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State judges organization honors Rooks County judge

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District Magistrate Judge Douglas Bigge

TOPEKA—District Magistrate Judge Douglas Bigge of Rooks County received the Lee Nusser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge of 2018.

The award was presented June 8 in Overland Park at the annual meeting of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award.” Bigge said. “I know that all of our magistrate judges work hard for the residents of the state of Kansas, and to be the one to be honored with this award is very humbling.”

Bigge, who serves in the 23rd Judicial District, also was re-elected president of KDMJA.

Bigge founded the Rooks County Courthouse Coat Exchange program 17 years ago and established Seatbelt Awareness Days for preschoolers through sixth-graders in Rooks County schools. He is a past leader for the Eager Beaver 4-H Club and has coached youth sports in Stockton and Plainville. He and his wife, Kori, have a daughter Kourtney.

District Magistrate Judge Blaine Carter from Wabaunsee County of the 2nd Judicial District presented the award.

Carter said Bigge met all the criteria of the award, which is given to a judge who has exhibited support of the Kansas judiciary and the dignity and integrity of the magistrate judges association.

However, Bigge exceeded those qualities when he took over legislative liaison duties for KDMJA, Carter said.

At the start of the legislative session in January, the organization’s longtime legislative liaison, Judge Taylor Wine, left his district magistrate judge position when he was appointed a district judge for the 4th Judicial District.

“Judge Bigge took over the reins, with the help of other committee members. He did a fantastic job, both as legislative liaison and president,” Carter said. “It was a lot of work and dedication from him to get that job done.”

Several times, Bigge made the nearly 500-mile roundtrip from his home in Stockton to Topeka to meet with legislators, Carter said.

“He is most definitely deserving of this award,” Carter said.

Bigge was elected magistrate judge in 1996 to serve Rooks County of the 23rd Judicial District. He graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in history and has attended the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. He received his certificate of qualification from the Kansas Supreme Court on July 10, 1997.

The award is named for Judge Lee Nusser, who served as a district magistrate judge in Stafford County from 1976 to 1999. He died in 2003.

— Office of Judicial Administration

FHSU student group receives award from world’s largest human resource association

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FHSU University Relations

Fort Hays State University’s Society for Human Resource Management student chapter was recently awarded a 2017-2018 Superior Merit Award from the Society for Human Resource Management.

The merit award program, originating in 1972, was created to encourage student chapters to require ongoing excellence in requirements, operations, programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession and SHRM engagement.

“It is truly an honor for our chapter to receive recognition from SHRM for the work we do on campus,” said Marina Arenivas, Liberal senior and FHSU’s SHRM chapter president. “This is a big accomplishment and only reaffirms the commitment our members have to this profession.”

“We have worked hard throughout the years to bring speakers and programs that benefit not only our members, but all students on campus,” said Arenivas.

The Society for Human Resource Management is the world’s largest human resource professional society, representing 285,000 members in more than 165 countries. SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China, India and the United Arab Emirates.

The society has been the leading provider of resources serving the needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of human resource management for almost seven decades.

“As we move together forward, young professionals like these being honored at distinguished student chapters play a vital role in SHRM’s success,” said Johnny C. Taylor Jr., SHRM president and chief executive officer. “I’m especially honored to thank this year’s award winners because they offer excellent evidence that SHRM’s future is indeed in good hands.”

Seventh annual First Responders Night is Saturday at Larks Park

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The Hays Baseball Association and Hays Larks Baseball are hosting the seventh annual “First Responders Night” at the Larks Park on Saturday, June 16, at 7 p.m.. everyone is invited to attend the game to help pay tribute to law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and all first responders for their commitment and contributions to our community. The Hays Larks will be playing the Oklahoma City Indians, and admission is free courtesy of the evening’s game sponsor, Nex-Tech.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler, a Hays Larks board member, praised the dedication of the area’s first responders.

“The Hays Larks are honored to recognize the hard work of these outstanding members of our community. These men and women have dedicated their lives to providing safety and security for us and we are pleased to pay tribute to them and their families,” he said.

All first responders are encouraged to attend the Larks baseball game with their families.

