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Articles by Newton Kansan
Kansas storm leaves 18,000-plus with power outages; damage updates
Kansans began their recovery Thursday from Wednesday's storm that brought high winds, dust storms and numerous power outages to the Sunflower State. More than 18,000 people remained without power at 4 p.m. Thursday, according to David Campbell, CEO of Evergy, the state's largest electrical utility. Wednesday's storm brought the state golf ball-sized hail and winds of up to 100 mph. This is a developing story. It is being offered for free as a public service.
After a life-threatening injury, Kansas cattle rancher invents product to help others in same circumstance
After almost dying from a cattle accident, one rancher becomes ingenious. With more than 2 million fulltime production workers in agriculture, there is sure to be a lot of accidents from both machinery and livestock. In 2019, more than 400 farmers and farm workers died from a farm-related injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This makes the fatality rate among this group 19 out of 100,000, the CDC website explained.
'I haven't talked to anybody': Kansas State coach Chris Klieman in no rush to name new offensive coordinator
It has been nearly two weeks ago since Kansas State coach Chris Klieman decided to part ways with longtime friend and colleague Courtney Messingham and make a change at offensive coordinator. But don't expect a decision any time soon on a replacement. Ever since he made the decision, and even before, recruiting was front and center for Klieman and his staff, culminating with Wednesday's early Signing Day. And now his attention turns to the Wildcats' Jan.
Railer swimmers claim two more state entries
ANDOVER — The Newton High School boys’ swimming team claimed two more state qualifying entries while placing seventh at the Andover Invitational. Andover Central won the meet at 368, followed by Wichita Collegiate at 271 and Andover at 243. Newton scored 144 points. The team of Simon Hodge, Justin Franz, Otis Musser and Andrew Barron took second in the 200-yard freestyle relay in a time of 1:37.59, breaking the state qualifying time of 1:38.72.
Three things that happened at city commission
The Newton City Commission met Dec. 14, here are three highlights: Met property developers Louis Robelli of Murdock Properties. made an appearance at the Newton City Commission Dec. 14, a real estate developer who has developed properites in Park City. He is looking for his next project. "I believe you guys have a diamond in the rought up here, and I would like to tap into it," Robelli said.
Three earthquakes shake Kansas on Wednesday, one temblor recorded Tuesday night
In a span of less than 24 hours, those in Saline County felt the ground tremble four times due to earthquakes. The first happened on Tuesday afternoon just after 4 p.m. CT. A 2.5 magnitude earthquake struck six kilometers (roughly 3.7 miles) southwest of Gypsum, Kansas. Then, in the early hours on Wednesday, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit — this time only two kilometers away from Gypsum. A third quake struck later on Wednesday morning.
High winds, dangerous fire conditions, potential severe weather expected in Kansas Wednesday
Very strong winds and extremely dangerous fire conditions are expected throughout Kansas Wednesday, with a potential for severe weather in some areas, the National Weather Service says. High wind and red flag warnings issued Tuesday remain in effect, according to the weather service's Topeka office.
Kansas reindeer are 'in training' to help Santa at Fulton Valley Farms in Towanda
TOWANDA — Unless they have some magic dust from Santa, reindeers cannot fly. But Betty Corbin, one of the owners of Fulton Valley Farms in Towanda, the only reindeer farm in Kansas open to the public, tells her young visitors the farm's reindeer are in training to fly. "We're a reindeer training camp," she said. "Once they make 'A" team, then Santa gets to call them by their real name." For now, the farm's crew of five has names like Jelly Bean, Itsy Bitsy, Sparkle, Holly and Sven.
A look back from the outgoing mayor
As 2021 draws to a close against the backdrop of the continuing pandemic, it’s hard to imagine a more tumultuous couple of years than what we’ve all just been through. 2021 wasn’t quite the return to “normal” that most of us longed for after 2020, but we have continued to make remarkable progress as a community.
Old 81 project moving forward, shoulders under review
null Bids for the largest county road project in decades were opened in November, and have been reviewed by engineers and the road and bridge department. The good news is the low bid for reconstruction of Old 81/Hesston Road from Newton to the county line met specifications and came in about $1 million under estimates. The low bid, with all add alternates, came from Pearson Construction at more than $3.6 million.
