Holly Dickman tells us what we should be looking for to identify drought stress in trees.
Month: May 2014
Supreme Court favors prayer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says prayers that open town council meetings do not violate the Constitution even if they routinely stress Christianity.
The court said in 5-4 decision Monday that the content of the prayers is not critical as long as officials make a good-faith effort at inclusion.
The ruling was a victory for the town of Greece, N.Y., outside of Rochester.
In 1983, the court upheld an opening prayer in the Nebraska legislature and said that prayer is part of the nation’s fabric, not a violation of the First Amendment. Monday’s ruling was consistent with the earlier one.
Kansas women form political group to seek changes
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A group of Kansas women have formed an organization to work to change leadership of state government, starting with defeating Gov. Sam Browback and Secretary of State Kris Kobach in November.
The Wichita Eagle reports that Women for Kansas was founded in Wichita as a grassroots group that cuts across political, racial, cultural and economic boundaries.
Laura Dungan is a member of the group and says women’s issues have moved backward in Topeka. The group hopes to reverse the trend by working to defeat Brownback and Kobach, both Republicans.
Officials with Brownback and Kobach’s campaigns defend their achievements since being elected in 2010, including efforts to improve the economy, lower taxes and increase funding for schools under recent legislation signed in to law.
Learning the community by serving the community
As have many directors before me, I am asked to represent the Chamber membership on various community committees. I consider these requests to be an important role in serving the community; it’s another way your Chamber membership is actively working toward fulfilling our mission of a better and prosperous business economy.
I’ve had the pleasure of assisting with the research and analysis of the school district’s facilities needs, as well as offering leadership with Oktoberfest, Festival of Faith and many other groups.
Most recently, I served on the Fort Hays State University presidential national search committee, charged with finding Dr. Edward Hammond’s replacement after his nearly 28 years at the helm.
After six months of receiving and reviewing applications, the committee invited five candidates to campus in April. Not only did the committee view this as a time to better know each finalist, we recognized this as our chance to share more about Hays and FHSU’s accomplishments. I’ve personally escorted each candidate around, providing a high-level city tour. For those bringing along his or her spouse, I’ve spent additional quality time showing off our city.
Viewing the community through these visitors’ perspectives made me even more proud of our town’s accomplishments. Scene after scene, I pointed out examples of where public and private entities forged together to make progress where needed. Whether it was developing student housing; combining learning centers with tourist destinations such as Sternberg Museum; or offering joint economic development solutions such as the proposed Convention Center, all depict healthy partnerships and collaboration.
At the newsletter’s press time, no candidate has been selected, but I am so honored to be part of this historic experience. More importantly, this Chamber’s involvement secures a quality connection with the future FHSU President.
When the business community partners with FHSU, all of Hays and our neighbors reap the benefits by having a stronger local economy.
Tammy Wellbrock is executive director of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
Warm Sunday, but not record-setting
Forecasts called for record heat on Sunday — and while it certainly was warm for an early May day, a 105-year record still stands.
According to the Kansas State Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Ave., the high on Sunday reached 89 degrees.
That’s a far cry from the 96-degree day recorded in 1909. The record low was 29 degree in 1944.
Despite new radar, SE Kansas remains in blind spot
JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — An E-F2 tornado that left mounds of debris, twisted metal and hanging power lines along a two-block-wide path through Baxter Springs, Kansas, last month wasn’t big enough to be detected by a new radar at the National Weather Service office in Springfield.
Moments before the April 27 tornado damaged more than 100 homes and businesses in Baxter Springs, the weather service in Tulsa, Oklahoma, detected a tornado in Quapaw, six miles to the south.
The Joplin Globe reports new dual-polarization radar installed in Springfield and Tulsa has greatly enhanced forecasters’ ability to detect tornados. But even with the technology there’s a blind spot in southeast Kansas because of the curvature of the earth.
That makes trained weather spotters even more critical in providing early warning when severe storms approach.
