SALINA- Authorities say ashes from a wood stove dumped into a garden spot started Tuesday afternoon’s Saline County grass fire.
District #5 Fire Chief David Turner said the blaze started just after 2:30 p.m. near the 2700 Block of East Riordan and moved north.
The fire burned approximately 300 acres and took crews from Saline County District 5, 7, Ottawa and Solomon almost 2 hours to bring under control.
There were no injuries.
Ever heard of Bryan Sheffield? The baby-faced tycoon enjoyed a brief blast of fame a few months ago when he became one of those rare non-tech billionaires under 40.
What ignited his rise to the ranks of Americans with money to burn? He owns a company called Parsley Energy Inc. that extracts oil and natural gas using the highly polluting technique known as fracking. Sheffield’s fortune hit the billion-dollar milestone when Parsley went public in May.
But a sudden plunge in oil prices quickly spiked the young Texan’s newfound status, trimming Sheffield’s fortune to a more modest $750 million.
You see, domestic oil production could hit 9.4 million barrels a day next year. This 42-year high, sparked by a fracking bonanza, is feeding a global glut that’s pushing oil prices down to levels not seen since 2010.
As recently as 2013, energy experts were freaking out about how “expensive” gasoline at U.S. pumps had gotten as it crossed the $4-a-gallon mark. Even though Europeans are accustomed to prices at least twice as high as ours, that problem was supposedly going to choke U.S. economic growth.
Since then, oil prices have retreated — albeit to the historically high level of about $78 a barrel. The experts are now forecasting that “cheap” gasoline prices will slink along at under $3 a gallon next year.
That’s good news for U.S. consumers, right? Since we’re spending less on gas, can’t we splurge more on gifts for our loved ones this holiday season? Aren’t we more apt to hit the road to visit grandma?
Yes, but the experts aren’t happy.
Those low prices are imperiling oil fracking operations in Texas and North Dakota. Many companies may start losing money or even go broke.
High-flying bond investor Jeffrey Gundlach says he bets oil will decline to $70 a barrel soon. After that, “It’s bye, bye fracking.”
Green-minded people like me aren’t upset about the prospect of bidding farewell to fracking. But we do see a risk that “cheap oil” will speed the pace of climate change if more consumers opt to drive gas-guzzlers or refrain from steps that might reduce their carbon footprint.
Well, maybe that won’t happen this time around. Lower prices could mean that lots of companies in the fracking business will wind up defaulting on the mountains of junk bonds they’ve issued to finance their operations.
Those companies may go out of business before oil prices recover. While Sheffield has said he plans to snatch up lots of frackers who go broke, it’s likely that the overall industry will contract.
The outlook for natural gas, most of which doesn’t get burned by vehicles, is murky too.
Another domestic glut is crimping natural gas prices. They probably won’t rebound until a maze of planned pipelines starts pumping that fracked fuel to distant markets. Massive quantities of liquified natural gas could wind up being sold in overseas markets once the right facilities are built.
If the oil and gas gluts force the drill-baby-drillers to hit the brakes, everyone should cheer. It might encourage investors to waste less money on expensive projects that ought to be invested in the fossil-free future required to avert climate chaos.
Perhaps the oddest part of this strange conversation about “cheap gas” is that prices are plunging despite the rise of the so-called Islamic State and the havoc it’s wreaking throughout the Middle East. How low would oil prices go if peace unexpectedly broke out over there?
Poor Bryan Sheffield might have to find something else to do with his money, like investing in solar or wind power.
Emily Schwartz Greco is the managing editor of OtherWords.org, a nonprofit national editorial service run by the Institute for Policy Studies.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas says it will start offering a bachelor’s degree in applied science in biotechnology.
Classes for the new degree will begin in the spring semester at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park. It will be the university’s first bachelor of applied science degree.
The university said in a news released Tuesday that the new degree program will prepare students for careers in life-sciences by bridging the gap between biology, biochemistry and clinical laboratory sciences.
The university says the Monthly Labor Review report forecasts that jobs in life, physical and social science occupations will increase by 15 percent by 2020. Kansas City is home to 200 life-science companies, including 90 contract research organizations.
