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Moran’s Memo: Celebrate a Century of the State Fair

By U.S. Senator Jerry MoranMoran

More than a century ago, a group of business leaders in Hutchinson formed the Reno County Agricultural Society and hosted a fair in a small wooden livery stable behind the town’s only bank. Forty years later in 1913, Kansas Governor George Hodges made Hutchinson the official location for the Kansas State Fair, which was described by The Hutchinson News as having an “auspicious opening” when thousands of Kansans gathered for “a record-breaking agricultural and horticultural exhibit showing.”

The fair continued to grow over the next 100 years and became a true reflection of the times. Just as life in Kansas changed drastically during World War II, so did the fair. The 1942 Kansas State Fair had a “Scrap Day,” where more than 32 tons of metal was collected to contribute to the war effort by offering free admission in exchange for donations. Booths even had war bonds and stamps available for purchase.

A century later, the “auspicious opening” description of the first official Kansas State Fair still rings true, as it remains Kansas’ largest single event – attracting nearly 350,000 attendees annually. Kansas families enjoy endless entertainment, thrilling rides, exhibitor booths, and – of course – delicious food. A staple food-stop for me and my wife, Robba – who is a former Kansas State Fair Board President – is Our Lady of Guadalupe’s food station in Cottonwood Court where parishioners build camaraderie serving hungry folks tasty enchiladas, tacos and tamales.

While the fair continues to evolve – just as our state does – its roots remain in agriculture. As the economic backbone of so many of the Kansas towns where you and I were raised, agriculture is also our link to the past – a time when families were the axis around which all things revolved. In today’s fast-paced world, there are few industries where sons and daughters can still work side-by-side with moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas. The fair is a great time to celebrate that tradition.

One way the tradition is showcased at the fairgrounds is through Kansas youth organizations like 4-H and FFA. I always enjoy visiting with these young people who learn the meaning of hard work and responsibility through projects like raising and showing livestock, taking photographs, baking, or learning carpentry through woodworking construction. But it’s also hard not to recognize the parents and mentors who were there every step of the way. Through experiences in organizations like 4-H and FFA, our state and country’s next generation of leaders are being equipped with the skills and values necessary to reach their full potential and become successful in life.

With the record-setting drought and the uncertainty surrounding the Farm Bill, it is vital that we make certain agriculture remains profitable so there is a next generation of farmers and ranchers in Kansas. As a senator from a farm state, I often find myself educating my colleagues in Washington, D.C., about the critical importance of strong agriculture policy. With an increasingly urban Congress and the complexities of a global agricultural economy, this is often not an easy task. My conversations with Kansans during the fair remind me that working to keep the family farm alive and providing consumers with safe and affordable food is worth every effort.

As the Kansas State Fair celebrates 100 years, we are blessed to have such a strong agriculture community. I hope you will join me in honoring that community by attending the fair which begins Friday, September 6 and runs through Sunday, September 15. I know you will enjoy the exciting rides and the wonderful – and sometimes wacky – food, but be sure to check out the exhibit halls, livestock barns, and countless educational opportunities. I also have a booth in the Pride of Kansas building where members of my staff will be available to answer questions, so please come by for a visit. Thank you to the Kansas State Fair Board Members and staff who put in countless hours of planning to ensure the fair’s success.

I hope to see you and your family at the fair, and am sure you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the agriculture families who work so hard to make certain Kansas remains the special place we love to call home.

KHAZ Country Music News: Alabama And Friends Album Out Now

khaz alabama 20130723NASHVILLE (AP) – Alabama bassist Teddy Gentry believes even after four decades together, now is a good time to be in the band. Gentry says he’s there with two cancer survivors, Randy Owen and Jeff Cook, so how could he not be having the time of his life. He says he could be sitting there without either of them and they’re blessed to be able to do what they do. Their new album, “Alabama and Friends,” is out. Featured guests include Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan.”

 

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Groups want lawmakers to tackle Kansas election law

(AP) — Critics of a Kansas law requiring new voters to provide proof of their U.S. citizenship when registering want legislators to repeal it during their special Voter IDsession.

