LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Saturday in Logan County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by John Michael Mooney, 67, Scott City, was northbound on Kansas 25 from Russell Springs.
The driver took the curve at K25 and Plains Road too fast and lost control. The motorcycle traveled off of the roadway to the left and came to rest in the west ditch. Mooney was ejected from motorcycle.
EMS transported Mooney to Logan County Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.
The Hays Police Department is aware of several social media posts alleging that there is an active shooter threat against multiple businesses in Hays.
We have been investigating these reports and we do not have any information that there is a credible threat against our community.
Our investigation into these reports has found them to be false or unfounded. We have no credible information of any danger to our community.
Should we receive information regarding an imminent threat to public safety, the information would be acted on immediately and a formal notification would be made to our community.
As always, if anyone has concerns that a crime is occurring, is going to occur, or has occurred, please contact law enforcement and provide them with the information. Threats of violence are taken very seriously and the safety of the public is our primary concern.
We would caution people about recklessly posting or sharing false information (or information you don’t know to be true) on social media. We know that false information can rapidly spread on social media causing unnecessary fear and concern in the community.
Social media is a great tool but we have to use it responsibly.
Jana’s Campaign is pleased to announce that the Hays, Kansas based national education and prevention organization has received a $10,000 grant from Human Investment, the foundation of The Jensen Project of Dallas, Texas.
“We are so grateful for the support we receive from The Jensen Project. The mission of The Jensen Project and Jana’s Campaign are directly associated through primary prevention efforts. We are proud and excited to build a partnership with The Jensen Project to reduce gender and relationship violence,” stated Kaiti Dinges, interim executive director of Jana’s Campaign.
Through the mission of Jana’s Campaign, we are dedicated to helping middle and high schools, and youth organizations reduce gender and relationship violence by promoting healthy relationship behaviors to ultimately create a culture of strong respect among adolescents. We utilize prevention programs, including curricular and co-curricular activities, to raise awareness of the underlying causes by highlighting the ‘red flags’ of dating relationships.
Janet Jensen
The Jensen Project is a social awareness initiative committed to encouraging empathy in young children by providing them with the tools and resources needed to teach them compassion in various areas of their lives.
Janet Jensen, founder and CEO of The Jensen Project and Human Investment, recognizes the urgency of reaching children as early as possible and ensuring the next generation of students are prepared to handle a changing culture.
To learn more about The Jensen Project’s efforts, visit www.thejensenproject.com.
Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
GREAT BEND – The certified public accounting firm of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chtd.(ABBB) was recently recognized as one of the top 200 accounting firms in the U.S. by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA).
Ranking in the top 200 consecutively for five years, the firm rose nine spots from 174 in 2018 to 165 this year. In 2019, firms ranked
between 101 and 200 range in size from $19.2 million to $39 million in revenue.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as one of North America’s top 200 accounting firms again this year. Our dedicated focus to the agriculture, construction, manufacturing, retail, restaurant, and oil & gas industries has been instrumental to our continued growth,” said
Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of ABBB.
“Thank you to our clients and the entire ABBB team for your dedication to the profession and our firm.”
Founded in 1987, INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) is published by The Platt Group (TPG). The Platt Group publishes the award-winning IPA newsletter every month and the annual IPA National Benchmarking Report. The Platt Group also surveys and publishes annual reports for the accounting profession in Human Resources, Firm Administration and Information Technology.
Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered provides a wide range of traditional and non-traditional CPA and consulting services to clients throughout Kansas, including agriculture organizations, construction companies, feed yards, financial institutions, governmental and not-for-profit organizations, manufacturers, medical practices, oil and gas companies, professional service firms, real estate companies and small businesses. Founded in 1945, today the firm maintains 13 office locations throughout the state. For more information about Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, please visit www.abbb.com.
“This is a very important opportunity for Ellis County to continue to grow its workforce.”
That was the initial thoughts from Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., following a stop in Hays Wednesday to tour Hess Services north of Hays.
Moran was joined on the tour by members of the Ellis County Commission, Hays City Commission, Fort Hays State University and Midwest Energy as the county looks to build support and spread awareness of the importance of the Northwest Business Corridor.
