E-rate funding is a federal supplement to help offset the cost of internet at mostly schools and libraries across the country. USD 428 in Great Bend receives an 80 percent discount on their internet costs through the E-rate funding.
Superintendent Khris Thexton says the district is saving money on internet costs with the addition of Nex-Tech in the area.
Khris Thexton Audio
The USD 428 Board of Education approved the 2018-2019 E-rate funding requests at Monday’s meeting.
Nex-Tech has a solid footprint in Northwest Kansas, and has recently moved into the Great Bend area with fiber optic internet. By switching to Nex-Tech internet next school year, USD 428 will save nearly $10,000 compared to what they would have spent with Cox Communications.
Thexton was pleased with Nex-Tech’s option to grow the district’s bandwidth as needed.
Khris Thexton Audio
USD 428 still has one year left on their five-year contract with Cox for the Cox – WAN (Wide Area Network). Thexton anticipated Nex-Tech to put a bid in for that service next year. The central hub for USD 428’s internet is at Great Bend High School. The Cox – WAN connects all the district’s buildings with internet, while the Nex-Tech internet provides the actual fiber optic internet into the district.
With the E-rate discount, the Cox – WAN will cost $9,600 next year while the Nex-Tech internet will be $1,740.
On Tuesday, February 13, at approximately 7:03 a.m. officers from the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of 19th and Harrison Street in Great Bend in reference to an injury accident.
It was reported a vehicle struck a juvenile pedestrian.
The juvenile was alert and talking. Great Bend Fire Department ambulance transported the juvenile to Great Bend Regional Hospital with minor injuries.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A child care worker has been charged with sexually assaulting a second child at a YMCA in Wichita.
Gaston-photo Sedgwick Co.
Caleb Gaston was charged Monday with aggravated indecent liberties with a 3-year-old girl. He had been free on bond on charges that he raped a 4-year-old girl on Jan. 29 when the younger child was identified as a possible victim of a Jan. 24 assault. Gaston was arrested again last week and is jailed on $1 million bond.
Gaston’s attorney, Steve Ariagno, said in an email that Gaston “denies any and all allegations of wrongdoing.”
As part of the investigation, authorities are reviewing YMCA camera footage. Plymouth Congregational Church said in a statement that Gaston was terminated in October from its preschool after an inappropriate touching complaint.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A judge is weighing a man’s claim that that a deadly Lawrence shooting was self-defense.
Drake- photo Douglas County
The preliminary hearing for Steven Drake III ended with a judge taking the case under advisement. Drake is charged with first-degree murder charge in the killing of Bryce Holladay.
The shooting happened in September after Holladay began rummaging through items in a home where Drake was living with roommates. Holladay is accused of throwing punches as several people tried to push him out.
Drake told police he gave Holladay “fair warning.” At the time, Holladay was awaiting trial in an unrelated auto burglary and theft case.
Prosecutors argue that deadly force wasn’t reasonable because no one was at risk of great bodily harm or death. Drake knew Holladay.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas father and husband who is fighting efforts to deport him to Bangladesh was taken off a plane that was flying him back to his native country and is being held at a detention center in Hawaii, his attorneys said Tuesday.
Federal immigration officials put Syed Ahmed Jamal, who has lived in Kansas for 30 years, on the plane Monday before a federal immigration panel granted a temporary stay in the case. He was taken off the flight when it stopped to refuel in Honolulu, the firm representing him, Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law, posted on its Facebook page. Attorney Rekha Sharma-Crawford didn’t immediately reply to messages left Tuesday seeking further details, and it’s unclear what the next step will be for Jamal, who is hoping to remain in the U.S. with his wife and three children, who are all U.S. citizens.
It was the latest dramatic turn for Jamal, who has been battling deportation since Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested him Jan. 24 at his family’s home in Lawrence.
A federal immigration judge early Monday removed a temporary stay he issued last week for Jamal, who was being held in a detention center in El Paso, Texas. His attorneys immediately sought a new stay from the Board of Immigration Appeals in Virginia, which granted one later Monday, but not before Jamal was put on a flight to Bangladesh, Sharma-Crawford said Monday.