The American Civil Liberties Union said Tuesday that lawmakers must act because more than 15,000 legal residents have their voter registrations on hold because they haven’t provided proof of their citizenship. Joining the ACLU were the NAACP and Equality Kansas, the state’s leading gay-rights group.

Those groups already have told Secretary of State Kris Kobach that they might file a federal lawsuit. Kobach contends the law prevents election fraud.

Lawmakers are back in Topeka to repair a law allowing convicted murderers to be sentenced to at least 50 years in prison, and their leaders had no plans to take up other topics.

Musil Set to End Football Career With the Tigers

FHSU-FB-Musil MugThe Fort Hays State Tigers open their season Thursday night at home against Emporia State and one player who will be especially glad to be on the field is Marshall Musil. The former La Crosse standout is finishing up his career with the Tigers after four years at Oklahoma.

Musil injured his knee following the Sooners second game last season and missed the rest of the year. He says he’s just happy to be back on the football field.

Listen to all of Marshall Musil’s press conference…
Marshall Musil Press Conference

Musil, who was used primarily on special teams at Oklahoma, has been working with the tight ends as well as special teams and is listed as the Tigers No. 2 tight end heading into their opener this Thursday night. FHSU-FB-Musil

The Tigers host Emporia State in the Eagle Communications Kickoff Classic at 7pm.

County to hear report on Prairie Chicken

COUNTY COMMISSIONEllis County Logo
Tuesday, September 3, 2013 6:45 PM Ellis County Courthouse
Order of Business
A. Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Clerk Calls the Roll
D. Approval of Agenda
II. Approval of Prior Minutes
Regular Meeting of August 19, 2013
III. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Employee Status Changes as presented
B. Approval of Refunding Warrants as presented
C. Approval of Tax Roll Adjustments as presented
D. Approval of Escape Tax Orders as presented
E. Approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll as presented
F. Approval of RWD 1C KANSTEP Project Response to Audit Letter
G. Approval of RWD 1C KANSTEP Project Payment Request #7
IV. Regular Agenda
A. Lesser Prairie Chicken
Report on Regional Concerns by Gove County Commissioner Mahlon Tuttle
B. Rural Water District #1C KANSTEP Water Line Extension Project
Update Report
C. Information Technology
1. Cell Phone Contract
Report/Consideration
D. Fire District #1
1. Surplused Fire Tanker Truck
Consideration of Selling Truck to RPM Speedway
2. ISO Review
Report on upcoming review of Rural Fire District Enclosure
3. Advisory Board Changes
Consideration of changes to Board Make-up
E. County Clerk
1. Oil & Gas Tax Rebates
Report on Rebates before Commission Enclosure F. County Administrator
1. Joint Planning Commission Appointment
Consideration of Commissioner Wasinger’s Nominee
2. Adams Brown Beran & Ball Lease Amendment #4
Consideration of lease amendment for former United Way Office Space in Ellis County Administrative Center Enclosure
3. KDOT Economic Development Grant Application
Consideration of Authorizing Submission of Application Enclosure
4. Resolution Request – Federal Budget
Discussion of Request from Alan Snodgrass, Jetmore Enclosure
5. MOKAN Take Charge Challenge
Report Enclosure
6. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas Rebate Check
Report on Accounting for Check Enclosure
7. Monthly Financial Report – July 2013
Report Enclosure
G. County Commission
1. Commissioner Reports
V. Adjournment

Three men injured in Monday evening rollover accident

Three men were injured in a Monday evening rollover accidentKHP in Southwest Kansas.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol Twenty one year old Luis T Miguel of Dodge City was driving a 2002 Olds Bravada eastbound on U56, 2 miles west of Ensign in Gray County. The vehicle hit the south shoulder; Miguel overcorrected, and lost control driving off the right side of roadway.

The vehicle rolled multiple times coming to rest right side up. Miguel and two passengers in the vehicle Santos Zacarias- Castro, age 22 and Joshua Jimphe, age 30 of Dodge City were transported to Western Plains Medical Center. All three were wearing seat belts.

Chiefs Use Waiver Wire as Roster Overhaul Goes On

Chiefs Dorsey FootballKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Kansas City Chiefs began working in earnest Monday for their season opener at Jacksonville while also trying to work seven new players into the fold.