“This event should be a fun time for all, so let’s help the Larks pack the park and recognize our local first responders while cheering on the Larks to a victory,” Scheibler said.

— Submitted

City commission to vote on increased TGT to fund Vine St. roundabouts

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CITY OF HAYS

A proposal for funding three proposed traffic roundabouts will be discussed at tonight’s Hays city commission meeting.

Commissioners will consider a recommended charter ordinance to increase the Transient Guest Tax (TGT) rate to 7% from 5% to fund the improvements in the north Vine Street corridor. Costs are estimated at $7.6 million.

If constructed, the roundabouts are expected to significantly improve accessibility for visitors, residents, and pedestrians; improve safety; and keep the area economically viable.

There are three agenda items regarding bid awards.

  • Repainting the exteriors of both water towers
  • Extension of water service on East 27th Street to be funded by the five customers requesting service
  • Site work and concrete slab at the new Fire/Rescue Training Facility south of the Waste Water Treatment Plant

The complete June 14 agenda can be seen here.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

 

Toll, Bittel honored with nursing awards by HaysMed

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Sharon Bittel – LPN of the Year 2018

HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently recognized several nursing Associates with awards. Shannon Toll, Patient Care Technician (PCT) in Acute Care was recognized with the Caring Hands PCT of the year award. The PCT is a very important part of the patient care team as they extend the care of the nurse through positive interaction with patients and visitors by anticipating needs.

Shannon Toll – PCT of the Year 2018

The Lanita Smith LPN of the Year award was presented to Sharon Bittel, LPN at the Orthopedic Clinic. The LPN of the Year award is named after Smith, a former nurse that took pride in her role as an LPN and her ability to positively impact a patient’s life as a nurse in many different roles at HaysMed.  This award honors an LPN who displays many of the same characteristics that Smith had including kindness, compassion, concern and friendliness all the while being a great member of the patient care team.

— HaysMed

Ellis City Pool schedules swimming lessons

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ELLIS — The Ellis City Pool is offering public swimming lessons June 18-28 and July 9-19 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. through the American Red Cross Learn-To-Swim Program. They will offer levels 1-6 and Preschool/Toddler Aquatics.

Lessons are $25 per family for the first student, $20 for the second student, and $15 for subsequent students. If you would like to sign up your child, contact the Ellis City Pool in person at 301 Taylor St. in Ellis or call (785) 726-3130.

CLINKSCALES: Being a guide

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Randy Clinkscales
I grew up in Texas until my parents were divorced when I was in the fourth grade. A couple of years later, I moved to Kansas with my sister, mom and step-father. From that point forward, with the exception of four years of college, my life has been in Kansas.

My father continued to live on the coast of Texas. Because of the move and the distance, as well as all of the things that kids get into as they grow older (such as work, school activities, and the like), our time together was, many times, a week or two at Christmas, and a week or two in the summer.

One summer, my dad decided to spend most of his summer in Silverton, Colorado, commuting every couple of weeks back to Texas. That summer, I got a job in Silverton and lived with my dad.

My dad was really laid back that summer. He had some funky leather pants that he would wear while in Silverton.

His favorite activity was to get in his Jeep and go four-wheeling over some mountain passes. That summer, dad had many visitors from his hometown of Edna, Texas. Both friends and relatives would come to visit and stay for a period of time.

My dad would volunteer to take the visiting family and friends on a guided Jeep tour. My recollection is that the tour was over a pass called Engineer Pass, and you would come back on Cinnamon Pass.

This was not an easy jaunt. It was a “most of the day” trip. We would travel over one pass to Lake City, generally have lunch there, and then come back over the other pass back to Silverton.

I do not know how many times my dad did that trip that summer – many, many times. Most of the time, I would go with him, if I was not working.

What really amazed me later on in life was thinking about the enthusiasm that he showed each and every time that he made that trip. Though he had done it many times, he always showed enthusiasm to the family or friends that he was guiding over the mountain passes. His enthusiasm never diminished. He knew that for many of them this was the first time that they had been in the mountains and had this type of experience.

