Category: Local
Monday Weather & Gas Report
NW Kansas teen dies in rollover accident
THOMAS COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before noon Monday in Thomas County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Hyundai Elantra driven by Reata Pinkerton, 17, Russell Springs, was southbound on County Road 11 ten miles south of Levant.
The vehicle left the roadway to the right and the driver overcorrected.
The vehicle came back across the roadway, entered the east ditch and rolled an unknown number of times before coming to rest in a stubble field.
Pinkerton was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Baalman Mortuary. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
News From the Oil Patch, Sept. 17
By JOHN P. TRETBAR
Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained half a dollar Friday to end the week at $59.25/bbl. That’s up $1.25 from a week ago, up $3 from a month ago, and up $19 from a year ago.
Nearly one third of the completed wells in Western Kansas so far this year have been dry holes. Independent Oil & Gas Service reports 26 new well completions in eastern Kansas last week. West of Wichita there were 18, but eight of those came up dry. For the year, Western Kansas has notched 601 well completions, with 193 dry holes…about 32%. There were two new completions in Ellis County last week, and one dry hole completed in Barton County.
Operators filed 44 new drilling permits last week, including one in Stafford County. So far this year, there are 1,270 permits for drilling at new locations across the state. Looking back, there were more than five thousand new permits in Kansas by this point in September of 2014, when Kansas Common was fetching $81 a barrel.
In it’s weekly active rotary rig count, Baker Hughes reported an increase of seven oil rigs for the week for a total of 1,055. Texas dropped three rigs, New Mexico was down one, while Oklahoma and Colorado were each up two. Canada gained 22 rigs for the week at 226. Independent Oil and Gas Service reported a slight drop in the number of oil and gas rigs moving in, rigging up or drilling across Kansas: 13 east of Wichita (down one) and 31 in the western half of the state (down two). One rig was added to the inactive list, and is now shut down awaiting drilling contracts. Operators are moving in completion tools at sites in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties, and they’re about to spud a new well in Russell County.
The Trump administration proposed relaxing another series of Obama-era environmental mandates, this time scaling back efforts to block rogue methane leaks from oil and gas wells. EPA says this proposal would lessen the frequency of required inspections, remove a requirement that professional engineers certify some equipment designs, and make it easier for energy companies to use emerging technologies. The agency says if approved next year the changes would save an estimated $75 million a year in regulatory costs.
Reuters reports South Korea and Japan will import record amounts of US crude this month. Both need to replace imports from Iran, and both are taking advantage of our $10 discount to international prices.
The government reports US inventories dropped another 5.3 million barrels last week, and stand about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles were up another 1.3 million barrels last week, and are about eight percent above the five-year average. Imports were down another 123,000 barrels per day. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports a slight decline in US crude production, which was down about 194,000 barrels to 10.85 million barrels per day.
The government said Wednesday U.S. crude production will average 10.7 million barrels per day this year, up from 9.4 million last year. The forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts an increase to 11.5 million barrels per day next year, which would lead the world, but is about 200,000 barrels lower than forecast earlier. EIA said the lower expected crude oil production reflects more severe constraints in pipeline takeaway capacity than previously expected in Permian region. However, EIA still expects Permian crude oil production to drive total U.S. production growth next year.
Oil and natural gas production in North Dakota both reached all time highs in July. Oil production reached 1,269,366 barrels/day. The state also set a record for the most producing wells, just shy of 15-thousand.
The Director of North Dakota’s Department of Mineral Resources said “gas capture” is among three big drivers of the state’s active drilling rig counts. The state’s oil producers do not appear poised to meet the deadline Nov.1 for reducing the amount of natural gas burned off at oil well sites. Lynn Helms, in his monthly “Director’s Cut” report, said operators have shifted from running the minimum number of rigs “…to incremental increases and decreases based on gas capture, completion crew availability, and oil price.”
