Informer layout 1 30 13

Wednesday 41/24MostlySunny

More sun than clouds. Highs in thelow 40s and lows in the mid 20s.

Thursday 50/21MostlySunny

More sun than clouds. Highs in thelow 50s and lows in the low 20s.

Friday 48/30Sunny

Abundant sunshine. Highs in the upper 40s and lows in the low 30s.

Saturday 59/30

Sunny. Highs in the upper 50sand lows in the low 30s.

Sunday 65/37

Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60sand lows in the low 30s.

Monday 63/37MostlySunny

A few clouds. Highs in the low 60sand lows in the upper 30s.

Tuesday 59/37Sunny

Mainly sunny. Highs in the upper 50sand lows in the upper 30s.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 • www.derbyinformer.com • 50 cents

If It’s Derby News – we KNow It!

THE DERBY

Sunny

PartlyCloudy

See page 12 inside for

other photos and stories

dedicated to the memory

of Braxton Kooser.

Authorities still recommending vaccines

By Linda [email protected]

The flu outbreak which has caused near capacity census levels in local hospitals may be waning, but not before claiming at least one Derby life.

Larry Kitterman, 65, a 40-year veteran of local law enforcement, died Jan. 14 after testing positive for the flu. According to his wife, Pat, Larry had major pulmonary problems which further complicated his ability to recover from the flu.

There have been over 500 deaths from pneumonia and the flu since September in Kansas, according to Claudia Blackburn, director of the Sedgwick County Health Department. While hospitals have stayed at near capacity and flu levels are still high, the worst could be over.

“The flu can be unpredictable,” Blackburn said. “We hope that we are on the downward slope.”

Vaccination is still the best prevention of flu or flu-like symptoms, and it takes nearly two weeks to develop immunity, she said.

Blackburn said many local vaccine providers again have supplies. The Health Department also has a limited number of vaccines for those without insurance.

Flu claims local life

Larry Kitterman


Darrell Downing, the only person to file for election to the Derby City Council’s Ward I, was appointed this past week to fill the unexpired term until the election.

Downing was appointed to the seat with little fanfare. The council had waited until Tuesday, Jan. 22, to make the decision based upon filings for the election. With Downing the only candidate, the decision was easy.

“At this point in time, since no one has shown any interest, I would suggest we go ahead and appoint him,” said Mark Staats, council member.

The mayor then nominated Downing and he was voted in with no opposition. Downing was sworn into office at the end of the Jan. 22 meeting, so he could participate in a Jan. 29 workshop.

Downing has previously served six years on the city council. He was appointed to fill an open seat in 1999 and then re-elected in 2001.

He lost a contested race in 2005 to Jim Craig. Craig was drawn out of the ward for the April election, after boundaries were redrawn due to census changes in 2010. Craig then asked to be appointed to Heath Horyna’s open seat in Ward II, leaving his seat open in Ward I.

Downing appointedto empty Ward I seat

LINDA STINNETT/Informer photoJean Epperson, Derby city clerk and director of finance, administers the oath of office to Darrell Downing (at right) on Jan. 22. Downing was appointed to fill an unexpired term in the city council’s Ward I.


Braxton Kooser, 14, a freshman at Derby High School, was killed in a traffic accident Saturday, which injured three of his friends.

Kooser was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from a 2005 Dodge Durango which rolled multiple times near 87th and Webb Road, according to a spokesperson for the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies responded to the accident following a 12:14 a.m. cell phone report.

The SUV was driven by Caleb Sheldon, 14, of Derby. As it traveled at a high rate of speed westbound on 87th, just west of Webb, Sheldon lost control of the vehicle and it went off the north side of the roadway and rolled.

Kooser was found in tall grass near the area of the accident. He died at the scene.

The three others in the vehicle were transported by Sedgwick

Derby rocked by teen’s death

JEFF COTT/Informer photoThe Derby High School freshmen, connected to one another by holding hands, posed for a photo on Monday to show their solidarity in memory of classmate Braxton Kooser. Kooser died Saturday in a traffic accident just southeast of Derby. Kooser, shown in the inset above, was a K-State fan, so students and faculty wore purple Monday in his honor. please see KOOSER, page 12

Braxton Kooser

Answer our surveyat www.derbyinformer.com

Would you support a 10-year, one-half cent sales tax for firefighters, library, parks and tax relief?

Results as of Jan. 28oYes - 49% oNo- 51%

nformer NSIDERI &

Pages 8-11

RECORDMan sentenced to more than

47 years in assaultsPatrick Stewart has been sentenced

to 47.5 years in prison for a Super Bowl party assault on two women.

Page 3

• Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Derby Informer • www.derbyinformer.com

Joe Heller’s ViewJoe Heller is a nationally syndicated cartoonist who gives a lighthearted look at the world’s events each week.

Editorial

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.Difficulty: Medium

Solutions on page 17Across1. Apprehension about

what is going to happen

9. Coin15. Drive off16. Heathens 17. Intact 18. Swallow19. ___ it on thick20. “Malcolm X” director21. Atlanta-based station

(acronym)22. Blackguard23. Be a snitch25. Pre-Christian priests

among the Celts 27. Bank offering, for

short (acronym)28. Like a brigadier

general (2 wds)30. Brio31. Henry Clay, for one34. Meeting at a certain

time and place, esp. lovers

36. Very, to Verdi37. Grassland38. Christmas wish39. Not now (2 wds)41. Went bad42. Egyptian fertility

goddess43. Try to forget 45. Engage in passive

activities, often with “out”

46. Put things in order (2 wds)

47. Declines51. Egg cells52. Driver’s lic. and

others53. “Acid” (acronym)55. “Fantasy Island” prop56. Second shot58. By no means (3 wd) 60. One who runs away

to get married 61. Club restriction?

(2 wds) 62. Beat63. Mountain range

between France and Spain

Down1. ___ Ste. Marie2. Arm bones3. Woman prophet 4. The “p” in m.p.g.5. Carbon compound6. More rude 7. Directs8. Dusk, to Donne9. Dry by centrifugal forces10. Imitates a hot dog11. ___ roll

12. Small tropical wormlike amphibian

13. Financial protection for property

14. Alienated 21. Beauty pageant wear24. Numbers games26. Altogether29. “High” time30. Forever, poetically31. Plant and animal eaters32. New Deal president33. Crocodile relative 35. Cowboy boot

attachment37. Advances40. Those who show the

way 41. Bartender 44. Laudatory speech for

one who has died 46. Kiddies 48. Hold responsible49. Contradict50. Sedimentary materials 54. “Over” follower in

the first line of “The Caissons Go Rolling Along”

57. “Tarzan” extra58. 40 winks59. Bolivian export

The Informer welcomes anonymous comments on local issues for the Derby Dispatch. Send them to mail@derbyinformer.

com; call 788-4006 after 6 p.m.; or mail them to219 E. Madison, Derby, Kan. 67037.

Derby Dispatch

The Derby Informer, USPS #019686, is published weekly on Wednesdays for $41.57(not including sales tax) per year by

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HOURS: M-F 8:30-5:00

Scott ElpersSports Editor

Web News Manager

Mark SinclairAdvertising Sales

Ginger G. GoldenReporter/

Editorial Assistant

Monica WoolardLayout and Design

Linda StinnettManaging Editor

Jeff CottOwner/Publisher

Vol. 11 • Issue 5

Anne DewvallContributing

Writer

Davi StuhlsatzContributing

Writer

G-Cubed

Ginger G. Golden

By Ginger G. [email protected]

What is faith?For years I likened faith

to a warm-fuzzy feeling. I would live for events such as church camp or conferences to get an emotional high.

To live by faithThey always delivered.

Several th ings were

wrong with that.The majority of life is

spent in the in-between. Those events are few and far between and often geared towards younger crowds – teenagers and college students.

It is also easy to hold on to those experiences and long for them or try to recreate the event.

Perhaps that is why churches so often make traditions out of successful experiences. They may have an annual revival service, for example, because the first one was phenomenal.

Yet if you read the Bible, you will find that God really does not do things twice.

He only flooded the world once. He only parted the Red Sea once. He only told Moses to strike the rock for water once. He only used a great fish to swallow a man once.

As I have gotten older, I find faith is more about how I live in the in-between. Do I show kindness rather than annoyance? Am I patient rather than impatient? Am I Jesus to everyone I see?

Do I trust and believe that God is in control of every circumstance or do I worry instead? When things do not go as I would like (and seldom do things go as I would like) do I have peace or do I become bitter?

Do I seek friendship with

anyone who crosses my path or do I discriminate and look for friendship in only those I consider “cool” or “strong?” When I hear everyone singing praises about a certain individual, do I look to hang out with the person no one is talking about instead?

Am I quick to get angry and hold a grudge or am I quick to forgive? And in my forgiveness, do I try to hold it over their head (which is not forgiveness at all) or do I treat the person as though the offense never occurred? And must I wait for an apology or do I forgive without one?

I have heard it said that people find more acceptance in a bar than they do in a church. Perhaps they mean in a bar, no one judges your past or treats you any different.

Skeletons do not scare me. Perhaps it scares me more when people try to hide their skeletons and pass themselves off as being perfect.

Is my life an open book? Do I allow people to relate to my weaknesses just as I relate to theirs?

What is faith?I would say faith is what

we find in the ordinary day-to-day rituals of life. It is believing God is in control and being like Jesus in all we say and do.

Pinaire Mobile Home Park in Oaklawn looks much different than it did on April 15, when residents used the early morning light to sift through debris left in the path of a tornado that destroyed nearly 150 homes the night before.

Some houses have been repaired and others have been towed away, but homeowners in Oaklawn are still feeling the financial effects of the unpredictable Kansas weather.

Wi th the he lp o f a handful of local legislators, Kansas residents who find themselves in Mother Nature’s path could receive property tax relief if their home is destroyed by a natural disaster.

House Bill 2063, co-authored by Joe Edwards (R-Haysvil le) and co-sponsored by Jim Howell (R-Derby), was introduced on Jan. 23. If passed, homes that sustain 50 percent or more damage from a natural disaster, such as a tornado or flood, could be eligible for a credit to help compensate for taxes on the destroyed home.

The future tax abatement will be some much-needed assistance for those dealing with the loss, but the bill should be re t roact ive t o i n c l u d e O a k l a w n homeowners who have to

pay a full year of property tax on houses that became nonexistent in mid-April.

Under the current law, a home’s value is set on the first day of each year. That value remains the same, even if the home is destroyed by a natural disaster, requiring homeowners to pay a full year of property taxes.

Even in the current economic crunch, when it is important for every citizen to pay their fair share, forcing an extra burden on struggling homeowners with is unnecessary, especially in an economically stricken area like Oaklawn.

The bill has other flaws, and will need to be precisely drafted to include all types of natural disasters common in Kansas. It should also be rewri t ten to avoid homeowners from being taxed for the destroyed p roper ty, r a the r than reimbursed after paying the tab in full, as the bill currently states.

I applaud legislators for looking out for those who need help most, even when it contradicts their fiscal efforts to balance the state’s budget. But the hardship of losing a home is difficult, and Oaklawn could benefit from the tax relief. Let’s not wait for the next disaster.

- Scott Elpers

Disaster bill flawed, but on the right track

By Martin Hawverwww.hawvernews.com

The re i s a l r e ady an interesting little “insiders” chess game going on in Kansas about the 2014 primary elections.

What? Didn’t we just finish the 2012 election cycle?

Well, yes we did, but both Republican and Democratic parties are already working on the 2014 elections, figuring out how to get the advantage in that all-important-in-Kansas primary election.

The key here: Kansas is an overwhelmingly Republican-by-voter-registration state. What happens in the GOP pr imary e lec t ion of ten becomes what happens in the general election.

The chess match starts at the primary election. To vote in a Republican primary – called a “closed” primary – you have to be a registered Republican or make that declaration at the polling place to get

At the Rail

Martin Hawver

Party wars could changefrom ‘spy vs. spy’ mentality

a Republican ballot. After all, the primary really is a forum for Republicans to thin the herd of candidates and hopefully come up with their grand champion.

Nothing wrong with that. Democrats in Kansas run an

“open” primary, which means that registered Democrats, of course, can vote, but so can unaffiliated voters who don’t even have to formally declare party preference with election workers to be handed a Democratic primary ballot.

That “open” primary also means that the Democratic Party doesn’t learn the names of those who voted in their primary election and cannot communicate with them about the upcoming general

election campaign and the virtues of being a registered Democrat.

Kansas Democrats hope to fix that at their upcoming Washington Days party convention in February, changing party rules to close their primary, which has the effect of at least letting them learn who chooses a Democratic primary ballot in 2014, “tagging” those voters for campaign attention – as Republicans have done for decades with their primary election voters.

And ... there’s another move in this chess game. Last year, probably more than 1,000 Kansas Democrats two weeks before the primary election formally but briefly changed their party affiliation so they could vote “against” the most conservative Republican on the GOP ballot – trying to see that either the most moderate Republican candidate made it to the general election or that the candidate Democrats

believed they could beat at the general election became the GOP standard-bearer.

Well , there is a just-introduced bill in the Senate to frustrate that.

First, it says that any change of party affiliation – those Democrat-to-Republican switches to meddle in (given the results last year, sabotage is probably too strong a verb) the GOP primary – have to be made 21 days (not the current 14) before the primary. That is long enough for those dabblers to get some Republican mailings, and for some, more time to feel uncomfortable in their new political orientation.

The other change: Those cross-dressing voters can’t change back to their preferred party affiliation for 90 days – likely through the general election, where everyone is on the ballot anyway but during which time Republicans can

please see HAWVER, page 3

The Derby Informer • www.derbyinformer.com Wednesday, January 30, 2013 •

obituaries

police callscommunity activities

The Record

fire runs

Bonnie B. BarntEL DORADO – Bonnie B.

Barnt, 85, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. Visitation with family was held on Monday, Jan. 28, at Carlson Funeral Home, El Dorado.

Survivors include children, Vicki Lynn (John) Sherwood of Derby, Linda (Larry) Adams of Kearney, Mo., Sandy Barnt of Emporia, Troy (Karen) Barnt of McPherson; brother, Dean Smith of Topeka; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Wheatstate Manor, Sunflower Unit. Condolences may be sent to www.carlsoncolonial.com.

Ruby E. GuthrieRuby E. Guthrie, 75, drug

and alcohol abuse counselor and founding member of the Sweet Adelines of Dodge City, passed away Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013. A memorial gathering was held on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Lake Afton Park Shelter.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lucy Swaim; and brother, Preston L. Swaim.

Survivors include children, Brenda (Bobby) Marsh, Ronda (Robert) Bigley, both of Wichita, Michael (Delores) Guthrie of Holcomb; siblings, C.D. (Carolyn) Sue Swaim of Derby, Nita (Nathan) Shipman, Jean Holoman, both of Wichita, Lois (Dale) Agee of Dodge City, Lola Vestal of Washington; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

William Dunn“Bill” Kendrick

William Dunn “Bill” Kendrick,

87, born Nov. 27, 1925 in Alva, Okla. to Gertrude and Carey Van Kendrick, left his friends and loved ones to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013.

Bill attended s choo l i n A l v a , Ok l a . , graduating in 1942. Bill joined the Navy and served in World War II, and in the Korean Conflict.

Fol lowing h is mi l i tary service, Bill became a lifelong educator. He returned to Alva to attend Northwestern State College, graduating with a speech and debate teaching degree.

H i s t e a c h i n g c a r e e r i n c l u d e d p o s i t i o n s i n Cimarron, Hutchinson, and Dorrance. After earning his school administration degree, his early career led him to Phillipsburg, LaCrosse, and Morland. Later he became the superintendent of schools for Park County, Colo., before retiring as superintendent of schools in Elbert County, Colo., in 1992. After retirement, he started 12 years of travel adventure motor homing, after which, he settled in Durham, Okla.

Bill will be remembered as a passionate outdoorsman who loved hunting.

Bill was preceded in death by son, William D. Jr.; and his wife, Mary Joe.

He leaves his wife Leslie Ann of Durham; sons, Gary Long of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Jeffery Scott Kendrick

of Manteca, Ca.; daughters, Pa m e l a J o e K e n d r i c k Schrader and Sherri Kendrick Rousseau, both of Derby; stepdaughter, Cindy Dodson of Wichita; stepsons, Kelly Plunk of Ridgeway, Va. and Michael Plunk of Towanda; nine grandchi ldren; two great-grandchi ldren; s ix stepgrandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren.