The climb over the passes was not easy. Not only was it rocky, it, many times, was on mountain edges. But my dad was always safe; he always calmed everyone down. Though there were a lot of gasps, he never exacerbated the situation. In all the times that I have done those passes with my dad, never was there a problem.

I know that when a family comes to me and they are facing long-term planning, or even dealing with a chronic illness, they are going on a journey that they have never been on before. The journey may be long, and certainly complex, and many times scary, if not heartbreaking.

It is important for me to let families know that they have a guide on their journey. It is important to me that families know that issues are going to come up, but we are here to take care of them.

Dealing with elder law, and helping people with long-term plan or chronic-illness issues, is very specialized. It ends up being more than a transaction. At least in my office, it becomes a life-long relationship. Elder law should deal with more than just estate planning; it should also address financial, health care and self-determination issues.

Sometimes I think that when people are looking at long-term planning, or if they are trying to deal with how to manage a chronic illness in their planning process, they get really overwhelmed. They just freeze rather than face what is going on.

I often tell families in my office that I know we are going to go on a long journey. Sometimes the journey may seem like a maze, but if they let me get them to the next corner, I will tell them where to turn.

I kind of felt like that with my dad. He was willing to bring his enthusiasm and knowledge in being a guide for people’s journey over the mountain passes. With him they felt safe.

My dad died two years ago. At his funeral, I had an interesting thought. I know that my dad was at peace with his passing, but I had this vision that in the afterlife, he would be meeting his friends and family. He would be wearing those funky leather pants, standing by his Jeep, probably with a little bit of beard growth, and ready to give them a tour of their new world.

Please do not be afraid addressing long-term care issues. With the proper guide, you will find great relief, and perhaps even peace of mind.

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.

SPONSORED: Ashley’s Auction schedules sale Saturday in Stockton

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SATURDAY, JUNE 16th, 10:00 a.m. City Hall Building, Stockton, Ks. Selling: 6 SHOTGUNS, 4 RIFLES, 2 REVOLVERS, KNIFE COLLECTION, CAST IRON AND POST OFFICE DOOR BANKS, ANTIQUE DROP FRONT SECRETARY, 2 WINDMILL WEIGHTS, VINTAGE WIND UP TIN FERRIS WHEEL PLUS OTHER OLD TOYS, HOUSEHOLD, NEW SHOP TOOLS, 2 WACONDA SPRINGS CROCK JUGS PLUS MANY MORE HARD TO FIND ANTIQUES!

Come spend the day with us June 16th to see what all we find for the Auction.

Seller: Loren Hale. Ashley’s Auction, P.O. Box 117, Kirwin, Ks 67644 785-543-5612

HPD Activity Log June 13

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The Hays Police Department responded to 13 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Wed., June 13, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Lost Animals ONLY–400 block E 13th St, Hays; 12:57 AM
Domestic Disturbance–300 block E 12th St, Hays; 5:36 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:59 AM
Animal At Large–1900 block Pine St, Hays; 10:48 AM
Theft (general)–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 6/12 6:55 PM; 7 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block E 30th St, Hays; 1:27 PM
Suspicious Activity–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:38 PM
Suicidal Subject–200 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:43 PM
Suspicious Activity–1500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 4:15 PM
44 – Traffic Stop–800 block Ash St, Hays; 4:33 PM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 5:26 PM
Suspicious Person–1100 block E 15th St, Hays; 6:52 PM
Suicidal Subject–3500 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 11:13 PM

Topeka couple featured in Summer Art Walk anchor show

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By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Hays Arts Center will feature “A Summer Together” by Larry Peters and Barbara Waterman-Peters, a husband and wife team from Topeka, for the Summer Art Walk on Friday.

Barbara primarily works in oil on canvas. Larry produces ceramics as well as mixed-media artwork.

“These will be pieces that have figurative subjects in them,” Brenda Meder, director of the Hays Arts Council, said. “Larry’s works are a little more conceptual and abstract. Some of them are even inspired by the Holocaust. It is the stripes that are his inspiration. It is not an in-your-face darkness kind of thing. It has been an inspiration for a whole series of paintings he has done.”

