February 2014 – Page 69 – Hays Post Archive

Now That’s Rural: Brenda Edleston, TRAC-7

Posted on February 6, 2014

By RON WILSON
Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

A crime has been committed. The team of analysts is hard at work, extracting DNA from crime scene evidence. Is this a high tech lab at the FBI? Or maybe a scene from a Hollywood CSI show? No, none of the above. In this case, the crime was that somebody stole the cookies. The team of analysts is a group of students from rural Kansas. They are using real-world science on this project and learning a lot in the process.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Brenda Edleston is dean of the Geary County campus of Cloud County Community College. A lifelong educator, she was a teacher and administrator in Arkansas before coming to Kansas. Her husband, Rob Edleston, is president of Manhattan Area Technical College.

In 2006, Brenda came to the Geary County campus of Cloud County Community College and worked her way up to become dean. The campus in Junction City has been there since 1996. The central office for Cloud County Community College is in the rural community of Concordia, population 5,548 people. Now, that’s rural.

In 2010, the college joined a project called TRAC-7. TRAC is an acronym for Technical Retraining to Achieve Credentials. The 7 refers to the seven educational institutions that came together in this project: Washburn Institute of Technology, Cloud County Community College, Dodge City Community College, Salina Area Technical College, Garden City Community College, Flint Hills Technical College, and Highland County Community College.

This consortium received a $19.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration to help build a more skilled workforce statewide.

“They were looking for institutions with unique programs,” Brenda said. Each member of the consortium brought their unique programs to the table. The grant supported providing these unique courses online as well as through specialized mobile units for hands-on training.

Altogether, the consortium includes online classes in advanced systems technology, electrical power technician, power plant technology, environmental technology, food science, risk management, and agri-biotechnology. This last one is the one from Cloud County Community College, taught by Cathy Troupe.

In addition, the TRAC-7 grant provided for mobile labs to complement the online classes with experiential learning. “Watching and doing are two different things,” Brenda noted. “Virtual participation in the classes is a precursor to the hands-on experiments in the mobile laboratory.”

So Brenda and her staff set out to design a mobile lab for the biotechnology program. “We started with a sheet of notebook paper and a ruler and a pencil with a good eraser,” Brenda said with a smile. They designed a laboratory on wheels – essentially, a camper with slide-out sides and high-tech equipment inside. New Horizons RV in Junction City was the successful bidder to construct the project.

“We were so pleased to be working with a local firm, and they have done a terrific job,” Brenda said. The mobile unit has twelve student work stations, each with linked computers and a microscope, plus two incubators and a fume hood. In this facility, students can do experiments such as extracting DNA from lab samples under the supervision of an instructor. One instructor designed a mock scenario where somebody took some cookies and the students are to analyze the DNA so as to identify the culprit. That might be useful around my house – except it would eliminate my deniability.

Currently the mobile unit is being taken around the state for demonstrations. Microbiology and biotechnology lab classes will be taught in this facility beginning in fall 2014.

“Adult learners tend to be placebound,” Brenda said. “We can broaden everybody’s opportunities if we can go to where the students are.”

For more information, go to www.cloud.edu or www.trac7.org.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at K-State Research and Extension.

‘Glee’ star, activist will help kick off FHSU Family Weekend

Posted on February 6, 2014February 6, 2014

FHSU University Relations

Lauren Potter, actress, activist and White House adviser, will kick off Fort Hays State University’s Family Weekend at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 in Fort Hays Ballroom in the Memorial Union.

Potter is most known for her portrayal of Becky Jackson, the Cheerios co-captain on the hit TV show “Glee.” A strong activist for individuals with developmental disabilities, Potter has traveled around the country to speak out against the bullying this population often faces.

Potter’s presentation is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the University Activities Board.

Throughout the weekend, Feb. 12 to 16, current FHSU students will have the opportunity to share their life on campus with family and friends while having fun. Except where otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public.

On Feb. 13, at 7 p.m., Diversity Affairs will host a showing of “The Butler” in Cody Commons, on the lower level of the Memorial Union. Based on the story of Eugene Allen, the film centers on the story of a White House butler who served eight American presidents over three decades. The film traces the dramatic changes that swept American society during this time.

