DATE CHANGE: Due to gloomy weather in the forecast for the 5th, we are rescheduling this event to Friday, Oct. 19.
The event features the M31 Andromeda Galaxy, a spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light years from Earth, along with the planets Jupiter, Saturn, other Messier objects and more.
Dr. Jack Maseberg, associate professor of physics, and Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education, and the Astronomy Club will provide telescopes and be on hand to offer assistance.
Those interested can meet at the KWEC northeast of Great Bend to start off with an indoor activity and snacks and finish off the evening at Cheyenne Bottoms for a tour of the night sky.
The KWEC, 592 NE K-156 Highway, is at the southeast side of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, northeast of Great Bend.
For more information, contact Mandy Kern at 877-243-9268 or 620-566-1456.
Randy ClinkscalesA few weeks ago, I related to you that my wife and I went on vacation in August for a couple of weeks. We took the trip to Colorado, and then we had various friends and family come out and visit us there. It was a no-television vacation. I did a lot of cooking, relaxing, and reflecting.
The vacation was a little more significant in that a week after we got back, my wife, Barbara, was to retire from her job at the Department of Children and Family Services (it used to be SRS). She had been there for over 25 years.
My wife and I met after the very first year of law school. It was the summer before our second year. We were both taking a course in commercial transaction. We dated for the next two years, and then married in September of 1980 after graduating from law school in May.
I have only known her as a lawyer or as a law student.
As you may imagine, two lawyers/spouses can have animated conversations. Particularly, during the law school years, Barbara was very hard on me. I was a terrible writer, with terrible writing skills. That is not a good attribute for law school.
I would write a brief for a class, or for my job as a law clerk, and Barbara would go through it with her red pen. She would challenge my thought process. By the time we graduated law school, I had actually become a pretty good writer and could argue effectively in appellate briefs.
Throughout the years, Barbara has been my sounding board. While we respect client confidentiality, we would exchange the dilemmas our clients or employers were facing. Much of that occurred right after work, but more especially, right before I left for work in the morning. That time from about 7:00 in the morning until 8:00 was a time for us to talk about our upcoming day, and what we were struggling with.
Barbara is ready for retirement. I am just not sure I have wrapped my head around the idea that she’s no longer going to be a practicing attorney. In a way, I think it has been harder on me to accept that she is at that stage.
I understand now, maybe for the first time, the impact it may have on a person when their best friend retires. I do not think you can help keep from wondering what, if anything, will change in the relationship?
DCF hosted a very nice farewell gathering for Barb on September 7th. As I expected, Barb held her emotions well, almost.
I strongly suspect that one day soon, Barb is going to be into some new project, and frankly, I would not be surprised if it was somehow law related.
I do not think that there is a good or bad time to retire. I think it is up to the individual person. I am not there yet. Watching Barb retire, I realized I am not there yet. But I did get a feeling of urgency that there are some things that I want to get accomplished before that day comes, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To contact him, please send an email to [email protected]. Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.
Today Sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 11 to 17 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind 11 to 17 mph.
ThursdayScattered showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 51 by noon. Northeast wind 9 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday NightScattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
FridayScattered showers before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday NightScattered showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
SaturdayScattered showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities continue their work on a major drug investigation in Barton County.
Murel Dean Amador-photo Barton County
The one remaining suspect who was being sought in connection with the drug raid has turned himself in at the Barton County jail, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Photo courtesy Barton Co. Sheriff
Just after 11 p.m. Monday, Murel D. Amador surrendered himself to sheriff’s deputies. He was booked on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond.
After executing nine search warrants to search homes and vehicles Monday, authorities seized substantial quantities of illicit drugs including 200 doses of LSD, 10 kilos of high-grade marijuana, 1.5 kilos marijuana wax, 2 ounces of black tar heroin, 160 fluid ounces of liquid codeine, 1 kilo of methamphetamine, 2 kilos suspected china white heroin, 8 oz. cocaine,6 oz. suspected Fentany, according to Bellendir.
