Due to unexpected repairs being done in front of Wilson school, no students or visitors will be able to use the main entrance Friday morning, 12/13. The east end of the …parking lot will also be blocked. All parents and visitors must enter through the west doors.
Students who are normally dropped off in the front parking lot will be met on 28th Street by the Crossing Guards and guided across the parking lot to the building. They will enter the building through the west doors.
Buses will unload on Oak Street and those students will enter through the east doors.
Our number one goal is the safety of all students, so please drive cautiously. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
The annual Christmas 4 Kid telethon was a big success. It raised over $75,500 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County. We wanted to share some of the fun memories with you. Click on a photo for a closer look.
Eagle Communications Frost Fest float was a 2nd place prize winner in the business category.
TYLER, Texas (AP) – Country music star Ray Price is in what his wife calls his “final days.” The musician has ended treatment for pancreatic cancer and is now receiving hospice care at home. Price was discharged from the East Texas Medical Center in Tyler – and the hospital says the cancer has now spread to Price’s liver, intestines and lungs. His wife says her husband is “alert and aware of his surroundings”- but is losing his two-year-long fight against the disease. She says her husband’s “final message” to fans thanks them for their support – and she says he hopes he hasn’t let them down. Price started in the 1950s as a honky-tonk singer and branched out toward pop with hits like “For the Good Times.”
The Hays Regional Airport has released the November On-Time Report which details the status of all scheduled flights. According to the document, 39.5% of the flights scheduled in and out of Hays were cancelled.
Airport manager Bob Johnson told Hays Post that while some of these flights were cancelled because of adverse weather, the majority of the flights were cancelled because of a shortage in pilots due to the FAA’s change in regulations.
Recently, the FAA increased the number of flights hours required to become a first pilot from 1000 to 1500. The change was made to improve flight safety in the wake of numerous accidents involving pilots with fewer flights hours.
Johnson said that pilots with smaller airlines are often building up their time in order to become an asset to a major airline, which can pay up to twice as much as smaller regional airlines. He says that between some pilots no longer able to be considered a first pilot and those that are leaving Great Lakes and other airlines for higher pay, there is a significant shortage.
However, there may be good news on the horizon for the Hays Regional Airport. At the Hays City Commission Meeting being held tonight, city manager Toby Dougherty will be presenting bids for service to the airport. One of those bids is from a larger provider, SkyWest Airlines.
SkyWest airlines is in the top 10% of all US airlines for scheduled flights departing on-time, which means it does not suffer from the same pilot shortage that Great Lakes does. According to the bid, the average fare for flights to Denver through SkyWest will be $99. Bids from Great Lakes place the average fare just over $125. Service through SkyWest could begin as early as next spring.
Johnson added that the airport provides tremendous economic benefit to the community, and a larger airline (which he has been pushing for since he became the airport manager) would contribute to that. He says that something has to be done to improve flight consistency in Hays.
“According to the state, KDOT, and their last economic impact study, the airport brings approximately $24.6 million a year into the area. It’s a very big impact. 178 people have either all or part of their job affected by the airport. And anytime it gets that way, it hurts.”
Tonight’s city commission meeting is at 6:30 pm at 1507 Main St. There will be a time for citizen comments early on in the meeting.
NBC Olympics has teamed with The Voice and Republic/Big Machine’s Danielle Bradbery for a promotional campaign featuring her song “My Day,” which debuted Tuesday night on the network. Sixty and 30-second spots featuring her performance will air across NBC’s family of networks leading into the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Watch here. The song was written by Ross Copperman, Tom Shapiro and Mallary Hope.
Two agricultural scientists from China have been charged with trying to steal samples of a variety of seeds from a biopharmaceutical company’s research facility in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Weiqiang Zhang, 47, Manhattan, Kan., and Wengui Yan, 63, Stuttgart, Ark., are charged with one count of conspiracy to steal trade secrets. The victim in the case – identified in court records as Company A — has invested approximately $75 million in patented technology used to create a variety of seeds containing recombinant proteins. The company has an extensive intellectual property portfolio of more than 100 issued and pending patents and exclusive licenses to issued patents.
Zhang and Yan are charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan. An affidavit in support of the complaint alleges that on Aug. 7, 2013, agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection found stolen seeds in the luggage of a group of visitors from China preparing to board a plane to return home. While in the United States, the group had visited various agricultural facilities and universities in the Midwest, as well as the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Stuggart, Ark.