The Parents Recognition Brunch will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, in the Fort Hays Ballroom. Parents of current FHSU students are invited. Dr. Edward H. Hammond, president, will recognize alumni who have students currently enrolled at FHSU during a short program at 11 a.m. Parents must RSVP by Friday by going to www.fhsu.edu/familyweekend/brunch.

Students and families can support Tiger basketball against Pittsburg State University on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

FHSU students’ brothers and sisters are also welcome to attend the Little Siblings events, beginning with craft time in the McMindes Hall 2R living room from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14. Little siblings are also invited to a movie, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2,” beginning at 7 p.m., then spend the night in the residence halls and apartment communities.

Residents must register guests with the Residence Hall Association by Friday by going to www.fhsu.edu/familyweekend/littlesibs.

Overland Park family will be honored during Family Weekend

Posted on February 6, 2014

FHSU University Relations

Fort Hays State University will honor a student’s family as part of the Family Weekend activities Feb. 15.

The Office of Persistence and Retention and the Family Engagement Committee announced that the family of Eric Hymer, Overland Park junior, has been selected as the inaugural FHSU Family of the Year.

Hymer is a marketing major and a member of the FHSU men’s soccer team. The Hymer family was selected due to their support of Eric and his endeavors as a student athlete. His parents attended almost every home soccer game as well as several away games. They refer to their trips to Hays as their “Hays getaways.” The Hymer family also volunteered at the Hays Walk MS event last spring.

“My family stands out because they went from a family that had no connections to FHSU to one that has made Hays a second home,” Hymer said. “They feel a deep connection to the university.”

The Hymer family will be recognized at the Family Weekend Parents Recognition Brunch at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 15 in the Fort Hays Ballroom on the second floor of the Memorial Union. Family members include his father, Donald, his mother, Kimberly, his sister, Megan, and his grandmother, Marilou.

Traffic stop leads to drug arrest in Russell County

Posted on February 6, 2014February 6, 2014

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

RUSSELL — A traffic stop Wednesday afternoon by a Russell County Sheriff’s deputy resulted in a man’s arrest on several drug allegations.

According to a news release today from Russell County Sheriff John Fletcher, the traffic stop was made at 4:24 p.m. in the 4000 block of 184th Street.

The male passenger matched the description of a person wanted on a Norton County warrant for failure to appear.

Numerous drug-related items reportedly were found during the traffic stop.

The deputy arrested Leo Cole Archibald, 27, for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia. Archibald also was arrested on a warrant out of Norton County.

Despite snow, drought map unchanged

Posted on February 6, 2014

drought map feb 6 — Feb. 6 U.S. Drought Monitor Kansas Map

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Kansas, released today, shows no change from one week ago.

Some sort of drought condition is present in 63.5 percent of Kansas.

Nearly 47 percent of the state, western and central Kansas, is in severe or extreme drought conditions. The rest of the state remains in either moderate drought or abnormally dry conditions.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, established in 1999, is a weekly map of drought conditions that is produced jointly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Man sentenced in shooting of Butler Co. deputy

Posted on February 6, 2014

EL DORADO, Kan. (AP) — A man convicted of shooting a south-central Kansas sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to more than 21 years in prison.

Jan Tracy Kilbourne was sentenced Thursday to 263 months in prison for shooting Butler County deputy Jacob Lawrence on Labor Day last year. Lawrence returned fire, injuring Kilbourne. The confrontation occurred in Augusta, about 15 miles east of Wichita.

Kilbourne was arrested four days later in Wichita. He was convicted last December of attempted second-degree murder.

Lawrence testified Thursday that he believed he would have died if he wasn’t wearing a bulletproof vest that day. He said he was trying to help people in a disabled vehicle and didn’t even intend to write Kilbourne a ticket.

WaKeeney considers developing new residential area

Posted on February 6, 2014February 6, 2014

WAKEENEY — WaKeeney is looking a the possible development of a new residential subdivision.

During the Jan. 21 city council meeting, members continued discussion of a proposal to relocate the north Legion baseball field to city-owned property. That would leave the area open for development.

