Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer and AG Derek Schmidt Issue Joint Statement on Gasoline Price Increases After Hurricane Harvey

Press Release

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer and Attorney General Derek Schmidt today issued the following statement regarding increases in the price of gasoline since Hurricane Harvey:

“We want to alert Kansans that the Kansas statute prohibiting profiteering from a disaster is in effect as a result of the presidential disaster declaration in the hurricane-stricken region along the Gulf Coast. We are closely monitoring the situation. While price increases caused by the disruption in supply are to be expected, it is illegal in Kansas to ‘profiteer from a disaster’ by unjustifiably raising the price of motor fuel. Under Kansas law, a price increase that exceeds 25 percent compared with the price the day before the disaster is suspect and subject to scrutiny, and a seller that has increased prices by that amount or more may be required to provide documentation that the increase is due to the seller’s increased cost of obtaining the fuel. We encourage caution and restraint so the nation’s focus can remain on assisting those affected along the Gulf Coast.”

Persons who are aware of motor fuel cost increases that are unjustifiable may file a complaint with the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division at www.InYourCornerKansas.org.

Baker University Sets its Inaugural Giving Day Set for September 19

Press Release

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On Tuesday, September 19, Baker University will host One Baker, One Goal, a day of giving and paying it forward for the Baker Fund for Scholarships. A series of challenges throughout the day through the online fundraising event has been created to inspire a spirit of healthy competition and fun.
“Giving Day is a wonderful opportunity to donate to Baker in a meaningful way,” said Baker University President Lynne Murray. “Through this collaborative effort, we hope to bring together the entire Wildcat community, as well as cultivate a true team effort through one day of giving that can impact every college, school, and student. Donor support will help fuel our student success programs because 100 percent of our Giving Day proceeds will go directly to the Baker Fund for Scholarships.”
When members of the Baker community make a donation on September 19, they will choose an affiliation based on an academic area, the specific program they took part in, sorority or fraternity involvement, or their relationship with the university. For example, a donor might select business major, or School of Nursing, or parent. Affiliations will then compete against each other throughout the day, all while working together to support One Baker, One Goal.
Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the event in order to receive more information and reminders at onegoal.bakerU.edu. They can also follow the event on Twitter at @BUGivingDay and use #OneBakerOneGoal during the event.
“Throughout the next few weeks we hope to continue to build excitement around One Baker, One Goal – Giving Day 2017, and I thank you in advance for your support,” Dr. Murray added.

Accusations of Price Gouging in Baldwin City

Kevin Surbaugh

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Accusations of price gouging has surfaced in Baldwin City.  The Gazette received an email on Sunday, from a local commuter, who said,

Baldwin City Kwik Shop at
9 P.M. Sunday
Photograph by Kevin Surbaugh

Baldwin's local Kwik Shop has hiked up prices way over what they should be. I bought diesel in Lawrence at Zarco for $2.33 a gallon, then had to buy diesel in Baldwin at the Kwik Shop for $2.75.... that is a ridiculous difference for buying it on the same day and only 3 hours apart.

The Gazette researched and found that the BP in Lawrence at 31st and Iowa was selling Diesel for $2.67 and GasBuddy.com confirmed that Zarco in Lawrence was $2.32, while the Kwik Shop's in Baldwin City and Eudora were both $2.76 for diesel.  A spokesperson for the Kroger owned Kwik Shop was unreachable during the holiday weekend.  However, a press release sent out by the Attorney Generals office just before the price increase of 43 cents said in part,

Lawrence BP at 11:30 A.M. Sunday
Photograph by Kein Surbaugh

While price increases caused by the disruption in supply are to be expected, it is illegal in Kansas to ‘profiteer from a disaster’ by unjustifiably raising the price of motor fuel. Under Kansas law, a price increase that exceeds 25 percent compared with the price the day before the disaster is suspect and subject to scrutiny, and a seller that has increased prices by that amount or more may be required to provide documentation that the increase is due to the seller’s increased cost of obtaining the fuel.

The difference, in this case, is 16.8959%. The afore mentioned press release said that who suspect or are aware of motor fuel cost increases that are unjustifiable may file a complaint with the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division at http://www.InYourCornerKansas.org. The statute prohibiting profiteering from a disaster is K.S.A. 50-6,106, which is available at http://bit.ly/2vIObmJ.

Governor Brownback issues Executive Order to aid in Hurricane Harvey Relief

Press Release

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TOPEKA—Governor Sam Brownback on Wednesday issued an executive order that will lift regulations on motor carriers traveling through Kansas en route to aid in recovery from widespread damage left by Hurricane Harvey. 

Executive Order 17-03 applies to commercial vehicles directly participating in relief and restoration of areas in Texas recovering from the destruction of the hurricane and resulting floods. Under the order, certain motor carrier fees and regulations will be waived.

