The Hugoton Hermes
October 6, 2016
Page 2
Obituaries
Guest Editorial by Dr. Walt Chappell,
Former Member - Kansas State Board of Education Raising Taxes For Kansas Schools Is Not The Answer The next time a candidate for state legislature promises to “fully fund education”, ask them how much more they will raise your taxes. Since the 2005 Kansas Supreme Court ordered the Legislature to increase K-12 spending by more than $1 billion in the Montoy case, school districts used our tax dollars to hire over 9,000 new employees. Only 40% were teachers. The rest were administrators and non-instructional staff. Meanwhile, administrator salaries have continued to increase while teacher salaries have remained flat. Already, 51% of our state budget goes to local school boards. This leaves very little for any other essential programs. Kansas is fourth in the nation on the amount of state taxes going to local schools. So, how much is enough? According to the National Association of School Budget Officers, in FY2012, Texas spent 41.7%, Colorado spent 39.1%, Missouri spent 34.9%, Nebraska spent 30.4% and Oklahoma spent 30.4%. Alabama spent 55.1% of their state taxes on K-12 schools, yet has some of the lowest test scores in America. However, Massachusetts spent 18.3% and consistently has the highest student achievement scores. Clearly, the amount of money a state legislature appropriates has little to do with the level of their students’ academic achievement. In Kansas, some districts spend as little as $8,000 per student while other districts spend as high as $27,000 per student to get the same results. The truth is that Kansas K-12 school districts have doubled from $3 billion to $6.4 billion the amount of our local, state and federal tax dollars spent since 1998 to teach the same number of students. Yet national NAEP and ACT test scores continue to show that only 1-in-3 Kansas students is actually proficient enough to succeed in college or start a career. In addition, for most people, the property taxes they pay goes primarily for local schools. Yet, the total amount spent by their district administrators keeps going up. For too long, false and misleading information from the State Department of Education, Kansas Association of School Boards and paid “school lobbyists” have tried to convince the public and Supreme Court that K-12 schools are UNDERFUNDED. Yet three times since 2001, state education staff deliberately lowered the percent correct answers to pass the state tests. Then they falsely claimed that nearly 90% of Kansas students were supposedly “proficient”. In 2015, new state tests were given with more honest passing percentages. The results were “dismal”. But, these are the same low scores for Kansas students reported by national NAEP & ACT tests for nearly 20 years. So why is anyone SURPRISED or claiming that a drop in state test scores is due to not receiving enough money for school administrators to spend?? Obviously, raising our taxes by another $800 million dollars to get the same poor results is NOT THE ANSWER to making sure that Kansas kids are prepared for college or career!! Respectfully Submitted, Dr. Walt Chappell, Former Member Kansas State Board of Education The Hugoton Hermes’ In-box includes emails currently making the rounds and landing in The Hermes’ email. We print them solely for the benefit of those without email. Facts are up to the reader to check out. The emails do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the crew at The Hermes.
Thurman Holmes Word has been received of the death of Thurman E. Holmes. Mr. Holmes, 82, passed from this life Friday afternoon September 30, 2016 at Bob Wilson Memorial Grant County Hospital of Ulysses. The son of Wesley Holmes and the former Bulah Ortez, he was born January 14, 1934 in Dawson Springs, Ky. April 3, 1992, Thurman and Diane (Morlock-Hogie) Holmes were married at Johnson. Survivors include his wife Diane Holmes of Ulysses; son Travis Holmes of Denver, Co.; stepsons, Mike Clems of Denver and Marlin Hogie and wife Billie of Ulysses; stepdaughters, Pam Clems of Denver, Karla Shore and husband Steve of Johnson, Krista Everett of Ulysses and RaeLynn Birney and husband Buck of Wichita; his sister Audrey Dean Jones of Denver; numerous grandchildren and great grandchil-
Gage Rector Death has claimed the life of Gage Alan Rector. Gage, 30, passed from this life Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. He was born March 5, 1986 at Hugoton, the son of Shawn and Julie (Crain) Rector. He was a graduate of Hugoton High School and moved from Liberal to Dodge City in 2014. Survivors include mother Julie Lisenby and husband Mike of Dodge City; father Shawn Rector and wife Susan of Bartlesville, Ok.; his brother Will Rector and wife Maddy of Hugoton; sister Lacie Killian and husband Jeremy of Dodge City; three stepbrothers, Cole,
Michael Riedel The death of Michael W. Riedel has been learned. Mr. Riedel, 62, passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Liberal. He was born May 30, 1954 at Lyons, the son of Clarence Riedel and the former Avis Miller. Mike was a graduate of Claflin High School Class of 1972, and went on to graduate with his Bachelor's Degree from Kansas University, Class of 1976. He went to work with Northern Natural Gas, living in Ulysses before being transferred to Liberal in 1980. After working with Northern Natural / Enron, Mike then went to work with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline where he was an Environmental Specialist. Mr. Riedel enjoyed KU sports, hunting and fishing, visiting zoos, cruising in his corvette and traveling. He was a member of the NRA, Life Member of the KU Alumni Association, Liberal Corvette Club, Chairman of the Oil and Gas Institute, and was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus where he enjoyed
calling Bingo on Monday evenings. Mike also held a Black Belt in Karate and was a connoisseur of fine Scotch. He was a member of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church of Liberal. Mike is survived by his father Clarence of Hutchinson and his brother Alan Riedel of Garden City. Those preceding Mr. Riedel in death were his mother Avis Riedel and brother Kevin Riedel. A Vigil service was attended Friday evening, September 30 at the Miller Mortuary Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial was attended Saturday morning, October 1 at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Liberal. Burial followed at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Claflin. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Knights of Columbus, PO Box 1363, Liberal, Ks 67905 and the Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo, PO Box 1693, Garden City, Ks 67846. Friends may send condolences to the family through Mike's tribute Web page at www.millermortuary.net.