According to the complaint:
Zhang and Yan, both natives of the People’s Republic of China living lawfully in the United States, arranged for the Chinese delegation to visit the United States in 2013. Previously, the two had traveled to China at the same time in 2012 to visit a Crops Research Institute. Some of the people they met in China were members of the Chinese delegation that visited the United States in 2013.
Zhang, worked as an agricultural seed breeder for Company A since 2008.
Stolen seeds were delivered to members of the Chinese delegation during the delegation’s visit to the United States July 16 through August 7, 2013.
Yan, who worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a rice geneticist at the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, picked up the Chinese delegation from a motel in Stuggart, Ark., on July 22, 2013, and took them to the center.
Seeds similar to what were found in the delegation’s possession as they left the United States in August 2013, were also found in Zhang’s residence on December 11, 2013.
If convicted, Zhang and Yan face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas City Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Kansas State senior defensive back Ty Zimmerman was named to the USA Today All-America team, the publication has announced.
Zimmerman, who earned second team honors, picked up All-America honors for the second-straight season. Last year, the Junction City, Kan., product was a Second Team All-American by CBSSports.com, recorded third team honors from the Associated Press and was an honorable mention selection by Sports Illustrated.
A two-time team captain, Zimmerman logged 69 tackles in 10 games in 2013 to go along with three tackles for loss and three interceptions. He returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns to lead the Big 12 and tie for second nationally in that department. He has 13 career interceptions to tie for third in school history, while his 221 career interception-return yards rank second.
Earlier this week, Zimmerman was named an All-Big 12 First Team performer by both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press. His designations made him the first player in school history to garner four-straight all-conference accolades, while he is one of just four Big 12 defensive backs to earn four All-Big 12 honors with at least one of those being a first-team designation.
Kansas State travels to Tempe, Ariz., to take on Michigan in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, December 28, at Sun Devil Stadium. The game kicks off at 9:15 p.m. (CT) and will be televised to a national audience on ESPN. Fans can order tickets through the K-State Athletics Ticket office online at www.k-statesports.com/tickets or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS. Fans are strongly encouraged to order through K-State’s official allotment to ensure that all Wildcat fans are seated in the official K-State sections of the stadium.
(AP) — Wearing a light blue Sporting Kansas City scarf, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback said he’s proud of the state’s first team to win a major professional sports championship.
Brownback said Thursday that winning the Major League Soccer title put the Kansas City region firmly in the center of the United States soccer map.
Sporting KC defeated Real Salt Lake on penalty kicks to claim its second MLS title.
The governor says there could be more soccer on the way with Sporting KC’s owners working with U.S. Soccer to bring a national training and coaching development center to the area.
Brownback says he is also still waiting for his honey and taffy that was promised in a friendly wager with Utah’s Gov. Gary Herbert on the outcome of the MLS championship game.
The last time farmers and ranchers in Kansas were surveyed, over two thirds of all
crop and pasture land was leased and most producers had at least three landlords that they
deal with. Needless to say there are lots of different lease arrangements, and many
factors to consider and places where misunderstandings can happen. Additionally, many leases are still oral leases that are “signed” with a handshake.
One of the best ways to create a better understanding between tenant and landlord in most cases is to have a written lease. Having a written lease causes many topics to be discussed that otherwise might not. These would include, but are not limited to:
Hunting/fishing rights
Recreation access
Payment due dates
Termination procedures
In addition to the previously mentioned items a written pasture lease for example can spell out responsibilities of both parties in regards to:
Care of fences
Noxious weed control
Water supply maintenance
Grazing capacity restrictions and beginning and ending date of grazing season
A bonus of a written lease is that it documents the terms of the business relationship in case the contract is questioned, this can be especially important if the land changes hands.
Obviously, it is not necessary to have a written lease in order to have good communication between tenant and landlord but it can be helpful in spelling things out and avoiding misunderstandings and hard feelings. There may be some cases when introducing the possibility of implementing a written lease might damage the business relationship. Regardless of whether you have a written lease or not, make sure those lines of communication are kept open.
If you have questions about leases or leasing contact your local K-State Research & Extension County Office.
Kansas Lease Law
The following summarizes some of the provisions of the Kansas lease law.
1) In 2002 the law was changed so that the same termination date (March 1) and notification procedures apply to pastures, hay ground and cropland.
