MORAN — Shane Smith has made a dent in a wild bunch that has been running rampant in Moran.
“I’ve caught four fox, eight skunks and I don’t know how many possums,” Chief of Police Smith told city councilmen Monday night.
The animals, in town to forage for food put out with trash, have been apprehended in three live traps. Once an animal is caught, he has several places a few miles out in the country where he has permission to free them.
To avoid unsettling his prey, particularly skunks, a blanket is placed over a trap before it’s moved, which has a calming effect.
“I imagine some of them make their way back to town,” Smith said, but that hasn’t deterred his efforts.
Fox are a prime target, because some appear to have the mange, a parasitic skin disease that occasionally can be transmitted to humans.
Smith figures his success is pretty good, with him never having been a hunter or trapper.
The chief also reported seatbelt use will be checked at Marmaton Valley High School from Feb. 24 to March 7, at behest of the Kansas Department of Transportation.
“Our goal is education, to get the kids to buckle up,” Smith said.
Final check-off on a $700,000 improvement of 17,000 feet of sewer mains and 44 manholes will be done in the next month or so.
The project began last April and was funded 50 percent by a grant from Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the remainder by a loan from the same agency. The loan will be repaid with revenue from sewer service charges.
Council members looked through a dozen large photos of 1950s scenes in Moran, given to the city by Bill McAdam.
Clerk Lori Evans will look into frames or another means of displaying the photos in City Hall, where a number of photos from the “old days” already hang.
The photos recorded a busy downtown, with a number of businesses including two groceries and the Miner Theater.
Fire Chief Phillip Merkel — he’s also mayor — received permission to purchase a new primary nozzle for the city fire truck, which is expected to cost $650 to $700. Merkel said the older nozzle was leaking and not as effective as it should be.
A leaking fire hydrant will be replaced when weather permits, as will about 140 feet of 4-inch sewer line in the downtown area. The line is leaking and has been removed from service, possible with a backup loop around the troublesome area.
HMS seventh-graders win, improve to 11-1
GALESBURG — Humboldt Middle School’s seventh-grade boys continued their romp through a successful season Monday with a 35-32 win over host Galesburg. The win lifts the Cubs to 11-1 on the season.
“We played a little sluggish to start the game,” Humboldt head coach Jeremy Weilert said.
Galesburg opened a nine-point lead before Humboldt’s shots started falling and the Cubs picked up their defensive play, Weilert said. Humboldt took the lead for good with just over a minute remaining.
Tucker Hurst and Teryn Johnson both had eight points for Humboldt. Johnson had 12 rebounds; Hurst seven. Dylan Doolittle chipped in with five points. Ryan Sellman scored four and Xavier Bauer two.
The Cub eighth-graders also brought home a win, 25-15.
“We played a great game on the defensive end,” Weilert said. “Noah Johnson played his best game of the season. He was all over the court. Hesston Murrow did a great job attacking the basketball.”
Murrow scored 10 points with five rebounds. Jackson Wilder scored four, while Zach Korte, Wyatt Seufert, Caleb Hart, Lance Daniels and Ty Griffiths each had two. Josh Vanatta scored one. Johnson had seven rebounds, followed by Collin Gillespie with five.
The win lifts the eighth-graders’ record to 3-8.
Galesburg defeated Humboldt’s C team, 11-4, in two quarters. Chase Jaro and David Watts had two points each for the Cubs.
IN GIRLS action, Humboldt came up just short, 29-26, in A team play.
“We tied it up in the last minute, but we missed a couple of looks at taking the lead in the last 30 seconds,” Lady Cub head coach Scott Brady said.
A pair of missed free throws in the final 10 seconds also were costly, Brady said. Humboldt was forced to foul and Galesburg converted both free throws for the final margin. A desperation 3-point attempt was off the mark as the buzzer sounded.
“It’s a tough one to swallow, but if the weather cooperates, we get another shot at them on Saturday,” Brady said. “The girls played hard and fought back the whole game. We just didn’t have things fall our way at the end.”
Rylan Wilhite led Humboldt with 11 points, nine rebounds and seven steals. Maggie Johnson added six points and six steals. Aricah McCall scored four, while Sydney Houk and Kassie Angelton scored two apiece. Chassis Hoepker had one point.
The Lady Cub B team fell, 26-7. Katie Malone scored five points with seven rebounds. Kaylie Johnson scored two points.
Humboldt’s squads will host Fredonia Thursday evening before wrapping up the season with a tournament at Yates Center.
Injuries don’t slow Iola Middle School eighth-graders in win
Injuries to two of their leading performers did little to slow Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade A team Monday night.
The Ponies lost the services of both Matt Komma and Ethan Holloway with ankle injuries against visiting Independence.
