February 2018 – Page 22 – Great Bend Post Archive

Hosmer’s departure leaves big void at first base for Royals

Posted on February 19, 2018

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) – The Kansas City Royals came to camp Sunday and finally knew for sure: Eric Hosmer was gone.

The move was not unexpected, but they had been dreading this day.

Hosmer agreed to an eight-year, $144 million contract with the San Diego Padres this weekend, leaving the Royals with a big void at first base and in the clubhouse.

“I had a pretty good sense about four days ago that it probably wasn’t going to work out here,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. “You still hold out hope. We began to develop a mindset that he is probably going in a different direction.”

The 28-year-old Hosmer hit a career-best .318 last year with 25 home runs. He is a four-time Gold Glove winner and was the MVP of the 2016 All-Star Game, which was played in San Diego. Hosmer helped the Royals to back-to-back World Series appearances, and they won it all in 2015.

“Eric Hosmer was a huge part of that,” Moore said. “We’re forever grateful for his leadership, what he meant and does mean to this organization. We’ll do nothing but wish Eric and his family well. The Padres are getting a tremendous player. There are no ill feelings, whatsoever, and we move on.”

Hosmer’s most memorable Royals’ moment was his mad dash home from third base on a groundout to third base in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series. He scored the tying run, and Kansas City won in the 12th to clinch the crown.

“That was the most aggressive play I’ve ever seen for a baserunner,” Royals closer Kelvin Herrera said. “We got a ring from that play there. That was the key.”

Herrera recalls playing with Hosmer in 2009 in the low minors in Burlington, Iowa.

“We used to cook together,” Herrera said. “We’d go to Walmart to get the food. That’s my first memory of him. We’ll miss him a lot.”

Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy said Hosmer is one of his best friends.

“I’m just happy for him,” Duffy said. “I’ve been talking to him and he deserves whatever he can get. Anything positive coming his way is warranted. I told him yesterday, my happiness for you trumps the bummer I’m feeling right now. It stinks, but it us part of the game.

“I’ve got about 11 seasons worth of special memories with him – winning the WBC, winning the World Series, winning the Texas League, watching that dude evolve over a span of a decade. Watching him be the same human being today that he was when he got drafted. This game hasn’t changed him one bit.”

Duffy and the Royals might see Hosmer soon. Kansas City and San Diego play several times in spring training, with their first meeting on March 2.

Hosmer hit .284 with a .439 slugging percentage in 1,048 regular season games with the Royals.

“He’s the guy everybody went to for anything,” Royals catcher Drew Butera said. “If you’re feeling down, you went to him. If you walk in the clubhouse and have got some new shoes, he’s the first guy you went to go show. He always made you feel special, whether you are a 12-year veteran superstar or you had one day in the show. He’s the guy you went to and he always built you up and led the team.

“He was the true leader on and off the field. He did things in games that stat guys or video guys might not pick up. He was a huge reason why we were good for a long time and why we went to two World Series and won one of them.”

Manager Ned Yost listed former first-round pick Hunter Dozier, starting second baseman Whit Merrifield, Cheslor Cuthbert and non-roster invitees Frank Schwindel and Ryan O’Hearn as possibilities to play first base.

“We’ve got a lot of options,” Yost said. “There’s a lot of different things we can do. We’ve got plenty of time to figure it out. There’s not a lot of worrying about on who is going to play first base right now.”

The Royals could opt to go outside of the organization, too. Logan Morrison, who hit 38 home runs last year with Tampa Bay and is from Kansas City, is an unsigned free agent first baseman.

“There are still some players that are available depending on what the acquisition cost is in terms of contracts,” Moore said. “We’ll continue to look at.”

Moore acknowledged the Royals are keeping a close watch on the budget as far as adding a free agent.

“I wish Hoz was still here,” Moore said. “He’s not.”

General Motors confirms new vehicle for Kansas plant

Posted on February 19, 2018February 19, 2018

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — General Motors says it will build a new vehicle at its plant in Kansas City, Kansas.