Braxton KooserDERBY – Braxton Kooser, 14,

Derby High School student, passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the First Christian Church Po w e r h o u s e , 302 N. Georgie, Derby.

Braxton played football for the Derby Panthers and baseball for the Derby Tigers.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather and great-grandfathers, Wes Gum, Otis Kooser, Ed Smith and Shannon Coogan.

He is survived by his parents, Rob and Alana Kooser; siblings, Brody and Brecken Kooser; great-grandparents, Ida Gum, Evelyn Kooser and Justine Smith; grandparents, Dennis and Glenda Wells, David and Melanie Kooser and Karen Coogan; aunts and uncles, Kelly (Corty) Temple and Ken (Shonda) Kooser; cousins, Erin, Allison, Rebecca, Kendle, Raygen and Reece.

In l i eu o f f lowers , a memorial has been established

with the Braxton Kooser Memorial Fund c/o Verus Bank, P.O. Box 330, Derby, Kan. 67037. Send condolences and view tributes via www.smithfamilymortuaries.com.

Charles E. PetersenDERBY – Charles E. Petersen,

age 88, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. Trisagion was held on Monday, Jan. 28, at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, Wichita. A graveside was held on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Wichita.

Charles retired from the U.S. Navy and Beechcraft. He was a volunteer for the Derby ambulance service as an EMT, a former member of the First Baptist Church of Derby, Masons and Kiwanis.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doras.

He is survived by sons, Kurt of Wichita and Kim Petersen of Yukon, Okla.; g r a n d c h i l d r e n , F a u n a (Jeremiah) Tungjaroenkul of Emporia, Terra (Ray) Yankee of Citra, Fla., Kacey and Bryce Petersen, both of Yukon; great-grandchildren, Anisa and Xerarch Tungjaroenkul, and Conner Yankee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Emporia Senior Center- Friendship Meals, 603 E. 12th Ave., Emporia, Kan. 66801, or Hand in Hand Hospice, 1015 Industrial Rd., Emporia, Kan. 66801. View tributes at www.smithfamilymortuaries.com.

Kendrick

January 30Old Fashioned Burger Burn, 5-8

p.m. at Derby VFW/American Legion, 101 S. Baltimore

February 1Rotary Club, noon at Derby Public

Library Community Room, 1600 E. Walnut Grove

Steak Night, 5:30-8 p.m. at VFW/American Legion, 101 S. Baltimore

February 3VFW Riders meeting, 1 p.m.

at VFW/American Legion, 101 S. Baltimore

Sons of the American Legion Post 408 meeting, 7 p.m. at VFW/American Legion, 101 S. Baltimore

February 4Ladies Auxiliary meeting, 7 p.m.

at VFW/American Legion, 101 S. Baltimore

February 5Derby 4-H meeting, 7 p.m. at

Derby Church of Christ, 225 N.Derby St.

American Legion Riders meeting, 7 p.m. at VFW/American Legion, 101

S. BaltimoreVFW House Rules Committee

meeting, 7 p.m. at VFW/American Legion, 101 S. Baltimore

February 6Derby Senior Services Advisory

Board meeting, 10 a.m. at Senior Center, 611 Mulberry

Lions Club meeting, 12 p.m. at Dillons Marketplace Community Room

Old Fashioned Burger Burn, 5-8 p.m. at Derby VFW/American Legion, 101 S. Baltimore

February 7Derby Lions Club meeting, 6:30

p.m. at Friends Church, 1034 N. Woodlawn

American Legion Post 408 meeting, 7 p.m. at VFW/American Legion, 101 S. Baltimore

February 8Rotary Club, noon at Derby Public

Library Community Room, 1600 E. Walnut Grove

Steak Night, 5:30-8 p.m. at VFW/American Legion, 101 S. Baltimore

Rael Hodgson1710 E. Madison

Derby, KS 67037-2289Bus: 316-788-7788

[email protected]

Curtis White325 N. Baltimore

Derby, KS 67037-2289Bus: 316-788-2885

[email protected]

ArrestsJan. 20, 22-year-old female

from Mulvane, theft.Jan. 19, 51-year-old male

from Derby, disorderly conduct.Jan. 19, 16-year-old male

from Derby, liquor purchase/consumption.

Jan. 18, 41-year-old female from Derby, giving worthless check.

Jan. 18, 36-year-old female from Derby, theft.

Jan. 18, 20-year-old male from Castle Rock, Colo., outside arrest.

Jan. 18, 20-year-old male from Castle Rock, Colo., failure to appear.

Jan. 18, 23-year-old male from Wichita, failure to appear.

Jan. 18, 38-year-old female from Derby, failure to appear.

Jan. 17, 28-year-old male from Haysville, failure to appear.


Jan. 17, 28-year-old female from Derby, theft.

Jan. 17, 33-year-old male from Derby, failure to appear.

Jan. 16, 25-year-old male from Wichita, domestic battery.

Jan. 16, 18-year-old male from Derby, failure to appear.

Jan. 15, 48-year-old female from Wichita, failure to appear.

Jan. 15, 20-year-old female from Wichita, driving while revoked.

Jan. 15, 32-year-old female from Wichita, failure to appear.


Jan. 14, 71-year-old male from Derby, sexual battery.

Kooser

January 276:06 a.m., 800 block Lincoln,

EMS call4:33 p.m., 100 block Circle

Dr., EMS call7:35 p.m., 400 block N.

Westview, EMS callJanuary 26

12:15 p.m., 1300 block N. Hamilton, EMS call

2:54 p.m., 1700 block Walnut Grove, EMS call

5:52 p.m., 100 block W. Market, EMS callJanuary 25

9:32 a.m., 700 block Klein Cr., EMS call

10:22 a.m., 1400 block Briarwood, EMS call

6:28 p.m., 2500 block Forest Park, gas leak

7:53 p.m., 2800 block N. Commerce, motor vehicle accident

8:13 p.m., 100 block S. Baltimore, EMS call

11:49 p.m., 300 block S. Woodlawn, EMS call

January 248 : 5 6 a . m . , 8 0 0 b l o c k

Ridgecrest, EMS call11:01 a.m., 1700 block

Osage, EMS call11:29 a.m., 1200 block N.

Buckner, EMS call9 p.m., 900 block Timberleaf,

smoke detector activation10:21 p.m., 1500 block E. Tall

Tree, EMS callJanuary 23

6:31 a.m., 1700 block Walnut Grove, EMS call

9:42 a.m., 1200 block N. Buckner, EMS call

3:49 p.m., 400 block N. Westview, EMS call

5:05 p.m., 500 block S. Westview, EMS call

8:21 p.m., 1400 block N. Woodlawn, EMS call

9 : 4 3 p . m . , 5 0 0 b l o c k Songbird, EMS call

10:49 p.m., 1200 block N. Buckner, motor vehicle accident

11:05 p.m., 900 block


A man found guilty in a local assault case, which occurred following a Super Bowl party in 2011, has been sentenced to 47-1/2 years in prison.

Pa t r i ck T. Stewart , 31, w a s f o u n d guilty of two c o u n t s o f aggravated kidnapping, three counts of criminal sodomy, one count of aggravated assault and one count of felony theft in October.

The charges came in connection with an attack on two loca l women at their westside Derby home following a Super Bowl Party in 2011. Derby

police were called to the home on Feb. 7, 2011, when neighbors reported a disturbance.

T h e t w o w o m e n , a mother and daughter, were beaten, tied up and sexually assaulted following the party, according to reports from the Derby Police Department.

Stewart fled the scene in a mini-van stolen from the area and was captured nine days later near Joplin, Mo. Electronic surveillance by U.S. Marshals in Kansas and Missouri led to his apprehension.

Another woman, Jennifer L. Witherel l , 27, was sentenced in May to almost 14 years in prison for her part in the crimes. She was charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of aggravated sexual battery.

Stewart given 47-year sentence in Derby attacks


A former employee of Derby Hills Elementary who is charged with aggravated i n d e c e n t liberties of a child has waived his r i gh t t o a j u r y t r i a l this week. A bench trial has now been set for Feb. 12.

Alfred R. Rocheleau, 71, was formally charged just over a year ago in Sedgwick County District Court. His court date has been delayed several times.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e c o m p l a i n t f i l e d i n

court, the former school p a r a p r o f e s s i o n a l i s charged with aggravated indecent liberties of a 4-year-old child. The single count against Rocheleau is a felony and occurred during 2011, according to the complaint.

The Derby Pub l ic S c h o o l s B o a r d o f Education terminated Rocheleau’s employment during its Jan. 23, 2012 meeting. Parents of the students who were in the classroom with Rocheleau were notif ied of the allegations, but there has been no indication of any improper activity in the educational setting, both school officials and law enforcement said.

Rocheleau waives jury trial

Alfred Rocheleau

Patrick Stewart

Terrace Ct., EMS callJanuary 22

10:38 a.m., 700 block Klein Cr., EMS call

11 a.m., 300 Stone Path, trash fire

1:43 p.m., 300 block N. Rock Rd., gas leak

2:14 p.m., 400 block N. Derby, EMS call

3 : 1 9 p . m . , 6 0 0 b l o c k Mulberry, EMS call

9:19 p.m., 700 block Klein Cr., alarm activation


11:41 p.m., 1200 block N. Buckner, EMS callJanuary 21

6:35 a.m., 2800 block Rough Creek, EMS call

2:14 p.m., 1200 block Meadowhaven, EMS call

7:53 p.m., 800 block E. Madison, alarm activation

8:55 a.m., 1600 block N. Rock Rd., EMS call

9:48 a.m., 1600 block N. Rock Rd., EMS call

January 207:34 a.m., 300 block Lincoln,

EMS call2:37 p.m., 9400 block S.

Bluff, trash fire5:03 p.m., 400 block W.

Lincoln, gas leak9:09 p.m., 700 block S.

Woodlawn, EMS callJanuary 19

12:57 a.m., 1300 block Pinion, EMS call

7:04 a.m., 500 block Twisted Oak, EMS call


8:51 p.m., 1200 block Dry Creek, unauthorized burningJanuary 18

12:18 a.m., 400 block N. Baltimore, EMS call

1:13 p.m., 1500 block N. Nelson Dr., EMS call

5:39 p.m., 1400 block Hiddenridge Cr., EMS call

6:36 p.m., 1300 block Evergreen, grass fire

7:13 p.m., 400 block N. Westview, EMS call

flood those switchers with propaganda and try to win their hearts.

Or, at least voter affiliation ...

––Syndicated by Hawver

News Company LLC of Topeka. Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report. To learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com.

HAWVER: 2014 electionsFrom page 2

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Business


One local bookstore wants to get books in the hands of non-readers.

Anne Randolph with Blue Dragon Books in Derby has joined with World Book Night. The program, which began in England, is in its second year in the United States.

“I found out about the program last year through various bookseller places,” said Randolph. “I was too late to sign up, but we are a host this year.”

They are a host because they rely on individuals to go to the organization’s website and sign up to participate. Volunteers must be 16 years or older.

There is a list of 30 book titles on the website. The selection came from volunteers of last year’s national event.

“Our enthusiastic army of book givers submitted 20,000 lines of suggestions,” s a i d C a r l L e n n e r t z , executive director of World Book Night U.S. “The top 50 titles were folded into the long list to be voted on by the panel.”

Of those 30 book titles, participants make a first, second and third choice. Twenty copies of one book will then be shipped for each volunteer. For those in Derby, they will be shipped to Blue Dragon Books, where they can be picked up.

Global book event reaches Derby

The deadline to register was Friday, but Randolph said anyone interested in volunteering can call her by the end of the month.

Currently Randolph is aware of 10 to 12 people who have signed up.

On April 23, volunteers will pass the books out.

T h e o r g a n i z a t i o n announced two honorary national chairpeople this year: authors Ann Patchett and James Patterson.

“In my experience, when people like what they are doing, they do more of it,” said Patterson. “This is the genius of World Book Night – it gets people reading by connecting them with amazing, enjoyable books. I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Wo r l d B o o k N i g h t recommends volunteers avoid retail outlets when handing out books unless they obtain permission.

If any books are left over from what volunteers pass out, Randolph said she will donate them to schools and hospitals. Books from the program are not for resale.

“I hope to continue this every year,” said Randolph.

GINGER G. GOLDEN/Informer photo

Anne Randolph, co-owner of Blue Dragon books, is helping to put books in the hands of local residents.

(Published in The Derby Informer on January 30, 2013)

Legal Publication

Ordinance No. 2143AN ORDINANCE AMENDING

ORDINANCE 2138, SECTION 1(af) BY ADDING THERETO LANGUAGE TO DEFINE CRUELTY TO ANIMALS AND SECTION 4 BY ADDING THERETO NEW PARAGRAPH C ESTABLISHING A LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF LARGE DOMESTIC ANIMALS A L L O W E D I N T H E R - 1 C SUBURBAN SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF DERBY, KANSAS:

Section 1. Section 1(af) of Ordinance 2138 is hereby amended to read as follows:

11.11 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.Cruelty to animals is:knowingly and maliciously

ki l l ing, injuring, maiming,

torturing, burning, or mutilating any animal;

knowingly abandoning or leaving any animal in any place without making provisions for its proper care;

Having physical custody of any animal and failing to provide such food; potable water; protection from the elements; structurally sound, appropriately sized, roofed enclosure with at least one wall or wind break; opportunity for exercise; and other care as is needed for the health or well-being of such kind of animal;

knowingly using a wire, pole, stick, rope or any other object to cause an equine to lose its balance or fall, for the purpose of sport or entertainment; or

knowing ly caus ing any physical injury other than the

acts described in subsection (a)(1).

Section 2. Section 4 of Ordinance 2138 is hereby amended to read as follows:

6.12.080 Number limitation on certain animals.

A. For each of the following enumerated animals, no person shall keep a number in excess of the maximum prescribed in this subsection:

rabbits and fur-bearing animals such as but not limited to mink, chinchilla, and hamsters – 6

nanny goats – 2ducks; geese – 1chickens – 6B. Except upon property

located within the R-1C Suburban Single-Family Residential District or five or more acres in size, no person shall keep, harbor or

possess large domestic animals, including but not limited to bovine cattle and horses, or more than three types of animals listed in subsection A of this section.

C. On a property located within the R-1C Suburban Single-Family Residential District or five or more acres in size, no person shall keep, harbor or possess large domestic animals, including but not limited to bovine cattle and horses in numbers that exceed the following per acre scale:

1. 2.20 to 3.00 acres – two large domestic animals

3.01 to 5.00 acres – three large domestic animals

more than 5.00 acres – three large domestic animals, plus one large domestic animal per each additional 2.50 acres

2. Multiple adjacent lots under one ownership shall be calculated as a single lot according to the above per acre scale.

D. On a property located within the R-1C Suburban Single-Family Residential District or five or more acres in size, no person shall keep, harbor or possess any animals in numbers so large as to constitute a hazard to public health or safety, as determined by the code enforcement officer.

Section 3. Original sections 11.11(a) of the Uniform Public Offense Code and Section 6.12.080 of the Derby Municipal Code, as hereby amended, shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 4. If any part of this ordinance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such invalidity

shall not affect the validity of the remaining parts of this ordinance. The Governing Body hereby declares that it would have passed the remaining parts of this ordinance if it had known that any part or parts hereof would be declared invalid.

Section 5. T h i s Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its adoption and publication once in the official City newspaper.

A D O P T E D B Y T H E GOVERNING BODY this 22nd day of January, 2013.

Dion P. Avello, MayorATTEST:Jean Epperson, City ClerkAPPROVED AS TO FORM:Kevin O’Connor, City Attorney


The process to create a new community event center, offices and studio s p a c e f o r t h e D e r b y Recreation Commission will begin in earnest on Thursday.

Planning for The Venue, as the former St. Mary’s school gym at Madison Avenue Central Park is now called, will begin with the first meeting of the Joint

Venue Design Committee at 4 p.m. on Jan. 31 in the council meeting room at city hall.

The committee will meet several times to work on both structural design and plans and operational and leasing issues for the new facility, according to Kathy Sexton, city manager. The goal is to have agreements in place by fall, she said.

Discussion among city and DRC leaders in the past has laid the groundwork for

Process starts to create ‘The Venue’

Young is successful candidate for CPA

Mark Young of Derby was one of 40 who successfully passed the state’s CPA exam in October and November.

Schools approveemployee changes

The following employment changes have been approved by Derby Public Schools:

Retirements – Pat Kanaga – school nurse, Derby High School; Janie Swinford – special education, Sixth Grade Center.