“But these kids really stepped it up in their absence,” IMS head coach Marty Taylor said.
Iola busted open a close game with a 10-0 run in the third quarter, part of a larger 14-1 spurt to end the game in a 25-10 victory.
Taylor said several IMS players warranted praise.
Evan Sigg led the way with 12 points and eight rebounds, followed by Isaac Vink with nine points. Cale Barnhart scored three and Holloway one. Nick Vaughn had six rebounds, followed by Miller with five.
“Evan was aggressive and tough tonight,” Taylor said. “Isaac did a great job of seeing the floor and being a leader. Cale learned he was going to start about 30 seconds before the game, and had his best game of the year. Matt Miller, Zach Cokely and Caden Knavel were great off the bench.”
The seventh-grade A team also rolled to a 36-20 win.
The Ponies built a six-point lead by halftime and continued to extend it through the second half. Iola ended the game on a 7-0 run.
“A very good team win,” Taylor said.
Jeremy Waldman led a balanced scoring attack with nine points. Tayton Driskel and Kane Rogers both had eight points with 10 and eight rebounds, respectively. Blake Ashmore scored six points, followed by Derek Bycroft with five points and four rebounds.
“Jeremy and Blake hit some shots outside, and Kane and Tayton played well inside. Derek made good decisions tonight and got the ball where it needed to go.”
IN B TEAM action, Iola’s eighth-graders won 20-18 on Cokely’s basket with two seconds left.
Knavel and Cokely scored five each. Nick Vaughn scored four, Barnhart had three, Miller two and Drake Sell one.
Independence’s seventh-grade B team defeated the Ponies, 29-7. Tim Komma scored all seven of Iola’s points.
Iola hosts Fort Scott Thursday.
Struggles continue for Red Devil women
PARSONS — Allen Community College’s women saw their losing streak extend to eight Saturday.
The Red Devils out-shot and out-rebounded host Labette, but were outscored, 14-4, at the line in a 62-50 loss.
The defeat drops the Red Devils to 7-14 on the season.
The Red Devils put three in double figures, led by O’ceonna Weston with 13 points, Rebecca Fisher with 11 and Kailey Cleaver with 10. Kylie Molisee pulled in a whopping 19 rebounds to go with three steals, while Nicole Salazar, in her first game since Dec. 14 (hand injury), dished out four assists to go with eight points.
Kasey Wellson scored 15, Holley Ullery had 14 and Crash Douglas 10 to lead Labette.
Allen hosts Independence tonight at 6 o’clock.
Allen (25-25—50)
Labette (30-32—62)
Allen (Fg/3pt-FT-F-TP): Salazar 1/1-3-4-8, Fisher 1/3-0-5-11, Molisee 3-0-4-6, Shelton 1-0-0-2, Weston 6-1-2-13, McClellan 0-0-1-0, Cleaver 5-0-2-10. TOTALS: 17/4-4-18-50.
Labette (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Nicholas 0/1-0-2-3, Odom 1-2-3-4, Ullery 2/3-1-0-14, Douglas 4-2-1-10, Ford 1-0-1-2, Hocker 0-0-2-0, Wellon 5-5-1-15, Russel 1-0-0-2, Carver 0/2-0-1-6, Tate 0-0-3-0, Kuney 1-4-2-6. TOTALS: 15/6-14-16-62.
Allen men win another road squeaker
PARSONS — Another day, another key division road win for Allen Community College’s basketball squad.
The Red Devils overcame a late seven-point deficit to hold off host Labette Community College, 77-74.
The win keeps Allen in the mix for a Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division title at 3-2 (15-8 overall).
Saturday’s contest featured 21 lead changes and 16 ties, head coach Andy Shaw said.
“That just shows how close this game was the entire way,” Shaw said. “Allen showed some toughness down the stretch.”
A Josh Sweet steal and 3-pointer led the comeback after Labette took a seven-point lead with just over 3 minutes remaining.
As has been the case all season, the Red Devils spread the wealth offensively with five players in double figures.
Courtney Stockard led the way with 19 points, followed by Sweet with 14, Raheem Tyner with 13, Cody Sluder with 12 and Tray Fountain with 11.
Labette stayed close with a decided advantage at the free throw line. While the Red Devils struggled from the stripe — they hit only 19 of 33 charities — Labette was 27 of 32.
Allen shot 42 percent from the field, while Labette shot only 34 percent from the field and 5 of 23 from 3-point range. The Cardinals led Allen in rebounding, 42 to 37.
Stedman Allen scored 19, Aaron Smith 18 and Keith Charleston 13 to lead Labette.
Allen plays at home for the first time in more than two weeks, and for just the third time in 2014, when it hosts division-leading Independence tonight.