Larry earned a BFA in 1962 from Washburn University in Topeka, and an MFA in 1965 from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, according to his bio on the Strecker Nelson West Gallery website. He joined the Topeka Library first as a reader’s adviser in the fine arts department, and went on to become the director of the library’s gallery in 1974, retiring in 2003. Special honors include the creation of a bird ornament for the 2002 White House Christmas tree and participation in the U.S. State Department “Arts in the Embassies” program.

Barbara has a BFA from Washburn University and MFA from Kansas State University, according to her website. She has shown regionally, nationally and internationally in more than 250 solo, invitational and juried exhibitions. Waterman-Peters taught at Washburn and Kansas State Universities as well as Lassen Community College in California. She writes about artists for TOPEKA and LAWRENCE Magazines and has illustrated several books.

“Even though their styles are different, you can truly see the inspiration they get from each other,” Meder said, “but they don’t attempt to do what the other does in any way, shape or form.”

Meder said some of Barbara’s paintings almost look like photographs.

“The personalities—you just feel like you know who these people are—you want to know them,” Meder said of Barbara’s paintings. “Don’t they feel so real and honest? She is an incredible figurative artist.”

The couple plans to attend the opening reception for the exhibit on Friday. The Art Walk will be 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The show will be on exhibit at the Arts Center through Aug. 10.

The Hays Arts Center Annex will feature Gordon Sherman, Dagan Sherman, Ariel Sherman and Brian Hutchinson in “Shermantiestablishmentism Part Deux.”

Gordon Sherman is a longtime professor at FHSU in printmaking. His son, Dagan, and former student, Hutchinson, are both also teachers and printmakers. Hutchinson, who was teaching art in Great Bend, has recently been hired to teach FHSU. He will be working with art education majors. Hutchinson has also taught summer youth art classes for the HAC.

Ariel works in fiber arts. Gordon also does paintings and assemblage work.

As usual, there will be several venues where you can listen to music, including Max Walker and Friends at the Downtown Pavilion, hosted by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation; Sunrise Biscuits at Breathe Coffee House; Company 11 at Paisley Pear; Wayne and Tammy Lang at the Ellis County Historical Society; and jazz by Brad Dawson and Luke Johnson at Gella’s Diner.

Dawson and Johnson will perform later in evening from 9 to 11 p.m., Company 11 will perform from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Paisley Pear, and Wayne and Tammy Lang will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the museum. The historical society also will feature 2-D and 3-D artwork by Harley Torres and Tyler Dallis,

Also in the area of the Pavilion at Union Pacific Park will be “Apophenia Art” by Craig Brendan and the KSU Watersheds and City of Hays WOW Trailer. Brendan is a self-taught artist who often works in pen and ink and mixed media. The Watershed on Wheels Trailer features hand-pained murals by FHSU students that tell the story of Hays water system and need for water conversation.

“They are using the art to have it be something bigger,” Meder said of the WOW trailer.

Visual art at Breathe will be “Wednesday Morning Breakfast” Club with Jim Hinkhouse, Michael Jilg, Kathleen Kuchar, Darrell McGinnis and Cal Mahin. This group is retired art faculty who still meet regularly for breakfast.

You can see a preview of the Hays Community Theatre’s summer musical, “The King and I” at its new performance space at 121 E. Eighth.

Angela Muller, who will exhibit at Couture for Men and Women uses many organic media in her paintings, including rainwater, wheat kernels and ground limestone. Her exhibit is titled “Spirit of the Prairie.” Although her materials are natural, her visual presentation tends to be more abstract, Meder said.

“They are made with these true, organic things—a very spiritual approach to art that is very much of the earth,” Meder said.

Meder is trying to get an exhibit of Muller’s work at the Art Center later this year.

A variety of young artists will be featured during the art exhibit. The Hays Public Library will present “The Art of Coding: Stem & Robots” by local teens.

The library also will host Sean Conroy, author of “Through the Eyes of a Young Physician Assistant.” He will be selling and signing books.