The oil trading firm Trafigura is getting some blow back from Corpus Christi for the company’s proposal to build a loading and export terminal 13 miles off shore. The Houston Chronicle reports that if built the new terminal could cost the Port of Corpus Christi 12% of its annual operating revenue, or about $11.8 million per year. Port officials are hitting back hard in two appeals, including one that points to Trafigura’s federal conviction 17 years ago for violating sanctions in Iraq.
As proposed the facility would be able to fill some of the largest crude oil tankers, called Very Large Crude Carriers or VLCCs, at a rate of 500,000 barrels a day. The company tells the newspaper U.S. exports could surge to 4.8 million barrels per day in the next four years. The spokesperson insists the Trafigura facility would handle about 10% of that, and would complement and not replace exports from the Port of Corpus Christi.
Tigers tabbed No. 18 in latest AFCA Division II Poll
WACO, Texas – Fort Hays State is ranked No. 18 in the latest edition of the AFCA Top 25 Poll, released on Monday (Sept. 17). The Tigers move down one spot in the poll after a pair of unranked undefeated teams made a leap past them this week. The Tigers are 2-1 overall after a 30-24 win over Washburn this past Saturday.
Fort Hays State remains one of four MIAA schools ranked in the Top 25 of the poll. Northwest Missouri State remains No. 4 this week, while Pittsburg State jumped from No. 23 to No. 15 this week. The Bearcats and Gorillas are the only remaining undefeated teams in the MIAA. Fort Hays State and Central Missouri hover in the same area of the poll, FHSU down one spot from No. 17 to No. 18, while UCM moves up one spot from No. 20 to a tie for No. 19.
The top seven teams in the poll remain the same. Undefeated teams, both 3-0, making a leap past the Tigers from unranked status this week are No. 16 Valdosta State and No. 17 Colorado School of Mines. Valdosta State posted a blowout win over No. 8 ranked West Alabama by a score of 58-24. That pushed West Alabama all the way down to No. 23 this week. Colorado School of Mines upended No. 9 ranked CSU-Pueblo 35-21. That pushed CSU-Pueblo down to No. 22 in the rankings.
Below is the AFCA Division II Top 25 Poll for September 17, 2018.
Rank School (1st votes) Record Pts. Prev. Week 3 Next Game
1. Texas A&M-Commerce (22) 3-0 804 1 D. Eastern New Mexico, 21-11 Sept. 22 vs. No. 22 Colorado St.-Pueblo
2. Minnesota St. (6) 3-0 789 2 D. Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.), 46-13 Sept. 22 at Winona St. (Minn.)
3. Indiana (Pa.) (4) 3-0 745 3 D. Lock Haven (Pa.), 59-17 Sept. 22 vs. Mercyhurst (Pa.)
4. Northwest Missouri St. 3-0 702 4 D. Missouri Southern St., 63-0 Sept. 22 at Central Oklahoma
5. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 3-0 695 5 D. Northern Michigan, 47-14 Sept. 22 vs. Michigan Tech
6. Ferris St. (Mich.) (1) 3-0 674 6 D. Northwood (Mich.), 53-10 Sept. 22 at Northern Michigan
7. Midwestern St. (Texas) 3-0 645 7 D. UT-Permian Basin (Texas), 43-21 Sept. 22 vs. Angelo St. (Texas)
8. West Georgia 3-0 560 10 D. Albany St. (Ga.), 45-21 Sept. 22 vs. Florida Tech
9. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 3-0 499 14 D. Southeastern Oklahoma St., 32-16 Sept. 22 vs. East Central (Okla.)
