(Wichita, KS) Credit Union of America (CUA) is proud to announce that Morgan Myres, RN and Sarah Swank, RN of Via Christi Health and Allison Wantland, CNA of Great Bend Regional Hospital have each been awarded a $500 nurse scholarship.
Myres, Swank and Wantland will be using the scholarships funds to attend career related courses at Fort Hays State University, Wichita State University and Barton Community College, respectively, during the Fall 2017 semester.
Nurses wishing to apply for a scholarship can learn more about application requirements and apply by visiting the Nurse Scholarship Application on CUofAmerica.com.
Credit Union of America offers thirteen (13) member locations in Wichita, Derby, Goddard, Salina, and Great Bend in addition to the corporate office in Wichita. CUA now serves over 64,000 members at locations in Wichita, Derby, Goddard, Great Bend, and Salina.
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for auto theft.
Just after 2p.m. Friday police responded to the 500 Block of SW Western in Topeka. A suspect forced a woman from her car and drove away, according to a media release. Dispatched officers located the vehicle and suspect in the 300 Block of SW Polk.
They arrested 45-year-old Craig L. Smith for Aggravated Robbery. An investigation revealed that Smith and the woman had a prior domestic relationship.
RENO COUNTY — A Kansas woman accused in a bleach attack at a Hutchinson laundromat was sentenced Friday.
Destiny Witt, 19, Hutchinson, was granted 2 years community corrections with a 2-year, 5-month underlying sentence.
Witt entered pleas to two charges including aggravated battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery. As part of a plea agreement, the state dropped a charge of aggravated robbery and misdemeanor battery.
One of the other suspects, Jamice Craig, also entered a plea to aggravated battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery. She still awaits sentencing.
The preliminary hearing for the third suspect, Victoria Keene, is in recess to allow the state to locate three witnesses who didn’t appear in court.
The victim says the incident occurred in the 600 block of East 4th at a local laundry mat.
The victim was knocked down, had bleach poured on her and her ankle run over by a vehicle.
She was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Barton County’s longest race, the Flatlander Half Marathon & YP5K hosted by Barton County Young Professionals, is in its third year and is set for October 21 with the half marathon (13.1 miles) starting at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K (3.11 miles) at 8:30 a.m. at Jack Kilby Square.
“We’re really proud of this race and what it’s growing into,” said race director Jean Aycock. “It’s all about fitness and health, from the race itself as a goal and awareness generator to the funds utilized to improve infrastructure to make active transportation safer and more convenient. We saw statistically that we had a long way to go in terms of health and wellness in our county and this is just one way we’re trying to make a difference within our three main priorities of ‘Lead. Network. Volunteer.’”
The professionally timed and USATF-certified race features family-oriented activities for spouses and children to enjoy while waiting for mom or dad to finish. Participants will also receive a free breakfast, high quality swag bag filled with premium freebies and a super soft T-shirt.
This year Barton County Young Professionals has joined forces with Be Well Barton County and the Central Kansas Partnership to put the proceeds to work on safety and wayfinding signage, sharrows for bicycle routes, trail maintenance and community awareness and education. The proceeds from the first race were used to purchase about two dozen bike racks that were installed in each community in Barton County.
Registration is only $60 for the half marathon and $30 for the 5K. The prices increase by $10 and $5 respectively on October 1.
The top three 5K and half marathon finishers in each age group will receive medals. All half marathon finishers will receive finisher medals in addition to the age group medals. The top male and top female will each receive gift certificates from the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development.
Visit FB.com/BCYP5K and click “sign up” to register.
Marsha Gerstner (right) receives her services award from Barton County FSA Executive Director Kristi Badger
Marsha Gerstner has been recognized for 30 years of service as a Program Technician to the United States Department of Agriculture – Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Marsha began working with the Agency in 1987 when it was called the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS). She has provided dedicated service to the farmers and ranchers of Barton County, delivering Farm Programs benefits, completing farm record changes, farm reconstitutions, Commodity Price Support Loans and the Conservation Reserve Program.