“I know a lot about Hays. I know a lot about Ellis County. This is home,” Moran said. “What I saw here today was not anything I knew about and nothing that I really expected.”
Hess Services is in its 30th year of operations and provides oil field and industrial equipment. They design and fabricate a variety of oil field equipment including storage tanks, pressure vessels and well servicing rigs, and drilling rigs.
They provide equipment for operators across most of the U.S., from the Bakken Oil Field in the Dakotas to Texas and California.
“Here’s somebody who capitalized on the oil and gas markets around the country and created hundreds of jobs in Ellis County, and it’s hometown boys who are doing it” Moran said.
“It is a great development and it’s what we need in every community and we need more of here, is people who have an idea. It’s called the American Dream — we have an idea and we take it to market and help other people pursue the American Dream,” he added.
With 400 employees, Hess Services is the largest business on the proposed Northwest Business Corridor, which also includes Midwest Energy’s Goodman Energy Center.
Last month, Ellis County submitted the grant application for a U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD grant for $8.7 million.
The grant money would help pay for improvements to 230th Avenue between Interstate 70 and Feedlot Road and Feedlot Rd. from 230th to U.S. 183. The total cost of the project is approximately $10.78 million.
Moran said the Hess’s did not ask a lot of the federal government but that the infrastructure needs to be improved in that area.
“So that there is a safer way to get to work,” he said. “(There is) lots of truck traffic on these roads and lots of other businesses are here and are coming here if we can get the investment in infrastructure.”
During the tour, Moran asked if there was a concern that Ellis County could receive two BUILD grants within two years. The city of Hays received a $6 million grant just last year to make improvement to Vine Street
County officials pointed out the money the city received and the $8.7 million Ellis County applied for combined still would not equal some of the costs of the other projects that have applied for the grant.
Ellis County Commission Dustin Roths said they really look at the two projects as one, completing the loop, or bypass, around Hays.
Moran said he has already has talked with members of the DOT about the importance of the project.
“We’ll work to get the Department of Transportation to understand that even better,” Moran said. “We’ll be back to the department of transportation advocating on behalf of this project.”
Warren H. GfellerGovernor Laura Kelly appointed Emerick Cross, Lauren Queal Sill, and Warren Gfeller to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission.
“The conservation of our wildlife and natural resources is critical for the future of our state,” Kelly said. “Emerick, Lauren, and Warren are passionate about conservation, and I know they will work hard to ensure that Kansans have the opportunity to utilize and admire our natural resources. We are lucky to have them on the team.”
The commission works to conserve and enhance Kansas’ wildlife and provide the public with opportunities for the use and appreciation of the state’s natural resources. The governor appoints all seven members of the commission, one from each fish and wildlife administration region.
Warren Gfeller, Russell, is currently manager and owner of Stranger Valley Land Co. LLC. Previously, he was the president, CEO, and a director of Ferrellgas, Inc. Gfeller received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kansas State university, and is currently a member of several public and private boards and foundations. He is an Oakley native.
Emerick Cross, Kansas City, currently serves as the director and commission liaison for the unified government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, County Administrator’s Office. Previously, he served as the director of the Transportation and Parking Control Departments for Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. Cross received a master’s degrees in public administration, a master’s degree in business administration essentials, and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, all from the University of Kansas. He also holds an associate degree in pre-law from Kansas City, Kansas community College.
Lauren Queal Sill, Hutchinson, currently serves as a physical therapist for USD 308, AccucareTX, and Angels Home Health Care Agency. She holds a master’s degree in leadership from Denver Seminary, a master’s degree in physical therapy from Wichita State University, a master’s degree in athletic training/exercise science from Western Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Wichita State University.
The governor’s appointments to the wildlife and parks commission are not subject to Senate confirmation.
Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in July. This was down from 3.4 percent in June and unchanged from 3.3 percent in July 2018.
“July marks the second consecutive month the unemployment rate declined in Kansas, falling to 3.3 percent,” said Secretary Delía García. “The unemployment rate is one of the most familiar labor statistics and represents the percentage of our labor force that is available and interested in finding a job.”
The unemployment rate in Ellis County rose from 2.4 percent in June to 2.8 percent in July, while Trego County experienced more than a full percentage point increase — from 2.4 percent to 3.5 percent.