By SOPHIA R. YOUNG
FHSU University Relations
A class of communication studies students at Fort Hays State University have spent the semester practicing business and professional speaking skills by preparing briefings to get various organizations involved with Operation Christmas Child.
OCC is a project part of Samaritan’s Purse, an international organization that provides physical and spiritual relief. The project collects shoebox-sized containers stuffed with basic necessities and toys then delivers them to children in need.
“I asked Catholic Disciples to partner up and split the entire cost of the box including shipping,” said Macy Becker, Garden Plain sophomore.
Becker expected a donation of only five or six boxes but now has more than 10, she said.
Nathan Briar, Newton senior and former FHSU baseball player, prepared his briefing to collect old practice baseballs. He said that with each ball donated he would donate a pack of baseball cards.
“If I can’t get the balls donated, I will still donate packs of baseball cards,” said Briar.
Once Cory Ellis, Berthoud, Colo., junior and FHSU football wide receiver, prepared his briefing, the football team donated the shoeboxes from their football cleats.
Dr. Connie Eigenmann, associate professor of communication studies at FHSU, got the business and professional speaking class involved with the OCC seven years ago when she taught it. She doesn’t teach it this semester, but she spoke to the current class and passed out rolls of wrapping paper to get the students started.
Her first year, she gathered four boxes. At one point this year, she had 600 shoeboxes in her living room. The boxes were loaded into pickup trucks as volunteers passed them out the door like “a bucket relay to put out a fire,” said Eigenmann.
Eigenmann’s home has been transformed into something similar to Santa’s workshop. There is a room to sew little dresses for girls and another to grind soap bars for all. She also has a work area for packaging and wrapping all the gifts.
Samaritan’s Purse has collected and delivered more than 113 million boxes to more than 150 countries since 1993, according to its website.
Last year, Hays collected more than 4,000. The goal for Hays this year is 23,000, which is the projected population of Hays by December, said Eigenmann. She has faith that Hays can provide a box to “represent every man, woman and child in Hays.”
Once boxes in Hays are ready, they go to “the hub,” which is Messiah Lutheran of Hays. From the hub, they go to Denver for inspection. After inspection, the boxes go to Mexico. Once all the orders are filled in Mexico, the boxes go to other countries. Donors can purchase barcodes online to track were their boxes have gone, said Eigenmann.
“Time after time these go to the right person,” said Eigenmann.
Information on donating to OCC can be found at www.samaritanspurse.org. If boxes are packed, they can be dropped off at Messiah Lutheran, 2000 Main, during collection week Nov. 17 through Nov. 24.
The Luth-terian Youth will perform the living nativity again this yea from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort, and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall.
The Living Nativity is a walk or drive-through experience, complete with live animals, cookies and cocoa. Freewill donations will be accepted to help fund the youth’s future mission trips.
Good morning everyone!
Wow! I know it’s only Wednesday, but this week has already been CRAZY and I don’t see anything letting up for a while! I just don’t understand when folks say there’s nothing happening in Ellis, because check out THIS list…
Today: Well at least it’s Hump Day and we can feel like we are making progress. Anywho … I will again be out of the office, but Shauna will be in to take care of anything you need. At 3:30p, the Alliance Board will be meeting, the Good Sam residents will be enjoying Music with Leroy this afternoon at 2;30p along with a Flex & Stretch activity at 4:30p. They will also be savoring a Cheese Tasting this evening at 6:30p. That sounds yummy to me! Don’t forget, if you signed up for the Make and Take Wreath Class tonight through the Ellis Rec, it begins at 7pm at the Library.
Thursday: The EJH will be hosting Smith Center in Basketball at both the Old and New High School Gyms. The Good Sam residents will be creating Christmas Cards at 2pm and tapping their toes to the music of Paul Flax at 6:15. I’m out in the town getting things ready for the Polar Express and Follow the Star, but Shauna will be in the office to help with anything you need.
Friday: Again, I’m out and the office will be closed this day. However, if you need me call me on my cell at 785-635-1957 and I’ll be glad to help you in any way I can. EHS will be having their winter sports Pep Rally at 9:30am to get them fired up for their first basketball game of the season. They will travel to Phillipsburg with game time at 6pm. Good Luck Railers!