Work agreements – Brenda Rogers – head custodian, Derby Hills Elementary; Brook Wilson – special ed para, Derby Middle School.

Resignations – Melissa Loibl – attendance clerk, and Aimee Walker – special ed para, both at DMS.

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creating an event center from the former gym. An addition to the space would create the office and art studio space which the DRC has lost as it expands in other areas at its current facility.

While the idea has been discussed and has shown up in drawings in the park’s master plan, actual design and concept of the facility is still a dream.

“The committee will d i s cus s engag ing an architect to do design

development and then we’ll have to get cost estimates for that work and for the next phase, which is construction documents,” Sexton said.

There has not been a timeline for the process in the past.

“I think we always knew that the DRC remodel needed to get going first, then we would be able to focus on this building,” she said.

The initial discussions between the city and DRC have created an unofficial agreement which will have the DRC mill levy utilized to pay for renovations and the addition, Sexton said.

Members of the Joint Venue Design Committee are Sexton; Frank Seitz, DRC superintendent of recreation; Trina Bauer, DRC director of facilities; C h e r y l B a n n o n a n d Randy White, city council members; Ken Mulanax and Chris Sexton, DRC board members; Ted Austin, city director of operations; and Robert Mendoza, city public works director.

“This project has the potential to be another successful joint venture with Derby organizations cooperating to serve the public interest in a very cost effective manner,” Sexton said. “Our mutual goals are to provide an event facility (the demand for which is mostly evenings and weekends) and to provide recreational programming space (the demand for which is mostly daytime).”

Need a Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone??

Check out next week’s issue of The Informer



Sedgwick County is seeking federal funding for a nearly $1.3 million hike and bike path which would connect Derby with south Wichita.

The new 10-foot-wide pathway has been dubbed the Aviation Pathway. It should offer Derby residents who already bike to work at the Spirit/Boeing complex an additional level of ease and safety in their travels.

The Aviation Pathway has also received support from Derby Public Schools, the Derby Recreat ion C o m m i s s i o n a n d t h e Oaklawn Improvement District, according to James Weber, Sedgwick County deputy director of public works. Students from Deer Lakes Estates who walk to school and other activities must cross K-15 to get to Oaklawn Elementary or the Oaklawn Activity Center on

south Clifton.Between 5 and 10 percent

of Oaklawn, Sunview and Deer Lakes Estates residents do not own vehicles, Weber wrote in his report to the Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners. Those numbers create a need for alternative modes of transportation, he wrote.

“There is a long history of concern about pedestrian/bicycle access in the area,” Weber wrote.

T h e 3 . 6 - m i l e - l o n g p a t h w a y w i l l o f f e r pedestrian access from MacArthur and Englewood in Wichita, south along Englewood and Clifton to 47th. It will then turn east along 47th South to Oliver and turn south on Oliver until it connects with the Derby Hike and Bike Path. Derby’s pathway ends on Buckner at Commerce Drive.

Another leg of the path in the Oaklawn area will provide pedestrian access

from 47th south to the Oaklawn Activity Center and Oaklawn Elementary.

S e d g w i c k C o u n t y is seeking 80 percent federal funding for the project through either t h e T r a n s p o r t a t i o n Enhancement Program f a c i l i t a t e d b y t h e Kansas Department of Transportation or a funding pool through the Wichita Metropolitan Area Planning Organization, Weber said.

A 20 percent match by the county, $127,000, will be required and the city of Derby has tentatively agreed to share that cost, according to Dan Squires, city engineer.

“We’ve been working with them to submit this,” he said.

Weber reported that the pathway has been designed from Derby to 47th Street. Preliminary design work has begun on the rest of the route.

Financing sought for hike and bike path linking Spirit to Derby

St. Mary teacher to receive

state level award

By Davi [email protected]

E v e n t h o u g h D e e Schwartz rejected a medical career because of the scary life-and-death decisions involved, she impacts lives every day – as a teacher.

The St. Mary Parish Catholic School science and technology teacher said she became a teacher for the same reason most teachers do: “ ... we love children and we want to make a difference.”

On Monday, Schwartz will receive the Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools Distinguished Teacher award a t the KAIRS conference in Topeka.

“As Mrs . Schwar tz teaches her subject, she often reviews how the study of science is actually the study of the love and wonder of God,” said Richard Mongtomery, St. Mary principal. “She is patient and nurturing, and has very high expectations of respect for one another. In her science class , the student is in a safe environment, free from fear of ridicule or ostracizing, and can feel the excitement of what miracles our world has to offer.”

“Mrs. Schwartz is a leader and a trainer for our staff, also,” he said. “I have worked in schools for 32 years and I have never

Teacher brings science to life

DAVI STUHLSATZ/Informer photoSt. Mary Parish Catholic School teacher Dee Schwartz uses a skeleton to teach anatomy to eighth-grade students during Life Sciences. Her hands-on methods have earned her a state-level award.

met anyone like her. She is hard working, positive, a problem solver, a leader, team player and, most of all, one of the most caring educators I have ever met.”

As a middle school science teacher, Schwartz uses hands-on experiments and projects, from having students build edible cells (one of the sixth grade standards is to learn about animal and plant cells) to building chairs.

“Every year one of the students will ask me if they get to blow something up,” she said. “I guess that

is why they like to make the volcanoes in seventh grade.”

Word processing and Google searches have replaced the chalkboards and hardback resource books utilized by the first-year teacher 26 years ago.

“Technological advances have had an impact on teaching methods and the profession as a whole,” she said. “It’s more difficult to keep kids’ attention and keep them focused. Ch i ld ren wan t to be

We’reMoving Forward!

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HAYSVILLE – Former Public Works Director Randy Dorner has been reinstated.

Dorner was removed from the position this past July. Police Chief Jeff Whitfield was promoted at that time. His duties covered both chief of police and director of public works.

Wi l l B l a c k , d e p u t y administrative officer for Haysvil le, declined to comment as to the reasons for the change both in July and this month, saying it is a personnel matter.

Dorner was given the title of assistant public works director of projects in July.

“The mayor wanted to appoint Randy to public works director,” said Black. “Jeff Whitfield is police chief and has no role in public works at this point.”

Whitfield received a salary increase in July of $1,500 a month. Dorner received a decrease of $4.31 per hour. Black said those salaries are now back to what they were before the change.

The city is not currently looking to fill the position of assistant public works director of projects, Black said.

Public Works director reinstated


MULVANE – The city council approved annexing land next to the casino.

It is an area just west of the casino. The property is owned by Duane and Betty Wyant, who also owned about half the land the casino was built on.

“I’ve only had one conversation with Betty Wyant,” said Kent Hixson, city administrator. “She felt it would be more marketable if

it was in the city limits.”So far the city has not attracted

much business besides the casino and hotel.

“The last time we’ve had any dealings with anybody with any commercial interest was in November of 2011,” said Hixson. “It was a man who develops truck stops and he was out of Oklahoma. That’s the last time any commercial property developer has darkened the door of city hall.”

Plans to build a second EMS substation at the casino are currently

on hold. The new design was presented

to the contractor for the casino. The city thought it would be more economical for the developer on site to build the substation, Hixson said.

“We still didn’t get a quote that was anywhere near the budget of $1.2 million,” said Hixson. “It was well above that.”

T h e M u l v a n e B u i l d i n g Committee met with employees of Law Kingdon Tuesday night, Jan. 22. Dennis Smith, president of the company was there.

“Dennis Smith is positive that we can get bids that will be near or under our budget,” said Dave Williams, public safety director in a letter to Hixson. “He believes the right course of action is to rebid this project, then negotiate with the lowest bidder to reach our goal.”

The decision was approved. Requests for bids will be sent to prospective contractors Feb. 1. Bids must be received by March 1 and the city council will look at them at their March18 meeting.

Land next to casino becomes more marketable


BELLE PLAINE – The man who impersonated a sheriff’s deputy and tried cashing fake checks is now being sought by U.S. Marshals.

The Kansas Bureau of

Investigation is looking for Robert Wayne Helms, 45, of Pittsburg, Kan. as a person of interest in the case.

On Monday Jan. 21, he was

seen at two locations in Belle Plaine trying to cash a forged check.

Helms called Senior Special Agent Steve Bundy on Thursday from a location in Arkansas.

“He said he had no intentions to surrender and was going to keep running,”

said Bundy.He was seen in Lyons and

Hugoton on Saturday. In Belle Plaine he pretended to be a sheriff’s deputy from the fictitious Adams county. On Saturday, he said he was a sheriff in Meade County, which does exist.

S ince Be l le P la ine ,

U.S. Marshals seek police impersonator

RobertWayneHelms


WICHITA – A controversial development district in south Wichita has new problems due to procedural errors.

Sedgwick County Clerk Kelly Arnold said he found two errors in the Southfork tax-increment financing district plan. Part of the district included land outside Wichita city limits. Another part incorporated a section of the Haysville school district.

“I’ve posed questions to the city on a couple issues that I would like clarification on,” said Arnold. “Each year I have to certify revisions to the county tax unit map and the Southfork district would be included in those revisions.”

Both sides of South Broadway were included in the Southfork project, but area on the west side was in the Haysville school district. Haysville schools would have to receive notification that they were in the district, Arnold said.

“I really can only say that we’re looking

into it,” said Allen Bell with Wichita’s urban development office. “It appears that there were some mistakes made in the establishment of the TIF district and we’re trying to work out what the appropriate remedy will be.”

“I believe the latest that I know is kind of what’s been reported over the weekend,” said Mark Elder, development analyst, on Monday. “Allen spoke with some of the officials over at the county and proposed the city basically remove the properties that aren’t within the city out of that district.”

The Southfork TIF district was approved by the Sedgwick County Commission this past July.

It was first passed by the Wichita City Council in a 6-1 vote. It took two attempts to pass the county before receiving a 3-2 vote to proceed.

The area approved for the Southfork project consists of 72 acres near I-135 and 47th Street South. It would include retail stores, restaurants, office space, a medical complex and a hotel.

Problems found with Southfork project

Bundy said Helms has been spotted four to six times. Altogether there are roughly 15 occurrences of which Bundy is aware.

“ H e ’s c h a n g e d h i s methods to try and stay ahead of our informational releases,” said Bundy.

Helms has displayed a handgun at numerous b u s i n e s s e s w h e r e h e attempted to cash checks. For that he is considered armed and dangerous.

“He was released from the department of corrections last fall,” said Bundy. “He has failed to adhere to his parole so he’s being sought by investigators for the Kansas Department of Corrections as well as the U.S. Marshals Service.”

A n y o n e w i t h a n y information on Helms can call their local police or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.


ROSE HILL – Kansas is dry.

So dry, in fact , the governor is requesting people curb their water usage.

“We can’t predict the end date of this drought,” said Governor Sam Brownback. “I am asking all Kansans to please take steps to reduce their water usage and be conscious of fire hazards.”

Rose Hill buys its water from Wichita and those wholesale water rates are increasing. For tier 1 it is increasing from $1.59 per

thousand gallons to $1.86. For tier 2 it is increasing from $8.78 to $9.67.

“We are billed for water purchased in tiers which are calculated each year using Average Winter Consumption,” said Kathy Raney, city administrator.

The Average Winter Consumption takes the average of water consumed from December to March and adds to it 10 percent of that average. This is the cost to the city, not the cost to the consumer.

The Rose Hill lift station also has been experiencing equipment failure since May.

“The Rosewood Lift Station was initially installed in 2008 to accommodate growth and increased flow to the new Wastewater Treatmant Facility,” Kirk Hayden, public works director, wrote in a report to the city council.

Hydrogen sulfide gas was determined to be the cause. It is toxic to humans and animals and is to blame for hundreds of deaths each year, Hayden said.

“We have to improve our radio communications and do some repairs,” said Raney. “Phase one of those improvements was approved by council and that was right

Infrastructure fees and repairs hit city’s budgetaround $50,000.”

The communications repair will be to eliminate t h e n e e d f o r r a d i o c o m m u n i c a t i o n s b y installing a fiber optic line.

Phase two will be focused on treating hydrogen sulfide. Currently Hayden said they are doing research before submitting anything for approval to the city council.

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Gunter Hansen thinks the reading and math scores in Derby are not what they should be. I t i s h i s m a i n i s s u e g o i n g into this board o f educa t ion election.

H a n s e n , who was born and raised in Germany sees a stark contrast between what is acceptable in his native land and what is acceptable in his new home.

“When I see and read that we have 84 percent reading proficiency and 87 percent math and that’s 12 years of school, that’s pathetic,” he said. “That would have not been possible in Germany, honestly.”

Keeping teachers focused on teaching students is what Hansen said he would work to do if elected.

“Measure them by success,” he said. “If a kid cannot read by fourth grade, you have a problem. Let’s look at our elementary schools and see how good they are.”

An Extraordinary Evening ...Happens on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013!!

The Derby Community Foundation Invites You to anEvening of Fine Wine, Food, Art, Music and More!

2013 Annual GalaUNCORKED

Proceeds from this event benefit the Derby Community Foundationand the Community Enrichment Grant Program

Thanks to our sponsorsWine Tasting Sponsor: Club Liquor Wichita. Champagne Sponsor: AT&T. Zinfandel Sponsors: Damm Pharmacy,

Derby Informer, GSI Engineering. Abstract Sponsors: Charlie and Rebah Hubbard,BRG Precision Products. Cabernet Sponsors: Commerce Bank,

Kirkpatrick, Sprecker & Co., LLP, Meritrust Credit Union, Spencer Wernli Financial Consultants, Verus Bank. Watercolor Sponsors: Dondlinger & Sons Construction Company, Inc.,

Gilmore and Bell, P.C. Friends of the Arts: K-15 Auto, The Coffee House.Hors D’oeuvres Sponsors: Abuelo’s, Artisan Catering, At Your Service Catering with Blessings, Bocconcini Italian Eatery, Dawn Thai Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Jayleen Catering & Culinary Arts.

Chocolate & Dessert Sponsors: Cocoa Dolce, Sweetie’s Candies and Gourmet Coffee.

Guests will enjoy wine tasting and fine foods prepared by local caterers and restaurants, as well as fine chocolates. Local artists will be featured in a live and silent auction along with a number of entertainment items including

weekend getaways, sporting event tickets, and more!

Mark Your Calendar and Get Tickets NOW!Saturday, February 23rd, 2013 • 7 p.m.-10 p.m.Derby Public Library • 1600 Walnut Grove Rd.

Tickets available for $45 each at Derby Welcome Center (for exact change, cash or check purchase), from DCF Board Members,or by contacting DCF at 788-9815 or [email protected].

• Enjoy local jazz guitarist Kurt Aiken • Cork Pull Drawing – your chance to win a $100 bottle of wine • Increased space – additional

event area available this year • New improved sound system• Art to be auctioned on display at Derby Library starting Feb. 1

By Davi [email protected]

The Derby Middle School head custodian has a not-so-secret alter ego – Puddin’ the clown – and wears his heart on his colorful red and white striped sleeve.

“I love the kids at the middle school, especially the specia l educat ion s tuden t s , ” s a id Mike Pledger, 64. “They’re just fun to be around; I enjoy them. They’re my special kids. They make my day. “

Pledger began a 20-year involvement with Special

Olympics through his job with Coca-Cola nearly 40 years ago.

“It began as a business opportunity, but it turned into a love for the kids, coaches, and everyone involved,” he said. “I took three powerlifting athletes to the international games in Minnesota in 1986, and took three soccer kids to New York in 1978. One of my soccer athletes was on ABC’s Wide World of Sports.”

After working for Coca-Cola for 20 years, Pledger moved on to his own water

business. When he “got too old to do that” six years ago, he became a Derby Public Schools custodian.

“I think God had a place for me and he put me at the middle school,” he said.

In Pledger’s boyhood, his father worked two jobs, and Pledger helped him with his night job as a custodian.

“That’s how I’d earn money for Boy Scout camp,” Pledger said. “I’d help him out, and he’d pay for me to go to camp.”

T h e h a r d - w o r k i n g

Clown has big heartfor DMS students

DAVI STUHLSATZ/Informer photoOn Saturday, Mike Pledger (center) will clown for over 500 Wichita-area Circle of Friends participants. Circle of Friends matches special education students with regular education mentors. From left, Derby Middle School para Traci Wood, Pledger, DMS student Cody Huff and other DMS students and staff visited Westview on Friday.

please see HANSEN, page 15


There is only one two-year term open for the board of education race this year.