Jamal’s possible deportation had prompted 94,000 people to sign a petition in his support. Rep. Emauel Cleaver, a Democrat from Missouri whose office was flooded with calls about the case, took up Jamal’s cause, even visiting him in El Paso over the weekend. On Monday, before the second order was issued, he issued a statement saying he would continue with plans to draft a bill prompted by Jamal’s case that shows how “this broken and unfair” immigration system affects families who have deep ties to their communities.
Rep. Lynn Jenkins, whose Kansas district includes Lawrence, also said before the second stay was issued that she supported Jamal’s efforts to have his immigration case reopened.
“My heart aches for his wife and children,” Jenkins said. “I cannot imagine what they are going through during this very difficult time.”
Jamal has worked as an adjunct professor and researcher at Kansas City-area colleges. He entered the U.S. legally in 1987 to attend the University of Kansas but overstayed his visa while pursuing a doctorate. He was ordered deported in 2011 but had been allowed to stay in the U.S. and check in regularly with immigration authorities.
Sharma-Crawford said Jamal has a work permit that is valid until October 2018 and that he was trying to work within what she said was a complicated immigration system.
ICE officials have consistently declined to explain why they chose to enforce the order in late January.
———–
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A man who has lived in Kansas for 30 years was already on a plane being deported back to his native Bangladesh when a federal immigration board issued a new stay Monday that his supporters hope will allow him to be returned to Lawrence, his attorneys said.
It was a dramatic day for the family and supporters of Syed Ahmed Jamal, 55, who have been battling deportation since he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Jan. 24 in Lawrence at a home he shares with his wife and three children, who are U.S. citizens.
A federal immigration judge early Monday removed a temporary stay he issued last week for Jamal, who was being held in a detention center in El Paso, Texas. His attorneys immediately filed a new motion for a stay with the Board of Immigration Appeals in Virginia, which granted the motion later Monday.
Before the second order was issued, Jamal was placed on a plane back to Bangladesh, said his attorney, Rekha Sharma-Crawford. The plane is scheduled to refuel in Hawaii and Sharma-Crawford said she was hopeful he would be taken off the plane and be sent back to the U.S., KMBC reported.
Jamal’s possible deportation had prompted 94,000 people to sign a petition in his support. Rep. Emauel Cleaver, a Democrat from Missouri whose office was flooded with calls about the case, took up Jamal’s cause, even visiting him in El Paso during the weekend. On Monday, before the second order was issued, he issued a statement saying he would continue with plans to draft a bill prompted by Jamal’s case that shows how “this broken and unfair” immigration system affects families who have deep ties to their communities.
Rep. Lynn Jenkins, whose Kansas district includes Lawrence, also said before the second stay was issued that she supported Jamal’s efforts to have his immigration case reopened.
“My heart aches for his wife and children,” Jenkins said. “I cannot imagine what they are going through during this very difficult time.”
Jamal is a native of Bangladesh. While in the U.S., he has worked as an adjunct professor and researcher at Kansas City-area colleges
Jamal entered the U.S. legally in 1987 to attend the University of Kansas but overstayed his visa while pursuing a doctorate. He was ordered deported in 2011 but had been allowed to stay in the U.S. and check in regularly with immigration authorities. Sharma-Crawford said Jamal has a work permit that is valid until October 2018 and that he was trying to work within what she said was a complicated immigration system.
ICE officials have consistently declined to explain why they chose to enforce the order in late January.
5:15 p.m.
A federal immigration board has granted a new stay of removal for a Kansas chemist who is battling efforts to deport him to Bangladesh.
That came Monday afternoon, hours after a federal immigration judge dissolved a temporary stay he had issued last week for 55-year-old Syed Ahmed Jamal, who was arrested in late January in Lawrence.
Jamal’s attorneys quickly filed a new motion for a stay with the Board of Immigration Appeals in Virginia, which granted it late.
The chemist and adjunct professor has lived in the U.S. for more than 30 years. He and his wife have three U.S. native children live in Lawrence.
His arrest and possible deportation sparked protests and criticism, including from Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.
Immigration officials have not explained why they decided to arrest him Jan. 24.