10. West Florida 2-1 436 13 D. Shorter (Ga.), 51-7 Sept. 22 at Mississippi College
11. Minnesota-Duluth 3-0 431 16 D. St. Cloud State (Minn.), 41-17 Sept. 22 vs. Bemidji St. (Minn.)
12. Central Washington 2-1 361 15 D. Humboldt St. (Calif.), 49-0 Sept. 22 at Simon Fraser (B.C.)
13. West Chester (Pa.) 3-0 360 18 D. Seton Hill (Pa.), 59-14 Sept. 22 vs. Millersville (Pa.)
14. Colorado Mesa 3-0 352 19 D. Western St. Colorado, 24-20 Sept. 22 vs. Chadron St. (Neb.)
15. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 3-0 300 23 D. Northeastern St. (Okla.), 45-7 Sept. 22 vs. Nebraska-Kearney
16. Valdosta St. (Ga.) 3-0 295 NR D. No. 8 West Alabama, 58-24 Sept. 22 vs. Shorter (Ga.)
17. Colorado School of Mines 3-0 247 NR D. No. 9 Colorado St.-Pueblo, 35-21 Sept. 22 at New Mexico Highlands
18. Fort Hays St. (Kan.) 2-1 245 17 D. Washburn (Kan.), 30-24 Sept. 22 at Missouri Southern St.
19t. Harding (Ark.) 2-1 197 21 D. Southern Nazarene (Okla.), 42-0 Sept. 22 vs. Oklahoma Baptist
19t. Central Missouri 2-1 197 20 D. Missouri Western St., 51-14 Sept. 22 at Washburn (Kan.)
21. Southern Arkansas 3-0 180 25 D. Southwestern Oklahoma St., 36-12 Sept. 22 vs. Northwestern Oklahoma St.
22. Colorado St.-Pueblo 2-1 154 9 Lost to Colorado School of Mines, 35-21 Sept. 22 at No. 1 Texas A&M-Commerce
23. West Alabama 2-1 142 8 Lost to Valdosta St. (Ga.), 58-24 Sept. 22 at Limestone (S.C.)
24. Azusa Pacific (Calif.) 3-0 132 NR D. Western Oregon, 28-17 Sept. 22 at North Alabama
25. Indianapolis (Ind.) 1-1 106 22 Idle Sept. 22 vs. William Jewell (Mo.)
Others Receiving Votes: Winona St. (Minn.), 104; Sioux Falls (S.D.), 86; Florida Tech, 71; Notre Dame (Ohio), 47; Ohio Dominican, 40; Tarleton St. (Texas), 37; Fairmont St. (W.Va.), 25; Kutztown (Pa.), 20; Edinboro (Pa.), 16; Carson-Newman (Tenn.), 11; Ashland (Ohio), 10; Findlay (Ohio), 6; Hillsdale (Mich.), 3; Bowie St. (Md.), 1.
Financial Aid Night set for Monday at Hays High
Submitted
Hays High School is hosting its annual Financial Aid Night for all interested seniors and parents at 7 p.m. Monday in the Hays High School Lecture Hall.
Families will learn how to apply for all types of state and federal financial aid using the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Completing the FAFSA is a required step when seeking most need-based scholarships, grants, loans and work-study. The FAFSA is used across the U.S. at nearly all colleges, public career/tech ed schools, and some private trade schools.
Angela Delzeit, assistant director of Student Financial Assistance/scholarship coordinator of Fort Hays State University, will be the guest speaker for the evening. She will be speaking on behalf of all Kansas financial aid administrators. If you have questions regarding the Financial Aid Night, call the Hays High counseling office at 623-2608.
Hansen grant will fund virtual technical college pilot program
Washburn Tech receives grant from Dane G. Hansen Foundation to benefit northwest Kansas technical education
TOPEKA — The opportunity for a technical education has become more convenient for high school students in six counties in Kansas.
Washburn University Institute of Technology has received a $438,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for creation of the Virtual Technical College Initiative. A two-year pilot program, VTCI will provide technical education via video conferencing, augmented reality and virtual reality technologies to high schools in Ellis, Logan, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa and Sherman counties.
“We are thrilled for the support of the Hansen Foundation for our Virtual Technical College Initiative,” said Clayton Tatro, associate dean for instruction, Washburn Tech. “With the help of the Hansen Foundation, we can expand and enhance technical education in our rural communities, serving students, industry and our communities.”
