March 2015 – Page 77 – Hays Post Archive

Rep. Jenkins in the fight against hunger

Posted on March 6, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) re-launched the House Hunger Caucus for the 114th Congress at the DC Central Kitchen. The Hunger Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members working to help stimulate ideas and foster solutions in the fight against hunger in America and around the world.

“Hunger doesn’t discriminate,” said Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins. “This isn’t just an urban problem, or a rural problem. This is a problem that spans generations from children to senior citizens. We need to do more and we can do more. It was a privilege to join the volunteers and staff at the DC Central Kitchen to officially launch the House Hunger Caucus. I’m proud to join with Congressman McGovern to re-establish the conversation and together help find sensible, bipartisan solutions to combat hunger.”

“Hunger touches every Member of Congress – there is not a congressional district that is hunger free,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “One of the biggest strengths of the House Hunger Caucus is that it is bipartisan. Republican or Democrat, it is a way for Members to come together to work to end hunger. I am happy to join with Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins to officially re-launch the Hunger Caucus and can’t think of a better place to celebrate the occasion than at the DC Central Kitchen.”

Nissan recalls more Altimas for hood latch problem

Posted on March 6, 2015

DETROIT (AP) — Nissan is recalling 625,000 more cars in the U.S. as part of a growing problem with faulty latches that can allow hoods to fly open while cars are moving.

The latest recall covers Altima midsize cars from the 2013 through 2015 model years. It brings the total number of vehicles recalled for the problem to nearly 1.1 million.

Nissan says in government documents that if the main hood latch isn’t fastened, the secondary latch may not hold the hood closed as designed.

Nissan previously recalled 238,000 Altimas from 2013 for the same problem, as well as 216,000 Nissan Pathfinders from 2013 and 2014, Infiniti JX35s from 2013 and QX60s from 2014.

The company says it’s still investigating and could recall more vehicles.

Nissan hasn’t finalized a fix for the problem.

Tobacco lobby accuses Kan. Revenue Dept. of blowing smoke

Posted on March 6, 2015March 6, 2015

By Austin Fisher
KU Statehouse Wire Service

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Revenue wants to toughen tobacco tax law but the tobacco lobby and some lawmakers see the move as a step toward big government.

In a series of 22 amendments, Senate Bill 203 would change the Kansas Cigarette and Tobacco Products Act by redefining certain tobacco products, increasing fees and penalties, beefing up the department’s ability to collect taxes and seize contraband, cracking down on Internet tobacco sales, and allowing the Governor to sign contracts with tribal governments to collect taxes on tobacco sold on reservations.

It’s estimated that the bill would increase revenue to the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Regulation Fund by $300,000 each year starting in 2016.

John Michael Hale, attorney for the department, argued Thursday that the laws need to be strengthened so the state can meet its requirements under the latest legal battle as part of the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA).

“To help ensure that Kansas continues to receive these annual payments, and to prevent the possibility of Kansas having to pay back any payments previously received under the settlement, the department firmly believes that these amendments need to be implemented and enforced,” Hale said.

In 1998 Kansas was one of 46 states to reach an agreement under MSA with the large American tobacco companies. The agreement requires the companies to pay approximately $206 billion over the course of 25 years to the states to repay smoking-related Medicaid expenses and restrict tobacco sales and promotion, particularly toward children.

By 2006 some of the tobacco companies complained of falling market share and withheld MSA payments to 18 states, including Kansas. A legal battle ensued until a settlement in 2012. Hale says many of the amendments are meant to meet the enforcement requirements of that latest settlement.

Kansas Action for Children, a non-profit advocacy organization, estimates that Kansas received $55 million from the settlement in 2014.

Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce (R-Hutchinson) said he opposed the bill.

“This is a power grab using the Master Settlement Agreement as a guise to get these amendments passed,” Bruce said. “It’s going a little bit too far. Is there any way that perhaps we could get a substitute that gets rid of all this garbage so we can have a real bill and not waste the committee’s time?”

Tobacco companies including the Kansas Vapors Association, the Cigar Association of America, the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas, and Casey’s General Stores took issue mainly with the changing definitions of products.

They were also concerned about the increased licensing fees for dealers and penalties for violations they might commit, and the fact that the extra revenue would pay for a department task force with the sole purpose of auditing those dealers.

Whitney Damron, a lobbyist for Swisher International, Inc., opposed part of the bill that redefines little cigars, also called cigarillos, as cigarettes.

“This language has nothing to do with the Master Settlement Agreement,” Damron said. “I’m not sure why it’s being brought forth other than possibly a revenue source.‘

The bill increases fines for convictions of trafficking untaxed tobacco or obstructing tax collection on tobacco. Initial convictions would come with a fine of $1,000 to $2,500 and repeat convictions could result in a $100,000 fine or jail time.

Dealers seeking wholesale licenses would pay a $500 fee and have to file a surety bond of at least $10,000 with the tax director, a tenfold increase on current law.

Curt Diebel, president of Diebel’s Sportsmens Gallery, opposed part of the bill that would tax the premium cigars that he sells in the same way as cigarettes.