——
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A judge has denied a stay that would keep a Kansas chemist in the U.S. while he battles immigration officials’ efforts to deport him to Bangladesh.
Attorneys for 55-year-old Syed Ahmed Jamal said a federal immigration judge on Monday dissolved a temporary stay issued last week, meaning Jamal could be deported at any time. Jamal’s attorneys immediately filed a new motion for stay with the Board of Immigration Appeals in Virginia.
Jamal, who has lived in the U.S. for more than 30 years, was arrested Jan. 24 in Lawrence.
His attorneys at the Sharma-Crawford firm in Kansas City said Monday it was unclear whether Jamal was still at a detention center in El Paso, Texas.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Rep. Lynn Jenkins of Kansas issued statements Monday saying they were disappointed in the judge’s decision.
A customer looks over the new Office Products Inc website, https://www.opikan.com, at Office Products Inc. in Great Bend, Kansas on February 9, 2018.
BUSINESS NEWS
In the past, Office Products Inc. (OPI) maintained two separate websites – one that outlined its services and another that offered online ordering. Now, OPI has taken its online service to the next level with just one website that is easy to navigate for information and online orders, said Joey Bahr, technology sales manager.
“We wanted our web presence to be more convenient, with an updated look and feel,” Bahr said. “Our new one-stop-shop website is far more user-friendly because everything has been combined at one web destination.”
Bahr also noted that each of OPI’s three locations used to have its own online address. Now the stores in Great Bend, Larned and Russell are represented on the new website, which is www.opikan.com. This new site also has a link to Golden Belt Printing, 1125 281 Bypass. Two OPI owners also own this full-service print shop.
“The revamped website is so much more convenient for our customers, which is always a priority here,” Bahr said. “We wanted to reduce the number of times you have to click on a mouse. Now you can find general information and/or place orders much quicker.”
For those who would rather visit a store than click on a mouse, each OPI location is staffed with those who can satisfy customers’ needs for office products and services, Bahr added.
“This family-owned business has always been known for its customer service and that will never change – whether in person, by phone or email,” Bahr commented. “Staff members at each location are happy to help walk-in customers find what they need in our in-house inventory or place orders for them.”
The technology sales manager also noted that OPI still offers a 3-inch- thick printed catalog that describes tens of thousands of items.
“While this catalog is comprehensive, there are even more items on the website.”
James Lee Hanks, Jr., 69, passed away February 12, 2018, at Almost Home, Great Bend, Kan. He was born July 17, 1948, at El Dorado, Kan., to James Lee, Sr. and Lavina (Parks) Hanks.
Jim married Jean Schroeder September 4, 1971 at Alva, Oklahoma. Jim, a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam War, had been a Great Bend resident since 1970, coming from Claflin, Kan. He opened, owned and operated