Council members agreed more research needs to be done in how to finance the project, including grant availabilities.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE GOVERNING BODY 21 JANUARY 2014

The Governing Body of the City of WaKeeney, Kansas met in a regular session at City Hall 408 Russell Ave at 7:00 PM with the Mayor presiding and the following members present:

Mayor Kenneth Roy and Council Members Mary Jo Clevenger, Irene Dirks, Troy Leiker, Lynelle Shubert, and Allen Weigel

BEING ABSENT: None

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as written, printed and distributed.

GUESTS: Tyler Lowry, Ethan Stanton, Sonya Stanton, Kat Muench, Candy Herzog, Charlie Knoll, Terry Eberle, and Janelle Miller

CHIEF OF POLICE: Terry Eberle provided his monthly departmental report. A recent lockdown at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital and TCHS were discussed at length with the Chief of Police.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR: City Administrator Hardy Howard informed the Governing Body that the Kansas Department of Commerce has yet to announce CDBG awards and is pending completion of the federal budget.

City Administrator presented to the Governing Body revised water meter tap fees. After a review of the new rates, Mary Jo Clevenger motioned to approve the new rates. Irene Dirks seconded. Motion carried.

Ordinance #1433 repealing Chapter XIII, Article I of the WaKeeney City Code referencing sidewalks was reviewed by the Governing Body. After a discussion, Lynelle Shubert motioned to approve ordinance #1433. Troy Leiker seconded. Motion carried.

The Governing Body discussed the upcoming alley clean up that will begin in early March. Public notices will appear in the local newspaper and on cable TV.

MAYOR: Kenneth Roy discussed with the City Council an idea to place a city logo on the welcome to WaKeeney wall at S. Main Street and Barclay. No decision was made.

The Governing Body discussed further the possible relocation of the north Legion baseball field to city-owned land adjacent to the south ball fields, and then using the north field for a new residential subdivision. Grant funding and cost estimates will be explored further to determine the feasibility of the idea.

No further business appearing, the meeting was adjourned.

Kan. House panel approves gay marriage response

Posted on February 6, 2014February 6, 2014

10:39 a.m. UPDATE TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas House committee has approved a bill aimed at protecting individuals, groups and businesses that refuse for religious reasons to recognize same-sex unions or provide benefits to gay couples.

The Federal and State Affairs Committee’s voice vote Thursday sends the measure to the entire House.

The committee’s debate came amid an uncertain legal climate for states such as Kansas that ban same-sex marriage. Federal judges recently struck down bans in Oklahoma and Utah.

The bill says governmental entities cannot require individuals, businesses or religious groups to provide services, facilities, goods or employment benefits related to any marriage or domestic partnership.

Supporters say the measure will protect religious freedom.

Critics say the measure promotes discrimination and would encourage government officials to ignore court rulings favoring gay marriage.

5 a.m. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas House committee is preparing to debate legislation aimed at protecting individuals, groups and businesses that refuse for religious reasons to recognize same-sex unions or provide benefits to gay couples.

The Federal and State Affairs Committee’s meeting Thursday comes amid an uncertain legal climate for states like Kansas that ban same-sex marriage. Federal judges recently struck down bans in Oklahoma and Utah.

Supporters say the measure will protect religious freedom.

Critics say the measure promotes discrimination against gays and lesbians and encourages government officials to ignore court rulings favoring gay marriage.

Self-evaluation, activity funds among USD 489 agenda items

Posted on February 6, 2014February 6, 2014

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Superintendent Dean Katt will discuss the board’s upcoming “self-evaluation” process at USD 489’s Board of Education work session Monday.

Superintendent Dean Katt will present information and lead a discussion about the process of using a self-evaluation tool from the Kansas Association of School Boards.

According to the Kansas Association of School Board’s website, the evaluation tool is designed to help school boards identify strengths and weaknesses, assist with future planning and ensure ethical behavior.

Also on the agenda, Katt will revisit goals in the district’s strategic plan called “SMART Goals.” According to the agenda, Katt also will discuss an activity funds recommendation made in the school’s latest audit.

At the Jan. 27 school board meeting, Ken Beran of auditor Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball suggested the district consider taking a closer look at activity expenses as a way to build contingency funds. Beran pointed out many schools already were spending less than what was allotted.