Upon implementation, Washburn Tech will direct academic resources to introduce curricula to high school juniors and seniors in technical programs of study beneficial to rural Kansas. Programs to be offered are data analytics, advanced systems technology, climate and energy control, computer networking, graphics technology, technical drafting auto CAD, basic electricity and health occupations.
One learning tool will be the Microsoft HoloLens, which is a mixed-reality headset that can transform how traditional education is delivered. The device allows students to interact with physical and holographic objects in real time. This technology allows an instructor to be virtually transported into the classroom. Students can look at holographic 3D models, move models around and create hands-on learning experiences.
“The Washburn Institute of Technology pilot is an innovative approach to technical education in our rural high schools,” said Gary Poore, president of the Hansen Foundation Board of Trustees. “If this pilot program is successful in encouraging students to pursue technical degrees and both filling and creating jobs in northwest Kansas, all our communities will benefit.”
The over-arching objective of this initiative is to develop the next generation of technically-trained workers in northwest Kansas. Training through the VTCI will help students identify programs of study they may not have previously considered. These programs will show students they can apply these industry skills where they live instead of leaving the region for work.
“We are very thankful for the important partnership and the shared vision on education in rural Kansas between the Hansen Foundation and Washburn University,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. “Their continued generosity has impacted the future careers of many Washburn students and will lead to economic benefits for rural Kansas.”
Some key parts of the program include:
Washburn Tech has already established connections with and plans to pilot the VTCI at Ellis High School, Oakley High School, Beloit High School, Lakeside High School at Downs, Minneapolis High School and Goodland High School.
Washburn Tech will train personnel on site at each location to operate video conferencing technology allowing students to interact live with Washburn Tech instructors. The instructors coordinate live sessions to interface with the bell schedules of the schools, but sessions are also recorded for students who were unable to attend the class.
The on-site personnel will be trained to operate the virtual and augmented reality technology which already has content available for the healthcare course.
The Excel Initiative in Career and Technical Education funding through the State of Kansas will pay the tuition for high school juniors and seniors enrolled in these courses. Students enrolling in VTCI courses will receive a 50 percent reduction in course fees. This results in students paying $10 in course fees rather than $20.
The Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with a generous estate gift from Dane G. Hansen. Reflecting Hansen’s lifelong love of northwest Kansas, the charitable foundation that bears his name has a mission to improve the quality of life for the residents and the communities in the 26 counties that make up the northwest quarter of Kansas. A native of Logan, Kan., he was an entrepreneur whose business interests over the course of his life included, among others, retail, lumber, road and bridge construction and oil.
— Submitted
🎥 Vice-mayor declares Constitution Week in Hays
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Several members of the local Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) were on hand Thursday evening as Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller read and signed a proclamation observing this as National Constitution Week.
The event celebrated the signing of the U.S. Constitution, Sept. 17, 1787. Constitution Week is Sept. 17-23.
“In 1787, 231 years ago, the framers of the Constitution met and began putting together this critical document,” Schwaller commented at the end of the Hays city commission meeting.
“It’s really important that as citizens of this nation we understand the rights and responsibilities we have under the Constitution.
“It’s an incredible document and up to that point was the first of its kind. It was very revolutionary to grant the citizens of the country rights, and it’s a very durable document.
“I appreciate the group bringing it forward tonight,” Schwaller said.
Thunder on the Plains attracts young, old
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
It was a breezy, but otherwise a pleasant day for a car show Saturday in Frontier Park.
The annual Thunder on the Plains car show attracted more than 180 cars, trucks and motorcycles.
“We are really happy with it,” said Jackie Lang, event volunteer, of the turnout. “This is the first time we have had it on our own.”
The event used to be downtown and co-sponsored with the Downtown Hays Development Corp.
Allen and Marie Leiker of Hays brought their 1959 Chevy Impala to the show.
Allen had a ’59 Impala when he was in high school. During his Vietnam service, he asked his father to sell the car.
“It took me 40 more years to find another one and bring it home and restore it,” he said.
