kan. – Page 13 – Hays Post Archive

Medal of Honor winner, Junction City native Ehlers dies at 92

Posted on February 24, 2014

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Walter Ehlers has died at 92.

Walter Ehlers. Courtesy of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

Ehlers, originally from Junction City, died Thursday of kidney failure in Long Beach, Calif. He was the final surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor who had been involved in the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II.

According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Ehlers was honored for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty” on June 9 and 10, 1944, near Goville, France.

“Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership.”

On D-Day, Ehlers was a staff sergeant and squad leader in the 18th Infantry Regiment in the 1st Infantry Division.

In 2009, Walter Ehlers participated in a veterans panel at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene in an event marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

Ehlers was born May 7, 1921, in Junction City.

Sure, it’s unseemly — but at least it’s fair?

Posted on February 24, 2014

Let’s figure that you probably don’t want to see a lobbyist, or maybe a corporate chief, handing a legislator a check for his/her campaign fund before the legislator goes into the House or Senate to vote on a bill.

Now, that would be a little … unseemly, wouldn’t it?

Well, it if was that simple, we’d be done. That’s illegal.

Lobbyists and corporations and unions—really anyone except individuals—can’t contribute to anyone’s legislative campaign funds after Jan. 1 of each year and before the formal adjournment of the Legislature for the year, called sine die, usually in late May or early June.

Now, that sounds fair.

But…Democratic leadership in the House and Senate have special campaign committees that can accept money during the legislative session that will later be used for financing their members’ campaigns.

Republicans in the Senate used to have one of those during-the-session fundraising vehicles but it is now out of play (long story), and House Republicans more than a decade ago never started that special fund when they had the chance.

So…Republicans want to even the score. If Democrats can raise campaign money during the session from lobbyists and corporations and unions and such, Republicans want to, too.

There are two ways to do this. Republicans have the votes to just shut down the Democrats’ ability to raise money through their special leadership funds so nobody could raise campaign money from anyone but pedestrians during the session. It’s not the fault of Democrats that Republicans don’t have special leadership funds, but that’s not much of a consideration for Republicans.

The way Republicans want to level the fund-raising ground is to allow political parties to designate one leadership committee for each party in each house that is allowed to accept campaign contributions during the legislative session.

That evens things up. That way House and Senate Republicans have the ability to raise money that Democrats can now.

It might be a little unseemly, but the ground will be level if Senate Republicans who are pushing—and have the votes to pass—the bill that House Republicans, that again, they have the votes to pass, would like, too.

Now, you’ve probably guessed that neither Republicans nor Democrats are bashful about pushing big-money contributors to cough up campaign funds before that Jan. 1-through-adjournment drought. They may even remind those donors that they supported issues important to those business checkbook owners.

But during-the-session solicitation of contributions would be done by a leadership committee and not by individual lawmakers.

Good bill? Bad bill?

Talk among yourselves…

Syndicated by Hawver News Co. of Topeka, Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report. To learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit www.hawvernews.com.

FHSU honors student-athletes with leadership awards

Posted on February 24, 2014February 24, 2014

The FHSU Foundation and FHSU Athletics has once again partnered with Cerv’s Conoco to honor two students-athletes with the Distinguished Tiger Leadership Award. According to Fort Hays State University, this is the third year of the programs that honors one female and one male student-athlete for contributions in the classroom, on the court and track, and in the community. On Saturday night at halftime of the men’s basketball game, Callie Wright and Jesse Trent were awarded this year’s Distinguished Tiger Leadership Award.

Wright, Topeka, is a senior member of the Tiger softball team. Wright maintains a 3.5 GPA as a tourism and hospitality major with a certificate in marketing. She has been a recipient of the academic honor roll award the last four semesters. On the field, Wright received second-team All-MIAA honors at catcher as a sophomore. In 2013, she was behind the plate for 43 games, which included calling six no-hitters, two of which were perfect games.

Jesse Trent is a junior member of the Tiger football team and a Dodge City native. Trent maintains a 3.9 GPA as a pre-med major at FHSU and is a two-time Academic All-American and a recipient of the 2013-2014 MIAA Scholar Athlete Award. On the field, Wright was named a captain last season, is a three-year letter winner for the Tigers and was named second-team All-MIAA defensive lineman in 2013.

As recipients of the award, Wright and Trent each will receive a donation to their respective program, courtesy of Cerv’s Conoco & Convenience, which will be made in their name dedicated to the Scholarship Club.

Nominations were made by head coaches and voted on by committee members. Criteria considered were dedication, volunteerism, teamwork, commitment and positive attitude.

Wind, oil on agenda for planning commission

Posted on February 24, 2014

The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission will have its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the 601 Main meeting room.

The agenda includes an update on the proposed Buckeye Wind project and a conditional-use permit to allow a new oilfield operation.

For more information, call (785) 628-9449.

FHSU club aims to raise money with trap shoot

Posted on February 24, 2014

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Club aims to raise money next month at a trap-shooting event.

The shoot is scheduled for 1 p.m. March 9 at Hays City Sportsman Club, 5810 230th Ave.

Entry fees are $10 for the first round and $5 for each additional round. There also will be door prizes and a raffle.