The eastern division standings remain a cluster, with six of the seven teams within two games of Independence.
“This is a big game,” Shaw said.
Allen (34-43—77)
Labette (37-37—74)
Allen (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Sluder 4-4-5-12, Keiswetter 0-1-5-1, Uno 2-1-4-5, Fountain 4/1-0-2-11, Sweet 2/2-4-1-14, Stockard 3/2-7-1-19, Watson 1-0-1-2, Tyner 4/1-2-3-13. TOTALS: 20/6-19-22-77.
Labette (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Luerman 0-0-3-0, Allen 5-9-5-19, Smith 1/3-7-1-18, Harrison 0/1-3-2-6, Charleston 4/1-2-5-13, Williams 1-4-3-6, Elechi 3-1-2-7, King 0-0-1-0, Daniels 1-0-0-2, Johnson 1-1-2-3. TOTALS: 16/5-27-24-74.
Praeger sounds alarm on Brownback’s administration
Today’s politicians profess to practice bipartisanship; reaching across the aisle to compromise.
But a recent gesture from Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger probably wasn’t what Gov. Sam Brownback had in mind.
Last week Praeger joined a bipartisan group called “Reroute the Roadmap” in an effort to unseat Brownback. The “reroute” is in reference to Brownback’s “Roadmap for Kansas,” 2010 campaign theme.
Also defecting -— though probably for just this upcoming election — from the Republican ranks are Rochelle Chronister, Neodesha, who served as assistant majority leader in the House as well as chair of the Kansas Republican Party, and former U.S. Sen. Sheila Frahm of Colby.
Democrats Jill Docking, running mate of Rep. Paul Davis, who is likely to be Brownback’s Democratic challenger; Joan Wagnon, a former revenue secretary; and State Sen. Laura Kelly of Topeka, are the other members of the gang of six.
THE WOMEN contend Brownback’s refusal to expand Medicaid eligibility, his intransigence to adequately fund education and his goal to eliminate the state income tax all jeopardize the future of Kansas.
Rural hospitals, especially, will face difficult times if Medicaid eligibility is not expanded, Chronister said, pointing out the recent eliminations of 29 jobs at Mercy hospitals in Fort Scott and Independence.
Caring for the indigent is a big expense for hospitals. Where before the federal government reimbursed hospitals for those costs, the new health care law shifts that responsibility to the Medicaid program with the understanding states would broaden the income guidelines.
If Kansas continues not to participate in an expanded Medicaid program, hospitals will have to pick up the bill for caring for the uninsured. For Allen County Regional Hospital, that’s in excess of $1 million.
Praeger’s defection is not an outright vote for Davis. A lifelong Republican, the Lawrence native has been in state politics since 1990 when she first served in the Kansas House and in 1992 was elected to the Kansas Senate, where she served three terms before being elected insurance commissioner in 2002.
Nearing 70, Praeger has announced this is her last year in state government, which no doubt gives her more freedom to speak her mind as a Republican who’s not in line with the governor’s direction.
When those of the same ilk believe they are being led astray, it would seem to be noteworthy.
Stay tuned.
— Susan Lynn
Rural Iola woman dies from collision
Geraldine Kipp, 90, rural Iola, died Friday from injuries she suffered in a head-on collision on the Neosho River bridge a mile west of Iola.
Mrs. Kipp was driving west when her car collided with an eastbound automobile driven by Kim Warren, 61, Yates Center. Warren suffered leg injuries, said Undersheriff Roy Smith. Also injured was Warren’s wife, Kathy, 60.
“There were four other passengers in the Warren car, but I don’t have their names yet or what their injuries might be,” Smith told the Register this morning. “The accident still is being investigated.”
The fatality accident was one of 13 in or at the edge of Allen County Friday, all blamed on icy roadways. Ten of them involved vehicles rolling, Sheriff Bryan Murphy said.
“We had a real flurry late Friday morning and into the afternoon,” with officers often being notified of an accident while investigating another, he said.
The only other accident that involved an injury, Murphy said, was when a vehicle driven by Larry Mendoza, 59, Humboldt, rolled along old U.S. 169 just south of Humboldt. He was transported to Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute.
Another accident involved two highway transports colliding head-on on the Neosho River bridge north of Chanute. Neither driver was injured.
For several hours all ambulances and officers available in Allen County were dealing with accidents, Murphy said.
Mrs. Kipp’s obituary appears on page A2.
Roger Ortiz
Roger Dean Ortiz, 55, Chanute, and formerly of Danville, Ind., passed away at his residence in Chanute surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014. Roger was born Sept. 4, 1958, the son of Vincent and Juanita (Serrato) Ortiz.