Matthew Hoag is the only candidate running for that unexpired term. The seat is currently filled by Tom Ostrander, who was appointed this past September and is running for a full four-year term.

When he went the morning of the last day to register, Hoag said he saw only the three registered who were running again.

“The fourth seat, the unexpired seat, had no one registered,” he said. “I figured if there were only four of us, then we’d make it easy. I guess the other two applicants came in later that same morning.”

There are two key issues Hoag sees the school facing in the immediate future: school finances and district-wide building projects.

As a member of the board of education, Hoag said he would also like to see more emphasis on students using new technologies productively.

There is a lot of ambiguity in what it means to meet the expectations of some new education standards, such as college and career readiness, Hoag said.

“At a deeper level, I personally don’t feel that meeting expectations in those areas is good enough,” he said. “We’re setting our

kids up to compete in the world, not just meet expectations.”

Strengths that Hoag said he has to offer the board include critical thinking skills and strategic planning.

“I tend to think about problems from the perspective of what’s the impact on the future,” said Hoag. “I don’t feel like we can simply focus on solving immediate problems that we have today without considering what our actions mean to the future.”

Hoag moved to Derby when he was in the third grade. He attended El Paso Elementary and was in the first class to graduate from Derby Hills Elementary.

He and his wife Terri have three children, Madison 11, and twin sons Tobin and Connor, 9.

“Having lived in the area, gone through the Derby school district... to me this is kind of a way to give back to the community that has really been a big part of my life,” said Hoag.

Hoag has volunteered in a variety of student activities at El Paso. He was also on the steering committee for Process for Success and was a co-chair on the Ways and Means committee for the bond issue.

“With my kids in the school district and my wife’s a student studying to get her teaching degree right now, I really have a strong desire to help shape the district,” said Hoag. “Not only just for them, but obviously for all students and teachers now and in the future.”

One BOE candidate filesfor the unexpired term

MatthewHoag

please see CLOWN, page 13


Jared Mortensen has big goals for the Derby school district if he is elected to the board of education.

One of his main goals is to see more education on technology. N o t j u s t t h e u s e o f technology, but teaching students how to create it.

“Are we preparing our kids to be able to work with the technologies of the future?” said Mortensen. “When I say that, it doesn’t mean giving somebody an iPad and then they can check their Facebook status, but are we preparing them to be the developers.”

Another use of technology Mortensen said he would like to see is removing teachers from administrative roles.

“We can essentially take videos of somebody that is known as a world-class lecturer,” said Mortensen. “Let’s let the best lecturers in the world teach that base knowledge to our children and then turn our teachers into mentors.”

Students would watch videos and then answer

questions and teachers would then help students as they struggled with the material.

“ R e m o v e t h e administrative burden from the teacher,” said Mortensen. “They don’t have to grade tests, they don’t have to g rade the homework . They’re paid to teach, not do this administrative sort of stuff, so let’s get rid of that as much as possible.”

Finances and construction are also issues Mortensen sees the board facing.

“We need to focus on what we can control and what we can’t control,” he said. “How can we be more efficient? How can we be more effective? How can we get more revenue locally?”

M o r t e n s e n h a s volunteered his time on the district’s finance committee as well as some smaller ones including one to help name streets at the new school, he said.

Mortensen moved to Wichita from Utah nine years ago when he took a job with Boeing. He moved to Derby five years ago.

H e i s t h e s e n i o r procurement commodity manager at Textron/Cessna Aircraft Company. He also volunteers his time as a charter organizational representative for the Boy Scouts of America units that

Mortensen wants more technology education

JaredMortensen

meet in his church.He and his wife Jill have

six sons, Jaron 11, Ryan 9, Nathan 7, Logan 5, Griffin 3, and Kellen 9 months. The oldest three attend Derby Hills Elementary.

Test scores don’t make the grade, Hansen says

GunterHansen


&This guide is brought to you by these professionals:

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Current economic times are challenging and most people need every dollar they earn. They look forward to payday, a rewarding day when they see what has come from all those days of work. Then, they start paying bills and suddenly payday becomes a day they would rather forget.

In many cases, the money is going out faster than it is coming in. Wouldn’t it be nice if the money we earned could be used for something fun instead of the debt we already have? If that is ever going to happen, we must pay off our debt.

First, let’s take a look at our plastic friend, the credit card. We have all heard from some financial analyst on TV that we must pay more than the minimum on our credit card bill. This person is right. Paying the minimum, which is usually about two or three percent, only prolongs the pain. Plus, this is what the credit card company wants.

The longer you take to repay the charges, the more interest they can tack on. Don’t let them win ... find the money. Sacrifice it from somewhere else and pay as much as you can each month. Brown bag it, instead of eating lunch out.

Don’t go bowling with the guys or out with the girls. We all enjoy some luxuries. Sacrifice them for a while. It won’t be fun, but it will beat watching the money go out as soon as it comes in.

Roll your debt, using the snowball principal. The basic idea here is to transfer your debt onto a lower-interest credit card.

Another idea, which takes some thought and math skills, is to take advantage of promotional offers. Some credit card companies will try to entice you with an opportunity to move all of your debt onto their card for a much lower interest rate, usually for a limited time.

Get out your abacus and figure out if the money you could save would be worth it. Make sure you consider the interest rate after the promotion period. Will it be higher than the rate you are paying now? Read the fine print and understand what you are getting into. If the math adds up and you can live with the stipulations, consider doing it.

Consider using your savings. Again, i t ’s a question of mathematics. Figure how much money you are losing to interest on your debt. Are you making that much or more in interest

on your savings? Probably not. Would it be worth it to use your savings to pay off your debt? Do the math.

Can friends and family help? Be careful! This one is a slippery slope. These people love you and, if they can, will probably help, but repayment and interest need to be decided upfront and put in writing. It’s not like borrowing from a bank. Friends and family will probably be more tolerant, but losing their trust is not worth the money. It’s a viable option; just make sure it won’t jeopardize your relationship.

Everything is negotiable. Contact your creditor and tell them of your inability to pay. Tell them you just don’t have it and bankruptcy may be your only option. Odds are they will try to work something out before they take the chance of no payment at all. The worst they can do is say no.

Debt is not a pleasant thing, but for most people, it’s a way of life. There are many ways to pay off debt; they just take some work and sometimes creativity. If paying off debt will make your life easier and help you sleep better, isn’t it worth giving a shot?

Find a way to pay off debt

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The secret for keeping tax payments at a minimum may be in a double-faceted approach.

Daniel Johnson, CPA, with Johnson and Co. CPAs, P.A., said taxpayers need to plan carefully for their tax filings – starting early in the year. He urges taxpayers to contact a tax accountant after the tax rush ends and strategize i n v e s t m e n t s , i n c o m e and major life activities, including marriage, divorce, retirement, early withdrawal of retirement, or anything which may impact taxes.

“Planning wi l l he lp them prepare for what is happening in April,” he said.

The new tax code will help facilitate planning.

“We have a lot more planning opportunities for 2013 to save the clients money,” Johnson said.

Not all information for filing taxes is available in January, but Johnson urges taxpayers not to wait to start the process with their tax accountant. Taking all available information to the accountant will allow them to work on the tax filing in advance and be prepared to add last minute information and move quickly before the April 15 deadline.

Taxpayers can utilize quarterly statements, faxed or copied information as a substitute for original forms which are not yet available, he said.

“We don’t have to have originals on anything,” he said.

There are also some filing delays this year from the IRS, due to the late approval of the tax code during fiscal cliff negotiations through early January. Taxpayers should not see that as a sign they have to wait to talk to their accountant at the deadlines in late February and March.

“We can prepare their taxes now,” Johnson said. “We just cannot push the button and file them until the IRS allows them.”

In the second part of his advice for minimizing taxes, Johnson has a simple mantra:

“Record-keeping, record-keeping, record-keeping.”

Tax records which are better catalogued make it easier for the accountant to be accurate.

“It’s better if it comes organized,” he said.

For many that is simplified by computer programs and spreadsheets which are available for home and business use. However, even those who are not computer savvy can keep organized records. A hand-written ledger is as effective as a computer printout, Johnson said.

The new tax code does not have a lot of changes for 2012. Johnson said there is still time to make a contribution to an IRA up to

April 15. The IRS will allow up to $5,000 if the taxpayer is age 49 or less and up to $6,000 for those 50 or older.

For 2013 there are a lot of changes.

• An immediate change is that Social Security withholding has lost the 2 percent reduction taxpayers enjoyed for the past few years. That is significant for some and Johnson uses a worker making $30,000 as an example. That worker will pay another $600 to Social Security in the coming year – or almost $50 each month.

• The federal Medicare Tax, a part of ObamaCare, has imposed a 3.8 percent tax on net investment income for a married couple filing jointly and making over $250,000. The tax will be effective for a single person making over $200,000.

• Tax rates, overall , will increase in 2013 for single people making over $400,000 and married filing jointly who make over $450,000.

• Several Kansas tax changes will be implemented in 2013. The standard deduction will increase from $4,500 to $9,000 for single taxpayers and from $6,000 to $9,000 for married filing jointly.

Kansas tax rates are also decreasing, the first step of the governor’s plan to

Proper planning canmaximize tax savings

please see PLANNING, page 10


Meritrust is a credit union, not a traditional bank. What does that mean for you? It means higher savings rates for the money you deposit, lower interest rates on loans and being a member – an owner – not just an account number.

Meritrust is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by more than 75,000 members. We continually strive to build value for our members and our efforts have received national recognition.

Meritrust was ranked No. 3 of credit unions nationwide – and the only credit union in Kansas – for the value we return to our members by Callahan & Associates, a national research and consulting firm that analyzes credit union performance. For the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2012, Meritrust was ranked

third out of 217 credit unions in the United States (those with $500 million to $1 billion in assets) for the financial value they return to members.

M e r i t r u s t w a s a l s o ranked in the top 20 of best performing credit unions in the nation by SNL Financial, a financial services industry analysis firm. Meritrust’s performance was compared to 400 other credit unions in the United States (those with at least $500 million in assets and a net worth of at least seven percent).

“We were the only credit union in Kansas to be included in the ranking of the 50 best performing credit unions,” said Jamie Taulbee, vice president of marketing.

At Meritrust, we put people first and believe in supporting the community with our time, money and

resources. Whether it’s sponsoring local community events, working to educate consumers about better ways to manage money, or donating funds to local charities, Meritrust strives to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.

Last month we were pleased to announce two generous donations in the amount of $30,000 each to The Envision Foundation in Wichita and to Sunlight Children’s Advocacy & Rights Foundation of El Dorado.

“ B o t h o f t h e s e organizations do so much for our community and those in need – we were pleased to help fund their programs,” said Mahlon McCaleb, SVP Chief Financial Officer. “Credit unions are about helping people, just like The Envision Foundation and SCARF are about

Meritrust strives to make positive difference in communityhelping people. There is a common bond of purpose and mission.”

In addition to the two branches in Derby, Meritrust has nine branches in Wichita, one in Junction City and two in Lawrence. The full-service branches offer the same types of products as those offered by banks.

Both retail and lending produc ts a re o ffe red , including checking, savings, youth accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, IRAs, safe deposit boxes , mor tgage and consumer loans, credit cards and much more. Branches also offer the convenience of a night drop, drive-thru and drive-up ATM.

At Meritrust, we care about the success of our members and offer tools to help them succeed financially. Members have access to a free online budgeting tool, allowing them to conveniently track expenses and review past spending from an easy to use chart. With this tool, members can easily see where their money is going, review their spending trends and be better equipped to set their budgeting goals.

Meritrust members can also download the free mobile banking app on their iPhone, iPad or Android phone to be able to access their accounts anytime, anywhere. As part of the Meritrust mobile banking app, the recently launched mobile eDeposit feature a l lows members wi th iPhones or Android phones to remotely deposit checks from the comfort of their home, office or anywhere in between for free.

With mobile eDeposit, members can conveniently deposit checks and manage their finances on their own time – anytime – from

anywhere , by s imply snapping a picture of their check with their smartphone camera.

Members a l so have access to free educational workshops to help improve their credit, manage college funds or retirement, tips for keeping their identity safe or learn the basics of buying their first home. Additional seminars are aimed at educating our members on how to get and stay out of debt as well as how to build good credit.

Additionally, Meritrust members can schedule free financial counseling sessions with our certified financial counselor, Chris Wolgamott. Together, he can help members to set and achieve personal financial goals, develop a customized budget for their household, help them manage their current debt and improve their credit score.

Chris will help find the right financial products to fit the members’ needs to improve their overall financial situation. To schedule an appointment, please call Chris directly a t 3 1 6 . 2 1 9 . 7 7 1 7 o r e m a i l h i m a t c h r i s [email protected]. Appointments are scheduled for a maximum of 90 minutes per session and are conveniently available at any Meritrust branch location.

“We’re passionate about he lp ing our members achieve their financial goals with expert guidance, exceptional service, quality financial products and innovative solut ions,” Taulbee said. “Come see why credit unions are ranked higher than banks in customer satisfaction. Members, not money, are our most valuable asset.”

Ready to serve you in Derby are, from left, Kyle Newell, Amy Cline, and Shannon Eggleston.

One of Derby’s more established financial institution locations is the Meritrust at 1257 N. Buckner.

Meritrust’s newest Derby facility, located at 1615 North Rock Road, offers customers a convenient eastside location in a modern and comfortable atmosphere.


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Elizabeth L. Moore, CPA

Fax 788-7776 Email: [email protected]

The recent passage of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 could have impact on financial decisions for the coming year, according to Elizabeth L. Moore, CPA, of Derby.

The act generally will impact returns filed in 2014.

It is a permanent extension of the Bush-era tax rates for a majority of taxpayers, Moore said. The primary difference has already hit home for those who have received paychecks this month. They have already seen the 2 percent reduction of Social Security withholding on Jan. 1.

Another highly discussed change has been the new tax rate of 39.6 percent for those whose income e x c e e d s $ 4 0 0 , 0 0 0 ($450,000 for married, filing jointly and $425,000 for head of household filers). Americans whose income is less will not see changes in their tax brackets.

An important change is permanent relief for the Alternative Minimum Tax exemption, Moore said. It is $51,900 for 2013 ($80,800 for married couples filing jointly).

Other changes which may impact local taxpayers include:

• Standard deduction rises to $6,100 ($12,200 for married couples).

• The personal exemption will be $3,900, up by $100.

• Mileage rates in 2013 will be 56.6 cents for business miles, an increase

of 1 cent from 2012. Medical or moving mileage is 24 cents per mile and service for charitable organizations is deductible at 14 cents per mile.

• The child tax credit, dependent care credit and adoption credit have been extended.

• The above the line deduction for elementary teacher expenses has been extended.

• A $4,000 deduction for qualifying tuition and expenses for parents of c o l l e g e s t u d e n t s h a s also been extended. The d e d u c t i o n o f p r i v a t e schooling (elementary and secondary) expenses under the Cloverdale Education Credit have been increased.

Also impactive for those whose employers provide post-secondary tuition, up to $5,250 of those expenses do not have to be claimed as income.

The 60-month limit on the deduction for student loan interest has been eliminated for income up to $65,000 ( s ing l e ) o r $130 ,000 (married filing jointly). Moore said the change is designed to encourage loan payments.

• The act continued the cancellation of debt income po l i cy when p r imary residences are sold as bank short sales. Moore explains this helps people struggling with personal finances from being hit double by the foreclosure process.

• A sales tax deduction

remains an option instead of income tax for some taxpayers, Moore said.

• Kansas business owners, whose businesses are not corporations, will find they do not have to pay state taxes under new codes. But the change may be a mixed blessing.

“The good news, if you have a business you don’t have to pay taxes,” Moore said. “The bad news, if you lose you can’t write it off.”

Moore said the write-offs have been important to many small farm owners and double income families who use the loss write-offs while incubating a new business.

• Finally, when taxes have been filed in recent years, the tax preparers were able to determine when a refund would be available.

N o w f r a u d f i l t e r s , computer checks for identity theft and double checks of children claimed are in the computer programs. They are slowing the process slightly and determining when a refund will come is more difficult.

“You get it when you get it,” Moore said.

In fact, tax preparers cannot check on refunds. The taxpayer can go to www.irs.gov and click on “Where’s my refund?” to check on its status. It will tell them if the taxes have been received, if they are in process and if the refund has been sent.