COVID-19 vaccine turns one year old
On the one one-year anniversary of the administration of the first authorized COVID-19 vaccinations in Kansas Harvey County is in the middle of spike of infections — and an increase of hospitalizations for the virus. During her weekly report to the Harvey County Board of Commissioners, Health Department Director Lynette Redington told the commission there were eight county residents hospitalized — one had been released over the weekend. "The majority are unvaccinated individuals," Redington said.
Area basketball roundup
Prep Girls Little Rv. 45, Moundridge 31 MOUNDRIDGE — The Little River girls’ basketball team used a 12-5 third quarter to break open a three-point game and claim a 45-31 win over Moundridge Tuesday in Moundridge. Little River led 24-21 at the half, holding Moundridge to 10 points in the second half. “I am really proud of my girls tonight. They fought hard on both ends of the floor, but just ran out of steam,” Moundridge coach Kaleigh Huxman said.
Newton High School boys' basketball vs. Hutchinson
HUTCHINSON — After strong offensive showings in the last two games, the Newton High School boys’ basketball team’s scoring prowess failed it Tuesday, falling to Hutchinson 52-37 in AV-CTL I play in Hutchinson. Newton had 25 turnovers in the game, shot just 13 of 45 from the field and five of 13 from 3-point range. Hutchinson was 19 of 51 from the field, 14 of 29 from the free throw line and had 16 turnovers, six in the fourth quarter.
Newton High School girls' basketball team vs. Hutchinson
HUTCHINSON — The Newton High School girls’ basketball team has been finding ways to play with top teams for five, 10, even 15 minutes or more. The Railers are still looking for that complete game, falling to Hutchinson 61-32 Tuesday in AV-CTL I play in Hutchinson. Newton was hampered by 25 turnovers and 13 of 39 shooting. Hutchinson had nine turnovers and hit 25 of 47 from the field. “We weren’t locked in today,” Newton coach Tavis Leake said. “We didn’t do a lot of things right today.
'Lock-in' issued at Northridge Elementary as NPD searches for suspect
nullA notice to parents at about 1:40 p.m. a "lock-in" was issued at Northridge Elementary, meaning no one was being allowed in or out of the school. The action was taken in conjunction with the Newton Police Department during the department's hunt for a man wanted by the Wichita Police Department for charges of domestic battery by strangulation. "There is a suspicious character in close proximity to the school," said Carly Stavola, Director of Communications for Newton Public Schools.
Kansas Chamber makes rare endorsement in attorney general primary amid Kobach ‘concerns’
In an unprecedented move, the political arm of the powerful state chamber of commerce announced Tuesday they would back Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood, in the Republican attorney general primary. The Kansas Chamber PAC said in a statement that this was the first time they have endorsed in a statewide primary, though the group does routinely back candidates in legislative primary elections.
Business Buzz
Ide promoted to Director of Access Services Prairie View announced Dec. 13 the promotion of Brent Ide, LSCSW, to Director of Access Services. He most recently served as lead crisis clinician in the Access Services Department.
Area basketball roundup
Prep girls Bluebird Classic Burrton 37, Elyria Chr. 33 (OT) GOESSEL — The Burrton Charger girls claimed third place at the Bluebird Classic with a 37-33 win over Elyria Christian Saturday in overtime at the Bluebird Classic. Burrton led 4-0 after the first quarter and 12-7 at the half. The Chargers outscored the Eagles 15-8 from the free throw line. Cassie Dunlavy led Burrton with 18 points. Ryland Hawkinson scored 14 points for Elyria Christian. Burrton is 3-1 and hosts Peabody-Burns Tuesday.
Bethel College men's basketball vs. Tabor
HILLSBORO — For the second straight game, the Bethel College men’s basketball team had the hot hand from the field, leading to an 84-51 win over arch rival Tabor Monday night in KCAC play in Hillsboro. Bethel finished the night 32 of 68 shooting, 12 of 21 from 3-point range. Tabor was held to 19 of 60 from the field, five of 22 from 3-point range and eight of 20 from the free throw line. Down 8-6, Bethel made a 10-0 run.
Episcopal church disciplines former leader of Kansas foster care provider
TOPEKA — The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago disciplined the Rev. Robert Smith for his poor judgment as the CEO of the largest foster care provider in Kansas, requiring him to undergo ethics and fiduciary training. The church in August suspended Smith from functioning as a priest after conducting an independent investigation into allegations of his financial misconduct at Saint Francis Ministries.