“Gov. Brownback is trying to have a business-friendly state,” Diebel said. “I don’t find this bill friendly at all.”

Austin Fisher

Stacy Cambell – Soil Testing

Posted on March 6, 2015March 6, 2015

It’s that time of year again for ag producers and soil testing. With some recommendations is Stacy Campbell, Ellis County Extension Agriculture Agent.

Norton woman killed in weekend accident in Sheridan Co.

Posted on March 6, 2015March 6, 2015

A Norton woman was killed in a weekend accident near Hoxie, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The KHP reported Kayla Kay Morris, 26, Norton, was eastbound on Sheridan County Road 120S when her 2006 Chrysler Pacifica entered the south ditch, rolled and caught on fire.

The incident occurred just before 5 p.m. Saturday 3.5 miles east of Kansas 23.

Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Services are scheduled for March 12.

HPD Activity Log March 5

Posted on March 6, 2015March 6, 2015

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and 15 traffic stops Thursday, March 5, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – Noise–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:22 AM
Disorderly Conduct–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:07 AM
Criminal Threat–500 block E 16th St, Hays; 3/4/15 10:30 AM; 11:00 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1000 block Fort St, Hays; 9:08 AM
Suspicious Activity–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:30 AM; 10:15 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 10:00 AM
Shoplifting–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 10:18 AM; 10:46 AM
Animal At Large–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 1:05 PM
Mental Health Call–3000 block New Way, Hays; 1:58 PM
Credit Card Violations–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:08 PM
Suicidal Subject–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 2:13 PM
Found/Lost Property–200 Northridge Dr, Hays; 2:47 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1100 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:18 PM
Criminal Transport–1300 block Kansas Highway 264, Larned; 4:28 PM
Unwanted Person–1200 block Haney Dr, Hays; 4:36 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–500 block Vine St, Hays; 2/7/15 9:00 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:09 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–2200 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 6:45 AM
Suspicious Activity–1300 block E 32nd St, Hays; 9:17 PM
Theft (general)–1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 7:30 PM; 9:00 PM
Suicidal Subject–3300 block Hall St, Hays; 10:16 PM
Disturbance – Noise–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:31 PM; 10:43 PM

First grade ‘philanthropist’ opts for donations over presents

Posted on March 6, 2015March 10, 2015

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

A 6-year-old Hays girl is formally requesting no gifts for her birthday this weekend and will also forgo the traditional class party. Instead, she and her guests will spend a morning at Orscheln Farm and Home raising funds for Western Plains Animal Refuge.

Johanna’s mother, Stacey Jones, said the idea started when the family recently fostered a kitten for the refuge and she explained to her daughter the shelter was closed and in the process of raising funds to buy a new building.

Unbeknownst to Stacey, Johanna was soon passing out handmade invitations to classmates asking they donate $1 to the refuge in lieu of a birthday gift.

“I can only imagine what the parents thought when they saw those invitations,” Jones laughed.

But when Johanna started making posters and plans to go door-to-door soliciting neighbors for funds, Stacey had to say no. Instead she reached out to the WPAR staff, who invited Johanna to join their monthly adoption and awareness event at Orscheln.

Much to Stacey’s relief, a “compromise” with Johanna had been reached.

“There was no stopping her,” Stacey said. “She was going to (raise funds) no matter what, and it really led to a lot of tears and arguments trying to figure out how to do this without knocking on the doors in the neighborhood.”

Stacey said Johanna has always been a “philanthropist” who likes helping others and especially loves animals.

Joahanna and WPAR staff will be at Orscheln, 2900 Broadway, Hays, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Johanna will turn 7 on Sunday and is not completely without a gift. The kitten the Jones’ fostered for one weekend was officially adopted by the Jones family Thursday and now goes go by the name Lily Lou Jones.

Johanna is sharing cookies at the event while supplies last.

New DHDC director outlines changes, additions to downtown events

Posted on March 6, 2015March 6, 2015

By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

The new Downtown Hays Development Corporation Executive Director said she has “hit the ground running” in her new shoes. Sara Bloom is a 2005 graduate of Fort Hays State University and was formally introduced to the Hays City Commission at Thursday night’s work session.

“I was so excited to get the opportunity to interview and so humbled and blessed to serve in this position,” Bloom said. “This is only my fourth week on the job, and it feels like I’ve been here for four months.”

Throughout her first month on the job, Bloom has been busy revitalizing two events for the downtown area. On April 17, the DHDC will bring back “The Taste” — a spinoff of an event that was cut in 2012.

“This was brought back by the request of our retailers. They missed it and they wanted it back.” Bloom said.

The revitalized event will feature several types of businesses in the downtown area in order to deliver a full perspective of the area.

“There’s going to be fashion shows, demos and beauty treatments — everything you can imagine to get people into the doors to experience what we offer. Not only with food, but in our retail shops.” Bloom said.

The event is limited to 300 people and tickets will sell for $12.

DHDC also is in the process of revamping Blues, BBQ & Bargains, which will include renaming the summer event to Fire on the Frontier Classic, which will take place on June 12 and 13.