A2Z Escape will feature sisters Morgan and Madison Schremmer, both of Ellis County. Morgan is a student at FHSU and is a painter. Madison is a photographers. Jeanne Schwartz, a non-traditional FHSU student from Hays, will exhibit her mixed media work.

Students Kurt Breshears, Woody Stauffer and Zane Mahanna will be a part of an exhibit that will also include Holly Ray, Nicole Thibodeau and Shannon Trevethan, director of the Denies Culture Center in Russell. The exhibit will be at Thibodeau’s home at 206 E. Sixth St. These artists work in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture and photography.

Thibodeau works at the Hays Public Library and will be leading a Plein Air Painting Workshop on Saturday, June 23 at the Ag Research Center, which is sponsored by the Hays Arts Council. Enrollment is sill open for that workshop.

Diamond R. Jewelry will feature Darris Worcester of Hill City. Meder said he paints traditional subjects in a traditional style on canvas, paper as well as saw blades and metal. This is his first time on the Art Walk.

Avalon Advanced Health, which in Eagle Plaza at 27th and Hall streets, is on the Art Walk for the first time. They will be open from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and feature the works of Aaron Phillips, recent FHSU BFA grad; Brett Novack; and Can “Cadie” Long. Long was a student at FHSU and, since graduation, has moved to the west coast. She specializes in 3-D art and illustrations. Phillips is a painter.

The Summer Art Walk tends to have fewer stops than the spring event, Meder said.

“This is still a lot of places,” she said. “Because there are fewer places, maybe people’s pace for the evening will be a little more relaxed, and that is kind of nice too. There is still enough here to completely fill up three hours. It is nice people can just take their time and really relish what I hope will be gorgeous evening.”

Below is the complete schedule:

2018 Hays Arts Council

~  Summer Art Walk  ~

Friday, June 15  – 6:30-9:30pm

Hays Arts Center 

112 E. 11th “Peters/Waterman-Peters: A Summer Together”

Works by Barbara Waterman-Peters & Larry Peters

Hays Public Library 

1205 Main “The Art of Coding: STEM Projects & Robots”

~ presented by the Young Adult Department

Sean Conroy book signing ~

“Through the Eyes of Young Physician Assistant”

Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro, Market

1100 Main Photography by Gilbert Kinderknecht

Live Music by “Company 11” 8:30-10:30pm

Couture for Men & Women 

1111 Main “Spirit of the Prairie” earth art with limestone,

wheat kernels & cottonwood by Angela Muller

J Studio & Salon 

112 W 11th Sculpture by Danielle Robinson,

Poetry by Ross Karlin, & Music by Lane Werth

Hays Arts Center Annex  

1010 Main “Shermantiestablishmentism Part Deux”

works by Gordon Sherman, Dagan Sherman,

Ariel Sherman, & Brian Hutchinson

Paintings & Photographs by Bruce Burkholder

Union Pacific Park

10th & Main “Apophenia Art” by Craig Brendan

KSU Watersheds & City of Hays “WOW Trailer”

~ with hand painted interior murals

Downtown Pavilion (hosted by DHDC)

10th & Main Live Music by Max Walker

Hays Community Theatre 

121 E. 8th “The King and I” HCT Summer Musical Showcase

A2Z Escape

115 W. 8th Paintings, photography & mixed media works

by Madison Schremmer, Morgan Schremmer

& Jeanne Schwartz

Diamond R Jewelry 

807 Main Paintings by Darris Worcester

Breathe Coffee House

703 Main “Wednesday Morning Breakfast Club”

~ works by Jim Hinkhouse, Michael Jilg,

Kathleen Kuchar, Darrell McGinnis, and Cal Mahin

Music by “Sunrise Biscuits”

Ellis County Historical Society 

100 W. 7th “Exploration” ceramics & drawings

by Harley Torres & Tyler Dallis

Music by Wayne & Tammy Lang

Garden Art Gallery

206 E. 6th Works by Kurt Breshears, Zane Mahanna,

Woody Stauffer, Holly Ray,

Shannon Trevethan & Nicole Thibodeau

Friday, June 15  – Early or Extended Hours

Avalon Advanced Health   5:00-7:30pm

2703 Hall, Suite13 Works by Aaron Phillips,

Can “Cadie” Long & Brett Novack

Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co.   9:00-11:00pm

117 E. 11th Live Jazz by Brad Dawson and Luke Johnson

 

 

Hot, windy Thursday

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Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Windy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 23 to 28 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 24 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 99. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 74. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 22 mph.