Lee Orosco
dren; stepgrandson Karlin Waechter; and many other relatives and friends. Mr. Holmes was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Howard and Kenny Holmes; stepson Douglas Hogie; and stepgrandson Karoton Waechter. Graveside services were attended Tuesday afternoon, October 4 at Ulysses Cemetery under the direction of Paul’s-Robson Funeral Home of Ulysses.
Ulysses resident Lee Orosco, age 47, passed from this life Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses. He was born May 4, 1969 in Ulysses, the son of Albert Orosco and the former Martha Garcia. Lee grew up in Ulysses and graduated from Ulysses High School. December 5, 1992, Lee married Angela Pister in Ulysses. Mr. Orosco worked for Pioneer Communications for 25 years as an Outside Plant Technician. He was active in the Grant County Recreation Commission serving as a wrestling coach for a number of years. Lee enjoyed watching his kids grow up and going to their activities. He also enjoyed fishing, Harley-Davidson motorcycles
HUGOTON POLICE REPORT 505 S. Monroe • Hugoton Business Hours, Call 544-4959 After Hours, Call 544-2020 Monday, September 26, 2016 • Vehicle Unlock, Parsons Field, Citizens Assist, Chief Leslie • Vehicle Unlock, 400 Block of Wildcat, Citizen Assist, Chief Leslie • Suspicious Vehicle, 200 Block of West Eleventh, Investigated, Chief Leslie • Vehicle Unlock, 1000 Block of South Van Buren, Citizen Assist, Officer Fedelin Tuesday, September 27, 2016 • Vehicle Unlock, 300 Block of South Harrison, Citizen Assist, Officer Fedelin • Vehicle Unlock, 900 Block of East Eleventh, Citizen Assist, Officer Fedelin • Dogs at Large, 200 Block of Wilson, Unable to Catch, Officer Fedelin Wednesday, September 28, 2016 • Damage to Property, 1000 Block of South Jefferson, Took Report, Officer Hagman
Kade and Codye; his grandfather Rob Crain and wife Michelle of Longmont, Co.; and a large loving extended family. Gage was preceded in death by grandparents including his grandfather Dean Rector and grandmother and caregiver Shirley Rector. Private family services will take place at a later date. There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place. The family suggests memorials to Mosaic of Liberal in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. Fourteenth Ave., Dodge City, Ks. 67801. Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneral chapel.com.