Roger graduated from Humboldt High School, and on July 3, 1983, he married Cyndee Roy in Humboldt.
Roger worked as a painter, and his hobbies included Kansas City Chiefs football, KU athletics, fishing, and most of all, spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Cyndee, his children; Sierra Bauer, Wichita, Roger Corey Ortiz, Danville, Ind., Maxamilion Donte Ortiz, Danville, Ind.; siblings, Teresa (Ortiz) Estrella, Denver, Colo., Patti (Ortiz) Hanes, Eudora, Randall Ortiz, Lawrence, Eddie Ortiz, Humboldt, Carla (Ortiz) Tabares, Chanute, and grandchildren; Olyvia Ortiz, Chanute, and Jaxson and Madyson Bauer, Wichita.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Juanita Ortiz.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with a rosary being prayed at 10 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home and on-line condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
Loretta Roberts
E. Loretta Miller-Roberts, 69, Moran, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at her home. Loretta was born on Aug. 10, 1944, to Leslie S. Perkins and Helen M (Patrick) Perkins in Iola.
Loretta and her family moved to the Moran area after the flood of 1951. Prior to the flood they had lived in the Geneva/Iola area. She attended grade school in Iola and Moran, graduating from Moran High School in 1962. Loretta was a long-time resident of Moran and the Allen County area. She obtained her EMT certification in 1979 and was employed by the City of Moran for 26 years. She was an EMT I on the Moran Ambulance, Unit 34, until she retired in 2005. She was dedicated to her community and often worked on call seven days a week to help support her family.
After graduation, she married Arnold E. Miller, Sr. on June 3, 1962; they later divorced. Born to this marriage were three sons and one daughter.
On July 15, 1999, she married Lee Roberts at the Christian Church in Moran.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Helen Perkins; daughter, Collette Miller, who passed away at birth; brother, Larry; her sister, Roberta, who also passed away at birth.
Loretta is survived by her husband Lee Roberts; her children Arnold Miller, Jr. and wife Beth, Pomona, Bryan Miller and wife Tina, Colony, and Craig Miller and wife Paula, Moran. She had five grandchildren, Derrick Miller, Stacy Miller-Clark, Byran Miller, Cheyanne Miller, and Clayton Miller; two great-granddaughters, Zoey and MaciMae; two great-grandsons, Charlie and Lincoln; two step-children and four step-grandchildren, Jerry Roberts and his companion Nancy Wilson; Hettie Diane Wilson and husband Irvin, their children, Sydney and Sadie Houk, Rylee and Randy Wilson, all of Humboldt.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Moran. Burial will follow in Moran Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home in Moran.
Condolences to the family may be sent at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Geraldine Kipp
Geraldine Catherine Kipp, 90, Iola, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at Olathe Medical Center from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident west of Iola.
Geraldine was born June 9, 1923, in Woodson County, the daughter of Richard and Katherine (Denner) Drain. She graduated from Yates Center High School in 1941. She was employed by the ASCS office at the Woodson County Courthouse from 1941 to 1951.
Geraldine was united in marriage to Anthony “Tony” Kipp on Oct. 18, 1950, at St. Mary’s Church, Owl Creek. They made their home at Yates Center before moving to Iola in 1954. She helped Tony manage their farms west of Iola. Mr. Kipp preceded her in death on Feb. 21, 1994.
She was a member of St. John’s Church, Iola, the Altar Society of the church, St. John’s Sewing Group and a former member of Iola FCE. She especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include: one son, Steven (Marilyn) Kipp, Iola; four daughters, Mary (Michael) Oberg, Olathe, Joan (Dale) LaRue, Moran, Patricia (David) Shryock, Tucson, Ariz., and Nancy (Larry) Prohaska, Atchison; daughter-in-law, Gail Kipp, Lawrence; one brother, James Drain, Pagosa Springs, Colo.; one sister, Betty Mansfield, Kansas City, Mo.; ten grandchildren: Maria Roth, Jeremy Oberg, Jonathan LaRue, Jacqueline Gabbert, Emily, Clare and Laura Prohaska, Brian Johnson, and Peter and Andrew Kipp; two great-grandchildren, Zachary and Audrey Roth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Gerald Kipp, one brother, Charles Drain and one sister, Margaret Drain, BVM.
Visitation will be at 9 a.m., Saturday at St. John’s Parish Hall in Iola prior to the rosary.
Parish rosary will be at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola prior to mass.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola. Fr. John Miller and Deacon Ted Stahl will be celebrants. Burial will be at St. Martin’s Cemetery at Piqua.
Memorials may be made to Wichita Diocesan Seminary Fund or Allen Community College Endowment Fund. Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola.
To sign the guest book online go to www.iolafuneral.com.