J & L Coins since 1981. Jim was a member of the American Legion Argonne Post 180, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, all of Great Bend; the K.N.A. (Kansas Numismatic Association), Kansas Jewelers Association, Jewelers Board of Trade, and Rush County Coin Club.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jean of the home; one son James Lee Hanks, III of Great Bend; mother, Lavina Hanks Hurst of Great Bend; two brothers, Terry L. Hanks and wife Darla of Otis, Kan., and Steven L. Hanks and Connie of Burden, Kan.; two sisters, Caroline McCune and husband Brad of Great Bend, Diana Osburn of Great Bend; and by two grandchildren, McKenna Hanks and Bradley Hanks.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Lee Hanks, Sr., and by one sister, Angela Collier.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with Pastor Aaron Withrow officiating. Interment will follow at Golden Belt Memorial Park, Great Bend, with military honors conducted by American Legion Argonne Riders and the Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorial Funds have been established with Almost Home, Inc. or Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
FOR SALE: FIRE WOOD. WANTED: WESTERN SHIRTS. 282-8079 OR 797-8057
FOR SALE: 1997 FORD RANGER, TRAILER. WANTED: BED, MICROWAVE, TV 797-2916
FOR SALE: PEDESTAL DINING ROOM TABLE W/6 CHAIRS/2 LEAVES (STORAGE IN TABLE), ENTERTAINMENT CENTER. (ALL MED OAK) 786-6996
FOR SALE: 2 GLASS END TABLES. 792-5747
FOR SALE: BLACK & DECKER FOLDING WORK TABLE. 2 PLASTIC SAW HORSES. 793-8327 OR 617-0378
FOR SALE: RUGER 270 RIFLE. WANTED: GOOSE DECOYS, LARGE SIZE IGLOO DOG HOUSE, 785-324-0550
FOR SALE: HEATED SEAT CUSHION, BLACK BACK PACK, “MY HEATER” SPACE HEATER. 786-4274
FOR SALE: MUSTANG 19″ WHEELS, MUSTANG GRILL 2006-2009, PU TIRES 275/75/18. 282-0424
FOR SALE: AT&T LG SMART PHONE, HANDMADE CUTTING BOARDS, CHILD’S CHINA CABINET. 282-9331
FOR SALE: HARLEY DAVIDSON FULL FACE HELMET 2X. 546-6307
FOR SALE: 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER, 1983 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. 352-0820
FOR SALE: 1985 K10 PU 4WD/350 316-619-8494
FOR SALE: TANDEM AXLE CAR TRAILER W/RAMPS, HONDA 4 WHEELER W/EXTRA TIRES/LIGHTS. 786-5255
FOR SALE: 2 10KW DIESEL GENERATORS. 793-2218
FOR SALE: RANCH KING 42″ RIDING MOWER, LARGE GREEN HOUSE. 785-731-1127
WANTED: WHITE FRONT BUMPER FOR A 2005 FORD 500. 491-1570
WANTED: 4 TIRES 31/10.5/15 786-1052
WANTED: TRACTOR TIRE 14L1/61 617-7147
TRADING POST CLASSIFIED:
FOR SALE: 2004 BUICK LESABRE LIMITED W/88,000 ACTUAL MILES/HEATED LEATHER SEATS/LT BROWN IN COLOR/REAL CLEAN ON THE INSIDE. THE REDUCED ASKING PRICE IS: $5250.00. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: 793-9402
CLEANING OUT HIS GARAGE AND THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE FOR SALE: SMALL PICKUP BED TRAILER W/TOPPER, TOOL BOX AND NEW TIRES FOR $400.00 OR BEST OFFER, 16”JOHN DEERE CHAIN SAW $100.00, 16”ECHO CHAIN SAW $100, JOHN DEERE WEED EATER $100.00. 2 JOHN DEERE SELF PROPELLED PUSH MOWERS THAT RUN REALLY WELL $200.00 EACH. ALL TYPES OF TRAPPING ITEMS, ALL TYPES OF PARTS FOR A JX 75 PUSH MOWER. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 785-483-1722
FOR SALE: 1977 CHEVY 2WD/1 TON DUALLY/AUTOMATIC W/WO 8′ MYERS SNOW PLOW THE ASKING PRICE IS: $1500.00. ALSO, 1980 JEEP 1/2 TON PU 4X4/360/V8/4 SPEED/75,000 ACTUAL MILES/W 8′ MYERS SNOWPLOW. THE JEEP WAS PURCHASED NEW AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED AND GARAGED. THE ASKING PRICE IS $4500.00
ST JOHN EPISCOPAL CHURCH 17TH & ADAMS CELEBRATES SHROVE TUESDAY BY HOSTING A PANCAKE & SAUSAGE SUPPER STARTING AT 5PM THIS EVENING. AND
MOVIES WITH A MESSAGE IS TONIGHT IN THE AUDITORIUM OF THE MOTHER HOUSE OF THE DOMINCAN SISTER OF PEACE. TONIGHTS MOVIE “THE PLANETARY” STARTING AT 6:15
FOR SALE: 1977 CHEVY 2WD/1 TON DUALLY/AUTOMATIC W/WO 8′ MYERS SNOW PLOW THE ASKING PRICE IS: $1500.00. ALSO, 1980 JEEP 1/2 TON PU 4X4/360/V8/4 SPEED/75,000 ACTUAL MILES/W 8′ MYERS SNOWPLOW. THE JEEP WAS PURCHASED NEW AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED AND GARAGED. THE ASKING PRICE IS $4500.00