Saturday is the big day with Follow the Star Christmas Craft Fair opening from 9-2p. There are 31 spots and they are ALL FILLED!!! We have great variety of products and services offered that day and you will be able to get several things crossed off that Christmas list. Heck, you may find it all! One of our new vendors is a lady bringing custom dog treat and goodies. I’m thinking Junior will have a great Christmas this year! I’m so excited that FTS is FINALLY here and I can’t wait to see that gym floor filled to the gills! Saturday evening at 6pm, bring the kids to the ball field behind the Library for the Ellis Rec’s Candy Cane Hunt! This is a great kick off to Santa’s visit at the Ellis Public Library. Polar Express rides will begin at 6:15 and run to 9-ish or until everyone gets to ride that magical train! Santa will be in the Library to visit with all the kids and Mrs. Claus has been baking up a storm getting all those cookies and hot cocoa ready to go. Penny the Penguin, Reckless the Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman will be out and about talking with the kids as well.
On Sunday, you can breathe a little to prepare for the next round of “nothing to do in Ellis,” as next week’s list is already extensive! The new LED Sign is taking shape and will soon be delivered. The old sign has been sold and will soon be leaving downtown Ellis. We will have a short transition period without a sign, but never fear, as soon as the new one is up, I’ll be happy to add your events to it! Keep watching downtown for all the new sign excitement!
Have a great day and an awesome week!
Dena Patee is executive director of the Ellis Alliance.
TAURANGA, New Zealand (AP) – The lawyer for AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has entered a not guilty plea on his behalf in a New Zealand court.
Rudd is accused of threatening to kill and of drug possession.
The judge says Rudd’s case will likely be decided by a judge, rather than a jury, sometime next year.
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FHSU University Relations
Mark Cook, PC support technician in Fort Hays State University’s Computing and Telecommunications Center, and Mitch Weber, digital imaging specialist in the university’s Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Technologies, were recognized today as the 2014 winners of the President’s Distinguished Service Awards.
The announcement was made at the university’s 27th annual Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony in the Memorial Union. FHSU President Mirta M. Martin made the presentations.
The President’s Distinguished Service Award, begun in 2007, recognizes one University Support Staff member and one member of the unclassified professional staff. The award is given for excellence and dedication and commitment to FHSU over a sustained period. Each recipient receives $500 and a certificate of appreciation.
“Since becoming a PC support technician at FHSU in 2005, Mark has helped hundreds of people with thousands of problems,” said Martin. “He is known all over campus for working long hours and for providing friendly, expert service who helps people with their problems without making them feel bad for having a problem.”
Weber, said Martin, “always finds a way to get the job done.”
“The nature of his job involves working many unusual hours and responding to requests from many people all over campus,” she said. “He never complains and always demonstrates a consummate, friendly professionalism.”
The fall 2014 winners of faculty awards for scholarship, teaching and service were also recognized at today’s celebration. Their awards were previously announced when the winners received surprise visits in their classrooms.
Kathleen Ward, associate professor of nursing, was named the winner of the fall Outstanding Teaching Award; Dr. Robert “Bob” Meier, professor of informatics, was selected for the Outstanding Scholarly Activity Award; and Eric Deneault, assistant professor of applied technology, received the Outstanding Service Award.
All three recipients received a $500 check for their accomplishments. In the spring semester, three more faculty members will be recognized for teaching, scholarly activity and service, and together with this semester’s winners will constitute the pool from which the Faculty Member of the Year will be chosen. That winner will be announced at the Fall Convocation in August. The Faculty Member of the Year Award carries a $1,000 cash prize.
Each of the four colleges of the university nominates outstanding instructors to receive the awards. Recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the respective college deans. Three winners will also be selected during the spring semester.
Award winners receive a $500 check and each is eligible for the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award announced at the Fall Convocation in August. The Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year also receives a $1,000 award, contributed by Commerce Bank.
The Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony also recognizes the service of FHSU employees. This year, 55 people were recognized for a collective 1,025 years of service to the state and university. Four people were recognized with 40-year pins; five have completed 30 years of service; 10 people were recognized for 20 years; and 24 employees received 10-year pins. The FHSU Alumni Association recognized 11 employees for 25 years of service to the university.
The awards:
40 Years
Dr. Keith Campbell, professor of sociology.
Larry Getty, director of budget and planning.
Dr. Robert Meier, professor of informatics.
Judith Pape, library specialist, Forsyth Library.
30 Years
Stan Compton, associate state director, Kansas Small Business Development Center.
Christine Gist, administrative assistant to the vice president for student affairs.
Dr. James Hohman, professor of chemistry.
Dr. Mohammad Riazi-Kermani, professor of mathematics and chair of the Department of Mathematics.
Marcia Tacha, administrative associate, University Relations.
25 Years
Barbara Bieker, accountant, Business Office .
Clara Dreiling, office assistant, Mail Center.
Connie Ernst, administrative assistant, Department of Advanced Education Programs.
Dr. Gregory Kandt, associate professor of health and human performance.
Craig Karlin, director of student financial assistance.
Dr. Michael Madden, professor of allied health and director of the medical diagnostic imaging and radiologic technology programs .
Terry Pfeifer, skilled trades supervisor, Buildings Maintenance Department.
John Ross, retired director, Forsyth Library.
Dr. David Schmidt, assistant professor of philosophy and senior director, Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Technologies.
JoAnn Tomecek, program coordinator for financial aid administration.
Gregory Walters, exhibits manager, Sternberg Museum of Natural History.
20 Years
Dr. Douglas Drabkin, associate professor of philosophy.
Joy Fuqua, director of the Off-Campus Baccalaureate Center, Dodge City.
Linda Ganstrom, professor of art and design .
Linda Garner, administrative associate, the Graduate School.
Shawn Hammerschmidt, storekeeper, Central Purchasing.
Brenda Hoopingarner, associate professor of allied health, chair of the Department of Allied Health and director of diagnostic medical sonography.
Michael Leikam, director of the Colorado Higher Education Opportunity Center, Denver.
Jackie Ruder, manager of new development, Computing and Telecommunications Center.
Dr. Steven Sedbrook, associate professor of health and human performance.
Linda Smith, instructor of English.
10 Years
Chantelle Arnold, financial assistance counselor, Student Financial Assistance.
Charmion Arthur, instructor of art and design.
Michael Barnett, vice president for administration and finance.
Sue Boldra, instructor of teacher education.
Christopher Cochran, general maintenance and repair technician, Custodial Services.
Jason Cole, security officer, University Police.
Randall Collins, general maintenance and repair technician, Kansas Wetlands Educational Center.
Dr. Timothy Davis, associate professor of social work and director of social work.
James Dechant, custodial supervisor, Custodial Services, Department of Health and Human Performance.
David Dreiling, power plant technician, Power Plant.
Gorman Glaze, instructor of agriculture.
Dr. Christine Hober, associate professor of nursing and chair of the Department of Nursing.
Cynthia Huser, administrative assistant, Department of Management and Marketing.
Scott Jones, instructor of management and marketing.
Mike Karl, director of field experiences, Office of Professional Services.
Jeffrey Kroeger, certified asbestos worker, Grounds Department.
Dr. Kathryn McGonigal, associate professor of sociology.
Lisa Morgan, custodian, Custodial Services.
Lynette Ottley, administrative associate, Docking Institute of Public Affairs.
Shane Schartz, instructor of informatics.
May Schumacher, assistant director of student fiscal services.
Brady Ternes, instructor of health and human performance and head athletic trainer.
Christa Weigel, associate professor of allied health.
Dr. Regi Wieland, associate professor of advanced education programs.
The public is invited to attend the 20th annual Christmas Open House at the Ellis County Historical Society from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Hop aboard a horse-drawn hayride through historic downtown Hays, then listen to live seasonal song stylings.