Newton water project on agenda for approval
A plan to replace a more than 3 million gallon water tank on First Street hit a small snag when bids were opened for the more than $5 million project came in above engineering estimates. "During the bidding process, after answering multiple questions from the contractors, it became clear the bids were going to come in higher than originally anticipated and the project estimates were adjusted," wrote Suzanne Loomis, director of public works, in a memo to the city commission.
'Glow Ride' scheduled in Newton
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Christmas with some lights — or want to celebrate the winter break from school? Healthy Harvey might have what you need — a night-time bike ride on Dec. 17. Cyclists will gather at 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at Ash Street Park, 10th and Ash, for a evening ride on the Sand Creek Trail. Cyclists should adorn their bicycles with glow sticks or battery-operated Christmas Lights — much like was seen from cyclists representing Healthy Harvey in the annual Parade of Lights Dec. 3.
National organization names Bethel 'racial healing Campus Center'
This fall Bethel College became the only college in Kansas selected as a host of a Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Campus Center, an effort of the Association of American Colleges & Universities. After joining in the 2021 Institute on Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers earlier this year, Bethel College has been named a TRHT Campus Center.
Kansas lawmakers eye legal limit on government spending growth with bumper year of tax surplus
Kansas is having a bumper year for tax revenue, and a Republican-led group of lawmakers are brainstorming ways to limit government spending. As state coffers are flush with cash and politicians ponder how to spend the windfall, the Legislature's Special Committee on Taxation is weighing tax and expenditure limitation policies. "These efforts to rein in government ... I have hope and I am optimistic we can get this done," said committee chair Sen.
Path of 'potentially historic' 5-state tornado may go down as longest in US
December tornadoes are uncommon but not unheard of. The explosion of twisters across five Midwest and Southern states over the weekend? That might be unprecedented. The tornadoes that spun off a fast-moving storm Friday night and into Saturday morning probably killed more than 60 people in Kentucky alone, according to Gov. Andy Beshear, and at least 14 in the four other states.
Bethel College basketball roundup
Bethel men win third straight The Bethel College men’s basketball team claimed its third straight win, stopping Sterling College 87-72 Saturday at Thresher Gym. Bethel trailed 38-37 at the half, but made a 21-5 run in the first six minutes of the second half. The Threshers led by as many as 23 in the second half. Sterling was able to cut the deficit late. Bethel finished 34 of 64 from the field for 53.1 percent, 12 of 25 from 3-point range.
Newton wrestlers claim three titles at Goodwill Invitational
DOUGLASS — The Newton High School boys’ wrestling team claimed three titles and six other medals, taking second Saturday at the 69th Douglass Goodwill Invitational. Augusta edged the Railers 209-190 for the team title. Derby was third at 169.5, followed by Abilene at 101.5 and Douglass at 85.5. “It was awesome,” Newton coach Tommy Edgmon said. “This was a good tournament for us. It was just our second weekend, so we’re still trying to figure out what we need to work on.
69th Douglass Goodwill Invitational
69th Douglass Goodwill Inv. Saturday Team scores — Augusta 209, Newton 190, Derby 169.5, Abilene 101.5, Douglass 85.5, Buhler 85, Andover Central 82.5, Goddard Eisenhower 69.5, Spring Hill 68, Pratt 48, Wichita Southeast 21, Wichita South 14, Wichita Heights 4. Medal matches 106 — Championship: Lucas Kaufman New. pinned Isaac Wall And.Ct. :50. Third: Elijah Foy Aug. pinned Jake Cochran SH 1:57. 113 — Championship: Nick Treaster New. dec. Kalvin LaPlant Aug. 8-4.
Three takeaways from Kansas State basketball's 82-64 victory over Green Bay
MANHATTAN — Kansas State headed into finals week Sunday with a workmanlike, if unspectacular, performance against Green Bay. Point guard Markquis Nowell, making his third straight start in place of Nijel Pack, led the Wildcats to a convincing 82-64 victory at Bramlage Coliseum. Nowell scored 22 points, Ismael Massoud 17 and Mark Smith 14 to lead K-State, which improved to 6-3. Pack, who missed the previous two games with a concussion, came off the bench to add six points in 15 minutes.