“There’s no doubt the people of Houston and the surrounding communities are facing historic devastation,” Governor Brownback said. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Texas. Their neighbors here in Kansas are ready to assist.”

Separately, the Kansas National Guard is on standby to deploy to the areas impacted when called by disaster operations command. Resources such as high-water vehicles, communications teams, and Guardsmen, among others, are available when called upon to relieve troops currently in the area.

Kansas is also the coordinating state for the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), in charge of coordinating relief efforts with other states.

“The stories coming out of the hurricane zone prove the power of what happens when neighbors work together,” said Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer. “We will continue working together to help the victims long after the floodwaters recede.”

The executive order is in immediate effect. The full text of the document is attached.

DCF Anti-Fraud Investigation Results in Conviction

Press Release

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families’ (DCF) Anti-Fraud Unit works to aggressively investigate, detect, prevent and prosecute welfare recipient fraud in all public assistance programs administered by DCF, including cash assistance, food assistance, child care assistance and utility assistance. Last week, the unit’s hard work paid off. On Thursday, Aug. 24, Stephanie Hessling of Clay County, pleaded no contest to defrauding the State of more than $50,000 worth of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP is also known as food assistance.

DCF Special Investigator Laura Lindsey led the investigation on the Hesslinger’s case. As a special investigator, some of her duties include speaking to employers, neighbors, co-workers or anyone else with knowledge of the accused person. She also examines documents, such as bank records and wages. Lindsey says working fraud cases is gratifying, especially when it leads to a conviction.

“There is only so much money available for government-funded programs, such as food and cash assistance,” said Lindsey. “Assuring that these resources are in fact given to Kansans in need, versus those who are misrepresenting their situations for personal gain, is very important to me.”

In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2017, the Anti-Fraud Unit obtained more than 249 fraud judgments in the SNAP program. These DCF fraud findings resulted in more than $1.4 million in judgments. Additionally, in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2014, Kansas ranked second in the nation in the number of SNAP judgments obtained. Then again in FFY 2015, Kansas ranked third nationwide in the number of SNAP judgments. FFY 2016 and FFY 2017 rankings are not currently available.

“Protecting the integrity of our public assistance programs is a priority for this Administration, and I am proud of the diligent efforts of our Anti-Fraud Unit,” said DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore. “I especially want to commend Special Investigator Laura Lindsey for her efforts to end this specific crime in Clay County.”

In July, the Anti-Fraud Unit strengthened its efforts to combat welfare benefits by offering an online submission form to report suspected incidents of fraud. Those who suspect benefits fraud are encouraged to fill out the “Fraud Report Form” online at www.dcf.ks.gov. You can also call 800-432-3913. Those who report fraud may remain anonymous.

Presidents Weekly Address - Labor Day Weekend 2017

Area Happenings - Week of September 3

Here are the upcoming events that the Gazette has been made aware of as of  September 2, 2017.  To submit an item to the community events calendar, please email it to press@baldwingazette.com.

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September 4, 2017

Labor Day 

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September 5, 2017
Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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September 13, 2017

The Library Board, the Friends of the Library, and the Library staff will be hosting a Celebration for Kathy Johnston to recognize her many years of service to the Library.

When: Wednesday, September 13th 

Time: 4 P.M - 6 P.M. 

Where: Baldwin City Library

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September 15, 2017
Third Friday Artwalk
Location: 718 High Street
 6:30-8:30 P.M.

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September 16-17, 2017

2017 Kansas Capital Quilt Show

 This year's Kansas Capital Quilt Show theme is Comfort, Warmth, Beauty, and Love.  Select a favorite in our Silent Auction. Come to shop, learn and be inspired by new patterns, techniques, and fabrics.

Time: Saturday, September 16 at 10 AM - 5 PM
           Sunday,  September 17 at Noon - 5 PM

Admission: $6

Location: The Women's Guild of Topeka
5221 SW West Drive (just northwest of 9th and Fairlawn)
Topeka, Kansas 66606

More Information:
(785) 640-2480

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September 19, 2017
Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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September 28, 2017

Edward Jones Ribbon Cutting

5-6:30 P.M.  

723 8th St   

5:45 P.M.  Remarks and Ribbon Cutting

Refreshments Served

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September 29, 2017

Luke Bryant Concert

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September 30, 2017

Bluegrass & BBQ

A party to benifit the Lumberyard Arts Center
September 30th  4:30-10 P.M.
718 High Street
Free Will Donation For Smokin' BBQ Dinner and Drinks
Beer in the Lotatorium for those 21 and older

Featuring Music by:

• MGM  
• Sky Smeed  
• Betse & Clarke  The Steamboat Bandits

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September 30, 2017

EDGE FEST KS 2017

Come out and enjoy the fun. Spet 30th
start time is 3pm
 $5 gate fee, all money goes to the flood victims in Texas and some right here in Edgerton ks.

