping people cope with trauma and toxic stress.

On Oct. 1, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Department of Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard announced a statewide effort to help families in preventing the need for foster care.

Project Eagle and LiveWell have been providing a nationally recognized trauma and toxic stress program, known as Attachment and Bio-Behavioral Catch-Up (ABC). This grant will allow the expansion of existing programs to benefit children at risk of placement in foster care.

Kelly explained funding for the Kansas-wide grant program is provided by the Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First) passed February 2018. It provides new federal funding for prevention activities, and services for children at imminent risk of placement in foster care as well as parents or kinship caregivers.

“From day one of my administration, I’ve made it clear that the safety and well-being of children in Kansas is my top priority,” said Kelly. “I am proud that Kansas, as one of the first states in the nation to implement Family First, has partnered with community organizations to support vulnerable families.”

LiveWell Director Travis Rickford says that in Colby and throughout northwest Kansas, LiveWell’s mission is to improve all aspects of the early childhood system and to optimize family well-being and the overall health of the community.

He explained that the ABC program is one part of their mission and one part of the collective effort being realized throughout the state.

“ABC is a coach-led treatment approach for families who have experienced neglect, abuse, domestic violence and placement instability such as children at risk for entering the foster care system,” said Rickford. “The program provides parents, caregivers and family members with the ability to overcome stress and trauma to better provide nurturing care and create lasting bond with kids.”

“We are pleased to partner with LiveWell to offer this program in northwest Kansas,” said Lisa London, director of Project Eagle at the KU Medical Center. “We have had great success with this program in the Kansas City area, and we were excited about this opportunity to make it available to more families in Kansas.”

Together, the ABC program and Family First will offer a unique opportunity to position Kansas as a leader in child welfare.

“(The Family First program) holds families together and prevents kids from entering foster care,” said Tanya Keys, Kansas Department of Children and Families. “It will transform prevention efforts alongside families by connecting them to evidence-based programs in mental health, parent skill-building and substance use.”

“We are excited to be a partner of Project Eagle to expand the ABC program across northwest Kansas in its entirety,” added Rickford.

“As we explore opportunities to address toxic stress and trauma in our communities, ABC has served as a proven method to make families happier and healthier, which in turn improves our ability to thrive as a community.”

The Kansas Department for Children and Families received 55 proposals for Family First prevention grant services; only 18 were approved for funding. The $13 million program will provide parents with skill building and kin navigator services in every county of Kansas, says Howard, in addition to services in substance use and mental health disorders offered in select counties.

Information on Project Eagle at the University of Kansas Medical Center can be found at projecteagle.org.

For information on LiveWell’s ABC program and other services offered locally, visit www.livewellnwk.org.

Information regarding the Family First program can be found at dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/FFPSA.aspx.

– SUBMITTED –

FHSU to provide free hearing screenings in Plainville

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FHSU University Relations

FHSU Herndon Clinic

Plainville will be the last of three free hearing screenings, funded by the Kansas Masons, offered again this fall in western Kansas communities by Fort Hays State University.

“The FHSU Herndon Clinic in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is very fortunate to have received a large grant from the Kansas Masons to support adult speech, language and hearing services in Western Kansas,” said Marcy Beougher, speech-language pathologist and an instructor in the department.

The grant is continuing to provide numerous opportunities for individuals of all ages in western Kansas to receive important health screening services that are currently scarce or difficult to access.

“With Mason support and funding, we have visited 20 different communities in two and a half years and have screened over 700 people,” said Beougher. “We are thankful to the Masons for the opportunity to learn more about the hearing needs in Western Kansas and to make necessary and important medical and audiological referrals. We are also very grateful for the clinical hours these screenings provide for our graduate students.”

The screening will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at the Paradise Masonic Lodge No. 290, 109 S. Main St., Plainville.

Appointments are encouraged to be scheduled ahead of time, but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site will have four stations, with each screening lasting approximately 15 minutes. Results, follow-up information and ear plugs will also be provided. There will be no hearing aid sales.

Screenings are provided by graduate students from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Beougher will organize the screenings.

Screenings will also be held in McPherson, Garden City and Liberal in the spring 2020 semester. Times, dates and actual screening sites will be announced later.

“We are incredibly thankful for the financial support from the Kansas Masonic Foundation, which has helped us take this important free service to individuals in numerous locations in Kansas,” said Beougher.

“The Masons at every lodge we have visited have been so accommodating and eager to do anything they could to help us promote and set up these clinics,” she added.

