April 2013 – Page 2 – Hays Post Archive

HPL Book Review: Still Point of the Turning World by Marleah Augustine

Posted on April 30, 2013April 30, 2013

Like all mothers, Emily Rapp had ambitious plans for her first and only child, Ronan. He would be smart, loyal, physically fearless, and level-headed, but fun. He would be good at crossword puzzles like his father. He would be an avid skier like his mother. Rapp would speak to him in foreign languages and give him the best education.

But all of these plans changed when Ronan was diagnosed at nine months old with Tay-Sachs disease, a rare and always-fatal degenerative disorder. Ronan was not expected to live beyond the age of three; he would be permanently stalled at a developmental level of six months. Rapp and her husband were forced to re-evaluate everything they thought they knew about parenting. They would have to learn to live with their child in the moment; to find happiness in the midst of sorrow; to parent without a future.

I have an eight-month-old daughter and was afraid that, while reading this book, I would be in tears the entire time. Not so (and this is neither positive or negative, just a fact). Rapp writes about her son Ronan with love and truthfulness, with interludes into literature and references to poetry, as well as her own personal history.

While reading the first half of the book, I was irritated by the literary and poetic interludes, because just as I started to be drawn into Ronan’s story and started to feel that crushing emotion, I was drawn back out with a reference to Mary Shelley or Pablo Neruda. As I continued reading, however, I realized that this book would be nearly impossible to read — or to write — without those interludes. The reality is simply too overwhelming and terrible to confront all at once. The interludes act as a coping mechanism, enabling one to recover before experiencing the next wave of despondency and helplessness

3 out of 5 stars.

– Marleah Augustine is the Adult Department Librarian at the Hays Public Library

Read more of her blog here https://hayspubliclibrary.wordpress.com

Wounded Police Officer Back on the Job

Posted on April 30, 2013

A Salina Police Officer who was shot in the face and lost an eye last fall is back on duty.

Officer Chuck Huen has been back on the streets of Salina with a training officer, getting ready to return to patrol duty. Huen has also qualified on the shooting range and driving in emergency situations.

Huen was shot last September as he and other officers went into a north Salina home looking for a suspect in a stolen car case. The suspect 19-year-old Marijon Gadson was in the basement of the home and fired several shots with one striking Huen.

After about a 6 hour stand off, Gadson was found dead in the basement from a self inflicted gunshot wound.

Although he lost an eye, Lt. Scott Siemsen says there are several law enforcement officers in Kansas that have the use of just one eye.

Monday’s Police Activity Log

Posted on April 30, 2013

The Hays Police Department conducted 14 traffic stops and received 11 animal calls on Monday, according to the Police Activity Log.

Theft: The Hays Police Department investigated a theft reported in the 3600 block of Vine Street Monday morning at 12:52.

Burglary: Hays Police Officers also investigated the burglary of a vehicle in the 400 block of West 5th Street Monday afternoon between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Drug Offenses: Officers investigated two drug offenses on Monday. The first drug offense was in connection with the report of found or lost property in the 200 block of West 11th Street Monday morning at 9:34. The second drug offense investigated was conducted in connection with a driving under the influence stop at 8th and Ash Street Monday night at 11:49.

Disturbance: The Hays PD responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of West 9th Street Monday that occurred between 11:27 a.m. and 11:51 Monday night.

Letter to the Post: EMS, Rural Fire Need Your Sales Tax Vote

Posted on April 30, 2013

The current facilities occupied by Ellis County Rural Fire Department and the Ellis County Emergency Medical Services have reached beyond the intended capacity of their respective buildings. For the efficient operations of our agencies and the safety of the personnel that serve our citizens, we need the new proposed EMS/Rural Fire building to be built at 22nd Street and General Hays Road in Hays.

The question the voters need to answer is this: Does Ellis County pay for these projects with a sales tax or an increase in property taxes?

Five fire vehicles are in a small 3,040-square-foot building. We maneuver these trucks in and out with each fire call, depending on the size and scale of the fire call. One vehicle is parked outside at all times. Because of the confines of the building, there is very little room for the 16 firefighters to either get into gear or train. When one of our citizens experiences a fire, time is of the essence, and with the new facility we will be able to maximize our efficiency, which equals safety for you.

The current EMS building was fine with only 11 employees and four vehicles; however, with the current demands of providing pre-hospital care to the citizens of Ellis County, the building is unable accommodate the needs of 41 employees and nine vehicles. Currently, there is not adequate in-house space for our medical records and medical supplies. Medical supplies are stored in the bay area with the vehicles, which exposes them to diesel fumes and soot.

Training space is very limited, and training equipment is also stored off-site. Additionally, the current facility provides very little space for the personal privacy of those men and women working 24- hour shifts together.

This project is essential to the health and safety of Ellis County citizens. Together with the court- house and jail renovations, the total cost with interest is around $14.32 million. This sales tax, if passed, will sunset in five years or when the bonds are paid off, whichever comes first. If the tax sunsets before the bonds are fully paid off, the balance will be taken care of within the county budget.