SaturdaySunny, with a high near 97. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Portion of Ash will be closed to allow Midwest Energy crews to install power lines

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Ash Street in Hays will be closed from 8:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday from 19th to 27th streets to allow Midwest Energy crews to install new power lines in the area.

During this time, local traffic only will be allowed to access adjoining side streets between 19th and 26th streets.

“The road closure is necessary to enable crews to safely change out damaged poles and wires, part of a months-long project to upgrade the system and improve reliability in the area. Power will be out in the area while crews perform the work, and affected residents have been notified by phone of the outage,” said Midwest spokesman Mike Morley. “Midwest Energy appreciates everyone’s patience as they work to get this project completed safely, and with minimal disruption to residents and area businesses.”

Vincke appointed 12th bishop of Salina Diocese

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Vincke
Diocese of Salina

SALINA — Pope Francis on Wednesday named Msgr. Gerald (Jerry) L. Vincke as new bishop of the Diocese of Salina.

The announcement was made official at noon Wednesday in Rome (5 a.m. Central time).

Bishop-elect Vincke, 53, presently is the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, Mich. He succeeds Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger, who was named bishop of Tucson, Ariz. on Oct. 3, 2017.

Bishop-elect Vincke was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1999, at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing, Mich. by Bishop Carl F. Mengeling. He was parochial vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Ann Arbor, Mich., from 1999 to 2001. He became the director at Bethany House, a retreat house for youth, from 2001 to 2004. He attended the Creighton University for Spirituality courses in the summer of 2001. He also participated in the Institute for Priestly Formation Program at Creighton University for several summers. Additionally, he became the Director of Seminarians and Vocation Director in 2003, becoming full-time in those positions and relinquishing duties at Bethany House in 2004. He was the Spiritual Director at the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 2010 to 2015. While in Rome, he completed the requirements for the S.T.L. (License in Sacred Theology), with a focus on Spiritual Theology, in 2015. His Tesina is entitled: “Following the Path of St. John Vianney for the New Evangelization with Evangelii Guadium as a Guide.” In 2012, he was named a Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI. In 2015, upon his return to the Diocese of Lansing, he was assigned as the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, Mich. (a suburb of Flint, Mich.). Additionally, he currently serves on the Presbyteral Council, the Priest Assignment Committee, and the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Lansing, Mich.

Bishop-elect Vincke was born on July 9, 1964, in Saginaw, Mich., the ninth of 10 children of Henry and Fidelis Vincke. He attended New Lothrop High School and Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., where he obtained a degree in public relations and marketing. He completed his Philosophy studies at St. Thomas More College in Crestview, Ky., and his Theology studies at Athenaeum Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio and Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Mich.

His father died in June of 2000, and his mother is in an assisted living facility in Chesaning, Mich. His family includes six brothers and three sisters­.

Ordination and installation plans are still pending. Seating will be limited. Information will be released as it becomes available.

“I am overjoyed with the news of the appointment of Bishop-elect Gerald L. Vincke to the Diocese of Salina. Bishop-elect Vincke will soon discover that he has been led to a vibrant Diocese with a strong and healthy presbyterate and a Catholic lay faithful strong in their commitment to Christ and His Church,” said Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger, Bishop of Tucson, Ariz., and 11th Bishop of the Salina Diocese. “My prayers are with him today, along with prayerful gratitude to God for sending the good people of Salina a loving and faithful new shepherd.”

“We offer to Pope Francis our love and gratitude. Certainly, the good people of Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, Michigan, will also miss their pastor since they recognize in him the very gifts which the Holy See finds will provide loving leadership to the Diocese of Salina. He is a fine priest, a man of deep faith in Jesus Christ, and a gentle soul. Our loss is most sincerely their gain,” said Bishop Earl Boyea, Bishop of Diocese of Lansing, Mich.

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