2) For non-written leases of pastures and cropland, notice to terminate must be given in writing at least 30 days prior to March 1 and fix tenancy termination date on March 1.
3) For fall seeded crops notice to terminate must be given in writing at least 30 days prior to March 1 and fix tenancy termination date on March 1.
Tenant has right to harvest crop, tenancy will terminate after harvest or August 1 whichever occurs first.
4) Recent Legal Ruling (2000): If notice is given early, BEFORE any field work starts for wheat crop in the fall, then lease is terminated on the following March 1.
5) Written lease termination notice terms will supersede state law for oral leases.
6) IF prior to termination notice, Tenant has tilled, applied or furnished fertilizers, herbicides, or pest control substances & has NOT planted the crop, THEN the Landowner must pay the tenant a fair and reasonable value of those services furnished.
7) Tenants Are NOT Allowed Compensation for Land Improvements UNLESS Otherwise Stated in a Written Lease
8) Unpaid Rent is an Automatic Lien on Crops.
9) With a crop share lease, a RENTAL LEIN attaches to the landowner’s share of the crop. The landowner must file to perfect this lien.
10) If Tenant Dies, the lease is terminated, no notice to the tenant’s heirs is necessary.
11) If Landowner Dies, heirs assume the lease.
12) If property sells, lease goes with property. If landlord fails to disclose lease to new owner they are responsible for making tenant whole.
As with all laws, lease laws are subject to change from legislative action or interpretation from judicial review. Consultation with a legal professional may be necessary. A KSRE publication on “Kansas Agriculture Lease Law” is available on our web site at www.ellis.ksu.edu
More detailed information on leasing arrangements, leasing guides to develop a written lease and further leasing information can be found on the K-State Research and Extension Ag Economics web site at www.agmanager.info
Hays City Firefighter Tim Detrixhe donates his blood Thursday morning during “Battle of the Badges.”
It’s “the gift that means something.”
The 11th annual community blood drive “Battle of the Badges” kicked off this morning at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th Street, in Hays.
It’s a friendly competition between law enforcement, fire departments and EMS in Ellis County.
Hays mayor Kent Steward read a proclamation thanking the emergency responders for what they do and encouraging eligible community members to donate blood December 12-31.
“The idea is to increase the amount of blood donated during the winter months, traditionally a time of year when blood donations are seriously low,” says donor recruitment representative Catherine Younger. “Anyone can participate and vote for their favorite civil servant.”
EMS leads the competition with five wins, the Fire Department has three wins and Law Enforcement has two.
Hays City Firefighter Tyler Brungardt (center) rests after his blood donation. He’s a longtime donor nearing the 1.5 gallons mark. Lucas Everett (right) offers moral support to his fellow firefighters. He’ll be eligible to donate December 20.
This year, donors also have a chance to win His and Her Watches donated by Diamond R Jewelry.
To make an appointment for a blood donation during Battle of the Badges, or any time, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The winner’s trophy will be presented during a Fort Hays State University basketball game next month.
Hays mayor Kent Steward reads a proclamation supporting the 11th annual “Battle of the Badges.”
(AP) — Purchases of two large parcels of land in northeast and southeast Kansas have been placed on hold over concerns about the timing of the sales and lack of legislative input.
The state finance council delayed its decision Thursday after several legislators on the council said some of their colleagues questioned the purchases for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.
One of the parcels is located near Tuttle Creek Reservoir in Pottawatomie County and is adjacent to land already owned by the state. The second is located in Cherokee County near the Oklahoma border, also near land already owned by the state.
Legislators say they will take up the land purchases soon after the 2014 session begins in January to get more answers.
Fundraising efforts are underway for the family of a man recovering from a serious car accident. Kurt Dinkel of Palco was critically injured in a car accident on November 1st in which he suffered a broken neck and a herniated disc. His daughter Danielle Schumacher told Hays Post that he has been in the ICU in Wichita until this week.
On Monday, December 9th Dinkel was transported to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, NE. Currently he is not able to walk, but as his rehabilitation and physical therapy continues in Nebraska, he will have a better chance of gaining full body functionality.
To enter into the rehab program, the family had to pay $80,000 up front, which covers the cost for 4 to 6 weeks. Schumacher says that doctors are estimating that it could take up to 6 months for Dinkel to have his best chance at walking. Dinkel, who along with his wife Ginger do not have insurance, have had to pay out of pocket for most expenses so far. With limited funds available, Dinkel could be forced to leave the rehab program much sooner than 6 months.