The General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Susan McSpadden for Chevrolet)

The company said Monday it will build the Cadillac XT4 crossover sport utility vehicle at its Fairfax Assembly & Stamping Plant.

GM spokeswoman Mary Padilla says the announcement means the plant will keep about 500 jobs. The assembly plant currently employs 2,235, including about 2,000 hourly workers, making the Chevy Malibu.

The company is spending $265 million to prepare to manufacture the vehicle.

Fairfax lost its third shift last fall after sales of the Malibu slumped. It had employed about 3,000 with the three shifts.

The Cadillac XT4 is a crossover SUV.

Ralph E. Draney

Posted on February 19, 2018

Great Bend—Ralph E. Draney, 89, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018 at his home. He was born September 28, 1928 at Preston, NE the son of Alfred and Grace (Alspach) Draney.

Ralph was united in Marriage to Alyce Marie Dyer October 30, 1950 in Alma, NE. She preceded him in death June 8, 2015. Ralph was a rough neck and driller for many years. He was a veteran of the US Navy. He built his own house with the help of his sons. Ralph also loved woodworking and working with leather and fishing.

Survivors include sons Bob Draney and wife Gail of Derby and Ron Draney and wife Becky of Great Bend; daughters Susan Detter and husband Mike and Sandra Smith all of Great Bend; grandchildren Ryan Draney, Ross Draney, Stacy Runyan, Ron Draney Jr, Brandi Gruber, Amanda London, Jessica Beck and Emily Beck; sixteen great grandchildren; half-sister Kay Draney. He was preceded in death by brothers Bill and Neal.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2018 with Pastor Larry Schumacher officiating. Visitation will be 10::00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2018 with family present to greet friends 6-8 p.m. both at Bryant Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorial has been established with Elder Care, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Eldon Leroy Ingram

Posted on February 19, 2018

GREAT BEND — Eldon Leroy Ingram, 67, passed away February 17, 2018, at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. He was born February 1, 1951, at Hoisington, Kan., to William Joseph and Mamie Mary (Dunn) Ingram.

Eldon married Angie Zamarripa June 13, 1970, at Great Bend. They were divorced in 2000. Eldon, a 1970 Great Bend High School graduate, was a driller and roughneck for D.R. Lauck and several other oil production companies. A life time resident of Great Bend, Eldon was an avid sports enthusiast, especially having a passion for fishing and softball, in which he competed in for 15 years.

Eldon is survived by one son, Jeff Ingram and wife Rana, of Great Bend, and their children, Bryce, Addison, and Remi; one daughter, Jill Wharton and husband Spencer, of Great Bend, and their children, Jacob and Jaret; former wife, Angie Ingram, of Great Bend; brother, R.C. Ingram, of Great Bend; and many other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Jordan Ingram; sisters, Dora Ingram, Dannelda Ingram, Leona Bowman, and Alice Harrod; and brothers, Norman Ingram, Jay Ingram, and Keith Ingram.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with The Reverend Dick Ogle presiding. Interment will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Stafford County, Kan. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, with the family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are designated to the Eldon Ingram Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Richard Bollig

Posted on February 19, 2018

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

GREAT BEND — Richard Bollig, 98, passed away February 16, 2018, at Locust Grove Village Nursing Home, La Crosse, Kan. He was born June 20, 1919, at Ellis, Kan., to Jacob and Eva (Spies) Bollig.

Richard married Edith Herrman on November 14, 1949, at LaCrosse. Richard, a long-time resident of Great Bend, worked for Dr. Pepper Co. for seven years, then retired as a supervisor for Marlette Homes, after 27 years of service. Richard was a veteran of WW II, serving in the U.S. Army, 422nd Infantry, from February 27, 1941, to October 18, 1945, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Richard was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, V.F.W. Post 3111, and life member of American Legion Argonne Post 180, all of Great Bend.