For more information, contact Tammy Lynn at (785) 628-5668 or [email protected] or Brady Tien at (785) 973-8007 or [email protected].

Rove lecture at FHSU rescheduled to April

Posted on February 24, 2014

FHSU University Relations

Political strategist Karl Rove’s appearance, as part of Fort Hays State University’s Sebelius Lecture Series, has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 2 at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

The original date was canceled due to snow. All previously purchased tickets will be honored.

Best known for his tenure in the White House as the deputy chief of staff during the George W. Bush administration, Rove has worked in politics since he worked on Richard M. Nixon’s re-election campaign in 1972. His election work includes both Bushes and Ronald Reagan.

Rove’s presentation offers, according to his summary, “insightful analysis and predictions about the heated debates today in Washington, D.C., the nation’s political course and the bigger challenges America faces.”

To purchase tickets, call (785) 628-5306, visit www.fhsu.edu/sebelius or visit the Student Service Center in the Memorial Union. For more information, contact Vince Bowhay, chairman of the Special Events Committee, at [email protected].

HPD activity log, Feb. 21 to 23

Posted on February 24, 2014February 24, 2014

The Hays Police Department conducted 28 traffic stops Friday, 27 traffic stops Saturday and eight traffic stops Sunday, according to the HPD activity log for Feb. 21 to 23. The HPD also received 16 animal calls during the three-day period.

Feb. 21
Criminal trespass, 500 block West 19th, 5 a.m.
Animal at large, 700 block East Sixth, 7:45 a.m.
Warrant service/failure appear, 100 block East 12th, 8:51 a.m.
Lost animals, 1000 block Reservation Road, 10:31 a.m.
Counterfeit currency/documents, 1200 block Vine, Feb. 19
Motor vehicle accident, 2600 block Vine, 12:43 p.m.
Contempt of court/failure to pay, four incidents, 100 block West 12th, 5 p.m.
Noise disturbance, 2900 block Hillcrest, 1:15 p.m.
Suspicious activity, 400 block East 13th, Feb. 20
Animal at large, 1400 block West 42nd, 1:58 p.m.
Identity theft, 300 block West 27th, 5 p.m.
Found/lost property, 100 block West 12th, 2:51 p.m.
Phone/mail scam, 2500 block Marjorie, 3:42 p.m.
Abandoned vehicle, 600 block East Sixth, 3:50 p.m.
Motor vehicle accident, 27th and Broadway, 3:51 p.m.
Civil dispute, 1300 block East 15th, 6:11 p.m.
Vehicle burglary, 100 block West 10th, 5:30 p.m.
Telephone harassment, , 100 block East Sixth, 8:10 p.m.
Motor vehicle accident/hit and run, 200 block East 17th, 9 p.m.
Animal bite investigation, 2200 block Canterbury, 9:23 p.m.
Assist, 2500 block Sherman, 10:25 p.m.
Noise disturbance, 500 block Ash, 11:13 p.m.

Feb. 22
Lost animals, 1200 block Motz, 12:13 a.m.
Motor vehicle accident/hit and run, 400 block East 15th, 1:05 a.m.
Disturbance, 200 block East 15th, 1:15 a.m.
Unwanted person, 500 block West Seventh, 1:40 a.m.
Parking complaint,. 400 block East 12th, 4:47 a.m.
Bicycle/lost, found, stolen, 400 block West Fourth, 8:46 a.m.
Disturbance, 3200 block Vine, 8:53 a.m.
Abandoned vehicle, 300 block West 23rd, 10:12 a.m.
Civil dispute, 100 block East Sixth, 11:06 a.m.
Motor vehicle accident, 1300 block West 43rd, 11:46 a.m.
Theft, 2900 block Vine, 12:15 p.m.
Motor vehicle accident/private property/hit and run, 700 block West 12th, 8 p.m.
Violation of restraining order, 1300 block East 21st, 4:06 p.m.
Assist, 400 block East 16th, 4:11 p.m.
Animal at large, Eighth and Main, 5:17 p.m.
Found/lost property, 1000 block East 41st, 8 p.m.
Telephone harassment, 700 block East Sixth, 08:13 p.m.
Underage possession of alcohol, 100 block East Eighth, 9:09 p.m.
Aggravated battery, 400 block West Fifth, 11 p.m.
Noise disturbance, 200 block West Fifth, 11:59 p.m.

Feb. 23
Driving under the influence, 500 block West Seventh, 1:44 a.m.
Disturbance, 2900 Grant, 2:01 a.m.
Lost animals, 2500 block East Seventh, 2:18 a.m.
Driving under the influence, 100 block West Seventh, 2:29 a.m.
Criminal damage to property, 400 block West Seventh, 3:15 a.m.
Abandoned vehicle, 2700 block Walnut, 8:08 a.m.
Suicide, 300 block Fort, 3:30 a.m.
Dangerous animal, 3000 block Barclay, 12:33 p.m.
Found/lost Property, 200 block West 10th, 1:28 p.m.
Animal at large, 4300 block Vine, 1:55 p.m.
Found/lost property, 300 block West Ninth, 3:22 p.m.
Animal at large, 200 block West 38th, 4:17 p.m.
Animal at large, 1300 block Old U.S. 40, 5:06 p.m.
Found/lost property, 4300 block Vine, 6:23 p.m.
Warrant service/failure to appear, 1700 block Dechant, 8:11 p.m.
Drug offenses, 100 block West Fifth, 10 p.m.
Harassment, 500 block West 15th, 11:22 p.m.