Thursday, September 29, 2016 • Civil Standby, 500 Northeast Avenue, Public Service, Officer Hagman • Check for Trespasser, 300 Block of South Jackson, Unable to Locate Subject, Officer Hagman • Dog at Large, 100 Block of West Eleventh, Returned to Owner, Officer Crane • Criminal Trespass, 600 Block of South Adams, Arrested Subject, Officer Crane • 911 Open Line, 500 Block of Copperstone, All Okay, Sergeant Johnson Friday, September 30, 2016 • Escort, Officer Fedelin/Chief Leslie • Dogs at Large, 1000 Block of South Madison, Dogs Impounded, Officer Fedelin • Civil Standby, Tenth and Polk, Public Service, Officer Fedelin
• Possible Intruder, 200 Block of South Monroe, Unable to Locate Subject, Officer Hale • RP of Screaming, 900 Block of South Adams, Unable to Locate, Officer Hale Saturday, October 1, 2016 • Non Injury Accident, 1000 Block of South Washington, Took Report • Loud Music, 1400 Block of South Monroe, Advised to Turn It Down, Officer Crane Sunday, October 2, 2016 • Vehicle Unlock, 1000 Block of South Madison, Citizen Assist, Officer Fedelin • Vehicle Unlock, 900 Block of East Eleventh, Citizen Assist, Officer Lamatsch • Dog at Large, 200 Block of West First, Dog Impounded, Officer Lamatsch
Stanley Cornell Former Hugoton resident Stanley B. Cornell passed peacefully from this life Thursday, September 22, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was 96. Stanley and his wife of 69 years, Earleen, lived in Hugoton in the early 50's until the summer of 1961. They owned and operated Cornell's Jewelry and music store. While in Hugoton Stan organized the Lion's Club, served on the city council and participated in Little League Baseball. While making their home in Hugoton, Stanley and Earleen adopted their two boys, Dennis and Dana and their daughter Denyce made her arrival in the Hugoton hospital. The Cornells still keep in touch with a few people in Hugoton. Stanley lived a long and blessed life. Survivors include his wife Rev. Earleen of Pueblo, Co.; two sons, Dennis Cornell and wife Nancy and Dana all of Pueblo; daughter Denyce
Vandiver and husband Ken of Denver, Co.; his granddaughters Khela (Jess, Sophia, Adalena, Mason and Tillia) Vazquez and Jessica; grandsons, Dane, Drew, Ryan (Peyton), Clayton (Heather), Jim (Domenique), Mark (Ashlee) and Timothy (son Thomas); his brother Victor; and special extended family members, Jody, Mary and Susie. A celebration of life was attended Sunday afternoon, October 2, 2016 at Dana’s ‘Lil Kitchen. Memorials may be made to Divine Science Church of Pueblo.
Dixie Graber Liberal resident Dixie Aline Graber, 90, passed away Monday, September 26, 2016 at Liberal Good Samaritan Center. She was born June 10, 1926 to Walter Rogers and the former Jimmie Godfrey at Society Hill, Al. January 23, 1946 she married Ira A. “Bill” Graber in Alabama. He preceded her in death in 2012. Mrs. Graber was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter Cheryl Dawn Graber; brother Mac Rogers; and two sisters, Mary Lou Parker and Dorothy Furr. Dixie graduated high school from Tuskegee, Al. Bill brought Dixie to Liberal in 1946. Mrs. Graber enjoyed writing poems and short stories, reading, music, cooking, and loved her family. She was a member of the United Methodist Church Women's Circle, Golden Band Sunday School Class and was a past volunteer with the Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church since 1946. Dixie is survived by three daughters, Rosemary Crosier
and husband Jim of Liberal, Nancy Schmidt and husband Ted of Port Angeles, Wa. and Staci Hampton and husband David of Sierra Vista, Az.; her ten grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren. Funeral services were attended Monday afternoon, October 3 at the Miller Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Jimmy Holman officiating. Burial followed in the Liberal City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Liberal Good Samaritan Center. Friends may send condolences to the family through Dixie's tribute Web page at www.millermor tuary.net.
Catherine Strauch Hardy and was active in the Oasis Church. Survivors include his wife Angela of their home; children, Danielle Orosco, Otto Orosco and Bailey Orosco all of Ulysses; his brothers, Daniel Orosco of Ulysses and Bob Rayas of Tribune; sisters, Deanna Guardiola of Lakin, Tina Roulier of Brewster and Berta Gonzales of Hugoton; and his many nieces and nephews. Lee is preceded in death by his parents; niece Danielle; nephew Eric; and greatnephew Fabian. Funeral service will be Thursday, October 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Oasis Church, 712 E. Hampton Road, in Ulysses with Pastor Kris Humphrey officiating. Interment will follow at Ulysses Cemetery under the direction of Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the Oasis Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, Ks 67880.
Former Hugoton resident Catherine Hardy of Denton, Tx. passed away at home Monday, August 22, 2016. She was 64. Born September 3, 1951 in Wynnewood, Ok., she was the daughter of Charles and Edith Strauch. Cathy attended Hugoton High School and graduated with the Class of 1969. Cathy loved to travel, her favorite being the ocean cruises. When she wasn't traveling, she liked to make quilts and crochet. She will truly be missed by family and friends. Catherine is survived by her brother Charles Strauch. Those preceding her in death were her parents, Charles and Edith Strauch.
A funeral service took place September 15, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton. Burial followed at I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Stevens County Fire Department and Ambulance Report Stevens County Emergency Services run activity September 19 through October 2. Fire Department Sunday, September 25, 5:21 pm – called out to 1209 S. Jefferson for a fire alarm
activated which turned out to be a false alarm. Ambulance Activity Three medical runs, two transfers, one Life Flight and one football standby.