To schedule an appointment for the Plainville screening, contact Bruce Brooksher at 785-312-0256 or [email protected]

For more information, visit fhsu.edu/herndon-clinic/ or contact the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at 785-628-5366.

HPD Activity Log Oct. 18-20

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The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 41 traffic stops Fri., Oct. 18, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suicidal Subject–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 12:33 AM
Welfare Check–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:58 AM; 1:23 AM
False/Altered ID–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:03 AM
Driving Under the Influence–400 block W 13th St, Hays; 1:52 AM
Drug Offenses–1000 block E 43rd St, Hays; 9:09 AM
Suspicious Person–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:45 AM; 11:11 AM
Found/Lost Property–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:33 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 12:51 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 12:30 PM; 1:35 PM
Found/Lost Property–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:10 PM
Found/Lost Property–1300 block Toulon Ave, Ellis County; 3:09 PM
Animal At Large–700 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 4:23 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–1300 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 10/17 7:33 PM; 10/18 7:33 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 22 traffic stops Sat., Oct. 19, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–700 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:26 AM
Drug Offenses–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:04 AM; 9:41 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–13th St and Ash St, Hays; 9:31 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 10:10 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:50 AM; 1 AM
Dead Animal Call–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 10:53 AM
Mental Health Call–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:17 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 12:35 PM; 1:30 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 4:23 PM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block Milner St, Hays; 6:15 PM; 6:23 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2000 block Main St, Hays; 6:53 PM
Animal Call–1200 block E 32nd St, Hays; 7:41 PM
Suspicious Activity–2700 block Elm St, Hays; 8:05 PM
Theft (general)–200 block E 14th St, Hays; 9:08 PM
Battery – simple–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 9:36 PM; 9:42 PM
Disturbance – Noise–700 E lock 6th St, Hays; 9:20 PM; 9:33 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 7:23 PM
Disturbance – Noise–1700 block Elm St, Hays; 11:02 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Sun., Oct. 20, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – Noise–1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 12:26 AM
Suspicious Activity–300 block Ash St, Hays; 2:01 AM
Driving Under the Influence–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:56 AM; 2:57 AM
Battery – Domestic–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 10/19 1:49 PM
Suspicious Activity–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:30 PM; 4:03 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:22 PM
Suspicious Activity–700 block E 7th St, Hays; 5:54 PM; 7 PM
Suspicious Activity–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 6:30 PM; 7:55 PM
Suspicious Activity–1300 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 11:46 PM

Eagle Radio Auction continues online

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If you missed out on last week’s Eagle Radio Auction don’t worry, there are still opportunities to bid on several items through the Eagle Radio Online Auction.

Among the items still up for bid includes a 1997 Honda Goldwing GL 1500 Aspencade motorcycle from Day Motorsports.

This bike looks new and is in great shape. Features include saddle bags, a trunk, a fairing, and is pearl white in color. The bike has 58,555 miles and was a local trade. The retail price of this motorcycle is $5,895. For more information on this motorcycle, call Day Motorsports at 785-743-5723.

Click HERE to check out items still available.

🎥 National memorial hosted by Plainville honors post-9/11 fallen military

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“The Gold Star families have liked this stop in Plainville the best.”

Nola Fritz, Gold Star mom and display manager

Nola Fritz, a Gold Star mother from Verdon, Nebraska, heaped praise on the small town and residents of Rooks County following Friday morning’s opening ceremony of “Remembering Our Fallen.”

The national traveling display is in honor and memory of  military personnel who died in the line of duty, in training, and as a result of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) since 9/11.

Also participating in the ceremony were Brigadier General David Weishaar, Kansas National Guard,  and Col. Thomas O’Connor, Jr., Fort Riley, who  dined privately afterwards with the Gold Star families and other dignitaries.

“We must always remember the genesis of freedom that we enjoy today as Americans, is rooted in these heroes and their sacrifice,” said O’Connor, Jr. “It is my commitment that we will honor and remember your loved ones as we are doing here today,” added Weishaar.

Fritz manages and travels with the basketball court-sized pictorial display. Her oldest son, First Lt. Jacob Fritz, 25, and a West Point graduate, was executed while an Iraq POW on Jan. 20, 2007.

What was most appreciated by the Gold Star families, Fritz said, is the pen pal correspondence started between them and students of all ages in Rooks County.

Plainville Ambassador Sheila Hachmeister, event organizer

Some of the communication was email and some of it was in a hand-written letter.

“They all got to connect with a class and they had the chance to meet the class today and take a picture with them,” said Sheila Hachmeister, a Plainville Ambassador member who chaired the weekend event.