Director, Kristi Badger presented the award at the September 13th Barton County Committee Meeting.
BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2017 – 9:00 a.m. until Close
I. OPENING BUSINESS:
A. Call Meeting to Order.
B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Consider Approval of the Agenda.
D. Consider Minutes of the September 11, 2017, Regular Meeting.
E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes.
F. Cell phones and other electronic devices, other than those used by the media and law enforcement, should be shut off.
II. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:
-An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of September 5, 2017, and ending September 18, 2017.
III. OLD BUSINESS – Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
-There is no Old Business at this time.
IV. NEW BUSINESS – All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.
A. WORKFIT: Continuation of the Agreement for Physical Capacity Profile® Testing:
-WorkFit provides physical capacity profile testing for pre-employment purposes. The testing determines the abilities of the potential employee to perform a job’s essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. This reduces the possibility of placing an individual in a position where there is a substantial risk of injury, thereby reducing work-related injuries and potential workers compensation claims. The service rate is $105.00 per testing. Matt Patzner, Human Resources / Finance Officer, will provide details.
B. RESOLUTION 2017-16: A Resolution Prescribing Barton County’s Policies Dealing with Financial Institutions and Rescinding Resolution 2006-23, Investments and Securing the Deposits of Public Funds and Rescinding Resolution 1992-01, Untitled, Adopted January 6, 1992, Adopted December 4, 2006:
-Barton County strives to perform all duties in an efficient manner that follows state and federal law. On occasion, it is determined that a policy is needed to assure that prescribed tasks continue to be performed in a judicious manner. Under the proposed Resolution, County officials have outlined a manner for maintaining accounts in authorized financial institutions. Mr. Patzner will be joined by Jim Jordan, County Treasurer-Elect, in detailing this item.
V. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.
A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.
B. APPOINTMENTS: -Subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
9:30 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Regular Business Discussion – Phil Hathcock, Operations Director, and Donna Zimmerman, County Clerk. Included therein will be bids for the Request for Qualifications for Architects for Courthouse Repairs.
10:00 a.m. – Security System – Doug Hubbard, Fire District Number One
10:15 a.m. – Training Opportunity – John Debes, Information Technology Director
10:30 a.m. – Truck Bids – Barry McManaman, County Engineer
10:45 a.m. – Review of bids for a compact tracked loader with grapple bucket and asphalt milling attachments and the proposed buy-back of a Bobcat compact tracked loader – Darren Williams, County Works Director
11:15 a.m. – Financial Update – Matt Patzner, Financial Officer
11:30 a.m. – Business Update – Jim Jordan, County Treasurer-Elect
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Health Department are scheduled for September 21, 2017.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Discussion Items.
B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration.
C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Mondays during regular business hours.
D. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion.
E. The next Regular Meeting will be Monday, September 25, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.
Kansas is setting aspirations for much higher math and reading competency among the class of 2030 — today’s kindergartners — in a long-term accountability plan for its public schools.
Members of the Kansas State Board of Education, including Jim Porter, expressed support for a long-term accountability plan for schools but also questioned whether its goals were realistic. CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
Kansas officials submitted the accountability blueprint Tuesday to the U.S. Department of Education. It does not include language promoting controversial school choice concepts that Gov. Sam Brownback’s office advocated for, according to staff at the state education department.
Members of the Kansas State Board of Education expressed support for the plan Tuesday but questioned agency officials about the targets, which call for three out of four students to be proficient in math and reading by the year 2030.
“Is it realistic?” chairman Jim Porter, a Fredonia Republican, wondered.
“Seventy-five percent is going to be tough, but it’s what we need,” replied Beth Fultz, an official with the state education department.
Education officials picked that number based on the state board’s goal of preparing children for college and careers. The board’s vision leans on Georgetown University research suggesting upwards of 70 percent of the workforce will need postsecondary credentials in the near future.