Estimated street value of the drugs is believed to be in excess of $500,000. Authorities also made six arrests.
Fort Hays State Weekly Football Press Conference October 2nd, 2018
Fort Hays State head coach Chris Brown conducted his weekly press conference in advance of the Tiger’s upcoming game with Emporia State Saturday afternoon in Emporia. Brown and select players met with the media inside Lewis Field on Tuesday, a session that can be seen by clicking on the video below.
(00:00 Head Coach Chris Brown, 9:05 Cornerback Aquil Knowles, 11:13 Defensive Lineman Ian Nordell, 14:05 Offensive Lineman Romello Burke)
HODGEMAN COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a body was found Monday night in a field in Hodgeman County.
At 10:09 p.m. Monday, the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from an area farmer reporting that he had located a body in his field. Responding deputies located a deceased Hispanic male approximately 3 miles west of Hanston and east of the intersection of NE 225 Road and N Road.
The sheriff’s office requested KBI assistance at approximately 10:45 p.m. Monday. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate.
The deceased male has not yet been identified. An autopsy will be conducted. The case is being investigated as a homicide.
This investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month of October, Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services will engage in a variety of events to spread awareness about the prevalence and effects of domestic violence in our community.
Kicking off the month of activities and events, Options is hosting their third annual Purple Light Nights campaign with a tree lighting ceremony to remember the victims who lost their lives from domestic violence, support those who have survived domestic violence, and bring hope for those still suffering in silence.
Purple Light Nights is the inspiration of the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force in King County, Washington, designed to bring awareness to domestic violence issues and its affects upon children and families, and provide education on building healthy relationships. The campaign challenges neighborhoods and cities to light up the town with purple lights to demonstrate that domestic violence has NO place in our community.
The Options Purple Light Nights kickoff event will be held at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, Friday, October 5 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The event will start with a social hour that includes a display of Silent Witnesses who lost their lives due to domestic violence, free chili and cinnamon rolls donated by The Press, free coffee donated by Breathe Coffee House, and children’s activities hosted by the Lutheran Student’s Group and the Presbyterian Church.
At 7 p.m. speakers will include partners from law enforcement, HaysMed, and Jana’s Campaign – a Hays-based national education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. The kick-off event will wrap up with a moment of silence and recognition of the families of the Silent Witnesses.
Citizens wishing to stand in solidarity against domestic violence can show their support by shining purple lights in their businesses or homes throughout the month of October. Purple light bulbs can be purchased for $2 at the Purple Light Nights kickoff event and all month long at Breathe Coffee House, Hays Academy of Hair Design, Rejuvenations Day Spa, and Options.
Other Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities include a 30-Days of Social Media mini campaign on Options Facebook page and “Paint the Town Purple” day on October 12. Community members and business are encouraged to wear purple and post a picture of their group wearing purple with a sign saying “I wear purple because…”. Pictures can be posted directly to Options Facebook page or emailed to Tim Tarkelly at [email protected].
Additionally, Gutch’s Bar & Grill, 111 W. 7th St, is promoting a “Change a Life – Make a Difference” fundraising event throughout the month of October. Patrons can tell their server that they would like to round up their change to the nearest dollar and all proceeds will support the mission of Options. Brochures and information about the impact and effects of domestic violence will be available throughout the restaurant.
If you, or someone you know, needs help because of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, call Options free Helpline at 800-794-4624 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services, Inc. is a non-profit agency dedicated to empowering individuals who experience domestic, sexual, interpersonal, or stalking violence through individual support while educating our communities to identify and confront the causes of violence in society. Options provides services to 18 counties in Northwest Kansas. Options voluntary services are always provided free of charge, and with complete confidentiality.
A Texas couple involved in a rollover accident last week in northwest Kansas is seeking help in locating a missing dog — and offering a $1,000 reward for her return.
Sable is a 19-pound miniature pinscher-Pomeranian mix with a reddish-brown coat and two blond stripes across her shoulders. She is 3 years old.