“We’ve got a lot of people from the eastern part of the state. A couple who now lives in Ohio flew in to meet their class. Another soldier’s family flew in from North Carolina. Although they are Kansas families, we’ve kind of had them from all over.”

The Rooks County students also made red, white and blue fabric wreaths that decorated the main stage for the attending Gold Star families to take home. Another 70 wreaths will go to Kansas families whose sons and daughters are also on the towers.

None of the K-12 students was alive on 9/11.

“They’ve seen some clips on TV,” said Leona Breeden, a social studies teacher at Plainville Grade School. She explains to her 4th, 5th and 6th graders where she was on that fateful day – teaching in Hoxie.

“I talk about it in terms of what we did as a school then,” Breeden said, “and then we talk about the fact that these are real places and real people they hear of on the news that the U.S. is trying to help.”

Breeden’s 6th grade class was pen pals with the parents of Hays native Bryan Nichols. Jerry and Cindy Nichols now live in Palco. Jerry is a Vietnam veteran.

Leona Breeden, Plainville teacher and Gold Star family

“Ironically enough, I lost my nephew in Afghanistan, so he is also on these towers,” Breeden said, “and they are both pictured on the exact same tower, my nephew and Bryan.”

“We think there was some divine intervention there maybe that we got chosen to be his pen pal family.”

Bryan Nichols, 31, a 1998 graduate of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, was killed August 6, 2011, one of 30 American troops who died in Afghanistan when their  Chinook helicopter was shot down.

Also aboard the helicopter was Dave Carter, 47, a 1982 graduate of Hays High School whose family is now in Colorado.

The Nichols have been interviewed numerous time by the media about their son and his mission.

Jerry and Cindy Nichols, Palco, parents of Bryan Nichols who was killed in 2011.

“Cindy and I have a direct connection through Bryan as well as the other people that were lost on the same mission that day,” said Jerry Nichols. “It’s just very emotional being here and seeing the magnitude of people who lost their lives in defense of 9/11.”

The Nichols met with a Kansas City family Friday whose son served with Bryan.

“We kind of keep in touch with those members that were with Bryan, especially his crew area,” said Cindy. “But this is amazing community outpouring. I didn’t realize it could be this big.”

“Since the declaration of ‘The War on Terror,’ we’ve lost almost 7,000 heroes,” Fritz reminded the crowd in Andreson Memorial Park, “and there will be more. We currently have on the towers 70 percent of those that voluntarily gave their life for freedom.”

Plainville High School sophomore Benjamin Hansen reads names on the towers.

Plainville High School sophomore, Benjamin Hansen is 16 years old. He was one of  many local volunteers reading the more than 5,000 names currently listed on the pictorial towers.

He admits he was a little nervous when he took his turn at the podium, but “this whole experience and seeing all these pictures and those names and reading more about them on there” has helped make it real.

The ‘war on terrorism’ has been discussed in a couple of Hansen’s classes.

“It’s just surprising that happened here,” he says of the airplane terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Penn. 18 years ago. “And think of all those security measures that have changed.” Now Hansen understands why.

Two Plainville residents have also died, both as a result of PTSD.  Navy corpsman Andy Brown, 27, died Feb. 17, 2017. Lynn Pfaff was part of the 388th Medical Logistics unit of the Army Reserves. She died Feb. 16, 2019.

“I think people are shocked when they walk up to the towers,” said  Hachmeister. “They’re very visual. They’re going to punch you in the face.”

Each person is shown wearing their military uniform in a formal picture. A second inset picture shows them in an informal setting, with family or enjoying a favorite hobby.

“We want them to be remembered because that’s how we keep them alive,” Hachmeister said.

Sheila and her husband Ken Hachmeister of rural Natoma have two sons serving in the military. Jared is a 2017 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy currently stationed in Pensacola. Seth is currently a West Point cadet at the U.S. Military Academy.

The Hachmeisters were in Philadelphia for the Army-Navy football game this last fall and happened to walk past the display at Independence National Park, on which they quickly found the picture of Bryan Nichols.

Hachmeister approached Fritz and asked how to get it to Plainville, a town with a population of just 1,500 people.

Nearly a year later, the memorial display and its entourage were escorted Thursday into Plainville by the American Legion Riders Chapter 173, Hays.

During her speech Friday, Hachmeister thanked all the Rooks County residents and many others who pulled together to host the event.

The memorial remained open 24/7 until the closing ceremony Sunday afternoon.

The Plainville stop was the first in Kansas (west of Kansas City) for the national display. It made its debut at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2017 and has so far traveled to 29 states.

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