This is the line up,
Waiting to hear and final and agreement with Davey Suicide

confirmed line up:
The Blue Tick Hounds
King Fisher
Andy and The Outlaws
Special Forces-38 Special tribute band

This years show starts off with the start of it all the BLUES, then we move on to some Country, then we move on to some late 70 early 80 Rock, then we end the show with some of todays ROCK.

There will be food and drinks at the show, as far as beer or other that is a BYOB NO BOTTLES OR GLASS OF ANY KIND , NO WEAPONS OF ANY KIND.

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 October 21-22, 2017

Maple Leaf Festival



Downtown Baldwin City

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 October 28, 2017

COME AND ENJOY OUR
COMMUNITY DINNER  & FELLOWSHIP
          TO BE HELD  AT 6:00  to?



HOST
VINLAND UNITED CHURCH
1724 N 692 RD
BALDWIN CITY, KS 6600

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 December 2, 2017
 6 PM
 Festival of Lights

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 December 29, 2017

COME AND ENJOY OUR
COMMUNITY DINNER  & FELLOWSHIP
          TO BE HELD  AT 6:00  to?


HOST
VINLAND UNITED CHURCH
1724 N 692 RD
BALDWIN CITY, KS 6600

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Third Friday Art Walk and Farmers Market

Downtown Baldwin City

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Every 4th Thursday of the Month
10 A.M. - 11 A.M.
Mobile Food Bank
Baldwin City New Life Assembly of God
118 5th St  Baldwin City, KS
Stay in car, line up and drive through

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Every Tuesday through October  
Eudora Local Gardening Farmer’s Market
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Tuesdays
through October 2016
1402 Church Street
Eudora, KS.
In the parking lot of Gene’s Hartland Foods.
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Wednesday through October
De Soto Farmer’s Market (Fresh Promise’s Market)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Wednesdays through October 2016
at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm
9200 Kill Creek Road
De Soto, KS
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Thursday through October 
Cottin's Hardware Farmer's Market on Thursdays from
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
through September
at Cottin's Hardware & Rental back parking lot
1832 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS
Local vendors offer a variety of goods including produce, baked items, hot foods, meats, eggs, soaps, jams, jellies, herbs, fudge and much more!;

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Every Friday through October
Perry Lecompton Farmers' Market
Fridays from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
at Bernie's parking lot
24 Hwy and Ferguson Road
Perry, KS
Visit the market to find fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, honey, fresh cut flowers, farm fresh eggs, handmade crafts and more!

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Baker Defeats Grand View, 48-41, Grossner Earns Win Number 100

Press Release by Tyler Price, Assistant Director of Athletics | Communications

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BALDWIN CITY, Kansas – The number two ranked Baker University football team earned its nineteenth straight win in the Heart of America Athletic Conference in its 48-41 thrilling win over number nine Grand View on Saturday in a game that was broadcast worldwide on the Watch ESPN App/ESPN3.

The Wildcats move to 3-0 all-time against Grand View and BU head coach Mike Grossner won his 100^th career victory at the University, becoming just the second coach in the history of the program to reach 100 wins, the other is College Hall of Fame head coach Charlie Richard who won 123 games at Baker.

Grand View trailed 34-26 with nine minutes to go in the game, then quarterback Jordan Knock threw his fifth touchdown of the game to bring Grand View within two. The Vikings converted the two-point conversion to tie the game up at 34.

JD Woods then went 97-yards on a touchdown run to give the ‘Cats a 41-34 lead. Grand View responded with a touchdown in its next possession to tie things up.

2016 NAIA National Player of the Year Logan Brettell then connected with freshman Nate Pauly on a 70-yard touchdown pass with 1:42 to go and BU held on for the win.

Both teams combined for 1,246 total yards, as Baker had 648 total yards and Grand View had 598.

Baker ran for 233 yards, behind 200 yards rushing from newcomer Woods. Woods had three rushing touchdowns and Cornell Brown ran for 15 yards and a score. Brettell threw for 415 total yards on 29-of-45 for two touchdowns.

Pauly led the ‘Cats with nine catches for 135 yards and a score and Brown had four catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.

The NAIA’s all-time leading scorer, Clarence Clark had eight catches for 103 yards and knocked in two field goals to begin the game from 23 and 25 yards. He was also true on all six extra points he attempted.

Knock went 32-of-63 passing for 527 yards and five touchdowns and threw one pick at the end of the game that was intercepted by reigning Heart Defensive Player of the Week, Kegan Schumann

Freshman Jake Zieler also picked up a fumble recovery on the game and Indie Allen led all ‘Cats with 12 tackles. 