Other topics include a USD 489 budget review by Katt and Business Manager Tracy Kaiser, and teachers from the Hays High Science Department will present details from their trip to the National Science Teachers Association hosted in Denver.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th.

A complete agenda is posted on the USD 489 website.

5 things to know about GI Joe as he turns 50

Posted on February 6, 2014February 6, 2014

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Five things to know about G.I. Joe, the action figure that’s turning 50 this year:

YOU SAY IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY: G.I. Joe was introduced in either February or March 1964, depending on whom you ask. Collectors and the manufacturer, Hasbro Inc., say it was February at the American International Toy Fair in New York. But fair organizers say it was held in March that year.

TOY AS TRIBUTE: Don Levine, Hasbro’s head of research and development, came up with the idea while returning home from combat as an Army infantry sergeant in the Korean War. “We protected each other and loved each other,” Levine said this week. “Something had to be done to honor these people.”

40 YEARS TO FAME: G.I. Joe hit shelves in time for Christmas 1964, going on sale for $4 apiece in boxes identifying him as “America’s Moveable Fighting Man.” It was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2004.

A DEATH AND REBIRTH: Sales sank in reaction to the Vietnam War, leading to a line “Adventure Team” G.I. Joes that played down the military connection. Production was halted in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, G.I. Joe was reintroduced as 3¾-inch figures.

PASSIONATE FAN BASE: It has an official G.I. Joe Collector’s Club, which holds an annual “GIJoeCon” convention. This year it’s in April in Dallas.

California telemarketer fined for No-Call Act violations

Posted on February 6, 2014

TOPEKA – A California auto warranty company has been fined $10,000 for violating the Kansas No-Call Act, Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced today in a news release.

“Kansans who register on the Do-Not-Call list have an expectation that telemarketers will leave them alone,” Schmidt said. “We are continuing to enforce the law against those who violate the No-Call list and are working with the legislature to strengthen the Kansas No-Call Act.”

Auto Protection Alliance, doing business as Auto Processing Center and Lead Services, agreed to a consent judgment ordering the company to pay the state $10,000 in penalties and fees for violations of the No-Call Act. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division began investigating the company in January 2013 after receiving seven complaints from consumers in Douglas, Johnson, Lyon and Miami counties.

The investigation revealed that the company had solicited Kansans by telephone, marketing their extended auto warranty products and services. Some of the Kansas consumers who were called were on the National Do-Not-Call list. The company also agreed to refrain from future violations of the act. A consent judgment ordering the fine and injunction against future violations was approved last week by Shawnee County District Judge Larry Hendricks.

Last month, Schmidt asked the Legislature to update the Kansas No-Call Act to allow his office to enforce the act against telemarketers who call consumers’ cellphones. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Utilities Committee next week.

Last year, Schmidt’s office litigated 17 cases against violators of the No-Call Act, resulting in $3.4 million in penalties and fees.

Kansans who wish to register a phone number on the Do-Not-Call list may do so by visiting www.InYourCornerKansas.org and clicking on the “Register for the Do-Not-Call List” button.

Great Bend native will help open Sochi Olympics

Posted on February 6, 2014February 6, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas native will have a front-row seat at the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. Bryan Pinkall is one of only two Americans on a 250-person team that is producing the opening ceremonies, which air Friday evening. He’s managing production operations and directing for part of the ceremony, and is one of several music directors.

The 28-year-old Pinkall is a native of Great Bend and a voice instructor at Kansas State University. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance last year.

The Kansas City Star reports Pinkall can’t reveal much of what will happen during the opening ceremonies in Russia. But he’s promising that if everything goes well, it will be an “astounding production.”

Friday the last day for FHSU clothing drive for Haiti

Posted on February 6, 2014February 6, 2014

Fort Hays State University students and the community have until Friday to lend a hand to an ongoing clothing drive for Haiti.

Drop-off locations for donations are on the FHSU campus at the Center for Student Involvement; Custer Hall, Room 202; Forsyth Library; and Cunningham Hall, Room 139.

Tigers in Service and the Center for Civic Leadership are seeking gently used shirts, jeans, shorts and shoes to be donated to children in schools and orphanages in Haiti. Coloring books, stuffed animals, book bags and school supplies also will be accepted.