Annual changes to tax policy may impact today’s decisions

eliminate income taxes. Tax rate brackets will drop, with the largest group of taxpayers seeing a drop from 6.45 percent to 4.9 percent.

N o n - w a g e b u s i n e s s i n c o m e w i l l a l s o b e

exempt in 2013 for owners of LLCs, S corporations and sole proprietorships. C corporations are not included in the exemption and those owners may want to discuss the tax changes with an accountant and consider changing their corporate structure.

With all of the changes, it is more important than ever to plan before next year’s filing season.

“Come see me in the summer, after tax season, and we can plan for what could be a huge tax savings,” Johnson said.

PLANNING: Start planning early in yearFrom page 8


Vaughn NunLPL Registered Principal

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Jeff SmithFinancial [email protected]

315 N. Baltimore978-9224

Vaughn Nun and Jeff Smith are registered representatives with, and securitiesoffered through, LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC

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By Jason Alderman

www.practicalmoneyskills.com

Many people file their income tax returns as early in the year as possible. Some are eager to claim their tax refund right away, while others are simply following their New Year’s resolution not to procrastinate until midnight, April 15.

Let me add another good reason to file your taxes right away: tax refund identity fraud.

That’s where someone uses your Social Security number, birth date and other private information to file a fraudulent income tax return in your name and then pockets the resulting tax refund. Often, a victim’s first clue is a letter from the IRS contesting their legitimate tax return, saying one has already been processed under that name. It can take months – and mounds of paperwork – to unravel the mess.

This scam has proliferated in recent years thanks to a confluence of events:

• There’s a thr iving black market in personal information stolen from healthcare facilities, nursing homes, schools, insurance compan ie s and o the r institutions that require an SSN as identification.

• The IRS is pressured to begin issuing refunds shortly after taxpayers start filing returns in mid-January, even though employers and financial institutions aren’t required to submit withholding and income documentation until the end of March. Thus, disparities often aren’t caught until months later.

• The growing popularity of electronic filing, where hard-copy documentation (like W-2 and 1099 forms) isn’t required.

Avoid tax refund identity fraud

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• Many people receive refunds via direct deposit and prepaid debit cards. Criminals open and close accounts us ing bogus addresses long before the theft has been detected.

T h a n k s t o s e v e r e budget cuts and chronic understaffing – not to mention constantly playing whack-a-mole with thieves who dream up new schemes – the IRS is hard-pressed to keep up. In one extreme example, the agency issued more than $3.3 million in refunds for 2,137 tax returns filed to a single address.

But all is not lost. The IRS has significantly beefed up its fraud-prevention efforts. In 2011, they intercepted nearly 262,000 fraudulent tax returns seeking almost $1.5 billion in refunds related to identity theft. And they now issue special personal identification numbers to impac ted taxpayers to protect their future tax filings.

So what should you do if you’ve been victimized? Typically, the IRS will send you a notice that:

• More than one tax return for you was filed;

• You have a balance due, refund offset or have had

collection actions taken against you for a year in which you didn’t file a return; or

• IRS records indicate you received wages from an employer you don’t recognize. This could indicate that someone has used your personal information to get a job.

I f you receive such a notice, don’t ignore it. Complete an Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039 at www.irs.gov) and return it with a copy of the notice to the address provided on the notice. If you did not receive a notice but believe you may be at risk, the form contains separate submission instructions.

T h e I R S ’s I d e n t i t y Theft Protection website (www.irs.gov/uac/Identity-Protection) includes tons of helpful information, including ways to tell whether your identity may have been stolen, how to report a breach and tips to avoid identity theft.

And finally, file your tax return as early as possible to beat potential scammers to the punch. If you owe money, you can always file your return now and mail the payment by the April 15 deadline.

- J a s o n A l d e r m a n directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

SCHWARTZ: Impacts lives everydayFrom page 6

Tw o S t M a r y P a r i s h Catholic School teachers were recognized with awards during Catholic Schools Week this week.

D a n i e l l e Hoch received the Duchesne O u t s t a n d i n g New Teacher o f t h e Ye a r Award g iven by the Diocese of Wichita to an outstanding teacher with less than five years teaching experience.

Hoch teaches middle school composition and literature classes at St. Mary.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College in Atchison, and a master’s degree from Friends

University in Wichita.

A m b e r W i l l i a m s received the St. M a r y P a r i s h Catholic School Alumni Award.

The award i s g i v e n periodically to an alumnus who has given back to the St. Mary community by sharing his or her gifts and talents.

Williams is a 2001 St. Mary graduate, a 2005 Derby High School graduate and a 2009 Newman University graduate.

She is a third grade teacher at the school, has been an adult leader of parish middle school and high school youth groups, and cantors regularly at Sunday masses.

St. Mary teachers recognized

Danielle Hoch

AmberWilliams

entertained and they are used to things that are fast-paced and ever-changing.”

For tuna te ly for her students, Schwartz’ own

love o f l ea rn ing has remained strong in 18 years at St. Mary.

“ I ’ve a lways been interested in technology – all types – and how it all works and the more I learn,

the more I want to know,” she said. “I just can’t seem to get enough.”

Schwartz had a non-traditional college path. Af t e r t h r ee yea r s o f college, she took a five-year break to manage a f a s t food r e s t au ran t . She was responsible for hiring, firing, training and supervision.

“I t was dur ing th is employment that I realized that every day I was teaching something to someone,” she said. “I wanted to make more of a difference in young people’s lives, so I returned to finish my bachelor of arts in teaching.”

Schwartz is also the recipient of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Teacher of the Year Award from the Diocese of Wichita.

“I love students’ smiles and their stories and that twinkle in thei r eyes when they have that ‘ah-ha’ moment when they understand the concept that you have been teaching them,” said Schwartz.

COMING SOON

$1000Something I’ll bet you could use?


By Scott [email protected]

When the Derby High School football team began its march through the playoffs this past fall, Braxton Kooser was one of the few freshmen who gladly volunteered to suit up for the Panthers.

Being a freshman on the varsity football team is a difficult task during the playoffs, said Derby head football coach Brandon Clark. Underclassmen are used as a scout team to help prepare the starters for the upcoming game. The pain often outweighs the glory of being on the scout team.

“It’s not easy for those kids to do that, and he proudly stood up to the challenge,” Clark said. “Those guys take some licks in that situation, but he hung in there. That’s just the type of kid he was.”

Several Derby coaches were quick to praise Kooser’s leadership, including assistant football coach Chris Pinaire, who was one of the last to see Kooser before he died in a car accident early Sunday morning.

Pinaire ran into him at the movie theater, a moment frozen in time as Kooser’s last post on Twitter just before he died.

“He was part of a group of core freshman leaders we had,” Pinaire said.

“We were always moving him around from position to position. We’d have him at (defensive) back, then we’d move him to wide receiver, then QB. He never complained. It was always what was best for the team to Braxton.”

Kooser’s dedication and leadership earned him the “Colby Liston” award, where the football team chose a freshman for each varsity game to wear Derby’s No. 9 jersey, Liston’s old jersey. The recognition was saved for the most-dedicated of freshmen, Clark said.

“He was a special kid. His leadership qualities as a freshman were just outstanding,” Clark said. “We knew he was only going to get better. He did all the right things coaches love in a player. He led by example. He loved Derby football.”

Kooser’s leadership qualities on the field blossomed long before football.

Kooser was a member of the inaugural Derby Tigers baseball team in 2006. At 8-years-old, he was one of the oldest children on the team. He batted in the middle of the lineup and helped lead the Tigers to a state championship in the team’s first year of competitive baseball.

“Braxton was loyal, self-confident and passionate about life,” said Aaron Westerman, who coached Kooser in little league baseball. “He loved sports and he loved being part of a team.”

Derby coaches remember Kooser’s leadership

County EMS to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Sheldon was released from the hospital on Sunday and Alex Helt, 15, of Derby, was treated and released on Saturday morning.

K a l e b K e l l e y, 1 5 , of Derby, was critically injured and sustained a skull fracture and shoulder injuries. Kelley was released from the hospital Monday,

after making rapid recovery Sunday and Monday, according to his mother, Amy Kelley. The shoulder injury is believed to be soft tissue damage from his seat belt, she said, and his head injury is now stable.

A sheriff’s spokesperson said the teens had taken another friend home and were headed back to Derby. No evidence of alcohol was found at the scene, he said.

“Speed appears to be the

full factor,” he said.No citations or charges

h a v e b e e n i s s u e d i n c o n n e c t i o n w i t h t h e accident. It remains under investigation and will be turned over to the district attorney for review, if the investigation findings warrant it, the spokesperson said.

Kooser’s funeral has been set for 10 a.m. today, Jan. 30, at the First Christian Church Powerhouse in Derby.

KOOSER: Accident under investigationFrom page 1

Students create purple waveNearly 750 students attending Derby High School wore purple on Monday, in memory of Braxton Kooser, who died Saturday in a traffic accident. The idea spread through social media on Sunday, as Principal Tim Hamblin told students to “purple up,” as Kooser was a big K-State fan. Photos were shared with Derby students on Monday by students in Wellington, Andover, Norwich and Mulvane who also wore purple. Those who dressed in purple at DHS gathered in the gymnasium for a group photo to share with the Kooser family. At left, Hamblin talks to students as to why they are there and gives them instructions before the photo.JEFF COTT/Informer photo

Kooser remembered for faith, sports, leadershipBy The Informer staff

[email protected]

B r a x t o n K o o s e r w a s remembered this week, as a teen who enjoyed his talent at sports, loved K-State, had a great sense of humor, and showed leadership qualities, even with his personal faith.

Kooser’s closest friends may have been the young men he had shared sports with since elementary school. The large group, now freshmen, had watched each other develop their skills, but Kooser had a natural ability, according to Riley Adams, also a Derby High School freshman and football and baseball teammate.

“I can see him being MLB,” Riley Adams said, adding that professional baseball was Kooser’s future aspiration.

“And, the thing about it, and I think this is the sad part

of this whole ordeal, is you knew Braxton had a big, big future ...,” said Nick Pannone, Kooser’s former youth minister at First Christian Church.

His friends remember him as ornery at times, pushing the limit but never out of hand. He joked with others often.

“He could always make me laugh, even if I was in a bad mood,” said Garrett Xanders, also a freshman.

“He was always there for everyone,” Adams said.

Kooser had several injuries throughout the years, and they may have helped him develop a work ethic to find a smarter way of playing sports. Adams recalled that Kooser finished the final football game this past season with two broken fingers, even carrying the ball for a touchdown after they were broken.

Kooser’s leadership carried

through to his faith. Adams said he had talked to him about faith and baptism and Kooser had a confidence he would spend eternity with God.

He also gathered his friends to worship together.

On Saturday, nearly 300 gathered at First Christian to talk about their loss. Kooser’s father, Rob, led much of the discussion, which really helped the teens, Adams said.

“I know his church was an important part of his life,” Xanders said. “He did not really talk to me about his faith, he showed it in his actions.”

Pannone said Braxton was actually shy, but attracted others.

“You never saw him sitting alone,” Pannone said.

Adams said a footbal l team meeting at zero hour on Monday helped him deal with the loss. Zero hour was difficult

in life, even for Braxton, who worked so hard at football.

“He really didn’t like going to zero hour because he hated getting up that early,” Xanders said.

Adams, too, knew that his K-State supporting friend had one other strong dislike.

“KU,” Adams said.

LINDA STINNETT/Informer photoDerby s tudents donned purple apparel, including some customized shirts with Braxton Kooser’s name, as shown above and at right. See these photos and more at derbyinformer.com. JEFF COTT/Informer photo


As both students and staff members at Derby High School heard the news of the death of Braxton Kooser, they began bracing for a difficult day.

“I really had no idea what to expect today, but I knew it would be tough,” said Robert Ash.

Ash is in his 16th year of teaching and for the first time faced an empty seat which should have been filled by a current student. He had Kooser in his third hour global geography class.

Even Principal Tim Hamblin, who attended seven funerals for students a n d f o r m e r s t u d e n t s over the past year, found another death difficult to comprehend. This time, he said, it was complicated by the fact that he also went to school with family members

of Kooser and others involved in the accident.

He said student schedules were adjusted Monday to allow him to utilize the school’s homerooms to announce the news of Kooser’s death and allow students an opportunity to deal with the death before classes started.

In addition, counselors have been made available for all students who need them and a counselor went to all of Kooser’s classes where his empty chair was a stark reality throughout the day.

“As each class entered the room, I reached out to them as a group, and then went to those individuals that were visibly upset, to help them,” Ash said. “I told them that whatever they might be feeling, that their feelings weren’t wrong and that they should not be afraid to seek help if they need someone

to talk to.”Hamblin said in an opening

announcement to students, he told them they will all handle problems differently and not to be surprised at the spectrum of emotions they will feel. He also asked them to be mindful of each other this week and even in the coming weeks as those emotions run deep.

“I pleaded with them to please, please, please talk,” he said. “Don’t suffer in silence.”

Students asked Hamblin even before Monday if school could be cancelled Wednesday so everyone could attend the funeral. That reques t was not approved, but Hamblin said he asked teachers to adjust schedules to make it possible for those who wish to attend the funeral to be absent from school.

He also will work with teachers who wish to attend, he said.

School works to help students deal with loss, injuries of classmates

JEFF COTT/Informer photoThe DHS Commons area was packed with purple during lunch hour at Derby High School on Monday, as students honored Braxton Kooser’s memory by wearing K-State purple.

The Derby Informer • www.derbyinformer.com Wednesday, January 30, 2013 • Sports


It is all about the little things for the Derby swim team now.

After placing third at Wichita Northwest on Saturday, the Panthers have more than a week to prepare for the AVCTL league meet at Newton on Feb. 9.

“We’ll start working on all the small stuff. We’ll focus on our turns and starts,” Derby head coach Jimmy Adams said. “These small things will help us get faster. Now it comes down to a half-second here and a half-second there.”

Derby racked up 194 team points at Northwest, tying Maize South for third and finishing behind Maize and Wichita Heights in the 19-team meet.

Kole Nottingham had a solid day in the pool for Derby, placing fifth in the 500-yard freestyle (5:39.30) and sixth in the 200-yard individual medley (2:19.71). Derby’s best finish at the meet was third place in the 200-yard individual medley relay with a time of 1:50.50.

Nottingham is one of several Derby swimmers who should qualify for the

Class 6A state meet, Adams said. Derby’s 200-and 400-yard freestyle

and 400-yard individual medley relay teams should meet qualifying standards for state. Senior Bryce Hill will likely swim individually in the 200-yard breaststroke at state, and could qualify in the 200-freestyle or 200-yard individual medley, Adams said.

Some Derby swimmers are on the cusp of consideration times for state, including Carl Mayou in the 100-yard butterfly and 50-yard freestyle. Derby swimmers’ last shot at qualifying for state will be at the league meet.

“We have a few boys trying to get into state,” Adams said. “Consideration times do not guarantee anything. It just depends on how fast the rest of the state is.”

Wichita Northwest Invitational (Jan. 26)Team Results: 1. Maize 357; 2. Wichita

Heights 223.5; 3(t). Derby 194; 3(t). Maize South 194; 5. Wichita Collegiate 182; 6. Newton 179; 7. Wichita Northwest 133; 8. Salina Central 129; 9. Bishop Carroll 112; 10. Rose Hill 95; 11. Wichita Trinity 87; 12. Wichita Independent 86.5; 13. Great Bend (A) 73; 14. North 62; 15. Wichita South 44; 16. Wichita Southeast 39; 17. Salina South 35; 18. Wichita West 11; 19. Great Bend (B) 2.

Individual results: (Top three and top Derby placer):

200 IM relay- 1. Collegiate, 1:49.59; 2. Maize South, 1:50.08; 3. Derby, 1:50.50.

200 Freestyle- 1. Lucas Popp, Maize, 1:43.85; 2. Preston Barley, Maize, 1:49.76; 3. Alex Trumble, Newton, 1:51.68; 10. Bryce Hill, Derby, 2:00.19.

200 IM- 1. Greyson Heckman, Maize South, 2:06.44; 2. Kyle Allsion, Maize, 2:10.37; 3. Gavin Smith, Rose Hill, 2:14.26; 6. Kole Nottingham, Derby, 2:19.71.

50 Freestyle- 1. Chris Clemons, Maize, 22.42; 2. Andrew Liepins, North, 22.83; 3. Zach Zimmerman, Heights, 23.21; 12. Liam Ormiston, Derby, 24.74.