Judy Pullen, who lives outside Marble Falls northwest of Austin, said the accident, which occurred Thursday on U.S. 281 south of Osborne, caused a window to blow out and “she flew out the window.”
“She’s very frightened of noises. We don’t know what happened to her before we got her,” Pullen said. “She can be lured with bacon or a burger or chicken … She’s a real sweet girl. … We just pray for her return.”
Pullen said she and her husband, Don, were returning from a camping trip to celebrate her husband’s 80th birthday when the accident happened.
“281 actually runs through Marble Falls all the way to Mexico,” she said.
Pullen said she was extremely grateful for the people they encountered after the accident.
“The people in Osborne have been so gracious. … They helped us find a place to stay, they searched the fields, they have kept in touch every day,” she said. “We walked out of the hospital unscathed. It was nothing short of a miracle. … We just ask for one more miracle that our little dog be found and returned to us.
“We offer $1,000 reward for her and heartfelt gratitude for her return.”
Judy and Don Pulled can be contacted at (325) 226-5647 or (830) 265-0853, or call the Osborne County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 346-2001.
Fentanyl, heroin, LSD among the drugs seized — valued in excess of $500,000
Photos courtesy Barton County Sheriff
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have broken up a major drug ring after months of investigation, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Early Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s office and several other agencies executed a total of nine search warrants in Barton County in what Bellendir called “Operation Snowplow.”
The investigation began as a cocaine distribution case. Detectives had used undercover techniques to purchase illicit drugs. The case mushroomed drastically into a major distribution case involving all types of drugs, according to Bellendir.
Of particular concern was the fact the detectives came into possession of imitation hydrocodone tablets. The tablets had been manufactured to look like 5 mg hydrocodone prescription drugs. Upon analysis, it was discovered the tablets contained fentanyl, an extremely powerful painkiller, more powerful than morphine.
Fentanyl is far more likely to cause an overdose leading to death. Further lab analysis showed these tablets to be some of the strongest ever analyzed in the State of Kansas. Also, during the course of the investigation detectives obtained quantities of black tar heroin. Heroin has not been common in western Kansas for nearly two decades. Heroin is particularly dangerous due to its addictive qualities and tendency to cause overdoses. Investigation indicates a strong likelihood most of these drugs originated in Mexico and were smuggled into the United States. Evidence of money order and wire transfers of money to Mexico were also discovered by law enforcement.
Substantial quantities of illicit drugs were seized during the operation. Deputies are in the initial stages of weighing and processing the evidence. The following are estimated total amounts.
200 doses of LSD, 10 kilos of high-grade marijuana, 1.5 kilos marijuana wax, 2 ounces of black tar heroin, 160 fluid ounces of liquid codeine, 1 kilo of methamphetamine, 2 kilos suspected china white heroin, 8 oz. cocaine,6 oz. suspected Fentanyl
Estimated street value of the drugs is believed to be in excess of $500,000.
Along with the drugs, sheriff’s deputies seized three firearms — one rifle and two shotguns. One of these shotguns had been sawed off to approximately 12 inches. Multiple rounds of 00 buckshot were found with the gun.
The sheriff’s office also seized more than $25,000 cash and three vehicles. It is anticipated that asset forfeiture proceedings will be filed on the cash and vehicles. The sheriff’s office is also considering the seizure of real estate related to the case.
Authorities also arrested:
• Iban Martine –Enrique, 21, Great Bend, for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, distribution of marijuana, distribution of heroin, possession of paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon, and no drug tax stamp bond is set at $100,000.00
• Miguel Gonzalez, 22, Great Bend, for possession of cocaine, possession of paraphernalia, and criminal use of a firearm bond $10,000.00
• Candice Johnson, 42, Great Bend, for distribution of Methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia Bond is set at $100,000.00
• Kennedy Beakey, 19, Great Bend, for distribution of a Hallucinogenic and possession of paraphernalia. Bond is set at $50,000.00
• Pedro Garcia, 20, Great Bend, for possession of a stimulant, and possession of paraphernalia bond was set at $10,000.00 He has bonded out of jail.
