FHSU University Relations

‘Tis the season for ribbons, packages, boxes and bows, and it is also the season of wrapping up Fort Hays State University’s “I Fed the Tiger” campaign.

The FHSU Foundation announced in a news release Wednesday that this year’s original goal of $40,000 was reached only two weeks into the campaign, proving that “I Fed The Tiger” is gaining both recognition and momentum.

The Foundation has tied up the 2014 effort with the biggest bow yet — a record-breaking campaign. This year’s campaign raised $48,985 thanks to the generosity of FHSU alumni and friends and the work of matching corporate sponsors.

The campaign concluded on Dec. 8 after a six-week run. Raising nearly half of the campaign’s matching dollars in the first five days, it brought in 27 percent more funds for student organizations, athletic teams, academic departments and named scholarships than last year, making this the most successful social-media-based campaign FHSU has ever completed.

In just five days the Tiger Impact column, which supports named scholarship funds, filled its match. The Campus Life column, which supports student organizations such as the Rodeo Club, the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association, and the Fort Hays Honor Society, quickly followed and raised more than $6,000 in just six days. The Campus Life column filled its matching dollars just a week after the campaign began. This allowed for student groups to raise twice as much for their organization, thanks to generous local sponsors.

“This campaign was a great way for you to be a part of the success of our Tiger Nation,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, FHSU president. “Thanks to our sponsors and all of you who fed the Tiger.”

Each of the sponsors agreed to match dollar-for-dollar any gift up to $100. The following sponsors made FHSU a priority and were the champions who made this thriving campaign possible: Baconrind Appraising Services, the Brian Ruder Agency, Gutierrez Cocina Mexicana & Trio Tap House, the Meckenstock Group, Midwest Energy, Coldwell Banker Executive Realty, and Haselhorst Construction, all of Hays, and Pishny Financial Services and Western Irrigation of Garden City.

“I am beyond excited to see this campaign take off and really make a splash,” said Leanna Roberts, director of annual giving at the FHSU Foundation. “It’s incredible that in only five years our ‘I Fed the Tiger’ campaign has doubled in the amount of sponsors available and the amount of support raised. This campaign allows, for example, Fort Hays State University students to attend a conference or a department to purchase a new piece of equipment that they may have not been able to otherwise. It comes to show what an unbelievable backing we have here in Tiger Nation; our alumni and community should be very proud!”

Roberts thanked students, educators and staff on behalf of FHSU and the Foundation for their generosity and commitment. She said the campaign simply wouldn’t be possible without their support, and with the awareness and popularity of the campaign growing so rapidly, the 2015 campaign will surely be just as exciting.

By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners are scheduled to vote on moving the city of Hays water status from “Water Watch” to “Normal” at their meeting Thursday night.

According to Utilities Director Bernie Kitten, the well levels are above the “watch levels” and it is “highly unlikely” levels will reach a watch status in 2015. Also, the current drought forecast does not predict a drought for the city over the next three months. If the commission decides to move out of a watch, the same restrictions will stay in place. The drought response plan allows commissioners to preemptively move in and out of the various stages based on projections. City staff is recommending the commission move out of the watch.

Commissioners will also discuss submitting the final application for a $4.50 Passenger Facilitation Charge at Hays Regional Airport. The fee would be attached to every originating ticket from the Hays Regional Airport. Revenues would be used to fund capital projects at the airport, including the rehabilitation of the crosswind runway and terminal renovations and expansion currently underway. According to agenda materials, if approved, the fee could be in place by Feb. 1 and has the potential to generate approximately $58,000 each year.

Other agenda items include

• Authorizing a one-time 2 percent bonus for members of the International Association of Firefighters for 2015. The city and the IAFF were at impasse since June, but recently, came to an agreement on the bonus. It is the same wage agreement members of the SEIU and the Fraternal Order of Police.

• Adopting the 2015 job classification and pay plan. City staff is recommends continuing the existing plan while giving all city employees a one-time 2 percent pay increase.

Click HERE for a complete agenda for Thursday’s meeting, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler, is continuing the tradition of visiting each of the First District’s 63 counties each year. So far, Huelskamp has completed over 260 town halls during his time in office.

“Now more than ever before the voice of the American people is needed in Washington. These town halls allow me the opportunity to continue to be the voice of the people as a strong representative for the Big First,” Huelskamp said.

Below is the Town Hall Schedule:

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

9:30am
Sheridan County Town Hall
Oscar’s
845 Main Street, Hoxie

11:15am
Graham County Town Hall
First State Bank Basement
101 E. Cherry Street, Hill City

1:15pm
Rush County Town Hall
Walnut Creek Extension Office
702 Main Street, La Crosse

Thursday, December 18, 2014

9:30 AM
Grant County Town Hall
Pioneer Electric
1850 W Oklahoma Ave, Ulysses

11:00 AM
Stanton County Town Hall
County Fare Restaurant
105 S Main, Johnson City

1:00 PM
Morton County Town Hall
Elkhart City Hall
433 Morton St, Elkhart

3:00 PM
Stevens County Town Hall
Stevens County Senior Center
624 S Main, Hugoton

The Hays Police Department conducted eight traffic stops and received five animal calls on Wednesday, Dec. 10, according to the HPD activity log.

Motor Vehicle Accident, 22nd and General Hays, 7:54 a.m.
Burglary/business, 1200 block East 27th, 8:04 a.m.
Civil Transport, 2700 Augusta, 8:49 a.m.
Animal Cruelty/Neglect, 3600 block Vine, 10:30 a.m.
Harassment, 1000 block West 28th, 12:27 p.m.
Theft, 4300 block Vine, 1:11 p.m.
Shoplifting, 4300 block Vine, 1:42 p.m.
Theft, 3700 block Vine, 2:22 p.m.
Animal Call, 400 block West 37th, 3:57 p.m.
Juvenile Complaint, 1000 block Reservation, 4:57 p.m.
Civil Dispute, 100 block Burgandy, 6:30 p.m.
Driving While Suspended/Revoked, 700 block East Eighth, 9:22 p.m.
Abandoned Vehicle, 500 block Halladay, 9:23 p.m.
Abandoned Vehicle, 500 block West 37th, 10:18 p.m.
Warrant Service/Failure to Appear, 500 block West Seventh, 10:57 p.m.
Abandoned Vehicle, 3300 block Willow, 11:06 p.m.

Expect a prolonged period of low clouds, fog, and periods of drizzle through the weekend as a cool and very moist airmass moistens even further ahead of the next storm system. The next storm will provide the area with rain beginning early Sunday morning. A few isolated thunderstorms will be possible across south central Kansas. Rain will change to snow Sunday Night from west to east. Snowfall accumulations will depend on the strength and track of the low, but at least light snow accumulations appear likely, especially across far west central Kansas during the day Monday.

Today Areas of dense fog before 11am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 46. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Tonight A chance of drizzle after 3am. Areas of dense fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind around 7 mph.

Friday Drizzle, mainly after 7am. Widespread dense fog, mainly after 7am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 54. South wind 7 to 13 mph.

Friday Night Drizzle. Widespread dense fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 50. South wind around 11 mph.

Saturday Drizzle. Widespread dense fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 59. South wind 11 to 16 mph.

Saturday Night Drizzle. Widespread fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 48.

Sunday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday Night Rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday A chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 40%.