The Chiefs were awarded them off the waiver wire Sunday, while also cutting loose six more as they continue to churn the bottom of the roster. Because they had the No. 1 selection in the NFL draft, the Chiefs also had the top priority in claiming players released by other teams.

The series of moves they made Sunday resulted in a 53-man roster with 30 newcomers heading into Sunday’s opener against the Jaguars. That includes all three quarterbacks and all the tight ends.

“If there’s a time to do it,” GM John Dorsey said of the overhaul, “the time is now.”

Restaurant Inspections 8/16/13 – 8/31/13

Al’s Chickenette 700 Vine Street Hays, Ks 67601Dinner Plate fork knife
Inspection date: 8/28/13
Fail Notes
5-501.15(A)
Receptacles and waste handling units for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables used with materials containing FOOD residue and used outside the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be designed and constructed to have tight-fitting lids, doors, or covers. [No lids on receptacle. Owner advised that a new dumpster will be
delivered. ]

APPLEBEE’S RESTAURANT #9 4101 N VINE HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection date: 8/26/13
Fail Notes
3-304.12(C)
In-use utensil storage (Cleaned/sanitized surface) During pauses in FOOD preparation or dispensing, FOOD preparation and dispensing UTENSILS shall be stored on a clean portion of the FOOD preparation table or cooking EQUIPMENT only if the in-use UTENSIL and the FOOD-CONTACT surface of the FOOD preparation table or cooking EQUIPMENT are cleaned and SANITIZED at the required frequency. [An in-use knife was being stored in a crevice between the make table and steam table which was not leanable. COS- manager removed knife from the location and cleaned it. ]
Fail Notes
4-901.11(A)
Equipment/utensils (Air drying) After cleaning and SANITIZING, EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining as specified in the first paragraph of 40 CFR 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active and inert ingredients for use in antimicrobial formulations (food-contact surface SANITIZING solutions), before contact with FOOD.[Clean containers were stored stacked and not allowed to air dry. COS- manager removed stacked items to allow air drying. ]

BUDGET HOST VILLA INN & SUITES 810 E 8TH ST HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection date: 8/26/13
Notes:
In the rooms inspected there was mold, tiles missing, stool lids missing parts, sewer smell, (a sewer pipe broken under office building) multiple dead bugs and some live. bodily fluids on Handsink and toilets, microwaves and refrigerators containing food. beverage cans under beds, Sunday hays daily new left in desk drawer, used wash cloth in bottom of shower, dead bugs between double room adjointing doors. It was agreed upon by the owner and the inspector that all rooms except 161 and 150 will be closed until recleaned. Housekeeping is lacking in cleaning all portions of the rooms in a consistent manner. The owner has asked for 2 weeks (14 days). Topeka has been informed of the decision. The dumpster and trash cans outside are full and over flowing, multiple flies are found around these areas. The window sills of all room inspected have accumulation of dead flies. There were two rooms with the batteries missing in the fire detectors. outdoor swimming pool is closed for the season. Observed bindweeds growing abundantly. The weeds and grass on the grounds needs to be groomed. There is a water heater leak/discharge outside, next to room 159 that has created a large puddle containing debris hazzard to property.The laundry room has lint accumulation near the gas dryer. No test kit for sanitizer. The three vat sink leaks, cases of single use cups on the floor, empty socket in laundry room.

SINGERS 114 E 12TH HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection Date: 8/23/2013
Fail Notes
6-301.11
Pf – Each HANDWASHING SINK or group of two adjacent HANDWASHING SINKS shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap.[no hand soap located at the bar hand sink]
6-301.12
Pf – Each HANDWASHING SINK or group of adjacent HANDWASHING SINKS shall be provided with: Individual, disposable towels; a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel; a heated-air hand drying device; or a hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures.[No single use hand towels located at the bar hand sink]
Fail Notes
7-201.11(B)
P – Chemical Storage (Not Above Food, etc.) POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS shall be stored so they cannot contaminate FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES by locating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS in an area that is not above FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE or SINGLE-USE ARTICLES.[gallons of concentrated liquid fogger stored on top of ice machine in the back room COS removed]
Fail Notes
3-304.12(E)
In-use utensil storage (non-PHF/TCS-clean, protected location) During pauses in FOOD preparation or dispensing, FOOD preparation and dispensing UTENSILS used with FOOD that is not POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be stored in a clean, protected location. [the ice scoop is stored directly on top of the ice machine, not a clean and sanitized surface COS removed]
Fail Notes 5-501.17
A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins. [no covered trash receptacle located in the outdoor ladies toilet room]

ECONOLODGE 3503 Vine St HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection Date: 8/23/13
Fail Notes
4-27-9(e)(4)
Toilets/sinks cleaned if visibly soiled. [the tub in room 205 has mildew in the right corner’]
4-27-9(h)
Guest rooms cleaned & serviced before each new guest. [in room 207 as detected by the UV light, substance was splattered on the wall COS housekeeper cleaned]
Fail Notes
4-204.112(B)
Temperature Measuring Devices (Integrated or Affixed) Cold or hot holding EQUIPMENT used for POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be designed to include and shall be equipped with at least one integral or permanently affixed TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE that is located to allow easy viewing of the device’s temperature display.[no thermometer in the refrigerator housing breakfast foods

GOLDEN CORRAL 383 MOPAR DR HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection Date: 8/20/13
Fail Notes
4-601.11(A)
Pf – Food Contact Clean to Sight and Touch – EQUIPMENT FOODCONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch.[the Edlund can opener blade not cleaned since yesterday evening has extreme buildup of dried foods and debris. COS Two rubber spatulas hanging at buffet service area has dried debris COS the storage racks in the prep walk in cooler has extreme buildup of dried foods and debris]
Fail Notes
4-501.12
Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and SANITIZED, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.[the cutting boards in the produce prep area have multiple knife scratches (the white boards have absorbed the colors of produce)]
Fail Notes
4-601.11(C)
Non FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. [multiple food racks containing pans of food, have mold, food particles etc on the pan holders.]
Fail Notes
6-201.13(B)
The floors in FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS in which water flush cleaning methods are used shall be provided with drains and be graded to drain, and the floor and wall junctures shall be coved and SEALED. [the floor in the fry area has buildup of water and loose tile due to water accumulation]
6-501.12(A)
PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. [the floor in the prep cooler has dropped dried food on floors and under the storage racks. The ceiling near the vent above the prep cooler in the fry area, has loose lint.]

NAPOLI’S 2522 VINE ST HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection Date: 8/20/13
Fail Notes
3-301.11(B)
P – FOOD EMPLOYEES may not contact exposed, READY-TO-EAT FOOD with their bare hands and shall use suitable UTENSILS such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing EQUIPMENT.[the PIC entered the facility carrying 2 grocery bags, stuck his bare hands directly into cooked sausage COS educate and discard]
Fail Notes
6-301.12
Pf – Each HANDWASHING SINK or group of adjacent HANDWASHING SINKS shall be provided with: Individual, disposable towels; a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel; a heated-air hand drying device; or a hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures.[no single use hand drying provisions at the west/main hand sink for the cook. COS supplied]
Fail Notes
6-501.12(A)
PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.[the grate and ceiling of the wic has accumulation of loose lint.]

RAMADA HAYS CONVENTION CENTER 3603 VINE HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection Date: 8/20/2013
Fail Notes
4-27-9(p)
Guest rooms free of insects, rodents and pets[room 295 has dead crickets under the beds.]
Fail Notes
4-27-16(d)(4)(B)
Visibility-bottom drain at deepest point[the pool water is cloudy, unable to see the deep end]

COMFORT INN 1001 E 41ST HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection Date: 8/27/13
Fail Notes
4-27-9(p)(3)
Bed bug evidence is an infestation [there are 4 dead embedded bed bugs in the particle board of the head board frame on bed closest to the door. room closed]

CHINA GARDEN 2503 VINE ST HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection Date: 8/29/13
No violations
No fail notes

OUTTAKES AT CHUCK’S PLACE 306 DWIGHT DR HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection Date: 8/23/13
No Violations
No Fail Notes

PHEASANT RUN 3201 VINE HAYS, KS 67601
Inspection Date: 8/27/2013
No Violations
No Fail Notes

Time for a Flu shot? Some vaccines different this year

(AP) — A date for the annual Hays Medical Center annual drive through flu clinic will be announced soon.  However, health officials say it’s time to get your flu vaccine, and this fall some brands promise a little extra protection.no-flu_ust

For the first time, certain vaccines will guard against four strains of flu rather than the usual three.

They’re called quadrivalent vaccines, and they’re so new that they’ll make up only a fraction of the year’s supply.

All the nasal spray vaccine sold in the U.S. this year will be the four-strain kind, and a few varieties of shots.

Specialists say that’s just one of many flu vaccine options to choose from, not necessarily a better one.

The government recommends a yearly flu vaccine for nearly everyone, starting at 6 months of age.

Early fall is the ideal time, so protection kicks in before flu starts spreading.

Stay tuned to Eagle Radio and  check Hays Post for details on the the annual drive through flu vaccination clinic at HMC.

 

Police investigating expensive Kansas fuel theft

(AP) — Salina police are investigating the theft of more than $1,000 in jet fuel from a fuel business.Screen Shot 2013-09-03 at 6.47.30 AM

Police Lt. Scott Siemsen says 144 gallons of fuel were stolen from two trucks at Flower Aviation between June 20 and Aug. 14.

The business reported the theft Friday. Siemsen says the fuel costs $7 a gallon; leaving a loss of $1,008.

Labor Day MDA fundraiser update

(AP) — The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s nationally broadcast 48th annual telethon and related fundraising efforts have raised about a million dollars more Screen Shot 2013-09-03 at 5.47.57 AMthan last year with $59.6 million in contributions over the Labor Day weekend.

The two-hour “MDA Show of Strength” aired Sunday on ABC. MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks says the money raised will go toward treatment of muscular dystrophy and related diseases, and funding of research to find a cure.

A release from the association said the total amount raised came from pledges during the show and through midnight Monday, as well as money raised by MDA sponsors.

Celebrities such as “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and “Brady Bunch” mom Florence Henderson were part of the show’s lineup this year, along with the Backstreet Boys, singer Paula Abdul and other entertainers.

The telethon was the third since comedian Jerry Lewis’s 45-year role as host ended. Kelli Park, a spokeswoman for the Tucson, Ariz.-based MDA, says the 2012 telethon raised $58.7 million last year.

 

Author James Patterson funds scholarships for Kansas teaching students

(AP) — Bestselling author James Patterson has given $48,000 to pay for scholarships for Emporia State University teaching students.Patterson

Patterson has funded similar scholarships at several other universities, including Vanderbilt. Patterson said in a news release that his passion is to “get more and more kids excited about reading” and that training teachers is “essential to that mission.”

Patterson’s books include the Alex Cross and Woman’s Murder Club series for adults and Maximum Ride, Witch & Wizard and Middle School series for young adults.

At Emporia State, eight students will receive $6,000 each. The recipients are Michelle Berg of Wichita, Samantha Buchanan of Grantville, Leanne Feathers of Wamego, Jennifer Gottstein of Lawrence, Joseph Hamer of Wichita, Sarah Johnson of Wichita, Travisray Salyers of Eudora and JaShawn Wallace of Kansas City, Kan.

 

100th Birthday Party at State Fair

(AP) — The Kansas State Fair is preparing for its 100th opening day.Screen Shot 2013-09-02 at 8.26.23 PM

The annual fair starts Friday and runs through Sept. 15 on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Organizers have big birthday celebrations planned. There will be throwback events that include an old-time bingo game and a mincemeat pie competition.

Several birthday-themed activities also are planned, including free birthday cake at the opening ceremonies and a birthday cake completion in the Domestic Arts building. There also will be food vendors frying up birthday cake-flavored funnel cakes and deep fried birthday cake.

The fair’s general manager Denny Stoecklein says that although the fair has evolved over the years, some things have stayed the same. He says livestock and agriculture remain “at the root of it.”

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