Allen has owned this Impala for about 10 years. Allen and Marie said they still enjoy driving the car.
“We have to cruise Main at least once,” Marie said when they take the car out for a spin.
Thunder on the Plains is one of about six or seven car shows the Leikers attend with the Impala every year, but they said they particularly enjoy bring the Impala out for Thunder on the Plains.
Harold Kraus of Hays attended the car show with his son who brought a 1952 International truck and Whizzer bike that had belonged to Harold when he was younger.
See related story: Historic Whizzer bike restoration a labor of love for father, son
The truck belonged to Pete Johnson. Harold’s son bought the truck from him. The truck was still remarkably preserved and required little restoration, Kraus said.
Kraus said he remembered Johnson using the truck. He put a hitch on it and pulled it from field to field behind a tractor so he would have transportation.
“But I don’t think Pete went over 30 miles per hours,” Krasu joked.
Exploring Outdoors Kansas: State Fair 2018
Well once again the Kansas State Fair has come and gone, and that allows me to take a slight detour from outdoors stuff and write about the sights, sounds and smells of the fair. And also once again I’m reminded of some very important life lessons; under no circumstances do knee socks of any description ever look good on any man wearing shorts (which my wife has been stressing for years,) that wearing both suspenders and a belt with shorts looks even dorkier than wearing both with long pants and that purple spiked hair does not really look that cool on a fat, fifty-something man.
I do have to give fair attendees kudos this year, as I saw very few wearing anything resembling PJ’s, I guess that fashion statement is reserved for Wal-Mart. I try not to judge anyone on their appearance, but there are just some things certain people should not wear out-and-about. Jeff Foxworthy has said “If you ever begin to think you have a dysfunctional family, go to a state fair!”
New to this year’s fair was the butterfly exhibit, a long narrow tent with a row of nectar-producing plants inside, and monarch butterflies by the dozens. As we entered the enclosure we were each given a small foam paint brush slathered with nectar and instructed how to feed the butterflies with our brush. The ones we saw looked so happy and satisfied feeding on the plants, we didn’t bother them. The attendant inside was telling us how a man the day before had, against her advise plucked one off the netting covering the ceiling of the tent leaving one of its legs behind in the process, and she was still quite upset over that. I’m not sure I could be that passionate about monarch butterflies, but I guess if she wasn’t then she shouldn’t have that position. After the fair, all the monarchs they have will be released to join their annual migration to Mexico.
In this day and age there is no food group immune to being deep fried and/or put on a stick, and a state fair is the mother-ship of deep fried foods. There were deep fried peaches, deep fried butter (someone please tell me how they accomplish that) and deep fried Twinkies (which just seems a waste of a good Twinkie) among others. New to the deep fried menu this year were deep fried deviled eggs and deep fried mac-and-cheese which I tasted and found to be pleasing. Available on a stick were Monkey Shine Ice Cream (an old standby,) pork chops, meat balls and prime fillet alligator (or so they claim.) Given the amount of road kill along the roads these days, I was afraid to try their so called alligator. My favorite “on-a-stick” food remains the Moink Balls, comprised of beef meatballs (the “mo”) wrapped in a slice of bacon (the “oink.”)
Next stop, the all enchanting commercial buildings with their bags of free stuff. In this magical kingdom, we could get our glasses cleaned, our shoes cleaned and our blood pressure checked all for free. This year, if the mattresses and massaging recliners for sale had been missing, half the buildings would have been empty. The freebies included pencils (which we gathered by the dozens to be used for our Operation Christmas Child shoes boxes,) pens, cups, frisbees, fans (which are no longer plastic but cardboard,) note pads, fly swatters (of utmost importance at our house) and plastic spring-clips to hold your chip bags closed or the weekly recycle schedule on the front of the fridge.