Diving- 1. Jordan Bazzelle, Northwest, 382.25; 2. Will Schultz, South, 318.30; 3. Ian Korinek, Salina Central, 314.10.

100 Butterfly- 1. Lucas Popp, Maize, 52.02; 2. Greyson Heckman, Maize South, 55.12; 3. Gavin Smith, Rose Hill, 57.48; 6. Bryce Hill, Derby, 59.43.

100 Freestyle- 1. Preston Barley, Maize, 50.59; 2. Andrew Liepins, North, 51.03; 3. Grant Latimer, Maize, 51.15; 14. Tristan Ward, Derby, 56.24.

500 Freestyle- 1. Matt Martin, Salina Central, 5:09.74; 2. Kyle Allsion, Maize, 5:14.91; 3. Dillon Cullinan, Heights, 5:14.98; 5. Kole Nottingham, Derby, 5:39.30.

200 Freestyle Relay- 1. Maize, 1:31.14; 2. Collegiate, 1:35.38; 3. Maize South, 1:35.44; 6. Derby, 1:37.83.

100 Backstroke- 1. Jonathon Lavalle, Maize South, 55.70; 2. Bryce Blattner, Heights, 56.59; 3. Chris Clemons, Maize, 56.64; 10. Collin Gosvener, Derby, 1:06.95.

100 Breaststroke- 1. Will Smith, Bishop Carroll, 1:03.10; 2. Jace Schmidt, Newton, 1:08.13; 3. Brett Young, Maize, 1:08.43; 7. Justin Kim, Derby, 1:11.20.

400 Freestyle Relay- 1. Maize, 3:19.67; 2. Heights, 3:33.07; 3. Collegiate, 3:34.65; 10. Derby, 3:50.37.

Swimming cracks top three at Northwest meet


Dylan Hunter does not pay too much attention to his location beyond the 3-point line. Sometimes it is two or three feet behind the line, but if he is open, he will fire away.

“I usually don’t look,” Hunter said after hitting four 3-pointers in Derby’s 72-33 victory over Arkansas City on Jan. 22. “Coach Flory told me and Taylor (Schieber) that if we are open, we can fire away.”

Hunter has been a 3-point threat for the Derby boys basketball team all season, but he started driving in the lane more than usual in Derby’s romp over Ark City.

“When the shots aren’t falling, I need to drive,” Hunter said. “I’ve been off lately, so I’ve been trying to

drive more.”Hunter’s aggressiveness

toward the basket has helped open up Derby’s offense, which is gaining a foothold after losing three straight and its leading scorer two weeks ago. The wins are coming back, and the roster is healthier.

“The scouting report is out on Dylan. We talked about the need for him to be able to show he can do multiple things,” Flory said. “He’s worked hard on his ball handling the last two years. It’s still not perfect, but it’s come a long ways. People have to respect that, and that will bring his outside shot back into play.”

Derby was able to score with ease from all over the court in its 39-point win against Ark City.

The Panthers jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, which

quickly snowballed to 25-6 at the end of the first quarter.

Derby generated a bulk of its offensive production in the first half off its defensive pressure, which forced a number of Ark City turnovers.

“That’s what we try to do. For good teams, defense generates offense,” Flory said. “When we played well in the first half we had that. We ran into foul trouble and it obviously subsided.”

Derby’s healthy lead and deep bench combated its foul problems in the second half.

The Panthers finished with four players scoring in double digits. Hunter led all scorers with 16 points. Tyler Chambers followed with 13 points, Schieber added 12 and Josiah Ray chipped in 11 points.

Derby had a lengthy

break after its win over Ark City. The Panthers return to action at Campus on Friday. The break gave Derby a chance to heal some injuries throughout the roster.

“We’ve nursed our way through this stretch with numerous bumps and bruises and injuries,” Flory said. “Now we can clean up both sides of the ball, fire-up the execution and come out and play well in February.”

“All the pieces are back,” Hunter added. “It feels good to be back on top.”

Derby vs. Ark. City 1 2 3 4 FinalArk City 6 14 6 7 33Derby 24 13 20 15 72

Individual scoringArk City — Kanelakos 13, Headrick

5, Harris 5, Meyer 4, Postlewait 3, Gashler 3.

Derby — Hunter 16, Chambers 13, Schieber 12, Ray 11, Rogers 8, Conley 7, Dunham 5.

Derby boys basketball sinks Arkansas City

JEFF COTT/Informer photo Derby’s Tyler Chambers battles for a loose ball while looking for an official’s jump ball decision in the Panthers’ 72-33 victory over Arkansas City on Jan. 22.


Call it bad timing, bad luck or maybe a little of both.

The Derby girls basketball team stumbled into a scoring drought that lasted nearly four minutes late in the fourth quarter, turning a one-point lead into a 66-60 loss to Hutchinson in the consolation championship of the Glacier ’s Edge tournament at Emporia on Saturday.

“These girls know how good they can be,” said Derby head coach Caleb Smith. “We’ve lost games that we shouldn’t have lost. We are a team that has to give everything we’ve got or we won’t win.”

The Panthers gave it their all for the first three quarters of the game, which had several lead changes.

Derby attacked inside on offense in the first half. Hutchinson struggled to stop Alyxis Bowens, who had a game-high 31 points. She notched 19 points in the first half, as Derby sprinted into the locker room with a 32-28 lead.

“The offense we are

running is a good fit for Alyxis,” Smith said. “She is only going to get better as her skills get better. Teams are going to start putting more focus on her and we’ll have other girls who can step up.”

Derby’s lead turned into a deficit at the end of the third quarter. Down 47-45, Bowens hit a shot in the paint, followed by a free throw for a one-point lead with 6:13 left in the game.

Derby went the next four minutes without a basket as Hutchinson built a 57-52 lead. Bowens picked up her fifth foul near midcourt with 1:32 left in the game, e l i m i n a t i n g D e r b y ’s dominance inside the paint.

“Defensively, we were just kind of shut down,” Smith said. “We haven’t played defensive like that all year.”

Down 61-52, Derby chiseled down Hutchinson’s lead to four points off 3-pointers f rom Madi Greenwood and Hayley Mills in the final minute of the game. The Panthers were forced to foul, and missed their final three shots. Derby was 5-of-17 from the field in the fourth quarter.

Smith said the loss was especially difficult as the team learned about the death of a classmate earlier in the morning.

“The last 24 hours have been pret ty tough for them,” he said. “I think the game was something to temporarily take their mind off of it, but I don’t think their bodies were ever fully there.”

Derby went 1-2 over the three-day tournament. The Pan ther s opened with a 61-47 loss to Blue Valley, but regrouped to win their second game, 55-38 over Lawrence. The win earned Derby a shot at third place in its game against Hutchinson. Topeka Seaman went on to win the tournament with a 48-41 win over Leavenworth.

“We are improving. We are getting much, much better. Our confidence on offense has improved. Our problems on defense are fixable,” Smith said. “We are starting to hit more shots outside. The improvement we are seeing in practice each day is unbelievable.”

Derby is 5-9 on the season and will travel to Campus (5-8) on Friday.

Lady Panthers fall to Hutch infinal round of Emporia tournament

SCOTT ELPERS/Informer photo Katie Hartman guards Hutchinson’s Shayla DeGarmo late in Derby’s 66-60 loss in the final round of the Glacier’s Edge basketball tournament in Emporia on Saturday. The Panthers went 1-2 for fourth place in the tournament.

Derby vs. Blue Valley 1 2 3 4 FinalBlue Valley 16 11 18 16 61Derby 11 19 4 13 47Individual scoring

Blue Val ley — Geiman 19, Braithwait 18, Hanson 12, Newell 10, Hanna 2.

Derby — Bowens 17, Greenwood 13, Benway 8, Mitchell 4, Young 3, Mills 2.

Derby vs. Lawrence 1 2 3 4 FinalLawrence 6 9 12 11 38Derby 16 14 12 13 55Individual scoring

Lawrence — Anderson 6, Bell 6, Coleman 11, Seaman 2, Wright 4, Kelly 3, Simmons 6.

Derby — Benway 4, Bowens 17, Greenwood 14, Hansen 7, Hartman 5, Holcomb 7, Young 1.

Derby vs. Hutch 1 2 3 4 FinalHutch 15 13 18 20 66Derby 13 19 13 15 60Individual scoring

Hutch — DeGarmo 18, Higgins 12, Downing 10, Kraus 8, Clark 6, Weber 6, Wessel 4, Rothe 2.

Derby — Bowens 31, Greenwood 14, Holcomb 4, Young 3, Hartman 3, Mills 3, Benway 2.

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Sports this WeekJan. 31

4 p.m. – Varsity and JV bowling vs. Goddard

6 p.m. – Varsity and JV wrestling at MaizeFeb. 1

11 a.m. – Varsity wrest l ing tournament at Rose Hill

4:15 p.m. – Freshman basketball at Campus

5:45 p.m. – Boys JV basketball at Campus

6 p.m. – Girls varsity basketball at Campus

7:30 p.m. – Girls JV basketball at Campus

7:30 p.m. – Boys varsity basketball at CampusFeb. 2

10 a.m. – Varsity wrestl ing tournament at Rose HillFeb. 4

6:30 p .m. – Boys C-Team basketball vs. Wichita WestFeb. 5

3:30 p.m. – Varsity and JV bowling vs. Hutchinson/Kapaun Mount Carmel

4:15 p.m. – Freshman basketball vs. Maize

5:45 p.m. – Boys JV basketball vs. Maize

6 p.m. – Girls varsity basketball vs. Maize

7:30 p.m. – Girls JV basketball vs. Maize

7:30 p.m. – Boys varsity basketball vs. Maize

Boys Basketball Overall AVCTL W L W LDerby 11 3 5 1Salina Central 8 5 5 1Hutchinson 6 7 4 2Newton 4 8 2 3Maize 2 10 2 3Salina South 4 8 2 4Campus 2 11 0 6

Standings as of Jan. 28

Girls Basketball Overall AVCTL W L W LMaize 11 1 5 0Newton 10 2 4 1Salina South 10 2 4 2Salina Central 9 4 4 2Campus 5 8 1 5Derby 5 9 1 5Hutchinson 4 9 1 5

Derby Bowl Honor Roll Women’s Game- Rhonda Ward, 278 Women’s Series- Rhonda Ward, 738Men’s Game- Jim Poston, 300 Men’s Series- Jim Poston, 805 Senior Women’s Game- Vivin Richards,

206 Senior Women’s Series- Sandra Ferrel,

569Senior Men’s Game- Charlie Santiago,

254Senior Men’s Series- Charlie Santiago,

672 Bumper Boy Game- Kordin Holmes, 77Bumper Girl Game- Brooke Forward, 55Bantam Boy Game- Kaiden Corbin,

126Bantam Boy Series- Kaiden Corbin,

239 Bantam Girl Game- Kami Corbin, 93Bantam Girl Series- Kami Corbin, 164Prep Boy Game- Michael Hausler, 186 Prep Boy Series- Peyton Shinkle, 488 Prep Girl Game- Bayleigh Vaughn, 168 Prep Girl Series- Makenzie Kling, 413Jr/Mjr Boy Game- Kenny Gifford, 197Jr/Mjr Boy Series- Matthew Hedden,

546

Jr/Mjr Girl Game- Priscilla Lord, 153 Jr/Mjr Girl Series- Kira Waner, 411

DHS Bowling (Jan. 22)Varsity girls team results: 1. Derby

2,357; 2. Newton 2,131. Varsity boys team results: 1. Salina

Sacred Heart 2,639; 2. Newton 2,483; 3. Derby 2,436.

JV girls team results: 1. Derby 1,478; 2. Newton 1,366.

JV boys team results: 1. Derby 2,348; 2. Newton 2,062; 3. Salina Sacred Heart 1,307.

Knights of Columbus free throw championship

at St. Mary Parish School(Jan. 24)

10-year-old winners: Girls, Jaedyn Igo; Boys, Michael Heithoff. 11-year-old winners: Girls, Grace Adams; Boys, Langdon Moore.12-year-old winners: Girls, Brenna Welch; Boys, Brayden Wells. 13-year-old winners: Girls, Cori Hough; Boys, Lucas Speer. 14-year-old winners: Girls, Emily Nolting; Boys, Daniel Dawdy.

Scoreboard

By Christian [email protected]

Derby High Schoo l junior DeAndre Goolsby receives his fair share of mail regarding his future in football, but the letter he received from the U.S. Army late this past year was different.

It was not like one of the hundreds of college letters he had previously received to play football in California, Michigan, Virginia or Oregon. It was not from a college coach, scout or recruiter.

This one was special. It was an invite sent to 500 of the nation’s best high school football underclassmen to attend the U.S. Army National Combine at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The three-day combine Goolsby participated in was a new experience for the six-foot four-inch, 220-pound tight end.

The combine assessed

everything from Goolsby’s size and reach, to his ability to run routes.

“I went to run routes and see what else is out there,” he said. “(I went to see) what I need to improve on and what I’m good at.”

DeAndre’s father, Brian, said it gave him a chance to see how well he competes against the best receivers in the nation.

“If you’re the best in Kansas, let’s go see who’s the best in California,” Brian said. “Let’s see what we need to work on and what we need to develop to get to their level, and see if they’re on our level.”

The combine was not a break from DeAndre’s training regime, which extends far beyond football season.

He trains 10 to 12 hours a week at several locations during the offseason.

Three times a week he works out at Potential Players, where teammates Chandler Shantz, Kellen

Goolsby’s focus stays on football in offseason

Informer file photo Derby High School junior DeAndre Goolsby recently participated in the U.S. Army National Combine, which features some off the top high school football players in the nation.


It took longer to make the 96-mile trip to Salina South High School than it did to pull off a 61-12 dual victory for the Derby wrestling team on Thursday.

The Panthers breezed through Salina South’s lineup, winning 12 of 14 matches on the night.

“I thought we were the aggressors in just about every match. We pushed the pace and were intense,” Derby head coach Bill Ross said. “We wrestled like a team tonight.”

Derby jumped out to a huge lead in the early weight classes with nine consecutive victories to open the dual. The Panthers pinned five Salina South opponents for victories, and won another three matches from forfeits in open weight classes.

Braden Dipman won a major decision, 15-2, at 106 pounds. Tanner Brown (126 pounds) won his match 2-0, and Tim Metler (132

pounds) held on to win his match 9-7. Jose Santillan also won his match 6-1 at 170 pounds against Tyler Bennett, who was a state-qualifier the previous year.

“A couple of weeks ago, we probably weren’t as unified as we are right now,” Santillan said. “Hopefully we are not peaking too early. Right now, it’s all about preparing for state and regionals.”

Several wrestlers had their first varsity matches of the season against Salina South, giving Derby the opportunity to rest some of its experienced wrestlers. The Kansas State High School Activities Association only allows wrestlers to compete in a limited amount of matches per year.

“We have a few kids that haven’t sat out at all this year. We thought this dual might be the best opportunity to hold out some of our kids,” Ross said. “We might do the same thing against Maize. We definitely will not put a team out on the mat that we

don’t think we could win with. We felt confident that we could win this dual with the kids that we brought.”

Derby also won its second consecutive team title at a tournament in Chanute on Saturday. Along with the team title, Ben Becker (152 pounds) , Garret t Xanders (126 pounds) and Cody McDonald (113 pounds) won individual championships a t the tournament.

“Midway through the season we started leveling off a little bit, but we are starting to get back to the level we need to be at,” Ross said. “It’s a progression. We aren’t quite there, but we are getting closer.”

The Panthers have their final dual of the season at Maize on Thursday, and will compete in a tournament in Rose Hill on Saturday.

Derby 61, Salina South 12 (Jan. 24)

106- Dipman, Derby, def. Randall Bates, 15-2. 113- Cody McDonald, Derby, def. Tyler Irwin, pin. 120- Jeffrey Morrow, Derby, def. Josiah Endreshak, pin. 126- Tanner Brown, Derby, def. Blaise Albers, 2-0.

Panther wrestling breezes past Salina South

SCOTT ELPERS/Informer photo Derby wrestler Jose Santillan pins down Salina South’s Tyler Bennett in the 170-pound match of the Panthers’ 61-12 dual victory on Thursday. Santillan won the match 6-1.