Landon Decker had two sacks on the afternoon and Jack Taylor also added a sack for the Wildcats.

NAIA Football Box Score

Team	1	2	3	4	T
Baker (Kan.)	6	14	7	21	48
Grand View (Iowa)	7	6	7	21	41

Obituary: ELMER SAMUEL "SAM" FISH

Elmer Samuel “Sam” Fish died in his home on August 31, in Vinland, KS. He was 86 years old.
Sam is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sarah Lea, of the home. Children Ted (Julie) Fish of Fayetteville, AR; Roni (Bill) Visalli of Baldwin, KS; Tim (Cynthia) Fish of Wichita, KS; Lisa (Shawn) Smith of Vinland, KS; Julie (Jeff) Porter of Little River, KS; Jason (Traci) Fish of McPherson, KS; 24 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren with one on the way. Siblings Melvin Fish of Bucoda, WA; and Louise Kelley of Davis City, IA. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Terri Fish, his parents Sherman and Bonnie, brother Keith Fish, sisters Kathleen McClellan and Lavaughn Waller.

Elmer Samuel “Sam” Fish

Sam was born May 30, 1931, in Hatfield, MO to Sherman Leland Fish and Bonnie Avis (Snipes) Fish. Sam graduated from Hatfield High School in 1951 and was married to the love of his life Sarah Lea Mathis on June 17, 1951. Sam joined the National Guard while in high school and served until 1952 when he suffered a knee injury. He was then drafted into the United States Army in 1953. He received training at Camp Carson, CO and Ft. Sill, OK, then was stationed at Ft. Hood, TX and Ft. Polk, LA. After his discharge from the Army in 1956, Sam moved the family back to Missouri to farm. In 1961 the family moved to Liberty, MO where Sam began work in the elevator industry. Sam retired from the International Union of Elevator Constructors in 1993 after more than 30 years of service. Despite a long and successful career as an elevator mechanic, Sam always considered himself to be a farmer at heart. In retirement, he enjoyed more than two decades of raising beef cattle and growing his own hay. It was the life he always wanted but could never afford while raising his family.
Sam’s hobbies involved growing and building. He cultivated large gardens to supply the family with an abundance of fresh vegetables all summer long with plenty left over for canning. He grew a wide variety of plants but especially loved homegrown sweet corn and tomatoes. He took pride in keeping his yard neat and trimmed and always had several flower beds full of colorful blooms. Sam was often found in his shop building or modifying some tool or implement for use on the farm. He also enjoyed making wind chimes and other gifts for family and friends. Sam also enjoyed watching sports on television. He was a big fan of Royals baseball, Chiefs football, and Jayhawk basketball.
Sam was a faithful Christian and served for many years as an elder in two congregations of the Lord’s church in Liberty, MO, and Eudora, KS. Sam will be remembered as a man of integrity who put the Lord and his family above all else.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 4, 2017, at Eudora Church of Christ, Eudora, KS. Burial at Vinland Cemetery, Vinland, KS, will follow services. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, September 3, 2017, at the Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, Baldwin City, KS.  Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas County Visiting Nurses sent c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006.  Condolences to the family may be sent through www.lamb-roberts.com.

Obituary: BUDDY "BUD" CHARLES JARDON

Buddy “Bud” Charles Jardon, 85, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at Baldwin Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Baldwin City, KS.

Buddy “Bud” Charles Jardon

He was born March 9, 1932, in Baldwin City, the son of Charles and Eva (Ehart) Jardon.  He was a lifelong Baldwin City resident, attended Prairie City Schoolhouse and graduated from Baldwin High School with the class of 1949.
Bud proudly served the United States of America aboard the U.S.S. Norton Sound while enlisted in the United States Navy from 1949 – 1953. He was a member of Baldwin City American Legion Post #228.
After serving his country, he returned to Kansas. In 1954 Bud went to work for Farmland Industries, retiring after 40 years.
Bud and Shirley (Miracle) were married on October 14th, 1955 & have been happily married for sixty-one years.
In 1961, they returned to the family farm where Bud and Shirley raised four sons. They harvested several crops and raised cattle and hogs.
Bud enjoyed spending time with family and truly cherished his grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Billy Jardon and Betty Langrell. Bud is survived by his wife Shirley and four sons, Johnnie Jardon, Baldwin City, Gary Jardon and wife, Danna, Overland Park, KS, Galen Jardon and wife, Marta, Baldwin City, and Bruce Jardon and wife, Kimberlee, Overland Park; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Peggy Ford, Blue Springs, Mo.
 Visitation for the family and friends will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service, with Military Honors at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 3, 2017, at Ives Chapel United Methodist Church, 1018 Miami St., Baldwin City, KS.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ives Chapel United Methodist Church and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006.  Condolences to the family may be sent through www.lamb-roberts.com.