Joyce’s favorite freebie this year, which she actually had to win by spinning a wheel and correctly answering a question, was a collapsible water bottle that resembles a small hot water bottle with a drinking spout on one end. There in “freebie land” I could have bought the last mop, the last ladder and the last set of cookware I’d ever need (it makes me kinda’ nervous when they put it that way, like they know something about my future I don’t.) I was truly interested in a garden hose nozzle in one booth, as I go through hose nozzles like Kleenex. The booth seemed empty with no one tending it, but as I looked at the nozzle, a guy in the booth next to it who was peddling a rig that sliced, diced and maybe tied your shoes too, began to talk to me, asking if I wanted to see him demonstrate the nozzle. When I asked him the price, he refused to tell me until I listened to his spiel. I guess my next hose nozzle will come from Harbor Freight.
Possibly my favorite pastime at the fair is reading T-shirts and this year had some winners, including
“I have the Right to Remain Silent, I Just Don’t Have the Ability.”
“I Believe every form of Wildlife has its Place; Right next to the mashed Potatoes and Gravy”
“The only thing that should come between a Hunter and his Meat is Bread”
And my absolute favorite, which I found on license plates, shirts, signs and several other places, was “I Kneel for the Cross, I Stand for the Flag.”
Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!
Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].
🎥 Eagle TV Forum: Madison Wolf
Hays City Commission work session cancelled
The Hays City Commission work session scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 20, has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.
New trustees, directors elected for KSU Foundation
Kansas State University Foundation
MANHATTAN — Following an election Sept. 7 at the semiannual meeting of Kansas State University Foundation’s board of trustees in Manhattan, three members were re-elected to three-year terms on the foundation’s board of directors, and 49 members were elected to four-year terms on its board of trustees.
The KSU Foundation now has 348 trustees serving as the university’s premier advocates, ambassadors and investors.
The KSU Foundation’s board of directors oversees management, control and supervision of the KSU Foundation’s business and affairs. Re-elected to the board of directors: Charlene Lake, Dallas, Texas, who earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1983; Steve Theede, Houston, Texas, who earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering in 1974; and Mary Vanier,Manhattan, who earned her bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from the College of Human Ecology in 1989.
The following individuals from Kansas were elected trustees of the KSU Foundation:
Karen and Mike Pestinger, Beloit; Amro and Darla Samy, Garden City; Beth and Trahy Hurst, Junction City; Tom and Vera Hintz, Jane and Wayne Ingmire, Roger Lanksbury, and Christy Linders, all of Manhattan; Garren and Heidi Walrod, Randolph; Lynette and Mick Tranbarger, Wichita; and Diane and Jerry McReynolds, Woodston.
From out-of-state:
Don Gemaehlich, Chandler, Arizona; Doug and Sabrina Kruse, Templeton, California; Andrew and Megan Murphy, Telluride, Colorado; Larry and Linda Nelson,Washington, D.C.; Marta and Tim Belstra, DeMotte, Indiana; Cathy and Tom Ritter; Reistertown, Maryland; Sue and Tim Regan, Waterloo, Nebraska; Karen and Scott Love, Bartlesville, Oklahoma; JP and Teresa Bilbrey, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Janet Strohmeyer, Austin, Texas; Audrey Mross, Dallas, Texas; Julie and Scott Jimison, Haslet, Texas; Amy and Nick Graham, Highland Park, Texas; Charlie and Debbie Morrison, Keller, Texas; Dan and Kim Wicker, McKinney, Texas; Brian Paulson, Sherman, Texas; Carol Laflamme, Fairfax Station, Virginia; and Jesse and Sabrina Schriner, Sammamish, Washington.
“The KSU Foundation trustees and directors have made an outstanding commitment to boldly advance K-State family,” said Greg Willems, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation. “We thank our trustees — new and returning — for their leadership and dedication to K-State.”
As Kansas State University’s strategic partner for philanthropy, the KSU Foundation inspires and guides philanthropy toward university priorities to boldly advance K-State family. The foundation is leading Innovation and Inspiration: The Campaign for Kansas State University to raise $1.4 billion for student success, faculty development, facility enhancement and programmatic success.