'It's 1-0': What Cuonzo Martin and Bill Self said about Border War after Kansas basketball beat Mizzou
The rivalry returned. Nine years later, Missouri and Kansas squared off in an old-school rivalry, which was raucous from the beginning and felt intense. For Missouri, however, it was nearly 40 minutes of dread. The Tigers were blown away by the Jayhawks 102-65, which was one of the worst losses in Border War history. It wasn't as bad as the 47-point loss in 1977, the worst MU loss at the hands of Kansas in rivalry history, but the 38 points was still the biggest margin since that 1977 game.
Columbia native Dajuan Harris helps lead Kansas basketball to victory over Missouri in Border War
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The last time the Border War took place, Dajuan Harris was in the Allen Fieldhouse crowd. The current Jayhawks guard and Columbia native doesn't remember it somehow. He was 11 years old. On Harris' 21st birthday, the Missouri-versus-Kansas rivalry wrote its first chapter in nearly 10 years, with the Jayhawks besting the Tigers 102-65 on Saturday afternoon. Harris started for KU and scored a collegiate-high 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 3-for-4 from 3-point range.
Bob Dole, Kansas's greatest son, remembered in memorial services in the state
Senator Bob Dole returned to his home of Russell one last time Saturday as the city celebrated his life at a memorial service. Though he began with humble beginnings in Kansas, Dole's influence and service to his state and country were shown by the people in Russell who attended and those who spoke during the service in a full sanctuary at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Dole was given an honor guard consisting of members of the Kansas National Guard, who brought him into the church.
'We have to win': Kansas State look to reverse lagging basketball attendance figures
MANHATTAN — By most any measure, Kansas State basketball has taken a step forward from last year. Granted, that's a pretty low bar after the Wildcats stumbled out of the gate in 2020-21, dropping four of their first five games, including an embarrassing home loss to Division II Fort Hays State.
Kansas basketball vs. Missouri: Results, analysis from Jayhawks' rivalry game
LAWRENCE — Kansas men's basketball's 2021-22 regular season continued Saturday with a rivalry game against Missouri. The Jayhawks came in off of a win against UTEP. The Tigers came in off of a win against Eastern Illinois. Outside of an exhibition in 2017, this was the first time these two sides had faced off since a contest at Allen Fieldhouse during the 2011-12 season. Did Kansas head coach Bill Self watch his team renew this rivalry with the resounding victory his fan base is expecting?
5 questions: Get to know Kansas football commit and junior college prospect Tevita Noa
LAWRENCE — When the early signing period for college football arrives later this month, Tevita Noa plans to sign with Kansas ahead of enrolling in January. It’ll be the end of a recruiting process for the 247Sports Composite three-star tight end, that at one point had Noa headed to TCU. It’ll be a pivotal moment for the junior college prospect out of Snow College that cements Noa’s place in Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold’s first full recruiting class with the program.
Kansas profiles: Diversifying by going small
Would you like to buy a four-door truck for $180? How about a semi truck for $225? Maybe a stock trailer for $150? Those prices can’t be real, so you must know that I’m just toying with you. Today we’ll meet an innovative Kansas company that has diversified its product line to include miniature-sized trucks and farm equipment -- toys that are being shipped coast to coast and beyond. Larry and Teresa Goodwin are owners of Goodwin Industries in Burns.
As the world memorializes Bob Dole, Russell recalls its native son: ‘He will always be our hero’
RUSSELL — Bob Dole and Russell's Main Street are inextricably linked. It is the site of Dole's first job, working a soda fountain at a downtown drugstore, the same place locals fundraised to help ease the financial strain of his war wounds years later. Later, its stores and railroad crossing served as a backdrop where the powerful U.S. senator campaigned on two presidential runs, projecting the 4,600-person community to international recognition.
Railers, Dragons claim medals at Douglass girls' tourney
DOUGLASS — The Newton High School girls’ wrestling team claimed four medals, while Halsteam claimed one Friday at the first Douglass Goodwill Invitational, a day before the longtime boys’ tournament. Pratt won the team title with 184 points, followed by Derby at 120 and Spring Hill at 111. Newton was seventh with 51 points. Halstead was 15th with 16 points. Newton was led by Jaymie Murray, who placed second at 155 pounds.