Richard is survived by his wife, Edith Bollig, of the home; one son, Dale Bollig and Connie of Oklahoma City, Okla.; one daughter, Sylvia Billinger and husband Charles Pete of Great Bend; one sister, Mary Reinert of Denver, Colo.; five grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Gery Bollig; four brothers, Simon Bollig, Gilbert Bollig, Danny Bollig, Theodore Bollig; and one sister, Georgine Windholz.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, with Military Rites conducted by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, February 19, with a Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 p.m., with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding, all at Bryant Funeral Home. A memorial funds have been established with Prince of Peace Parish or Locust Grove Activity Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Court rules for FHSU; bookkeeper denied millions in estate dispute

Posted on February 19, 2018February 19, 2018

By CRISTINA JANNEY

A former Hays bookkeeper who was seeking millions from her former employer’s estate lost her appeal in a decision released Friday.

The bulk of the estate of Earl O. Field instead will go to the Fort Hays State University Foundation to be used for scholarships.

Wanda Oborny alleges her employer, Earl O. Field, signed a codicil to his will shortly before his death in 2013, leaving half of his $20 million estate to her with a quarter of the estate going to Fort Hays State University and the rest going to Field’s attorney, Joseph Jeter.

FHSU has been fighting Oborny’s claim to the will, including a claim she filed with the court for $1 million in attorney’s fee for the case and another $134,000 for attorney fees for an appeal.

A district court ruled Oborny or someone on her request forged the codicil to the will. Oborny appealed.

Although the lower court found in FHSU’s favor on the will, a district court judge ruled Oborny’s attorney be awarded fees from the estate.

The appellate court found in favor again for FHSU on Oborny’s appeal and overturned the district’s court decision on the attorney’s fees.

The appellate court found Oborny or someone on her request forged the codicil to Field’s will.

In the decision, the court noted Field told the FHSU after the date on the alleged codicil that the college would receive more from his estate than the college had originally anticipated. In a 2005 email to a friend, Earl’s wife, Nonie, wrote about the couple’s desire to leave a legacy with the college that would carry on their name as they had no children.

The decision pointed to evidence the codicil was not consistent with Field’s previous wills. It also noted Oborny’s testimony was often inconsistent and she had a history of taking other people’s money.

The court concluded Oborny was not acting in good faith and therefore the attorney’s fees should not be paid from the estate.

Click here for a copy of the appellate court’s decision on the attorney fees.

In the original case, Oborny alleged 98-year-old Field went to a local car dealer to have the codicil of his will witnessed by two of Oborny’s longtime friends, Steve and Kathy Little.

The Littles died in a murder/suicide after they had been visited by federal agents and received federal grand jury subpoenas. However, their deaths were never definitively linked to the Field will case.

Oborny was Field’s part-time bookkeeper and a cosigner on his accounts. FHSU alleged in its appellate brief Oborny received $300,000 in questionable gifts and bonuses from Field’s accounts before his death and another $600,000 in payments after his death.

After a lengthy 2016 trial, District Court Judge William “Buck” Lyle found the codicil was a forgery created by Oborny or an associate on her behalf.

Although the court found the codicil that benefited Oborny was a forgery, a judge appointed after the initial trial, Kansas Senior Judge Jack Burr, found Oborny could claim $1 million in attorney’s fees from the estate.

Oborny’s attorney took her case on a contingency basis, which means that if she does not win her case, she owes nothing to her attorney.

Coy Martin, attorney for the FHSU Foundation, said he wanted to thank all the judges for their hard work and prompt review of the case, but he could not comment further on the case.

Oborny also faces felony charges in federal court stemming from the codicil.

Great Bend school board member sees a complex issue with school funding

Posted on February 19, 2018

The April 30^th deadline looms in the background for Kansas legislators to figure out a school finance plan that satisfies the Kansas Supreme Court.

After a drawn out process of the Court declaring the State of Kansas has not funded local school districts adequately, new Governor Jeff Colyer has stated he wants a solution to the problem once and for all.

Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education member Don Williams noted it is clear the state has not done their job in providing enough money to the districts.

Don Williams Audio

Former Governor Sam Brownback wanted to add another $600 million to school spending, but Colyer has backed off on this number, leaving it up to lawmakers to find the best route for additional funding.

Don Williams Audio

The majority of the school districts plan to use the additional funding on teacher salaries and programs for at-risk children.

White House Proposes Shifting Kan. Bio-Defense Lab From Homeland Security To USDA

Posted on February 19, 2018February 19, 2018

By LAURA ZIEGLER

Since its inception over a decade ago, the Department of Homeland Security has had authority over the $1.25 billion National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, or NBAF, under construction on the campus of Kansas State University.

Diseases that pose a threat to livestock will be studied at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility under construction in Manhattan, Kan.
HARVEST PUBLIC MEDIA

The 2019 federal budget released this week proposes transferring authority over the facility to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The transfer wouldn’t happen until the facility operational, scheduled for 2022. But officials say the USDA will work closely with DHS long before the lab opens.

“USDA would begin (staffing) up the operations of NBAF by learning how to operate the facility during the commissioning process, purchasing equipment and hiring employees,” DHS spokesman John Verrico said in an email.

NBAF is to replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center in the Long Island Sound. For over half a century, the lab was operated by USDA for the study of foreign animal diseases. It was the only place in the country with a large-animal bio-containment facility capable of studying live foot-and-mouth disease virus, which is highly contagious among cattle and sheep. The labs at NBAF will expand research on foot-and-mouth and have the capacity to do experiments on large numbers of livestock at one time.

In 2002, with the passage of the Homeland Security Act, authority of the lab at Plum Island was transferred to the newly- formed DHS.

Lawmakers and some officials are saying it’s too early to know the impact of placing the Plum Island’s replacement back under the oversight of USDA.

U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, whose district includes NBAF, sits on the House Agriculture and Science and Technology committees. He said he’s focused on making sure the facility is built on schedule and has adequate funding.

“While the proposal to move operational control to USDA is new, we have always expected USDA to play a major role in the research underway at the facility,” Marshall said in an email.

But one scientist who’s been intimately involved with biosecurity research says it’s a mistake to move the Level 4 bio-containment lab away from Homeland Security.

Daniel Gerstein oversaw operations at Plum Island while it was under DHS. He says Homeland Security and agriculture officials had a strong working relationship — even developing the first licensed foot-and-mouth vaccine.

But prioritizing homeland security in animal disease research may be more important today than ever, he says.

“If you had some sort of deliberate attack, you’d certainly want to have your Department of Homeland Security involved.”

Laura Ziegler is a community engagement reporter and producer with KUCR a partner in the Kansas News Service. Reach her via Twitter @laurazig

John O’Connor

Posted on February 19, 2018February 19, 2018

February 19, 2018

Reply to anything here by emailing: john.oconnor@eagleradio.net. We will duly note all your comments in next week’s post.

Hi, thanks for dropping in for Week Number 340 at the old Word Working Shop here, where the English Langwidge is planed, sanded, varnished and polished to a high sheen, not unlike that of fine plywood. Yes, I know there is a misspelled word in the previous sentence. I blame it on the new updates from the friendly folks at computer central.

I know you’re supposed to let the cyber-whizzes at headquarters update your machine whenever possible, but there’s always a suspicious thought lurking in the back of my mind, to wit: is this latest Windows update REALLY going to make my little lappy-top run better, or is it all smoke and mirrors?

Well, after putting a check mark in the ‘remind me later’ box about five times, I decided to go ahead with it a few days ago. Bottom line after the update: the thing seems to be working about as well as it ever has, (faint praise) but they’ve updated their list of little on-screen reminders during the update process. They hand-hold and sometimes nag a little every step of the way. As far as I can recall, the list of on-screen prompts went something like this:

1. This update may take a while. Do not turn off your computer.
2. The update is now 4% complete. The circle of rotating dots means the update is continuing. Do not turn off or restart computer.
3. You may watch the rotating dots if you like, but they can make you dizzy. We are not responsible for any queasiness or vertigo that may result.
4. The update is now 18% complete. Estimated time left for completion: Unknown. Watch the dots. Or the Olympics.
5. Sorry, the old hourglass icon for waits like this is no longer available. Maybe you can find a Windows 95 computer that still has it.
6. This update with many new features is now 32% complete. You will like the new look. That’s an order.
7. Aren’t you glad you have this machine instead of an Apple tablet computer?
8. We are not trying to denigrate the Apple experience. We’re just sayin’.
9. The update is now 51% complete. Happy days are on the way!
10. Whoops, wait a sec. That should be 48% complete. Our intern mis-counted. Good thing he doesen’t cost much.
11. Oh, look at that! We just jumped up to 94% complete. And it only took 42 minutes.
12. Alright, we made it: 100%! DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER. We will now configure your files. This may take a while longer. Do not despair. We have plenty of little rotating dot circles for you to watch.

That may not be verbatim, but you get the picture. And I DID feel a little queasy. But that may have been from watching insane 19-year-olds snowboarding upside-down at the Olympics.

Okay, let’s survey how you did with our questions from last week…

First, a big hello and thanks to Dan (former Great Bender) in Houston for correcting me on the Super Bowl question a couple weeks ago. You’re right, the Saints beat the Colts in the 2010 Super Bowl, not the other way around, which is how I had it. Glad you’re with us in Houston!

Terry was first out of the gate again, correctly identifying Chrysler Corp as the car maker with the most push button transmissions in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Bruce, Roger and Eldon also had the correct answer to that popular question.

Josie remembered future president Ronald Reagan as the endorser of 20 Mule Team Borax in the early ‘60s. Bruce had that one right, too.

Julie knows her calypso activists: Harry Belafonte, who went from the pop charts into political activism in the ‘60s. Eldon (good to hear from you!) knew that one, also. Author’s note: we still have a CD of Harry’s greatest hits in the car. It’s great travelin’ music. Our 36-year-old daughter knew all the words to those tunes by the time she was 7 or 8. Another note: if you want to hear a hilarious version of ‘The Banana Boat Song’ aka ‘Day-o,’ check out Stan Freberg’s take on it on YouTube. It was a hit in its own right.

Roger guessed ‘Risley’s Drug Store; I’m assuming in answer to the question about what other business was in the ‘Anthony’s’ space in the Village Mall. Hmm, that one doesen’t ring a bell.

Okay, questions still open include the ‘other’ Hall of Fame besides baseball and soccer in the Cooperstown, New York area. What is it?

Also, name one other business (there were several) that was located in the former ‘Anthony’s’ spot in the Village Mall Shopping Center.

Annnnnddd, let’s toss out a few more to tangle your brainial tissue: What New York DJ had co-writer credits listed on hit records that he had nothing to do with?

What town (upper Midwest) had a LOT to do with making a certain Winter Olympic sport as popular as it is today?

What ‘50s car line had several models with openable rear windows for ‘flow-through’ ventilation?

Well, thanks for your input this week. You all deserve a handsome blue ‘Participation Ribbon.’ As soon as I figure out how to email it, I’ll get it to you.

See you next week.

John

GBRC – Incredible Wearables Kids Day Out

Posted on February 19, 2018

The Great Bend Recreation Commission has openings left for its Incredible Wearables Kids Day Out set for Monday, February 26, from 9 am. – 4 pm. for children ages 7 – 12 at the Great Bend Activity Center located at 2715 18^th St.

The morning will start off with organized games and crafts. Following a morning of fun, students will make ham and cheese sandwiches, fruit, and other food items for lunch along with a beverage. In the afternoon, Susan Schlichting and Berny Unruh, Agents from the Cottonwood District Extension Office, will present the program “Incredible Wearables”. If you’ve ever wondered how wearable technology like the FitBit or the Apple Watch works, then the Incredible Wearables challenge is for you! You and your team of other participants will work together as an engineering team to build a functioning health monitor using a small computer and sensors. You will also be able to analyze the information you gather on a computer. Come and check out this new technology and its connection to science, engineering and technology in our everyday lives.

Pre-registrations required by Wednesday, February 21 at 5 pm. The entry fee is $15. To register, stop by the Recreation Commission office at 1214 Stone St. For more information, call the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755 ext. 2 or e-mail us at recreation@gbrec.net.