Just one in three Kansas students currently scores at a proficient level on state math tests, and about 40 percent do so on reading and language arts tests.
“Proficient” in this context means a score of 3 or 4 — the top two scores on the state’s tests. Children take the assessments in third through eighth grades and once in high school. A score of 3 or 4 is designed to indicate mastery of skills and knowledge at each grade level that prepare the child for college.
Proficiency rates are even lower among students with disabilities and groups that are historically socioeconomically disadvantaged. Just 13 percent of black students score at a proficient level on Kansas math tests, for example.
Schools are expected under the plan to hit the target of 75 percent for their overall student bodies, but also specifically for students in minority groups and for children with disabilities, from low-income families or learning English as a second language.
The Kansas accountability plan also aims for a 95 percent high school graduation rate in 2030, compared to the current 86 percent.
‘The power of school choice’
-CLICK to EXPAND
Brownback signed off on the plan Monday. His office did not answer questions submitted Tuesday about whether he had pushed the education department to insert provisions into its plan about charter schools, vouchers or other school choice programs — a divisive topic among education advocates — and whether he had worked with a third-party organization on the matter.
Spokeswoman Rachel Whitten provided this comment instead: “Governor Brownback supports the State Board of Education’s efforts to improve educational outcomes for all Kansas students, and remains a strong supporter of innovation at the local level.”
During a presentation to the state board, education department staff said Brownback’s office had worked with an organization to review the plan and provide feedback to state education officials.
A copy of the organization’s input, obtained through an open records request, urges Kansas education officials to “consider harnessing the power of school choice” by, for example, increasing the prevalence of charter schools, of which there are currently only 10 in Kansas.
“School choice gives families the freedom to leave persistently low-performing schools,” wrote ExcelinEd, a foundation created by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. “Research shows that school choice, in combination with strong accountability, can have a positive effect on low-performing schools.”
The academic benefits of charter schools versus traditional public schools are a subject of debate among education researchers.
Though school choice provisions didn’t make the cut for Kansas’ blueprint, education department staff told the state board they were still in conversations with Brownback’s office on those concepts.
“Because we want to work with the governor’s office, we’ll keep working and see if there’s any way we can assist them,” Tate Toedman said.
Kansas’ submission of an accountability plan to the U.S. Department of Education is required to show how the state will comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act, also known as ESSA.
The federal government has sway over certain accountability matters because schools receive federal funds.
Measuring progress, not just targets
State board vice chairwoman Kathy Busch, a Wichita Republican, suggested Kansas make clear that its schools will be measured in part based on the progress of their students, not just on whether they hit the 75 percent proficiency target.
Setting an across-the-board 75 percent target “just screams of No Child Left Behind to me,” she said.
State board vice chairwoman Kathy Busch suggested that the long-term plan make clear that Kansas schools will be measured in part based on the progress of their students, not just on whether they hit the 75 percent proficiency target. CREDIT CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
“Having lived with the 100 percent rule, which was …” she said, but paused and cut off her sentence. “That’s all I’ll say.”
No Child Left Behind became highly unpopular over the years. Many educators thought it was unfairly onerous, particularly to schools serving higher numbers of high-poverty and minority children, because the goal was unrealistic.
Deputy education commissioner Brad Neuenswander said state education officials would consider the growth that each school shows, rather than basing measures entirely on whether they hit or miss their targets.
Education officials also said the new accountability system would be “more helpful” and less punitive than No Child Left Behind by providing technical assistance to help struggling schools improve.
They predicted federal education officials would provide feedback on Kansas’ plan by December.
The Kansas Association of School Boards, an advocacy group that represents most of the state’s 286 boards of education, submitted feedback to state education officials praising the ESSA plan — with a caveat.
The association called the 2030 targets “a moral imperative” meant to help ensure financial security for Kansans through rigorous education.