Nearly every northwest Kansas county showed an increase in jobless claims, with the exception of Rooks County, which fell slightly but remains the area county with the highest unemployment rate at 4.3 percent.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 2,500 from June. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 3,700 from the previous month.
“Preliminary estimates for July show Kansas added 2,500 jobs over the month. Additionally, job estimates for June were revised upward by 2,100 jobs,” said Senior Labor Economist, Tyler Tenbrink. “Looking back over the last 12 months, Kansas has posted a notable increase of 14,200 jobs.”
Since July 2018, Kansas gained 14,200 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 14,000 private sector jobs.
Updates on managing many Kansas crops will be highlighted
Kansas State University’s Agricultural Research Center in Hays will provide updated management strategies for numerous Kansas crops when it hosts the annual fall field day on Wednesday, August 21.
There is no cost to attend the event, which takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided. The research center is located at 1232 240th Avenue in Hays.
The schedule includes a series of field tours beginning at 9 a.m., including:
Pearl millet hybrid performance
Grain sorghum hybrid performance
Occasional tillage in wheat-sorghum-fallow rotations
Integrated weed management in soybeans
Pre- and post-herbicide options for weed management in grain sorghum
Imidazolinone-tolerant grain sorghum: A new technology for weed control.
The afternoon includes a look at insect management in soybeans; and a presentation on alternative crops for western Kansas, including field peas and industrial hemp.
Organizers say that pesticide applicators and certified crop consultants can earn up to four hours of continuing education credits by attending this year’s field day.
Interested persons are encouraged to pre-register by calling 785-625-3425. More information, including a list of speakers for this year’s field day, is available online at www.hays.k-state.edu.
Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.
By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
When on the move, it is always important to find the right pathway. Today we’ll learn about an organization which is helping local communities find the right pathways – in this case, toward healthier living.
During the past two weeks, we’ve learned about K-State Research and Extension’s Culture of Health initiative and local examples of initiatives to support healthy living.
Last week we learned about a food basket program in Leoti. That program was supported by a larger initiative which goes back more than 10 years.
In 2007, Wichita County launched a coalition with a great purpose and a great acronym. The name was Wichita County AIM Coalition. The AIM stands for Add more fruits and vegetables, Increase physical activity, and Minimize screen time. Those are excellent goals toward which to, um, take aim.
The AIM Coalition, including K-State Research and Extension Wichita County, has been very active. They helped start the Healthy Check Challenge, began a 5K fun walk and run, purchased equipment at the fitness center, provided healthy snacks for events, supported walking trail kiosks and exercise stations, provided swimming lesson scholarships, encouraged participation in Walk Kansas, and more.
In recent years, the AIM Coalition accessed a program launched by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. That program is called Pathways to a Healthy Kansas. Virginia Barnes is the director of Blue Health Initiatives for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.
According to the Pathways website, this is the largest community grant program ever funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. The Pathways program is to provide community coalitions with the tools and resources needed to remove barriers and engage their communities in ways that enable healthy eating and tobacco-free, active living to become a way of life.
The grant funding for each community included a coordination grant of $100,000, with the opportunity to apply for non-competitive implementation and achievements grants amounting to an additional $400,000.
The first round of grants was made in 2016 and included the Wichita County AIM Coalition and seven others. An additional eight coalitions were awarded grants in the second round of funding in 2017.
These grants literally span the state, from Chanute in the southeast to St. Francis in the northwest. They are supporting lots of grassroots efforts to encourage healthy living. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas also offers an online community toolbox of announcements, success stories, and helpful resources.
One example of a success story is the produce basket program in Leoti, as we featured last week. “One of the best things about this program – besides promoting healthy eating and promoting the local grocery store – is that it is proving to be replicable,” said Blue Health Director Virginia Barnes.
For example: Another Pathways grant recipient, Rawlins County, chose to implement the produce basket program at Jamboree Foods in Atwood. In its first week, 95 produce baskets were ordered and the program has grown from there.