• Vincente Espino, 51, Great Bend, for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, distribution of heroin, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of LSD and distribution of marijuana. Bond set at $100000.00
Amador -photo Barton Co.
Deputies were unable to locate one suspect and seek the public’s assistance in finding Murel Dean Amador. Amador is a Hispanic male, 63 years of age, 5-foot-11, 230 pounds, brown eyes, black hair, which is balding and graying. Amador is wanted for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Warrants from the Barton County District Court have been issued. If you have information as to Amador’s location, call 911.
Monday’s investigation netted the widest variety and largest quantity of drugs seized by the sheriff’s office in approximately the last 30 years, according to Bellendir.
Officers from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, Rush County Sheriff’s Office, and Rice County Sheriff’s Office assisted with Monday’s drug bust. Command officers from the Great Bend Fire Department were present in the event of accidental overdose or injuries during the operation.
TOPEKA – Monday, Oct. 1,the Kansas Department of Health and Environment began hosting the October education meetings throughout the state to share with KanCare providers and members updates and information about the upcoming open enrollment period.
The meetings in Hays are scheduled for Wed., Oct. 3 at Fort Hays State University’s Robbins Center. Providers will meet 1-3 p.m. Members will meet 6-8 p.m.
KanCare is the state’s Medicaid program.
Staff members will be available to answer questions and accept feedback from attendees. All meetings are ADA compliant, and people with disabilities will have full access. Members’ family members are also welcomed to attend. Members and providers received by mail advanced notification of these meetings. Similar meetings were also held in September.
John Schlageck writes for the Kansas Farm Bureau.Travel out to the fields of Kansas during October and you’ll see them teeming with fall harvest. Combines chomp through the fields of corn, milo, soybeans and sunflowers eager to dump the bountiful crops into waiting trucks and grain carts.
Today’s green, red and silver monsters move through the fields with the urgency of tanks rolling through a war game. Across Kansas, farmers pilot these 12-ton behemoths as easily as the family car.
On gravel and blacktop roads tandem trucks and semis race back from the elevators so the machines can fill them up again. Fall harvest in Kansas marks that magical time of the year when producers of food and fiber reap what they have sown.
Seeing this bountiful production unfold, underscores the importance of farming and ranching in Kansas. Our Kansas farmers – and their contemporaries across this great land – continually risk all that is theirs; hoping success is what each harvest and year will bring.
They work with the land, chemicals, computers and livestock. They must understand markets, people, soil crops and climate. Their livelihood is largely dependent upon factors, especially weather, that are oftentimes completely out of their control.
Still, farmers farm to succeed. They farm to grow and harvest crops and produce livestock. Farmers see their vocation not only as a business, but also as a way of life to preserve in good times and bad. They have their feet planted firmly in their soil. They are dedicated to the land and providing us with the safest, most wholesome food on the planet.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the average person consumes approximately 10 pounds or 160 bowls of cereal annually. When you couple that with approximately 22 pounds of red meat and poultry, it’s clear why Kansas harvest is an important time.
Today’s consumer has the option of using nearly 3,500 different corn products. These uses range from corn flakes to corn sweeteners. Corn and milo remain the top source of livestock feed.
Countless foods are made from today’s fall soybean crop. Some of these include crackers, cooking oils, salad dressings, sandwich spreads and shortenings. Soybeans are used extensively to feed livestock, poultry and fish.
Sunflowers from the Sunflower State can be used as an ingredient in everything from cooking to cosmetics and biodiesel cars. And as you probably already know, they’re a tasty snack – and healthy too.
So, if you have an opportunity to visit our state’s fertile fields this fall, think about the professionals who are busy providing the food we find on our tables each day. Tip your hat, raise an index finger above the steering wheel of your car or give a friendly wave to these producers of food and fiber who are dedicated to feeding you and the rest of the world.
John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.