The vote on May 14 lets the voters decide. Do you want to pay for these projects with a sales tax or an increase in property taxes?
If you would like to see either of these facilities, please contact either one of us and we will be happy to show them to you. We are certain if you do this, you will see how essential this new building is.

Dick Klaus, Ellis County Rural Fire director Kerry McCue, Ellis County EMS director

Kansas Woman Sentenced to 25 years in Shooting Death

Posted on April 30, 2013April 30, 2013

(AP) A woman was sentenced to more than 25 years in prison for her role in the methamphetamine-related murder of a Pittsburg man two years ago.

Thirty-two-year-old Amie Lee Ryburn of Pittsburg was sentenced Monday in Crawford County District Court for second-degree murder and manufacture of methamphetamine in the death of 29-year-old Ian Monaghan.

Monaghan’s body was discovered in a farm field west of Pittsburg in July 2010. He had been beaten and shot multiple times.

Investigators stopped Ryburn and Charles F. Mitchell later that night in a truck that contained a meth lab.

The Joplin Globe reports investigators seized another meth lab at a trailer park outside Pittsburg connected to the case.

Mitchell has pleaded innocent to first-degree murder. A third man was charged with obstruction.

Money For Stem Cell Research

Posted on April 30, 2013

(AP) – Gov. Sam Brownback says the state should divert $1.15 million from bioscience efforts to fund a new adult stem cell center at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

The governor said Monday that the money from the Kansas Bioscience Authority could be used to create the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, with $754,500 per year to maintain the center after that.

The proposal was part of numerous spending adjustments Brownback has sent to the Legislature, which reconvenes May 8.

The Legislature this session passed a bill requiring the medical center to start the adult stem cell center but did not provide funds for it.

The center is prohibited from using embryonic stem cells or cells from fetal tissue in its research.

KHAZ Country Music News: Chesney Establishes Boston Fund

Posted on April 30, 2013September 16, 2014

With the assistance of WKLB/Boston, Kenny Chesney has established Spread The Love: A Fund For Boston throughBoston Medical Center to pay for prosthetics and post-acute care needed by Boston Marathon bombing victims. Launched with an undisclosed “sizable” donation from Chesney, the fund will also receive proceeds from sales of the song “Spread The Love” from his new album, as well as direct donations.

“Music can be healing,” Chesney says. “When you’re at your lowest, it can inspire – the way these athletes, their friends, family and the city of Boston inspire me. I want to give back to the ones who need it, but also to heal all of us a little bit. So, spread the love.”

“BMC cared for many of the patients most seriously injured in the Boston Marathon bombings, patients who have a long journey of recovery ahead,” says Kate Walsh, BMC President/CEO. “Over time, the spotlight will fade, but their needs will go on. We thank Mr. Chesney for stepping forward to make sure these and all the Marathon patients have all the support they need over the long haul.”

“We are extremely grateful to Kenny Chesney for spearheading a Boston-based fund that will meet real immediate and future needs: prosthetics and prosthetic therapy for victims,” says WKLB PD Mike Brophey. “Boston Medical Center, the patients with prosthetic needs, and the City of Boston will quickly and directly benefit from the Spread The Love Fund.”

The song can be purchased here and direct donations can be made here.

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry

April Restaurant Inspection Report

Posted on April 30, 2013April 30, 2013

BURGER KING 4726, 1212 VINE. HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection April 8, 2013
Fail Notes
3-501.19(B)(4)
P – Time as a PHC-unmarked or marked to exceed 4 hours- DISCARD
[three plastic containers of cut tomatoes, according to manager were cut at 10:00am, and the containers were out at room temperature but were time marked as discarding 4:00pm COS remarked by district manager that was on site.]
Fail Notes 6-501.111(D) Eliminating pest harborage conditions
[by east back entry door on north side where wall and floor area
join is an opening in wall 6 inches wide x 22 inches long that could allow for harorage of pests. ]
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage and display.
Fail Notes 3-305.11(A)(3) Food stored 6″ above floor
[box containing Cola fountain syrup not elevated off the floor.
COS put on shelf.

Ramada Hays Convention Center, 3603 Vine St. Hays, KS 67601
Inspection April 8, 2013
Fail Notes 4-27-9(a)(2) Floor cleaned as needed
[room 160 needs vaccuum under bed, 171 needs vaccuum under bed,
room 109 has fries under bed. COS housekeeping taken care of during inspection]
ail Notes 4-27-11(b)(5) Laundry area kept clean
[behind the gas dryers is accumulation of lint, at least 1 inch thick in
some areas.]
Fail Notes 4-27-12(c) Bulk and working containers properly labeled
[chemical spray bottle on housekeeper cart not labeled. Manager of
housekeeping labeled as quat cleaner
Fail Notes 4-27-13(f)(4)(A) 4-27-13(f)(4)(C)
Ice & Ice Dispensing
Towels provided
[no towels available from laundry]
Receptacles provided for wet/soiled towels [no receptacle for used towels]
Notes 4-27-16(c)(4) Facilities free of debris and in good repair
[there is a step on a ladder on the east side broken]
Fail Notes 4-27-16(d)(4)(B) Visibility-bottom drain at deepest point
[the water is not clear. Manager said the pump is broken and pool is
not in use. Also the hot tub heater is broken and use of is blocked]
Fail Notes 4-27-19(e) Light bulb wattage/empty sockets
[in room 182, 2 light bulbs missing and 1 in room 184 COS housekeeper
supplied]

