Month: November 2013
Six Dead After Tornadoes roll through midwest (VIDEO)
A storm system spawned dozens of tornadoes across the Midwest and left six people dead. Nearly two-dozen people were injured when a line of strong storms tore through the Midwest Sunday.
There were close to 80 tornado sightings with more than a dozen confirmed twisters in Illinois.
These videos depicts a twister near Coal City, Illinois.
The tornado that ripped through Washington, Illinois reportedly had winds between 166- and 200 miles an hour. Preliminary estimates reveal it was an EF-3 twister that hit the central Illinois town, destroying an entire neighborhood. Officials have confirmed six deaths across the state.
GeoScience at FHSU plan fun week
Fort Hays State University’s Department of Geosciences will be hosting many events this week in celebration of Geography Awareness Week and GIS Day.
Events include on-line contests through out the week, special guest presentations and events every day of the week.
All presentations are free and open to the public.
2013 – GAW! Events
“Geography: The New Age of Exploration!”This year’s theme explores the idea that we are all connected to the rest of the world through the decisions we make on a daily basis.
“Geography: The New Age of Exploration!”This year’s theme explores the idea that we are all connected to the rest of the world through the decisions we make on a daily basis.
World Song Of the Day Contest: Nov. 17th – 23rd
Start your day with music. Each day lyrics will be posted on the Geosciences at FHSU Facebook page. Take your best guess. Fist person to guess correctly each day will be entered in a prize drawing.
Where in the World is This Road?: Nov. 17th – 23rd
Continuing from Earth Science Week by popular demand. An online quiz to see how good you are at observing clues and how much you know about the world.
FHSU Geosciences Essay Contest: Nov. 18th – 30th
Stop by the Geosciences Department Office, Tomanek Hall 233, for complete details.
Travelogue Series: Monday, November 18th Tomanek Hal 225
3:30 – 4:30 “20 years of Arctic Science” by Dr. John Heinrichs, Geosciences.
Presentation will include both historic and present day exploration and science investigations in the Arctic circle.
“I Spy from the Sky” Imagery Quiz: Tuesday, November 19th
11:00 – 2:00 FHSU Memorial Union. Stop by and check our your world knowledge.
GIS DAY: Wednesday, November 20th (For more information visit the GIS Day webpage)
9:30 – 11:30 Who uses GIS? Tomanek Hall, 121
11:30 – 1:30 Kansas Emergency Response GIS Vehicle Presentations & Tours
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch (Lunch provided for speakers & attendees) Tomanek Hall, 217
1:30 – 3:00 Why is GIS Important? Memorial Union, Stouffer Lounge
3:00 – 4:00 Hands-on Seminar Forsyth Library, Room 116
3:00 – 5:00 Unmanned Aerial System Demonstration Memorial Union, Ballroom
Exploring Where You Are: Thursday, November 21st
7:00 – 9:00 Space & Earth Hutchinson Exploration Field Trip
RSVP required, space limited. Field trip to Cosmosphere & Salt Mines.
Attendees will pay own admission and meals. Transportation provided.
9:00 – 7:00 Geocaching
To participate in the full event sign-in at the Geosciences Department Office, TH 233 and pick up
the instructions and clue sheet. Clue for the first cache will also be posted online at 9AM.
10:00 – 5:00 Exploring Geography and Other Literature
Stop by the Geosciences Department, 2nd floor Tomanek Hall to pick up free books on many
topics donated from the shelves of faculty & staff.
GeoGather: Friday, November 22nd
12:30 – 1:30 GeoGather: Come listen to fables from yesterday and places far away.
This week our GeoGather is also to celebrate Thanksgiving and announce prize winners from
events during Earth Science Week and Geography Awareness Week. You are welcome to bring
a side dish to share during our community meal.
Ex-Kan. doctor faces trial on drug, gun charges
(AP) — A former Kansas doctor accused of unlawfully possessing drugs and a firearm is headed to trial this week.
goes on trial Tuesday in federal court in Wichita. District Judge Monti Belot was scheduled to hear arguments Monday on whether jurors may hear a recorded statement Simons made to authorities.
