The Kansas Water office postponed the controversial water release from Cedar Bluff scheduled for Monday.

Tracy Streeter, Director of the Kansas Water Office told Hays Post, “We are taking a wait and see approach. With the cold weather and the snow, we decided to wait and release the water at a later date. We are monitoring the melting snow.”

Streeter also said they had some concerns about excess snow in the channel that might prevent the water from flowing where it is supposed to go. The release will use virtually all of the 1,247 acre-feet of water left in an artificial recharge pool, or approximately 406 million gallons.

KWO says the release will drop the lake .4 ft or that is 4.8 inches. Stay tuned to Eagle radio and HayPost for or more information on the release when it is available.

A timeless battle of the sexes, William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, is coming to the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center. It is part of the Encore Series but plenty of tickets are available. The show is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 7:30.  The story, with its domestic power plays and controversial depiction of marriage is a lot of fun.

It is performed by The Aquila Theatre Company.

According to Ticket Star,  “These actors breathe fresh life into one of Shakespeare’s most challenging comedies, with The New Yorker describing their productions as “The classics made relevant with superb acting and clever staging.”

The FHSU student service center told Hays Post that there are plenty of tickets still available. (785) 628-5306

Drinking and driving is on the increase. Could the snow may be a factor?

In addition to their weather related responsibilities, the Hays Police Department  made seven DUI arrests on Saturday.

Lt. Brandon Wright told Hays Post, “I’m just speculating, but the snow on the streets may have contributed to the high volume of these arrests. Individuals drink, get stuck in the snow because they are impaired and we make arrests.”

Wright also speculated that the cold, winter weather may keep criminals from being active. However he said, “Even the hardcore criminals ignore the weather.”

Sudden cardiac arrest strikes about 250,000 adult Americans every year, and 75-80% of those happen at home.

That’s why Hays Med and the Michael E. DeBakey Heart Institute continue to offer free CPR–Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation–training classes to the public.  About 130 people participated in Saturday’s 13th annual program.

“If more people know how to perform CPR, the probability increases for cardiac arrest victims receiving CPR more quickly,” says Hays Med Education Coordinator Deb McClaren, “when it can still make a difference.”

Participants also received a take-home practice kit, blowup mannequin included, courtesy of the Hays Medical Center Foundation.

“Saving lives is a really important thing, ” says Hays 9th grader Grant Coffey.  His friend, James Julin, another Hays 9th grader agrees.  “I even think it should be a required course in school,” declares Julin.

Chloe Fitzhugh is in 5th grade and already knows how to perform CPR.

“My dad is an EMT, and helps teach the classes,” she says.  “Dad always says you never know when you’re going to be in a position to use CPR.”  Fitzhugh, 11, also says she plans to be an EMT.

CPR chest compressions circulate oxygenated blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs until defibrillation by an electronic device  gives an electric shock to the heart to restore its natural rhythm.

With the large winter storms some Kansas communities like Wichita have been closely watching their supplies of materials to treat the roadways. Public Works Director I.D. Creech says the supplies of salt and sand in Hays are adequate, but he has ordered more.

Creech says they haven’t had any difficulty ordering  supplies, but getting them here could be an issue. Hays will have to wait its turn along with the other cities that have placed orders. There are only a few companies that supply these materials.

The recent winter storm brought large amounts of snow to Kansas and the Midwest.  In the midst of a serious drought, the precipitation will provide much needed moisture to Cheyenne Bottoms.

The nearby Fort Hays State University Kansas Wetlands Education Center received about 10 inches of wet snow, yielding about an inch of precipitation.

Jordan Hofmeier, a FHSU Graduate Assistant at KWEC says even the cold temperatures are welcome.

“Snow is  beneficial because it melts slowly, allowing much of the water to infiltrate the ground, ” he says.  “Much less of the water will be lost to runoff, and the low temperatures prevent the water from evaporating.”

According to Hofmeier, early migratory birds are already heading north, and the moisture will provide them with a place to stopover at Cheyenne Bottoms before  the spring rains come.

Pet dogs and cats are required to be registered in the city of Hays.

Animal Control Officer Nikki Hausler of the Hays Police Department says it’s the best way quickly return missing animals to their owners.

“A veterinarian’s office isn’t open 24/7 for us to check out a rabies tag, ” she points out.  “Even with the scanner we have to read a microchip ID that may implanted in your pet, it can take a long time to get that information, ” says Hausler.

Annual pet licenses are available for purchase at Hays City Hall in the City Clerk’s office.  Bring your pets’ proof of rabies vaccination.

Cost is $5.00 per neutered or spayed cat or dog; $25.00 for each pet that has not been spayed or neutered.  Cost is higher for a “dangerous dog. ”

A late fee will be imposed after March 1.