That’s where a Hays resident stepped in. Amanda Manning, a friend of the family, began an online fundraising effort via a Facebook event, The Online Auction/Fundraiser for Kurt Dinkel’s Medical expenses. Around 30 people donated goods and services to be auctioned off with all proceeds going towards Dinkel and his family. Manning said that fundraising efforts have exceeded $4000 between the auction and a website set up to collect donations, and the total continues to climb.
Manning added that while the goal is to keep Dinkel in rehab for as long as possible to give him the best chance at walking again, steps are being taken to prepare for the alternative. Specifically, some individuals are seeking donations of wood, building supplies, and gift cards from home improvement stores to help make the Dinkel home handicap accessible.
The online auction continues through December 15th. Schumacher said that while family faces a long road ahead, they are grateful for the support from the area and hopeful for the future.
“We just want to get him home. He has three grandkids, he wants to play with them again. He just wants to get back to where he was. He’s a hard working guy…We appreciate all the help.”
Source: United Health Foundation The percentage of Kansans who are obese has climbed from 13 percent in 1990 to 30 percent this year. “Obesity” is considered having a body mass index of 30 or higher.
Kansas is slipping in a widely publicized annual health ranking as its residents grow fatter.
The report puts Kansas as the 27th healthiest in the nation in the rankings released today by the United Health Foundation, which has published its annual “America’s Health Rankings” report each years since 1990.
And the report makes one trend clear: Kansans are getting fatter faster than the residents of most other states.
Seven years ago, less than 24 percent of Kansans were obese, placing the state among the least obese in the nation. That year, Kansas was ranked 17th healthiest in the nation.
This year, according to the report, nearly 30 percent of adult Kansans are obese. Only 13 states are fatter and most are in the South and Midwest.
Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi have the highest obesity rates, in excess of 34 percent of their populations. Colorado has the lowest obesity rate: 20.5 percent.
Dr. Tony Sun — market medical director for UnitedHealthcare Heartland States — said that while Kansas slipped relative to other states in obesity rates, it has shown improvement in other areas.
“While 2013 marks the first time since 1998 that America did not get worse in this key metric (obesity), Kansas did fall a bit here,” Sun said.
But, he said, “Kansas was among five states with the most significant change in smoking rates among adults, dropping from 22.0 percent in 2012 to 19.4 percent this year.”
Another bright spot is that more Kansans are physically active.
“In the past year, the prevalence of physically inactive adults decreased almost four full percentage points,” Sun said. “However, almost 490,000 adults are still physically inactive in the state, which no doubt contributes to the state’s high rate of obesity.”
Sun said changing the course of health in Kansas and the U.S. is “very much in our own hands.”
“Fifty percent of a person’s health status is a result of behavior. So at the end of the day, while it seems simple, it’s about grabbing a banana instead of a doughnut for a snack. And quitting smoking. And going for a 30 minute walk instead of parking yourself on the couch after work. It’s the collective result of making healthy decisions that can bring about big changes to population health,” he said.
Other challenges facing Kansas, according to the report:
Low per capita public health funding
Low immunization coverage among children and adolescents
The three strengths cited by the report were:
Low rate of drug deaths
High rate of high school graduation
Few poor mental or physical sick days per month
Obesity
The report’s authors said obesity is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.
“Obesity is one of the greatest health threats currently facing the United States. It contributes significantly to a variety of serious diseases including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, certain cancers, as well as poor general health.”
While obesity rates nationally have been leveling off, the percentage of obese Kansans could double in the next 15 years or so, according to a recent analysis.
Adults are considered obese if their body mass index is 30 or higher.
A report commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that if Kansas could lower its collective body mass index by 5 percent, it likely would save 7.7 percent in health care costs — almost $6 billion — between now and 2030.–-KHI News
Due to unexpected repairs being done in front of Wilson school, no students or visitors will be able to use the main entrance Friday morning, 12/13. The east end of the …parking lot will also be blocked. All parents and visitors must enter through the west doors.
Fundraising efforts are underway for the family of a man recovering from a serious car accident. Kurt Dinkel of Palco was critically injured in a car accident on November 1st in which he suffered a broken neck and a herniated disc. His daughter Danielle Schumacher told Hays Post that he has been in the ICU in Wichita until this week.