Simons, a convicted felon, is accused of giving a bondsman a gun as partial payment for bailing him out of jail in a criminal threat case. Prosecutors also contend that because he had surrendered his license to write prescriptions, he could not lawfully possess drugs later found in storage lockers.
Simons had worked at a Haysville clinic linked to multiple overdose deaths. He was sentenced to prison in 2010 for unlawfully distributing controlled substances after his firing from the clinic.
Norman Caulfield, Ph.D. – Fort Hays State University
Mike Cooper visits with award winning author and Professor of History at FHSU, Norman Caulfield, about his latest book entitled, “NAFTA and Labor in North America.”
Kris Munsch – Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One During the Holiday Season
After losing his son eight years ago, local Hays resident and FHSU Instructor, Kris Munsch, talks with Mike Cooper about coping with loss during the Holidays.
Concealed and Carry on County Commission Agenda
COUNTY COMMISSION
Monday, November 18, 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 Order of Business
II. Approval of Prior Minutes
Regular Meeting November 4 ,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 Rural Water District 1C KANSTEP Grant
Project Draw Request
IV. Regular Agenda A. Public Works
1. Culvert #C.O-9.8 (1000 Block of Saline River Road)
Consideration of proposals to replace structure Enclosure
B. County Administrator
1. Oil & Gas Trust Fund Litigation
Presentation of bill for legal services Enclosure
2. Bi-directional Antenna Amplifier for LEC
Consideration of Purchase Enclosure
3. Buckeye Wind Project
Report
4. Concealed Carry in Public Buildings
Report
C. Rural Fire
1. Jaws of Life for Company #4 (Victoria)
Consideration of Awarding Bid Enclosure D. County Commission
1. Commissioner Reports E. Executive Session
To discuss draft agreements recently submitted to Buckeye Wind, LLC.
V. Adjournment
Brownback wants to hear from school district superintendents
(AP) — Kansas school districts have a long tradition of going to court over funding for public education when their efforts fail in the Statehouse.
Gov. Sam Brownback says he wants that to change and is encouraging legislators and superintendents from the state’s 286 school districts to open discussions toward ending such litigation.
The Republican governor says recent talks among lawmakers and higher education leaders have been productive in explaining the mission of colleges and universities and how they spend state money.
The Kansas Supreme Court is expected to rule early next year in a 2010 lawsuit by school districts claiming the state is underfunding elementary and secondary education. The court’s decision will likely dominate debate during the legislative session.
Some public Kansas university salaries top $250K
(AP) — Newly obtained salary information shows 60 public university employees in Kansas earn more than $250,000 in state-paid wages.
The salary information it obtained is for wages paid from July 2012 to this June.
Three-quarters of the top earners were professors or administrators at the University of Kansas. Kansas State University employed eight of the upper earners and Wichita State University had five.
At Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University, only the president drew a paycheck that topped $250,000. In June, Dr. Ed Hammond received a salary increase of $11,250. His annual salary is now just over $266,000 a year.
Emporia State University employed none of the top earners.
KU Medical Center executive vice chancellor Doug Girod was the highest paid earner on the list, with a salary of $687,000. The median income for listed university employees was $41,100.
Broncos Hand Chiefs First Loss of the Season
DENVER (AP) – Peyton Manning went virtually untouched by Kansas City’s sack-happy defense Sunday night, throwing for 323 yards and a touchdown to lead the Denver Broncos to a 27-17 victory over the NFL’s last undefeated team.
The Chiefs, who came into the game with a league-leading 36 sacks, barely breathed on Manning, who finished 24 for 40.
The Broncos tied Kansas City at 9-1 atop the AFC West with a rematch set in two weeks.
Denver fell short of its league-leading average of 41.2 points but the Chiefs, who came in allowing a NFL-low 12.8 per game, couldn’t keep up.
Alex Smith threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas City, which hadn’t lost since a 38-3 setback in Denver last December to close out a 2-14 season.
State Assessment Results highlight BOE Agenda
USD 489 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MONDAY, November 18, 2013 – 6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE PRESIDENT
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The Agenda will be approved or amended by the Board.
3. AUDIENCEPARTICIPATION:
The Board will hear comments from the public.
4. REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
The Board will hear reports from committees.
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
The Board will review communications from other organizations, including minutes and agendas.
6. REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT:
The Superintendent shall provide the Board with a report of district events, activities, accomplishments, occurrences and news.
A. KSDE State Report Card 2012-13
Dean Katt and Shanna Dinkel will present the State Report Card, reflecting results from the 2012-2013 Kansas Statewide Assessments
7. CONSENTAGENDA:
Approval of Consent Agenda – one motion to approve all items listed.
A. Board Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2013
B. Work Session Minutes – November 11, 2013
C. Approval for the Board President to sign the Head Start Federal Budget
Document SF425A
D. Approval of the Early Childhood Connections Bylaws
E. Authorization of Clayton-Holdings to make payment to Paul-Wertenberger in
the amount of $ 78,862.50
F. Personnel Transactions
G. Financial Reports – Petty Cash Report, Clerk’s Report, Investment Report H. Approve bills in the amount of $ 379,946.76
8. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Board Policies – CE, DJEG, EG, EH, GAL, GALA
The Administration recommends that the Board remove all reference to ‘Deputy Superintendent’ in current policy and replace with ‘Superintendent or his/her designee’ in these policies.
B. Second Reading of Board Policy H – Negotiations
The Administration recommends that the Board approve the second reading of policy ‘H’, specifically the language dealing with IBB.
C. Second Reading of Board Policy CG – Administrative Personnel
The Administration recommends that the Board approve the second reading of policy ‘CG’, specifically the language dealing with ‘recruitment’.
D. Approval of the Board President to Sign the Roofmasters Roofing Contract
The Administration recommends that the Board approve the Board President to sign and enter into contract with Roofmasters Roofing to begin the repairs to the Hays High School roof. The bound, hard-copy of the contract will be available to review at the meeting.
E. Modification of Scheduled Board Meeting Dates
The Administration recommends that the Board approve revising the following dates on the Board calendar: cancel the December 30th work session, move the January 6th Board meeting to January 7th and cancel the May 26th work session.
F. Selection of KASB Convention Delegate
The Administration recommends that the Board approve Marty Patterson as the delegate to represent USD 489 at the 2013 KASB Convention.
G. Superintendent Personal Qualifications
The Board will determine if they approve the ten qualifications presented by KASB consultants or select other qualifications.
9. DISCUSSION BY BOARD MEMBERS AND AGENDA REQUESTS 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Ex-Kan. lawmaker to lead health consumers’ group
(AP) — A former Kansas House member from Topeka will become interim executive director of the Kansas Health Consumer Coalition next month.
The coalition says former Rep. Sean Gatewood will replace executive director Anna Lambertson, who is leaving to lead the Kansas City-based International Relations Council. The council promotes understanding of international affairs among residents in Kansas and Missouri.
Lambertson has been the Health Consumer Coalition’s executive director since 2010.
The group has been a strong advocate for expanding the state’s Medicaid program under the federal health care overhaul. Medicaid provides health coverage for poor and needy Kansans.
Gatewood joined the coalition last year and currently works as director of advocacy. He served in the House for four years before losing his seat in 2012 to Republican Joshua Powell.
Revision of scheduled overtime policy
AGENDA
November 18, 2013
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
1) CONSENT AGENDA (Enc)
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on November 4, 2013
b) Bills Ordinance #1937
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) (I/O) Monthly Fire Department Report – Chief Denis Vine
b) (I/O) Fort Hays University Leadership 310 Project Presentation
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) (D/A) (Enc) Discussion on Water Leak Policy
b) (D/A) (Enc) Consider Ordinance Mandating Building Numbers
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) (D/A) Consider Request for Sewer Rate Adjustment
b) (D/A) (Enc) Consideration of Revision to Scheduled Overtime Policy
c) (D/A) (Enc) Consideration of Application for Local Incentives
d) (D/A) (Enc) Consider Request for Funding for Library Repairs
e) (D/A) Consider Appointment to Planning/Zoning Board
f) (D/A) (Enc) Consider Bids for Water Tower Inspection Services
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) (Enc) Consider Crew Foreman Job Description
(2) Department Update
2) Police
(1) Update on applicant search
(2) Update on disposal of department vehicle
(3) Report on KBI Compliance
(4) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) Department Update
4) Attorney
5) Mayor/Council
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT