Kansas Klips
Canned tuna sold at Walmart and Costco in Kansas recalled for botulism risk
Several brands of canned tuna sold at stores, including Kroger (Dillons), Trader Joe’s, Costco, and H-E-B, have been recalled because they might be contaminated with bacteria that causes botulism, a potentially fatal food poisoning. Tri-Union Seafoods of El Segundo, California, recalled certain lots of tuna sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brand names, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. The company said the lids on the “easy open” cans may have a manufacturing defect that could cause the products to leak or to become contaminated with the bacteria that causes botulism. The affected products have retail codes in the recall notice and best-buy dates in 2027 and 2028. The tuna was also sold at Harris Teeter, Publix, Safeway, and some independent stores in several states. No illnesses have been reported; the company said consumers should not eat the recalled tuna even if it doesn’t look or smell spoiled. Return the recalled tuna to the store for a full refund, throw it away, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods. Botulism is a rare but serious illness that occurs when a toxin caused by bacteria attacks the body’s nerves. It can cause difficulty breathing, paralysis, and death. (Hays Post)
Hays man arrested after accidentally firing gun in local bar
HAYS—A Hays man was arrested on February 9th after he allegedly accidentally discharged a gun in Chuck’s Bar, 507 West Seventh, in Hays. Police were called to the bar at 8:27 p.m. The staff told officers a man had accidentally fired a gun in the men’s restroom, according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler. A round hit a toilet and went through a wall into the women’s restroom. No injuries were reported. A 9mm handgun was recovered, Scheibler said. Lyndon Julius Huxman, 22, of Hays, was arrested on requested charges of possession of a firearm while under the influence, which is a misdemeanor, and criminal discharge of a firearm, which is a felony. (Hays Post)
Northwest Kansas man dies after truck/heavy machinery overturn
DECATUR COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before noon on Tuesday, February 11th, in Decatur County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1975 Ford Super Duty driven by Terrence W. Blackwill, 51, Norton, was westbound on U.S. 36 eight miles east of U.S. 83 hauling heavy machinery. The vehicle’s tires locked up, and the driver lost control. The truck slid into the south ditch, started rolling, and the trailer detached. The heavy machinery became unsecured from the trailer and rolled, and the trailer rolled. As the vehicle was rolling, the driver was ejected. The trailer came to rest on its wheels and the heavy machinery came to rest on its roof. Blackwill was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. (Hays Post)
Randy Sauer, a former NCHS student, awarded Kansas Music Educator of the Year for 2025
NORTON—Randy Sauer, a 1985 Norton Community High School graduate, was selected as Kansas Music Educator of the Year for 2025. Randy is the band director at Trego Community School District in WaKeeney, Kansas. To be considered for this state award, a music teacher must first be selected as the Music Teacher of the Year in their individual district. Randy was selected as the Co-High School Music Teacher of the Year for the Northwest District KMEA (Kansas Music Educators Association) in December of 2024 at the NWKMEA District High School Honor Band/ Choir/Orchestra concert at Fort Hays State University. Randy will be recognized as Kansas Music Teacher of the Year in Wichita at the Century II Convention Center during the Kansas Music Educators Association 2025 In-Service Workshop at the end of February. Randy is the first music teacher from the Northwest KMEA in 25 years to be a recipient of the Kansas State Music Teacher of the Year award (The Norton Telegram)