“However, if Kansas is serious about reaching these unprecedented goals, it will require commitments far beyond the scope of this plan,” the group wrote. “The State Board will need to continue and significantly strengthen its advocacy with state and federal lawmakers for the additional finances required to accomplish such ambitious outcomes.”
Dozens of school districts are locked in an ongoing, seven-year long legal battlewith the state over school funding levels. The districts accuse the state of underfunding education to the point that it violates Kansas’ obligations under the state constitution.
Celia Llopis-Jepsen is a reporter for the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio and KMUW covering health, education and politics. You can reach her on Twitter @Celia_LJ.
JOHNSON COUNTY — A Kansas teen died in an accident just before 5p.m. Friday in Johnson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Edge driven by Derek Jacob Drennon, 19, Lansing, was northbound on Kansas 7 just south of 83rd Street passing traffic on the right shoulder.
The driver lost control of the vehicle side swiping a 2013 Ford Edge driven by Shawn Michael Sisney, 47, Shawnee, which was traveling northbound on K-7 in the right lane.
The 2016 Ford Edge then cut across the lanes of traffic to the west, entered the center grassy median where it rolled over multiple times and the driver was ejected.
The vehicle then struck a southbound 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor driven by Cathy A. Fishman, 58, Overland Park. The debris from the impact struck a 2015 Ford Fusion driven by Stephen L. Griffeth, 68, Lawrence, as it was traveling southbound on K-7 in the right lane.
Drennon was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Frontier Forensics. Fishman was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center.
Sisney and Griffeth were not injured. Drennon was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) today announced President Trump has signed their bill to award former Kansas U.S. Senator Robert J. Dole with the Congressional Gold Medal.
“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of one of our nation’s highest honors than Bob Dole,” said Senator Roberts. “Bob is a true American hero who has dedicated his life to serving our nation and the great state of Kansas. The swift passage and overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress is a true testament to the gratitude of Senator Dole’s service. I am so proud that the House and Senate were able to come together to give Senator Dole the recognition he deserves. Thank you to Rep. Jenkins for her work in the House, and I look forward to him receiving this honor.”
“This is a much overdue honor that could not have been accomplished without the great work of Senator Roberts and our entire Kansas Congressional delegation,” said Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins. “Senator Dole has spent his life serving the state of Kansas and our country – helping veterans and combatting child hunger and poverty. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a Congressional Gold Medal than the Senator. I am pleased the President quickly approved this legislation, and I look forward to the presentation of this elite award in the near future.”
The Bob Dole Congressional Gold Medal Act, was introduced on July 24, 2017. It passed the Senate on August 3, 2017, with every single U.S. Senator cosponsoring the legislation. It passed the House on September 5, 2017. Video of Sen. Roberts speaking on the bill following Senate passage is available here, and video of Rep. Jenkins speaking on the bill following House passage is available here.
The signature of the legislation confirms that Sen. Dole will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in “recognition for his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator and statesman.” It is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. It is the most distinguished honor and the highest civilian honor given by the Congress.
Every member of the Kansas delegation is an original cosponsor, including: U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Reps. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Kevin Yoder (R-Kan.) and Ron Estes (R-Kan.).
In addition to every senator cosponsoring the bill, a bipartisan group of Senator Dole’s former colleagues who remain in the Senate signed on to the legislation as original cosponsors. They include: Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Patty Murray (Wash.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.).
The full text of the legislation can he found here.
CLEVELAND (AP) — When reality set in, the ovation steadily grew as the Cleveland Indians emerged from their dugout.
With the scoreboard showing a loss and the Kansas City Royals shaking hands and high-fiving each other nearby, the Indians tipped their caps to salute fans who came hoping to see more late-inning magic and a record streak continue.
You can’t win `em all.
Cleveland’s historic run is over.
The Indians, who captured America’s attention during a dominating three-week run, had their AL-record winning streak stopped at 22 straight on Friday night with a 4-3 loss to the Royals, who became the first team to conquer the defending league champions since Aug. 23.