9-12 Language Arts Teacher-WaKeeney
Trego Community High School is seeking a full-time 9-12 Language Arts Teacher.
Supplementals may be available.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Interested applicants may download an application at https://www.tregoeagles.com; you may contact the district office for an application at 785-743-2145; or contact us by mail at 527 Russell Ave., WaKeeney, KS 67672. You will also need to submit a transcript and credential file.
Submit completed application packet to
USD #208
527 Russell Ave
WaKeeney, KS 67672
USD 208 is an EOE.
Building upgrades, firefighting gear on county agendas
The Ellis County Commission will have a pair of meetings Monday.
A special meeting to continue the discussions of building upgrades countywide will convene at 4 p.m. at the Ellis County Courthouse.
The agenda includes discussion with the county’s architect on the proposed EMS/Rural Fire building project.
At 5 p.m. Monday, the regular session of the commission will begin, with topics ranging from the approval of refund warrants and tax rolls adjustments to consideration of revamped policies covering reimbursement for meals and mileage.
Commissioners also will consider the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus kits for Ellis County Rural Fire.
Due to lower ongoing maintenance costs in the form of batteries and improved range of vision for firefighters wearing the gear, Rural Fire Director Dick Klaus is recommending the county purchase the packs from Hays Fire & Rescue Sales and Service.
Hays Fire and Rescue submitted a bid for the packs of $188,000, while the low bidder was Conrad Fire Department, with a bid of just more than $165,000.
The warranties on the Hays Fire and Rescue units also is up to 15 years for some components, compared to five years for the Conrad units.
For a complete agenda for the regular meeting, click HERE.
FHSU softball misses out on tournament bid
A 1-2 showing at the MIAA tournament coupled with Southern Arkansas winning the Great America Conference tournament to secure an automatic bid has kept the Fort Hays State softball team out of the NCAA national tournament.
The Tigers found out Monday morning they are not one of the eight teams selected to participate in the Central Regional which begins Friday in Winona and Mankato, Minnesota.
Emporia State is the No. 3 seed and they will take on six-seed and defending champion Central Oklahoma in the first round. Missouri Western is the five seed and they take on No. 4 seed Augustana (SD).
The Tigers, who hosted the regional last year, finish the season 29-20.
HPD activity log, May 2 to 4
The Hays Police Department conducted 25 traffic stops Friday, 20 on Saturday and 17 on Sunday, according to the HPD activity log. The department also responded to 28 animal calls over the three-day period.
May 2
False/altered ID, 100 block West Seventh, 12:26 a.m.
Noise disturbance, 400 block West Fifth, 2:41 a.m.
Water use violation, 300 block West 22nd, 7:51 a.m.
Assist, 300 block East 21st, 6:30 a.m.
Lost animals, Hays, 7:38 a.m.
Criminal damage to property, 500 block Walnut, 6:15 a.m.
Water use violation, 2300 block General Custer, 9:45 a.m.
Noise disturbance, 400 block East Fifth, 9:56 a.m.
Civil dispute, 400 block Agnew, 10:23 a.m.
Abandoned vehicle, 2200 block Main, 10:34 a.m.
Water use violation, 1700 block Felten, 11:17 a.m.
Phone/mail scam, 3400 block Summer, 10:56 a.m.
Animal call, 2500 block Marjorie, 11:49 a.m.
Motor vehicle accident, Sixth and Walnut, 12:21 p.m.
Welfare check, 1500 block East 17th, 12:25 p.m.
Civil dispute, 500 block West 12th, 1:29 p.m.
Found/lost property, 4100 block Vine, 3:32 p.m.
Motor vehicle accident, 33rd and Vine, 3:47 p.m.
Document service, 1200 block Pine, 4:02 p.m.
Civil dispute, 1400 block East 29th, 4:04 p.m.
Child in need of care, 100 block West 12th, 5:53 p.m.
Civil dispute, 1100 block Amhurst, 6:15 p.m.
Battery, 400 block Milner, 7:10 p.m.