132- Tim Metler, Derby, def. Kevin Garibaldi, 9-7. 138- Gage Wells, Derby, def. Austin Sithara, pin. 145- Caleb Gash, Derby, def. Toby Schamberger, pin. 152- Steven

Marlatt, Derby, def. Brett Kilkemann, pin. 160- Chandler Ayer, Derby, open. 170- Jose Santillan, Derby, def. Tyler Bennett, 6-1. 182- Tanner O’Donnell def. Armoni Coppins,

Derby, pin. 195- Jeshua Pence, derby, open. 220- Alex Parker def. Kohl Yoder, Derby, pin. 285- Quentin Cox, Derby, open.

Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Class 6A Rankings (as of Jan. 28)Boys: 1. Blue Valley Northwest, 2. Olathe South, 3. Wichita North, 4. Shawnee Mission East, 5. Derby, 6. Dodge City, 7. Garden City, 8. Olathe East, 9. Blue Valley North, 10. Washburn Rural. Girls: 1. Maize, 2. Olathe South, 3. Wichita South, 4. Blue Valley North, 5. Wichita Heights, 6. Olathe Northwest, 7. Garden City, 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest, 9. Manhattan, 10. Washburn Rural.

Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Class 6A Rankings (as of Jan. 28) Team Rankings: 1. Garden City, 2. Junction City, 3. Manhattan, 4. Derby, 5. Gardener-Edgerton, 6. Wichita Northwest, 7. Lawrence, 8. Olathe North, 9. Wichita Heights, 10. Maize.Individual Rankings: 106- 1. Michael Prieto, Garden City; 2. Doug Newcomb, Olathe Northwest; 3. Braden Dipman, Derby; 4. Landon Wood, Maize; 5. Desmond Martinez, Heights; 6. Jacob Bonham, Gardener-Edgerton.113- 1. Sean DeShazer, Heights; 2. Michael Lindlar, Wichita Northwest; 3. Jase Stone, Manhattan; 4. Cody McDonald, Derby; 5. Stuart Schafer, Olathe North; 6. Logan Mueller, Blue Valley West.120- 1. Kian Clemens, Manhattan; 2. Kevin Perez, Junction City; 3. Tommy Miller, Campus; 4. Clay Weil, Dodge City; 5. Joey Alberts, Wichita Northwest; 6. Armond McCray, Heights.126- 1. Blake Stovall, Olathe North; 2. Brett Moon, Maize; 3. Greg Jones, Heights; 4. Jake Bazan, Junction City; 5. Grant Hollingsworth, Shawnee Mission East; 6. Dallas Vesta, Manhattan.132- 1. Tevin Briscoe, Garden City; 2. Nick Haug, Olathe North; 3. Chipper Jorns, Shawnee Mission East; 4. Shane Brock, Maize; 5. Dylan Beckner, Wichita Northwest; 6. Danny Widrig, Blue Valley North.138- 1. AJ Hurtado, Garden City; 2. Dane Edwards, Dodge City; 3. Jared Suppes, Derby; 4. Jaquwan

Stone, Blue Valley Northwest; 5. Caden Lynch, Lawrence; 6. Ezio Voeghtly, Junction City.145- 1. Andrew Millsap, Junction City; 2. Davis Matthews, Manhattan; 3. Trevor Kennedy, Garden City; 4. Colton Almos, Shawnee Mission Northwest; 5. Joe Thompson, Campus; 6. Jordan Beckner, Wichita Northwest.152- 1. Ben Becker, Derby; 2. Jack Mitchell, Shawnee Mission East; 3. Saul Ortiz, Wichita Northwest; 4. Jeryl Denton, Junction City; 5. Michael Leeper, Manhattan; Chris Adler, Garden City.160- 1. Dustin Williams, Gardner-Edgerton; 2. Kalin Collins, Wichita South; 3. AJ Totta, Blue Valley; 4. Austin Chauncey, Manhattan; 5. Zac Finch, Garden City; 6. Chandler Ayer, Derby.170- 1. Alan Clothier, Lawrence; 2. Anthony Gardner, Garden City; 3. LaPhonso McKinnis, Shawnee Mission Northwest; 4. Jose A. Santillan, Derby; 5. Micah Felton, Junction City; 6. Jeremy Katz, Blue Valley West.182- 1. Andrew Denning, Lawrence; 2. Emilio Fowler, Gardner-Edgerton; 3. Rakim Dean, Wichita South; 4. Juan Rodriguez, Garden City; 5. Jon Rueter, Shawnee Mission East; 6. Chance drake, Manhattan. 195- 1. Seth Pesek, Gardner-Edgerton; 2. Mario Galvan, Shanwee Mission Northwest; 3. Deonta Thomas, Wichita East; 4. James Denton, Junction City; 5. Sam Reyes, Garden City; 6. Ed Linquist, Washburn Rural.220- 1. Ramiro Gatica, Shawnee Mission West; 2. Armando Contreras, Shawnee Mission North; 3. Caleb Franklin, Wichita North; 4. Jordan Bell, Wichita Northwest. 5. Mat Kissinger, Derby. 6(t). Lex Plummer, Hutchinson; 6(t). Carter Tierney, Blue Valley Northwest.285- 1. Will Geary, Topeka; 2. Aaron Rafalko, Junction City; 3. Marc Saffle, Hutchinson; 4. Nadir Zayyad, Blue Valley West. 5. Dakota Cohu, Olathe North; 6. Dillon Young, Wichita South

S i m s , B r a x t o n J o n e s and Tyler West t ra in . C u r r e n t P h i l a d e l p h i a E a g l e s r u n n i n g b a c k Bryce Brown, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Blake Bell, and former Derby standout cornerback Devin Hedgepeth all train, or have trained, there.

After his senior season, DeAndre will choose a new place to play football. With many teams recruiting him, he will have coast-to-coast options.

“Once we decide, we don’t want to flip-flop and be transferring,” Brian said. “It’s a big decision in his life and he’s got to make the most of it. Whatever he decides, if he feels it’s best and he convinces his mother, then we’ll go with it.”

DeAndre’s father, who was a fullback at Kansas State University, has been his inspiration in life and football. So has his mother, Heather.

“I’ve never missed any

sporting events of my children. Ever. Before DeAndre got to high school I had never even missed a practice.” Heather said of Deandre and her daughter, Haeven, who is an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) track runner. “I tell my children to follow their dreams and everything that they have to do to accomplish them.”

With college more than a year away, DeAndre will continue to focus on high school football. One of his top individual goals next season is to be named captain of Derby’s football team.

“Our kids decide who our captains are,” said Derby head coach Brandon Clark. “If he continues to work hard and do everything right, then there’s no reason that he shouldn’t be a team captain next season.”

“DeAndre is ful l of talent…I truly believe he has the ability to get 10 times better,” Clark added. “The sky is the limit.”

Class 6A Rankings

cus tod ian en joys t he opportunity for interaction his job affords him.

“They’re great,” he said. “There’s such innocence.”

Four years ago, Pledger went to hospice clown school.

“I’d always clowned around, but this was an opportunity to put on face makeup and learn to be a real clown,” he said. “Now I clown for hospice patients, and clown at the middle school on the first and last day of school and other times.”

Pledger accompanied DMS students visiting Westview of Derby on Friday.

“They really made me proud,” he said. “I told them, ‘Go and shake hands and introduce yourself.’ A couple of the kids talked to one man for 20 minutes about cars after he told me about a 1966 Camaro he’d owned.”

The students are good people, Pledger said.

“Sometimes these kids get forgotten, overlooked,” he said. “They’re awesome kids.”

CLOWN: Sees good in studentsFrom page 7

The Derby Informer • www.derbyinformer.com Wednesday, January 30, 2013 • Region & State

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Children typically like to dig in the dirt – and play with the garden hose.

And, when introduced to gardening, they also are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables they grow, and that’s why K-State Research and Extension is introducing a new, family-friendly gardening program this spring.

The goal is to make l e a r n i n g a b o u t f o o d , nu t r i t ion and hea l thy choices a productive – and enjoyable – experience for families, said Andrea Feldkamp, who developed the new educational series to help clients who qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental N u t r i t i o n A s s i s t a n c e Program.

Fe ldkamp se rves as Kansas’ assistant coordinator for the USDA’s Family Nutrition (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition E d u c a t i o n p r o g r a m s , with responsibilities for matching nutrition education opportunities to needs in the state.

Feldkamp, who noted the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, advocates eating a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables to manage weight, decrease obesity, reduce the risks of some cancers, heart disease, high blood pressure, and pulmonary diseases, and promote regularity, which also promotes health.

Inc rea s ing phys i ca l activity, such as digging, weeding, and watering, also can be helpful in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes, she said.

According to Feldkamp,

even a small garden can increase access to food and decrease food costs.

I n c o n s i d e r i n g opportunities to reach – and teach – families, Feldkamp has drawn from resources at the USDA, K-State, and the Denver Urban Garden’s school curriculum to create six can do-lessons for families.

The first three focus on the relationship between food, nutrition and health:

• “ H e a l t h y B o d i e s / Healthy Gardens;”

• “Wha t a re Whole Grains?” and how are they different than refined grains, and

• “Fruits and Vegetables” and why eating more fruits and vegetables is essential for health.

The second three (of six) lessons focus on basic gardening and growing food successfully:

• “Introducing the Seed” offers opportunities to learn about the different parts of various seeds and the role of each part in the growth process;

• “Dig In!” focuses on preparing the soil and how nutrients in the soil support plant growth, and

• “Spr ing P lan t ing” includes tips for planting seeds and seedlings after your area’s f ros t - f ree date and caring for them throughout the growing season.

Many people also may not realize that, in Kansas, it’s possible to have both spring and fall crops.

Each educational session includes practical how-tos and a recipe related to the lesson, and families also are encouraged to record their progress in a garden journal, Feldkamp said.

By Travis Perrywww.kansaswatchdog.org

State Sen. Greg Smith is an educator to the core.

A union man he is not.After a 20-year career

i n l a w e n f o r c e m e n t , Smith signed on to teach at Shawnee Mission West High School in Overland Park. His father taught at the school for nearly four decades, and all five of his children have attended there.

Smith, a Republican from District 21, spoke Wednesday to a House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development, and he made it abundantly clear he harbors no animosity toward educators.

I t ’ s t h e i r u n i o n representation he cannot stand.

Smith was just one of a parade of people to either skewer or support HB 2023, which would prevent public-sector unions like the Kansas National Education Association from taking voluntary deductions from employee paychecks to fund lobbying initiatives.

What many characterize as voluntary, Smith said, is often anything but.

“Teachers face intense pressure to join the union,”

Smith said, describing his experience as a new teacher six years ago.

Smith said he asked many of his colleagues to speak in favor of the bill.

“When asked if they would come and relate their story about the union, the first question was, ‘Would any union representatives be present?’” he said. “When they found out they most likely would be, every one of them declined to testify because they did not want to be targeted by union members at work. That is a testament to the power of the union in a right-to-work state.”

Smith and other bill supporters decried union tactics they perceive as deceptive and bullying. Opponents of the measure fired back, calling such accusations baseless and distorted.

“No teacher is ever forced to join KNEA,” said Anna Moon Bradley, a teacher at Marais des Cygnes Valley High School in Melvern. “We are well-educated, professional adults. There is no arm twisting, there is no coercion.

“ D e n y i n g t e a c h e r s the right to the payroll deduction is simply not fair. It denies us the freedom to decide how our paychecks

By Travis Perrywww.kansaswatchdog.org

Andrew Campanella, his voice drowned in the rumble of a passing freight train, paused as he addressed a crowd of parents, educators and concerned Kansans at the Great Overland Station on Monday.

It was fitting, in a way. Much like the locomotive, says Campanella, the drive to reform education in the United States is building steam and making noise.

The luncheon was the third of 14 stops on a cross-country whistle-stop tour celebrating National School Choice Week, Jan. 27 through Feb. 2. Campanella, president of National School Choice Week, said the observance is about more than advocating greater educational flexibility; it’s about the future of the country.

“Parents, not bureaucrats,

know their children best,” Campanel la sa id to a supportive crowd. “We can go to so many dealerships and buy whatever car we want, but in Kansas we can’t choose what school our kids go to.”

Advocates for education reform, including parents, t e a c h e r s a n d s c h o o l administrators, spoke at the event, calling for change – not only in the Sunflower state but also across the country. Whether it’s a traditional public school, public charter school, private school or online learning – to name a few options – supporters say more needs to be done to help tailor educational opportunities to every child, rather than simply maintaining the status quo.

“It is clear that education is not a one-size-fits-all for parents, students or teachers,” said Gary Sigle, executive director of the

Legislators, unions clashover political funding mechanism

Courtesy photoSupporters and opponents clash in a war of words during the initial hearing for HB 2023, which would prevent public employee unions from making deductions from member paychecks for the purpose of funding political initiatives.

are spent, and denies us our freedom of speech,” Moon Bradley said. “This bill is mean-spirited, it’s unfair, and it runs counter to our values.”

Heated testimony on both sides filled the old Supreme Court chamber at the Capitol building for the better part of 90 minutes, as the hearing stretched committee time constraints.

Eric Stafford, senior director of Government Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, scoffed at the notion that public unions follow state r egu la t ions r equ i r ing political contributions to be

kept separate from member dues.

“I have a hard t ime believing teachers give roughly $300,000 per year in political contributions,” S t a f f o r d s a i d . “ T h e biggest problem is that the government is involved in the deduction of these dollars from the beginning. The government shouldn’t write the check.”

In addition to union dues and political contributions, opponents po in ted to other deduction options for employees, including donations to the United Way or bank loan payments.

Growing families are more likely to eat healthy

School-choice advocatessteam through Sunflower State

Courtesy photoMelinda Bingham (center), surrounded by Kansas educators who are members of K12, rings a bell signifying the kickoff of the Topeka leg of the National School Choice Week whistle-stop tour on Monday.

Hansen also would like to change plans for the location of the main walkway for the new middle school from the west side of Rock Road to the east. He learned of the plans for putting it on the west side while volunteering with the Derby Planning Commission.

“You know if you go down on Woodlawn when the school let’s go, those kids, as soon as they’re away from the middle school, are crossing the street

wherever they want to,” said Hansen. “So what will it take? A couple kids being killed for them to reconsider?”

Finances are also a concern for Hansen. He has been paying attention to decisions made in Topeka.

Hansen moved here from Germany 34 years ago after meeting in wife in a band where they both played percussion.

He has a master’s degree in print and printer technology which allowed him to teach

in Germany but not in the United States.

Since moving to the states, he has worked for Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville, Okla., Wringling Brothers in Washington D.C., Times Mirror in Dubuque, Iowa and Gilliland Printing in Wichita. He is now retired.

Hansen and his wife Mary Jo have three adult sons, one grandson and another on the way. His youngest son, 30, graduated from Derby High School.

HANSEN: Hopes to keep the focusFrom page 7

Kansas Association of American Educators, which bills itself as the “non-union choice for Kansas teachers.”

C h o i c e b r e e d s competition, said Sigle, which will lead to the best educational options for Kansas students. Melinda Bingham said she has seen this firsthand.

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Dave Says

DaveRamsey

Dear Dave,I’m a single mom with three

young children. I quit my nursing job a few years ago to be a stay-at-home mom, and one year later my husband filed for divorce. The state isn’t keeping him accountable for child support, but now I qualify for food stamps. Do you feel it’s morally wrong to be on government assistance?

– RebeccaDear Rebecca,

There’s nothing morally wrong with receiving food stamps, as long as you’re not lying about your income or situation in order to receive them. The biggest problem with food s tamps, and other forms of government assistance, is many times a person becomes dependent on someone else to take care of them. I don’t want you and your kids to develop a victim mentality and become trapped in a cycle of substandard living.

You said you were a nurse before you came home to be with the kids, right? I’d suggest updating your nursing certification, if necessary, and going back to work in

The role of government assistance

your field—maybe even as an emergency room nurse. I know the hours can be weird, but the pay is great. It would really get your income rolling again, plus you could afford to pay someone to look after the kids when necessary.

You’ve been through a lot, Rebecca. Life has knocked you around lately, so it’s okay if you need to take food stamps for a little while. But I’d encourage you to start thinking from a long-term perspective as to what it’ll take to move forward and generate a good, livable income for you and your kids. Get into attack mode, take your nursing degree, intelligence and experience, and create a quality life for your family. I know you can do it!

– Dave

Beasley completes basic training

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Gabriel A. Beasley graduated from basic military t r a i n i n g a t L a c k l a n d A i r Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Beasley is a 2012 graduate of Derby High School. He is the son of Terry and Denise Beasley of Derby.