Kansas native Bob Dole arrives in his home state for the final time
SALINA — In a beautiful moment that the native Kansan himself would appreciate, the plane carrying the casket of former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole touched down just after the sun dipped under the Salina horizon Friday evening. The plane, an Air Force Boeing C-32 which is primarily used to carry the Vice President, but at times is designated as the President's Air Force One, arrived at the Salina Regional Airport around 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Bob Dole often recited 'The Dash' poem in speeches. His longtime staffer read it at his funeral
"When your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?" asks Linda Ellis' poem "The Dash," which was read at former Kansas U.S. Sen. Bob Dole's funeral Friday. Dole died in his sleep Sunday morning at age 98. Sheila Burke, who served with Dole for 20 years, spoke at the funeral at Washington National Cathedral and said Dole often included the poem in speeches in later years.
Lighting of the Green returns to in person service
A holiday tradition in North Newton returns this weekend after being a virtual event in 2020 due to COVID-19. “After having a meaningful gathering virtually last year, we look forward to gathering in person to celebrate Christ's light, which shines in the darkness,” said Bethel campus pastor Michael Unruh. The annual event will be 8 p.m. Dec. 12 around the Green in the center of the Bethel College Campus. The Lighting of the Green at Bethel College is an annual tradition dating back to 1986.
'Red Flag' warnings result of lack of precipitation
As a stretch of dry weather has gripped the area and parts of Kansas begin to slip into drought, the National Weather Service has been issuing "Red Flag Warnings" this week. A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. According to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, the most recent rainfall in the area came Nov.
President Biden must reverse course on energy policies like tapping into Strategic Petroleum Reserve
For Kansans wanting to visit friends and family this holiday season, filling up their gas tanks will be one of the most expensive price tags in decades. The national average price of gasoline recently rose to $3.42 a gallon, up from $2.11 a year ago, according to AAA. This means filling up your tank could be $10, $20 or $30 more expensive than a year ago.
Bob Dole hailed as war hero and 'Kansas' favorite son' at Washington funeral service
WASHINGTON – Bob Dole is heading home to Kansas one last time. The body of the former GOP Senate leader is returning to the state that launched his political career after two days of somber but warm ceremonies in the nation's capital honoring the iconic Republican. "Kansas' favorite son," recalled former Sen.
Sports briefs
BOWLING Bowling reports are due at the Kansan office by 11 p.m. Thursday. We reserve the right to abbreviate team names due to space limitations. We regret we can't take bowling reports by telephone.
30 x 30, Biden's sweeping land conservation plan confuses, frustrates Kansas lawmakers
If you're confused about President Joe Biden's 30 x 30 initiative, you're not alone. State legislators, officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, research staff and advocacy groups remain largely perplexed and cautious about the federal plan, which aims to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters nationally by 2030.
Time for 'Freeze Your Brass Off' Original
LINDSBORG — December has arrived, meaning it's time to "Freeze Your Brass Off." The Lindsborg Landmark Concert Series will host its annual “Freeze Your Brass Off” outdoor concert at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum. 20 East Mill Street, Lindsborg. "'Freeze Your Brass Off' is one of the events we look forward to playing every year," said Mike Dreier, event organizer.
Author Roger Ringer digs into 'the good, the bad and the ugly' of Kansas history
A local author says he writes about "the good, the bad and the ugly" of Kansas history. In his latest book, "True Tales of Kansas," Roger Ringer tells about famous and not-so-famous Kansans in short, well-researched vignettes. Recently, the Kansas Authors Club awarded Ringer's newest book the 2021 Martin History Book Award.
New owner of $30M central Kansas ranch and hunting lodge wants to continue to serve guests in style
A little way from where two dirt roads cross on the Kansas prairie sits a newly-purchased $30 million hunting compound — the Hooray Ranch. This exclusive lodge serves five-star meals three times a day and includes lush accommodations and a more than one-to-one employee to guest ratio. In June, when Bob Hixson heard the central Kansas property was for sale, he and his wife, Amanda, decided to act quickly.
Area basketball roundup
Prep girls Moundridge Classic Moundridge 43, Lyons 36 MOUNDRIDGE — The Moundridge High School girls’ basketball team is 2-0 after a 43-36 win over Lyons in the Moundridge Classic. “Tonight was one where you head to the locker room thankful for the win, but eager to get back to work,” Moundridge coach Kaleigh Huxman said. “Lyons battled the entire game and did not give us anything easily. Emily Durst hit a pair of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter that really gave us the boost we needed.
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