“We are proud to partner with Jamboree Foods to provide this great opportunity for our residents,” said Emily Green of K-State Research and Extension – Rawlins County. Atwood is a rural community of 1,194 people. Now, that’s rural.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is committed to the health of all Kansans,” Virginia Barnes said. “We know that access to healthy fruits and vegetables is one important way to help people live healthy lives and reduce their risk of developing a preventable condition such as diabetes or heart disease. We are thrilled to be able to support communities as they find new ways to improve the health of their residents and strengthen food access in their communities through programs such as Simply Produce,” she said.
When on the move, it is important to be on the right pathway. We commend the Wichita County AIM Coalition, Emily Green, Virginia Barnes of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and all those who are making a difference by encouraging healthy behaviors in their communities. Committed individuals, local coalitions, and supportive philanthropy can help keep us on a healthy path.
BARTON COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Friday in Barton County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge Ram driven by Ashley Bowles, 25, Great Bend was eastbound on U.S. 281 one mile north of Hoisington.
The driver was distracted by cellphone and rear-ended a 1999 Buick LeSabre driven by Lee Depperschmidt, 84, Rush Center, who was stopped waiting to make a left turn into private driveway.
EMS transported a passenger in the Buick Ida John, 78, Lincoln, California. to the hospital in Hoisington where she died. Depperschmidt was transported to a Wichita hospital. Bowles was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
The RPM Speedway’s pit concession stand was destroyed during a storm that went through Ellis county Tuesday. (Photos courtesy Jill Pfannenstiel)
By JAMES BELL Hays Post
As cleanup continues across Ellis County from heavy sustained winds during a storm Tuesday, the Ellis County Fair Board is seeking help at 10 a.m. Saturday to begin work to clean up the heavily damaged fairgrounds.
“It took a whole set of bleachers and lifted them up over the rodeo arena and smashed them against the crow’s nest and bucking shoots,” said Jill Pfannenstiel, fair board president. “They are totally destroyed.”
Trees and light poles were also destroyed, along with Rolling Plains Motor Speedway buildings.
The track grandstands were damaged, as well as the commercial building.
“In the race track pit area, they had a scale house that was totally destroyed, along with their concessions building,” Pfannenstiel said.
Damage at the track forced the cancellation of Mod Invasion night planned on Aug. 24, which was one of the larger events for the track with the planned inclusion of NASCAR legend Kenny Schrader.
There is a lot of trash across the fairgrounds, and the board wants to get the destroyed buildings cleaned up in the pit area, Pfannenstiel said. Once the cleanup starts, the full scope of the damage can be assessed.
“We are going to try to salvage what we can, but we want to get them off of there to see what kind of damage we have,” she said.
They are also awaiting an evaluation from their insurance adjuster and are hopeful insurance will cover the cost of repairs.
“It should be (covered), but at this point, I don’t know that if they are going to depreciate stuff so if we will get our money back to replace the bleachers,” Pfannenstiel said.
Even if insurance covers the repairs, planned revenue from the three race events planned at RPM Speedway will not arrive and will hurt not only the track but will have larger economic impact, according to RPM Speedway president Glenn Unrein.
“It’s a blow to the racers and our community,” he said. “Like with the Fall Nationals, you have people travel a long distance — last year from 13 states and Canada — they all come in and rent motels shop here and spend money lodging, food and everything else. It’s a real blow to us.”
Unrein is hopeful repairs can be completed before championship night scheduled for Sept. 21 — the final night for track points for the racers before Fall Nationals on Oct. 4.
“It’s a major event for this community and our race track,” he said of the nationals event.
Around 225 to 250 races cars typically participate in that event and the event cannot be moved to another track.
“No facility in several hundred miles of us could handle the amount of cars and people that come in for that,” Unrein said.
While the rodeo grounds were damaged more significantly, there were no more events planned there for the year.
“We’re lucky there,” Pfannenstiel said.
During the cleanup Saturday, she said she hopes they can get the rodeo bleachers off of the crows’ nest and bucking shoots and is asking that anyone that wants to participate in the cleanup bring gloves, power tools, impacts, socket sets and quick-e saws.
Despite the devastation to the grounds, Pfannenstiel was grateful it was not worse.
“We are thankful that it did not happen during the fair and that nobody got hurt,” she said.
Saturday