He completed a n i n t e n s i v e , e igh t -week program tha t included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

military maneuvers

Gabriel Beasley

Not feeling the loveDear Dave,

I made a huge mistake and allowed my sister to use my credit card. She said she’d pay back what she charged, but now she won’t pay the bill. The total was $5,500. Do you have any advice?

– MarieDear Marie,

I’m afraid I don’t have anything to give you that will make your sister grow some integrity and character. I used to tell my kids when they were younger not to bust the trust, because that kind of thing is very hard to put back together.

I’d be pretty upset about this too. Still, obsessing over it isn’t going to solve anything. And really, when it comes right down to it, you opened the door for this to happen. You really have no one to blame but yourself.

I f i t were me, I’d do whatever it took to pay this off quickly. Put in additional hours at your job or find some part-time work at night and on weekends for a few months. Somewhere along the line I’d also leave my sister a message

saying I know she’s not going to pay this, but that everything is forgiven.

I call something like this “paying your stupid tax,” and it’s something that all of us have had to pay at one time or another. Learn from the experience, Marie. Loaning money to family or friends can damage the relationship. Keep in mind, too, that she’s probably going to come back around wanting money at some point again. But I’m guessing you won’t make the same mistake twice, will you? The First National Bank of Marie is closed!

– Dave––– Dave Ramsey is America’s

most trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: “Financial Peace,” “More Than Enough,” “The Total Money Makeover” and “EntreLeadership.” The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5,000,000 listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

Emporia State names scholarship recipients

Scholarships are helping almost 1,200 Emporia State University students attending classes this academic year.

Area students and the ESU s cho l a r sh i p s t hey received include: Jenny Bartholomew, Betty Carter Manning Scholars Fund; Kelsey Carr, South Central Kansas Alumni Chapter Scholarship; Lindsay Cuadra, Adelaide M. Kauzer Business Scholarship; Kristi Gildner, The Graduate School Scholarship; Kallie Lawley, Jane and Bernard Reeble Scholarship; Cameron Peak, South Central Kansas Alumni Chapter Scholarship, ESU Hornet, Foundation, Presidential Scholarships and Welford H. Diggs Memorial Scholarship; Lawrence Slade, Wesley E. and Leona G. Haney Scholarship; Erika Smith, Robert and Dorothy Spencer Hudkins Scholarship; Susan Welte, Lewis J. and Ernest A. Braun Scholarship, Arline and Jim Flory Memorial Scholarship and Paul ine Henderson Memorial Scholarship.

Schaaf named to Drake Dean’s List

Steven Schaaf of Derby was named to the Drake University Dean’s List for the Fall 2012 semester.

Students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5 or above to earn this honor.

OBU names Honor RollTwo Derby residents were

included on Oklahoma Baptist University’s academic honor roll for the fall 2012 semester. Hunter Davis, a freshman camp administration major, and Kyle Opskar, a freshman applied ministry major with an emphasis in youth ministry, were named to the President’s Honor Roll.

Students who achieve a semester grade point average of 3.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale are named to the President’s

college news

By The Informer [email protected]

T h e O p t i m i s t C l u b Oratorical Contest is seeking students to speak on “Why My Voice is Important” and compete for scholarships.

The contes t wi l l be March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Derby Country Club meeting room. Students must sign in between 6 and 6:30 p.m.

It is open to students under age 19 who have not graduated from high school. They must reside within the boundaries of the Derby or Haysville school districts.

Speeches must be within

the time limits of four to five minutes. Written copies of the speeches must be submitted to the club along with an application and birth certificate.

Winners (both boys and girls) will receive a $1,000 college scholarship. They will be eligible to enter the regional contest in Wichita in April. The top three winners (boys and girls) will receive medals and certificates.

Applications are available f r o m O p t i m i s t C l u b members or Bruce Quantic, oratorical chairman, at [email protected] or 788-1192.

Honor Roll.

Barton CC namesfall 2012 graduates

Barton Community College in Great Bend has announced its list of graduates who earned associate degrees in the fall semester of the 2012 academic year.

Derby student Megan Butts, A.A.S., is among the list of graduates.

Deaver namedto Dean’s List

Kimberley Deaver, Derby, earned a place on the fall 2012 semester Dean’s List at University of Central Missouri.

Deaver’s academic work earned her a place on the 3.5 to 3.99 Dean’s List.

Southwestern namesDecember grads

Southwestern Col lege December 2012 graduates have been announced.

The fo l l ow ing De rby residents are among the December graduates: Leslie Bowdich, Ann Decaire, Emily Hedden, Azure Henwood, Richard Knoblock, Curtis Potucek.

Dahlke named toConcordia honors list

Rachel Dahlke of Derby, a sophomore at Concordia University, Nebraska, was named to Concordia’s honors list for the first semester of the 2012-13 academic year.

The top 25 percent of undergraduate students who complete at least 12 credit hours qualify for the honors list.

Participants sought for Optimist Oratorical Contest


Two Derby High School s tudents are t h i s y e a r ’s winners of the Derby Masonic Lodge’s Essay Contest.

Leah Ade , daugh te r o f L a r r y a n d Susan Ade, was the first place winner, taking

home $100. Ade plans to attend the University of Kansas.

K a l a P i n k h a m , daughter of Tim and Sarah Pinkham was r u n n e r - u p , taking home $50. She plans to attend Butler C o m m u n i t y College.

Both were recognized by the lodge on Jan. 22.

Masonic Lodge Essay winners recognized

Kala Pinkham

LeahAde

Les and Lynne Kreft are relocating to Moore, Okla. , due to a job transfer with Boeing.

They invi te the i r friends to join them at their home, 108 N. Valley Stream, for a last hug, laugh or story shared on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Krefts invite friends for

final goodbye


A popular program is returning this month to the Derby senior center.

This past fall, the Derby Senior Center joined senior centers across the country in the nationally acclaimed program called Brunch for your Brain.

The program educated participants in how the brain functions. It also provided stress relief tactics and exercises to stimulate the brain.

“We got a lot of good information on it,” said Roseann Bade, who attended in the fall with her husband Richard. “It gives you a lot of things that you should be doing to keep your brain working, but it also gave us a lot of health ideas on just general health.”

The 20 classes held over the course of 10 weeks had restricted attendance since it was part of a national

project. Participants were required to fill out a survey and enrollment form.

The class gained so much attention that 40 people showed up one day to attend. Bulger said she had to turn people away due to the project’s guidelines.

This year, however, the program is no longer a part of a national project. This means classes are open without restrictions to how many can attend.

“People wanted to come in, do the exercises, get the information and be able to go home and practice what they picked up in the instruction,” said Barbara Bulger, instructor for the class. “So Brunch for the Brain is actually food for thought.”

People also do not have to attend every class to take part, Bulger said. They do ask that people sign up so they can adequately prepare.

Instead of the class meeting twice a week for

Brunch for your Brain returns

Courtesy photoRoseann and Richard Bade were among 14 people who participated in the Brunch for your Brain pilot program this past fall. Above, they participate in the brain exer-cises.

10 weeks, each class will be held twice a month.

The first class, titled Brain Matter, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, and Wednesday, Feb. 20. It will educate participants on the makeup of the brain.

“Last year we presented it on a Tuesday/Thursday

and a lot of people had expressed an interest but unfortunately had other things going on those days,” said Bulger.

Bulger was an Air Force medic who served on active duty from 1977 to 1997. She has taught self-aid, CPR and EMT classes.

LINDA STINNETT/Informer photo

Medical office hosts book signing eventTanglewood Medical Center hosted a book signing for a former employee, Kitty Cowhick, on Monday, Jan. 21. Cowhick has written Hammer Down, a fictional story of a rookie truck driver and his Christian faith. Cowhick, who attends Derby Friends Church, was employed in the trucking field until she married and moved to Wichita in 2010. “My whole life has been in trucking,” she said. “I’ve held about every position possible, short of owning the company myself.” With her move, she followed her long dream of writing. This is the first of three books Cowhick will have published. She is shown signing a book for Tony Shrubshall (at left).


Six Derby s tuden t s participated in a forensics tournament at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School on Saturday, Jan. 26.

RaeLynn Roe and Alex Meek placed second in duet acting. It qualifies them to compete at the state speech

tournament in May.Meek also placed sixth in

prose interpretation.Duet Acting team Chrissy

Fountain and Rachel Mason placed fourth. Jennifer Baney and Micha Mankel also competed on Jan. 26.

The Derby High School squad will compete this weekend in Cherryvale and El Dorado.

Two forensic students are heading to state

Courtesy photoRaeLynn Roe and Alex Meek qualified for the state speech tournament after placing second in duet acting Saturday at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School’s invitational forensics tournament. The state tournament will be held in May.

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What You Need3 lb beef brisket or eye round1 can low sodium beef broth1 can water1 package dry Italian salad dressing seasoning1 med onion, chopped1 green pepper, chopped1 tbsp dried cilantro, 1 tsp dried oregano2-3 tbsp favorite BBQ sauce such as Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy4 slices rye bread4 slices Swiss or sharp white chedder cheese fresh cilantro or parsley

Directions• Place beef in Crock Pot with broth, water and

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• To Crock Pot, add chopped onion, pepper, cilantro and oregano. Turn Crock Pot to high and cook for 40-60 mins.

• Take mixture out of crock pot and place in bowl. Add BBQ sauce and stir to combine.

• Place heaps of meat mixture onto lightly toasted bread slices.

• Top with cheese. Broil until cheese melts and is bubbly brown. Garnish with cilantro.

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In Theaters, Feb. 1Bullet To The Head, R

Stand Up Guys, RWarm Bodies, PG-13

The Gatekeepers, PG-13Girls Against Boys, R

The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia, R

DVD New Releases, Feb. 1Paranormal Activity 4, RHotel Transylvania, PGSeven Psychopaths, R

The Cold Light of Day, PG-13The Awakening, R

Batman: The Dark KnightReturns Part 2, PG-13

The Duellists, PGWhite Zombie, NR

Flight of the Navigator, PGCitadel, R

Shoot First, Die Later, NRThat Oscure Object of Desire, NR

Noobz, ROut in the Open, NR

New Movies

1890 – 123 years agoIn the Derby Dispatch:

• Arkansas City, with a population of not more than 10,000, is furnishing every pound of flour consumed in the Texas panhandle.Kansas City, with a

population of 200,000, and with a location which makes it the receiving and distributing point for a wheat-production region of extended area, does not begin to manufacture sufficient flour for its own consumption.• According to the Baltimore

American, farmers in Kansas are using their corn for fuel because it is cheaper to use than sell it. In lower Maryland and eastern Virginia the farmers do not have enough corn to feed their stock. The east and the west should strike up some sort of trade.• A rich vein of coal has

been found, underlying the city of Wellington.

1963 - 50 years ago.• A meeting will be held

Sunday at Derby City Hall regarding the proposed Go-Kart track in Riley Park. The proposed site includes several acres south of Kay St. and east of Woodlawn which is now available.“The track would be open to

all in Derby who need a track for their karts,” said Pauline Farner, park board secretary.

• Mary Robinson received bruises and abrasions when she was thrown from her car at the intersection of James and Baltimore Monday. Johnny Cobb, the driver of the other vehicle, was given a traffic summons for careless driving and for driving after his driver’s license had been revoked.

1988 - 25 years ago• Derby police are

investigating a burglary that occurred at the Dairy Queen. Donna Dutton, owner, reported the burglary Saturday morning.According to Police

Detective Mike Hauschild, the burglar entered the restaurant by breaking a small window on one side of the building and then crawling through it. There are no suspects in the case and the amount of money taken from the restaurant has not yet been determined.• The Derby municipal

swimming pool will get a $125,000 facelift before the beginning of the upcoming swim season, according to a decision made by city council members.The renovation is a scaled

down version of a $347,000 project suggested in an engineering study of the pool and its problems. City engineer LaVene Brenden

assured the council that $125,000 should do the job and these repairs should last at least 20 years.Derby’s municipal pool

is about 25 years old. The biggest problem is leaks in the water return system that is buried in the concrete around the pool.

2003 - 10 years ago• Derby police have new

technology that is helping them catch speeding drivers in heavier traffic. It is a light detection and ranging device. It is more effective in checking speed when traffic is congested than the previous radars used.“It’s been very effective in

working school zones when you have heavy traffic,” said Sgt. Mark Staats.• Cheryl Bannon, a longtime

area resident, has filed to run for Derby City Council for the seat representing Ward III.Bannon filed for the seat

now occupied by Mike Sikes. Sikes was appointed to the position on Jan. 14 – to serve the remaining term which expires with the April 1 election.“I want to see if I can help

see where we’re headed,” said Bannon. “It would be nice to have another woman on the council.”

By Kevin [email protected]

The word “tsunami” is never once uttered in The Impossible.

The singular event around which the film revolves is one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. It claimed over a quarter mill ion victims on 14 continents, decimating the coasts of Southeast Asia.

The scope of Antonio Bayona’s disaster flick, The Impossible, is much smaller, but just as horrific to endure, as it was watching the event unfold on television nearly eight years ago.

Here is a film that boasts m a r v e l o u s t e c h n i c a l achievements. Bayona’s re-creation of the moment of impact is a testament to the power of some of the oldest cinematic tricks in the world.

He cuts and edits his way through a sequence that is so

TheMovie Minute

The Impossible - PG-13

Kevin’s rating:

The Impossible recreates events surrounding 2004 tsunami

Courtesy photo Oscar nominated Naomi Watts stars in The Impossible.

life-like, we can almost feel the waters rising around us as we follow the harrowing account of a well-to-do family vacationing at an oceanside villa off the coast of Khao Lak, Thailand.

Despite this film’s power – of which it has a great deal – there is still something off-putting about its main characters. As the waters engulf the well-groomed Hollywood actors, we are left with an undulating question.

Does the fact that one f a m i l y s u r v i v e s a n d hundreds of thousands of others die horrible deaths really make this a happy ending? Because Bayona’s direction often borders on the level of horror movie shock, we are never given a chance to breathe.

It is less of a journey and more of an agonizing ordeal that in the end causes the film to suffer, if only slightly.

We first meet Maria and Henry Benet (Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor), and their three young sons, Lucas, Simon and Thomas (Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergrast) as their plane descends upon a peaceful resort, promising a relaxing holiday

vacation. Little time is spent introducing the family, but we learn that Maria is a doctor who now stays at home with their kids, while Henry works for a large Japanese corporation.

All is quiet on the island, the day of the disaster. The family is enjoying a poolside afternoon when the distant rumbling of waves begins to encroach upon their lavish get-away.

Within seconds, the waves hit. Henry and two of the kids are engulfed, while Maria is thrown through a glass window. We are disoriented as the camera careens through cloudy ocean-water and flying debris.

When her head emerges, Maria sees that her oldest son Lucas is struggling to keep his head above water, while her husband and two youngest sons are nowhere in sight.

Over the course of the film, Maria and the young Simon share a large amount of spectacular scenes. Maria is badly injured and losing significant amounts of blood. Lucas must quickly play the role of caretaker, while Maria, battered and bloodied, returns the gesture as the two fight their way to

survival.T h e I m p o s s i b l e i s

anchored by two incredible p e r f o r m e r s . Wa t t s , who received an Oscar nomination for her role, shares a great deal of screen time with young Joslin who seems to be growing up right before our very eyes. The dramatic arcs of the respective characters are the film’s crowning achievement.

In the end, The Impossible su ffe r s f rom i t s own frankness. There is a bigger picture happening outside of the Bennet family, and while this certainly makes for a great story, something about the way Bayona and screenwriter Sergio G. Sanchez deliver the material seems to reduce it to a resort stay from hell.

While the film gives us a few moments of sacrificial human love, I could have used more.

The Impossible will not give you many moments of ease. Normally, for a film that is urgent and important, I would not mind, but The

Impossible drains you of such emotional stability so much so that it should find its way onto a list of ultimate one-timers.

–––What do you think?

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Uncorked art on display at Derby Public Library

The Derby Community Foundation’s Uncorked event will include silent and live auctions of art – including a print by the artist who designed the successful Coca-Cola bears ad campaign (as shown at right); one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces; and a wooden Derby Panther (at right below). In addition, there are packages from Redford Resort, wine-tasting events, sports packages, gift cards, and lots of art pieces. The art is now on display at the Derby Public Library, for those who wish to have an advance peek at the available items. Uncorked is Feb. 23, 7 to 10 p.m. at the library. Tickets are on sale at the Derby Welcome Center.

City Hall, Welcome Center and Municipal Court HoursMonday-Thursday • 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Friday • 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

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Friday • 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

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