House fire claims life of Logan man (UPDATE)

Posted on February 24, 2014February 24, 2014

LOGAN — A 45-year-old Logan man died in a house fire early Saturday morning, according to a Phillips County Sheriff’s Department news release.

The Logan Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 305 W. North in Logan at 2:28 a.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, firefighters found much of the residence fully engulfed. After extinguishing the blaze, crews found Mark. L. Runnion, 45, Logan, had died of injuries sustained in the fire.

The fire is being investigated by the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office.

Funeral services for Runnion can be found HERE.

Hays contractors honored for work at FHSU, HaysMed

Posted on February 24, 2014February 24, 2014

Contractors from northwest Kansas were honored for their work in 2013 at a recent industry gathering.

Awards were presented last month at the 80th annual Associated General Contractors of Kansas convention in Wichita.

Glassman Corp., Hays, received an award of honor as a specialty contractor for work completed at the Bickle Family Tower, part of extensive renovations at Hays Medical Center.

Paul-Wertenberger Construction, Hays, earned an award of honor for work done at Tiger Place Suites, a student housing project at Fort Hays State University.

Another company with local ties, Spangenberg Phillips Tice Architecture, was honored by AGA of Kansas for work at two buildings — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Kansas City, and Century Manufacturing, Wichita.

Spangenberg Phillips Tice Architecture is working with Ellis County on facilities upgrades.

Greeley County doctor dies in Saturday plane crash (UPDATE)

Posted on February 23, 2014February 23, 2014

TRIBUNE — A 63-year-old Kansas doctor died in a Saturday evening airplane crash in Greeley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred at 6:04 p.m. as the fixed-wing, singe-engine plane piloted by Dr. Randall Fahrenholtz, Tribune, was flying northeast and for an unknown reason crashed into a field 1.8 miles north of Kansas 96 on County Road 5, or 11 miles west of Kansas 27/Kansas 96 junction in Tribune.

Fahrenholtz was transported to Greeley County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

He had been with Greeley County Hospital since 2006.

“Dr. Fahrenholtz has been a longtime, valuable member of our health care community. He will be greatly missed by his patients, colleagues and staff,” said Chrysanne Grund, project director with Greeley County Health Services. “He was a very well-respected and important member of the community. He was wonderful to work with.”

Ellis Nutrition Center gets Ellis Thrift grant

Posted on February 22, 2014February 22, 2014

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

ellis thrift food pantry — (L to R) Virginia Loflin, Leonard Schoenberger, Melanie Fischer, Vera Haver, Karen Day, Agnes Burns, Betty Wayman and Coleen Dinkel

ELLIS — The mission of Ellis Thrift Ltd. is to recycle, reuse and rebuild Ellis, according to secretary/treasurer Vera Haver.

The Ellis Nutrition Center is the most recent beneficiary of that mission.

“Seven years after establishing the thrift shop, we are so excited to be able to start giving funds to rebuild our community,” Haver said.

A $275 matching grant was presented recently to the nutrition center board members.

The grant money will be used for new tables, according to board member Karen Day.

“The current tables in the nutrition center are too heavy for the members to handle and in bad shape,” she said.

“Thank you to all who donate, purchase and volunteer to make this community self-help program a success,” Day added.

The next grant round is set for July 31. Application information is available at the Ellis Thrift Shop.

Seat belt checkpoints result in 16 violations

Posted on February 21, 2014February 21, 2014

On Jan. 31, officers of the Hays Police Department conducted a nighttime seat belt enforcement event.

Statistics show that seat belt usage significantly decreases during nighttime hours, and the purpose of the event was to enforce seat belt and child restraint laws during nighttime hours.

The event was conducted from 7 to 11 p.m., and officers focused on the areas of 27th and Hall and 27th and Vine. As a result of this extra enforcement, 26 vehicle stops were conducted, according to a release from the HPD.

Sixteen seat belt violations were written along with four equipment violations, two no proof of insurance violations and two moving violations. The event was conducted in accordance with the Kansas Department of Transportation Nighttime Seatbelt Enforcement Program. The HPD also reminded drivers and passengers to buckle up when driving or riding in a motor vehicle.

Teen seat belt usage will be focus of HPD patrols

Posted on February 21, 2014

From Monday through March 7, the Hays Police Department will join other Kansas law enforcement agencies in focusing on teen seat belt enforcement.

Officers will be extra-vigilant when patrolling around schools. In 2013, 31 teens lost their lives and 240 were seriously injured due to car crashes in Kansas — 74 percent of those teens were not properly restrained.

Officers will issue citations to any individuals who refuse to obey the traffic laws, whether it is for speeding, texting or failing to buckle up.

The HPD reminds motorists to slow down, put the phone away or turn it off, and always buckle up.