Jason Vargas (16-10) pitched into the sixth and Brandon Moss homered off Trevor Bauer (16-9) as the Royals, who were beaten five times by Cleveland over the past few weeks, ended baseball’s longest win streak in 101 years.
But when it ended, there was a celebration as a crowd of 34,025 fans saluted a team that took them on an improbable ride they are unlikely to see again in their lifetimes.
“They’ve been so supportive,” said Indians manager Terry Francona, who led his team out of the dugout to return the love to the crowd. “The atmosphere around here is incredible and I think our players wanted to show their appreciation. It’s by no means the last game of the year or anything like that, it’s just been pretty incredible how they’ve reacted and we just wanted to show our appreciation because we don’t take it for granted.
“I don’t think anything is over.”
The Indians set a new league mark and came within four of matching the overall record held by the 1916 New York Giants, a 26-game string that became the subject of scrutiny because it included a tie in the middle.
But despite the loss, Cleveland’s magic number for clinching the AL Central dropped to two after second-place Minnesota was beaten by Toronto.
Following a magical, walk-off win in extra innings on Thursday night, the Indians couldn’t muster another late rally.
When Francisco Lindor, one of the stars in Cleveland’s 3-2 win on Thursday, struck out with a runner on first to end it, the crowd experienced the slightest moment of disappointment before appreciating what they had just seen. And as they stood and cheered, the Indians clapped in return.
“It’s been great,” Bauer said. “They came out, they supported us. The atmosphere last night and tonight was spectacular. Shoot, even tonight after the loss, everyone was standing and stuff like that. It was a pretty cool moment.”
The Indians, who are already assured a playoff spot, not only broke the previous AL record of 20 held by the 2002 “Moneyball” Oakland Athletics, but they served notice that they well could be the team to beat in the postseason as they attempt to get back to the World Series and perhaps end their 68-year title drought after the Chicago Cubs halted their 108-year dry spell at Cleveland’s expense in 2016.
Jose Ramirez, who has forced his way into the MVP conversation, hit a two-run homer and the Indians took a 3-1 lead before the Royals scored a run in the fourth, fifth and sixth.
With one last chance in the ninth, the Indians put the tying run on base before Royals reliever Mike Minor struck out the side for his first pro save, fanning Lindor on a pitch in the dirt.
That touched off a wild celebration, which shook Progressive Field and gave Cleveland fans a chance to get ready for bigger games to come.
“I think it was appropriate. We haven’t lost a game in three weeks. We played a good game,” Cleveland outfielder Jay Bruce said. “It wasn’t like we got just blown out or anything. I think (it was important) to have a bit of a light-hearted attitude about it all, and not take it too hard, obviously, because we’re in a great position.
“We just did something that, depending on who you ask, one or no teams have ever done. So, it’s one of those deals where we understand what the situation is, and this is not something that would happen very often.”
For the better part of a month, the Indians had no equals.
“What they did over there was amazing. I mean, it’s utterly amazing,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “It’s just unfathomable for me that you can go three weeks without losing a game. I mean, it was a tremendous accomplishment.”
“I mean, we’ve got a runner on first, two outs, two strikes on Lindor, and I told Jirsch (third base coach Mike Jirschele), `man, we’ve been here before.’ Luckily we got through it tonight,” he said.
On their way to making AL history, the Indians romped through the league like no team has before.
They outscored opponents 145-41, led in all but 12 of 207 innings, hit 42 homers and captured the attention of baseball fans fixated on the hot-then-cold Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and seeing how far Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge could hit homers.
Francona kept his players focused throughout the streak, mindful that it could become too big. They’ll likely wrap it up their division this weekend and can start looking ahead to a postseason where the only streak that will matter is winning the last game they play.
“To me, it’s just kind of a jumping off point,” Francona said. “Where do we go from here? It’s up. Common sense said you’re going to lose a game. It was a lot of fun. We’ll show up tomorrow and my guess is we’ll have real good energy and see if we can beat the Royals.”