Lost animals, 500 block East 14th, 9 p.m.
Disturbance, 2800 block Canal, 9:24 p.m.
Motor vehicle accident/DUI, 100 block East 11th, 9:50 p.m.
Driving under the influence, 300 block West Seventh, 11:01 p.m.
Telephone harassment, 1700 block Vine, 11:43 p.m.
May 3
Driving under the influence, 500 block Main, 2:28 a.m.
Driving under the influence, Eighth and Ash, 2:37 a.m.
Criminal damage to property, 300 block Ash, 3:17 a.m.
Motor vehicle accident/private property, 2200 block Canterbury, 7:37 a.m.
Water use violation, 4090 block East 20th, 7:52 a.m.
Motor vehicle accident/private property, 2300 block East 15th, noon
Harassment, 100 block West 18th, 1:33 p.m.
Child in need of care, 1600 block Allen, 1:52 p.m.
Lost animals, 2100 block Milner, 1:48 p.m.
Lost animals, 100 block West 36th, 1:58 p.m.
Abandoned vehicle, 1300 block Dechant, 3:07 p.m.
Drug offenses, 700 block East Sixth, 3:07 p.m.
Animal tethering violation, 1300 block Canterbury, 3:14 p.m.
Criminal damage to property, 500 block East Fourth, 3:20 p.m.
Criminal damage to property, 600 block East Seventh, 3:30 p.m.
Driving under the influence, 800 block Walnut, 4:16 p.m.
Animal at large, 400 block West Sixth, 4:17 p.m.
Animal at large, 32nd and Skyline, , 4:12 p.m.
Animal at large, 1200 block East 32nd, 4:47 p.m.
Animal call, 400 block West 24th, 5 p.m.
Animal cruelty/neglect, 4300 block Vine, 5:08 p.m.
Shoplifting, 4300 block Vine, 6:16 p.m.
Disorderly conduct, 2700 block Colonial, 6:30 p.m.
Disorderly conduct, 2200 block Main, 10:18 p.m.
Telephone harassment,1300 block Holmes, 11:09 p.m.
May 4
Noise disturbance, 200 block West Fifth, 12:23 a.m.
Disorderly conduct, 500 block West Seventh, 1:53 a.m.
Animal call, 300 block West Seventh, 1:44 a.m.
Disorderly conduct, 500 block West Seventh, 2:11 a.m.
Disorderly conduct, 500 block West Seventh, 2:20 a.m.
Theft, 400 block Ash, 2:29 a.m.
Noise disturbance, 400 block Ash, 2:54 a.m.
Vehicle burglary, 3600 block Vine, 6:30 a.m.
Animal at large, 2700 block Country Lane, 8:30 a.m.
Criminal transport, Larned, 9:44 a.m.
Dead animal call, 1200 block East 27th, 9:53 a.m.
Found/lost property, 1900 block Main, 9:56:14 a.m.
Suspicious person, 3300 block Canal, 1:12 p.m.
Suspicious activity, 2800 Augusta, 1:15 p.m.
Burglary/vehicle, 1900 block Vine, 1:30 p.m.
Lost animals, 2500 block East 21st, 4:14 p.m.
Water use violation, 2200 block Henry, 5:23 p.m.
Water use violation, 160 block East 27th Street Terrace, 5:26 p.m.
Animal at large, 2000 block Patio, 6:08 p.m.
Animal call, 1700 block MacArthur, 7:11 p.m.
Noise disturbance, 1300 block East 33rd, 7:47 p.m.
Water use violation, 2100 block Lincoln, 8 p.m.
Abandoned vehicle, 2700 block Augusta, 8:26 p.m.
Smith Co. cabin where state song written to be dedicated
ATHOL (AP) — The north-central Kansas cabin where the iconic song “Home on the Range” was written more than 140 years ago is restored and open to visitors, although more work is planned before it is dedicated in October.
The cabin, built in 1872, was once home to Brewster Higley, a frontier doctor who wrote a poem that later was put to music and became “Home on the Range,” the state song of Kansas.