Crossroads and Bill Wyse return this year along with newcomer Cindy Boehler from Alma, Neb. Enjoy festive food, stroll the main gallery, shop the Museum Store, and chat with Santa Claus in the saloon (where there will be surprises for children). Held in conjunction with the Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk, Christmas Open House will offer holiday objects from the ECHS collection in the special exhibit ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, which is based on the classic 1822 poem. There is a Hays connection to author Clement Moore that might be surprising.
At 8 p.m., drawings will be held for the annual fundraiser. The two items for the giveaway are
the framed limited edition print Montana Bound (1994) by western and wildlife artist Derk Hansen and the 1873 Winchester .357 rifle reproduction by Uberti. The winning ticket for the gun will be pulled on behalf of the Winchester family by Dr. Juti Winchester, history professor at Fort Hays State University. Suggested donation for the firearm or the print is $5 for one ticket for $20 for five.
Admission is free. For more information, visit the ECHS Museum at 100 W. Seventh in downtown Hays or contact (785) 628-2624.
By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
Ellis County Administrator Greg Sund said the Law Enforcement Center’s temporary move to the former N.E.W. building, 3000 New Way, is going well — a credit he gives to the LEC staff.
“It’s wonderful how everybody is pulling together on this move and hopefully through this move and the temporary location at the former N.E.W. building and through the construction itself,” Sund said. “We will come out of this with a really good project.”
Sund added it has been been great to see how everyone is cooperating with each other, from the judges who have agreed to travel to court appearances in other cities or conduct court appearances virtually to the law enforcement staff in Trego County who are helping house Ellis County inmates.
In the first full weekend using the temporary jail location, there were some minor issues, but Sund said things have gone relatively well.
This week staff will continue to move furniture and files to the temporary offices, but the LEC will be closed Dec. 4 and 5 so other the rest of the staff can move. The building will reopen with normal office hours Dec. 8.
Sund said the week of Dec. 12, the county attorney and the courts will begin moving to their temporary offices at N.E.W. building as well.
“At that point, we will have (the LEC) move complete. … We will have the courthouse and the LEC emptied out, except for the people who will stay there throughout the construction … which are the people officed in the basement, the dispatch, fire director, IT people,” he said. “Hopefully (construction) will not be too disruptive for them.”
Sund expects the most difficult move will be when administrative staff moves to the former Commerce Bank on Main Street as that move will be a permanent one.
Sund said once construction begins, completion for the new LEC building is expected to take a year.
The LEC phone numbers and address remain the same — (785) 625-1040 for the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and (785) 625-1050 for the jail, (785) 625-1030 for the Hays Police Department.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — A Hutchinson man who drove two other people to the home of a woman who was killed has pleaded no contest in the case.
District Judge Tim Chambers on Tuesday found Billy Joe Craig Jr. guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder after Craig pleaded no contest in connection with the death of 27-year-old Jennifer Heckel.
Prosecutors alleged Craig drove the other men to Heckel’s home in June 2011 to commit a robbery.
Heckel was killed in what investigators say was a case of mistaken identity.
The Hutchinson News report the men meant to rob Kayla Rodriguez. Craig’s plea was for conspiracy to kill Rodriguez.
Another suspect, Charles Logsdon, was convicted of murder in November 2012. A third suspect, whose name has not been released, has not been charged.
MARK SHERMAN, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is taking up a pregnancy discrimination case with the potential to affect many American women who continue to work throughout their pregnancies.
The case before the justices Wednesday involves a former driver for United Parcel Service who wanted a temporary assignment to avoid lifting heavy packages after she became pregnant in 2006.
UPS refused to accommodate driver Peggy Young, who was on unpaid leave until two months after she gave birth.
The court is weighing whether the company’s actions violated the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
Young says she should have been offered light-duty work because some UPS workers were.
The Atlanta-based package delivery company says it will voluntarily offer pregnant women light duty starting in January. But the company contends it complied with the law in Young’s case.
Partly sunny skies today with highs up into the upper 40s and 50s this afternoon.
Today Partly sunny, with a high near 41. North northeast wind 7 to 13 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Southeast wind around 6 mph.
Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. South wind 5 to 13 mph.
Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. South southeast wind around 7 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. North wind 6 to 10 mph.
Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.
Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.
Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.
Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.