CERVS CONOCO, 2722 HALL HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection April 10, 2013
No Violations

WENDYS, 4235 Vine St, HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection April 2, 2013
Fail Notes 3-501.18(A)(3) P – RTE PHF, Disposition-discard if dated >7 days at 41°F or less
[ container of sliced tomatoe ends made today dated 4-9-13 more
than 7 days. (count the day made as day one) COS dispose of by manager choice)
Fail Notes 5-205.15(B) Plumbing system maintained in good repair
[both hand sinks in the ladies toilet room slow draining and the north
one in the mens toilet room. plumber called]

FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD, 3505 VINE ST HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection April 10, 2013
ail Notes
3-302.11(A)(1)(b)
P – Separation-Raw & cooked RTE food
[open-sided bottom and sidewalls of milk crate containing employees private food in walk in cooler on wire shelf containing a carton of raw shell eggs located above pre-cooked commerical chicken breast filets, plastic wrapped on a cookie sheet. COS moved the location of eggs and personal foods to other location.]

Fail Notes 7-201.11(B) P – Separation, Storage-chemicals above food, etc.
[one spray bottle labeled as degreaser sitting on wire shelf across
from auto wash machine, facing toward closed packs of buns on roller rack positioned to close to the shelf. COS chemical was removed.]
Fail Notes 3-304.12(C) In-use utensil storage-on cleaned/sanitized surface
[two sandwich cutting knifes stored between the cold hold cabinet
unit and a movable top surface metal cutting board. COS rewashed and moved ]

Utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried and handled. ̈ þ
Fail Notes 4-903.11(A)(3) Equipment/utensil/linen storage-6″ above floor
[two cases of fountain drink solo type cups in exterior storage shed
and not elevated off the floor.]

Fail Notes 4-601.11(C) Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment clean
[under the movable metal cutting board on two make tables, dried
food debris was observed. ]

HAYS HIGH SCHOOL, 2300 E 13TH HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection April 5, 2013
No Violations

INDIGO BY JASMINE, 111 W 8TH HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection April 5, 2013
No Violations

PITA SHACK (THE), 2814 Vine St. 2814 VINE ST HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection April 2, 2013
No Violations

SMOKING BARREL (THE), 1007 Cody Avenue 700 VINE ST HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection April 1, 2013
No Violations

Snow Cone Express, 3410 Summer Ln, Hays, KS 67601
Inspection April 4, 2013 and Inspection April 8, 2013
No Violations

Report: Kansas Jobs Forecast Better Than In 2012

Posted on April 30, 2013

(AP) – A new report is forecasting that Kansas employment will grow this year at a “slightly faster rate” than in 2012 and will add nearly 24,000 jobs to the state’s economy.

The Center for Economic Development and Business Research on Tuesday predicted 1.8 percent job growth for an estimated 23,794 new jobs.

The agency’s director, Jeremy Hill, acknowledges that is still a slow rate of growth but says the forecast is nonetheless fairly optimistic.

Most of those new jobs are coming in the service sector, which is expected to grow by 2.2 percent. That includes everything from lawyers to hotel workers.

The energy and construction industries are also adding jobs.

HHS Girls Soccer Defeats Garden City

Posted on April 30, 2013April 30, 2013

The Hays High girls soccer team improved their record to 11-2 and 7-0 in the Western Athletic Conference with a 2-0 win at Garden City.

Alexa Brull and April Johnson both scored a goal for the Indians and Johnson also added an assist.

The Indians host McPherson on Thursday.

Moran Meets with Kansas WWII Vets

Posted on April 30, 2013

Senator Moran meets with Kansas World War II Veterans

Sen. Jerry Moran visited with Kansas World War II Veterans who were participating in the Kansas Honor Flight last week.

The photo is of Sen. Moran and Jim McGuire of Hutchinson. Sen. Moran always enjoys visiting with these heroes and is grateful for all who make the Honor Flight possible.

Holy Family Elementary School News For Tuesday

Posted on April 30, 2013April 29, 2013

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY,
CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS….SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

TUESDAY ~ APRIL 30

Memorial of St. Pius V, Pope.
Mass was prepared by 5B & celebrated by Fr. Earl.

Holy Family Elementary Schools News is brought to you by:

Sound OFF: What Impact Will Jason Collins Announcement have?

Posted on April 30, 2013April 30, 2013

On Monday, NBA player Jason Collins became one of the first American athletes to come out as Gay.

In a first person account for Sports Illustrated Collins said he wished other athletes before him had come out. Collins is the first current professional athlete in a major American sports league to come out. He’s played in the NBA for 12 years on six teams.

What do you think of Jason Collins announcement? What effect will it have on professional sports? Tell us in the comments section below.