It is located near the Nebraska border in Smith County.
The Wichita Eagle reports the cabin was in ruins in 2011. A grassroots effort raised more than $113,000 to restore it and install nature walks and other amenities.
For now, the cabin is bare but supporters plan to add some furniture before Flag Day June 14.
HaysMed Foundation raises money for new radiation equipment (VIDEO)
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Imagine cancer radiation treatment that greatly reduces the number of times a patient needs to undergo treatment and the length of those treatments reduced from 45 minutes to two minutes.
That’s the power of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy.
The HaysMed Foundation kicked off a $1.3 million fundraising campaign Friday toward the cost of replacing the hospital’s current 14-year-old linear accelerator.
“With SBRT,” explained Dr. Babu Prasad, HaysMed radiation oncologist, “we are able to pinpoint higher doses of radiation therapy to the tumor and get more accurate results than ever before”:
Prasad and his family made opened the fundraiser with a $100,000 pledge to the campaign.
Dr. John Jeter, HaysMed president and CEO, said the total cost of the SBRT project is approximately $3 million.
“Our foundation has offered to raise private funds toward the cost of the equipment. Once the initial funds are raised, the balance will be paid by HaysMed,” Jeter said.
Donations for the campaign can be made online at www.haysmedfoudnation.org/envision.
Representative government? Not in this year’s Kansas budget
The Kansas Legislature passed the state budget early Saturday, and while that’s probably a good thing, there is this little procedural business in getting it passed that is troubling.
In combination with the clock and weariness of legislators, the state’s budget for the coming fiscal year was essentially written by four people. Yes, just four people.
There are still 40 senators and 125 state representatives, and the House and Senate have budget committees that consider the budget bills they send to the full House and Senate for debate. Sounds pretty orderly.
But this year for the first time, the House passed a budget whose provisions never spent a minute being debated by the full House. The budget—as it was presented to the House—was assembled by two Republican senators and two Republican representatives, and sent to the full House for a simple up-or-down vote. That’s it.
The Senate earlier this spring passed a complete budget bill that established the chamber’s position on how to spend taxpayers’ money. The House never did. Instead, the House agreed to a conference committee report—that’s the product of what became two House and two Senate leadership-appointed negotiators’ views on the budget. Democrats on the conference committee were jettisoned by an agree-to-disagree motion that made them unnecessary to pass the final conference committee report to each chamber.
Once the conference committee report reached each chamber, it was “yes,” pass it and go home or “no,” don’t pass it and sit around while a new spending package is assembled.
Is this under-the-Dome stuff? Yes, but it’s also Kansas government. Most Kansans’ legislators didn’t get a chance to propose amendments or spending that might be good for their constituents.
Seems a little less-than representative government, but in Kansas Republicans have strong majorities in both the House and Senate, and conservatives among the Republicans have strong majorities within their party in both chambers.
And, if Democrats, or maybe short people, had majorities it’s hard to believe that they wouldn’t use the same, if relatively unsettling, tactics to put together a budget they want. If you have the votes, you can pretty well determine what happens. No doubt about that.
And, this is the second year of a budget cycle and most of this budget bill was tune-ups to financing government that couldn’t be foreseen last year. Things change and most of the new budget was making more than 100 small tweaks to the year-old budget.
But there is this business about the House approving on a take it or leave it basis a budget that most of the members didn’t have any chance to offer amendments to, or at least to debate in a manner that might see their views included.
Now, the dollars and cents probably got to agencies and programs that need the money but the process was a little unsettling for long-time Legislature-watchers. House members who wanted little changes didn’t get a chance to propose them on behalf of their constituents.
Not-quite schoolbook representative government, but it worked, and the budget is passed, the legislative session was adjourned faster than any in the past 40 years and legislators are back home again. That may be good enough…
Syndicated by Hawver News Co. of Topeka, Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report. To learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit www.hawvernews.com.