“This opens us up for more possibilities,” Bloom said. “We were very limited with Blues and BBQ. … This is going to open us up to bigger and greater opportunities.”

In the board room, the DHDC Board and administrators are working on figuring out what their role is on business recruitment. According to DHDC President Sandy Jacobs, the National Federation of Independent Businesses recently rated the Hays downtown as one of the top 10 places to open a small business in the state of Kansas.

“We don’t spend enough time talking about those kinds of things enough and all of the things we do,” Jacobs said.

The board plans to send out a postcard to several businesses throughout the region emphasizing the benefits of coming to the downtown area.

Thursday’s High School Basketball Results

Posted on March 6, 2015March 6, 2015

BOYS’ BASKETBALL
4A-1A Hays Boys sub-state
McPherson 84, Ulysses 40
Hays 60, Buhler 53

4A-D2 Colby sub-state
Hays-TMP-Marian 65, Colby 23
Concordia 69, Goodland 40

2A-Central Plains
Central Plains 71, Plainville 48
Ellinwood 65, Lincoln 31

2A-Hill City
Ellis 65, Oberlin-Decatur 42
Hill City 53, Ness City 41

Class 5A Sub-State Tournament
Sub-State #1
Semifinal
Blue Valley Southwest 67, St. James Academy 47
BV West 62, KC Harmon 35
Emporia 55, Salina South 47
Goddard-Eisenhower 55, Liberal 40
Kapaun Mount Carmel 54, Arkansas City 30
Maize South 72, Great Bend 36
Shawnee Heights 60, Leavenworth 39
Topeka Seaman 71, Highland Park 57

Sub-State #2
Semifinal
Andover Central 69, Goddard 59
KC Washington 68, Topeka West 51
Lansing 40, KC Schlagle 37
Mill Valley 61, Pittsburg 38
Salina Central 65, Valley Center 41
St. Thomas Aquinas 63, KC Turner 36
Wichita Bishop Carroll 63, Andover 36
Wichita Heights 40, Newton 28

Class 4A Sub-State Tournament
Division 1
Semifinal
Abilene 68, Wamego 47
Andale 63, El Dorado 23
Basehor-Linwood 81, Tonganoxie 46
Bishop Miege 66, Bonner Springs 57
Chanute 42, Independence 39
Circle 55, Augusta 53
Eudora 54, DeSoto 39
Fort Scott 65, Louisburg 49
Hays 60, Buhler 53
KC Piper 76, KC Sumner 56
Labette County 72, Coffeyville 63
McPherson 84, Ulysses 40
Ottawa 59, Topeka Hayden 57
Paola 67, Spring Hill 48
Rose Hill 65, Winfield 55
Wellington 64, Mulvane 30

Division 2
Semifinal
Atchison 49, Royal Valley 37
Chapman 65, Santa Fe Trail 55
Clearwater 63, Smoky Valley 42
Concordia 69, Goodland 30
Frontenac 66, Baxter Springs 43
Girard 65, Iola 24
Hays-TMP-Marian 65, Colby 29
Holcomb 59, Pratt 29
Holton 51, Jefferson West 43, 2OT
Hugoton 64, Larned 39
KC Bishop Ward 55, Perry-Lecompton 49
Osawatomie 60, Baldwin 53
Parsons 83, Columbus 50
Prairie View 47, Anderson County 38
Rock Creek 52, Clay Center 31
Wichita Trinity 71, Nickerson 36

Class 2A Sub-State Tournament
Semifinal
Bennington 59, Salina Sacred Heart 54
Berean Academy 56, South Central 46
Jackson Heights 61, Bishop Seabury Academy 60
Lyndon 50, Burlingame 40
Olpe 69, Mission Valley 43
Pittsburg Colgan 58, West Elk 49
Sedan 65, Udall 59
South Gray 76, Meade 57
Spearville 64, Sublette 44
St. John 50, Moundridge 27
Troy 59, Jefferson North 45
Washington County 46, Onaga 43

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
1A-D1 Pratt Skyline sub-state
LaCrosse 51, Pratt Skyline 17
Macksville 59, Fairfield 53

1A-D1 Quinter sub-state
Hoxie 85, Victoria 28
Stockton 61, Quinter 31

Class 6A Sub-State Tournament
Sub-State #1
Semifinal
Blue Valley Stillwell 51, Olathe Northwest 45
Hutchinson 44, Garden City 33
Lawrence 67, SM South 56
Maize 94, Wichita West 31
Manhattan 69, Wichita Southeast 26
Olathe South 44, Olathe North 10
SM Northwest 55, SM East 18
Topeka 60, Wichita North 51

Sub-State #2
Semifinal
BV Northwest 49, Gardner-Edgerton 47
Derby 56, Wichita East 35
Lawrence Free State 61, KC Wyandotte 12
Olathe East 55, BV North 46
SM West 71, SM North 46
Washburn Rural 70, Junction City 39
Wichita South 59, Wichita Northwest 10

Class 3A Sub-State Tournament
Semifinal
Beloit 67, Russell 51
Burlington 55, Humboldt 50, 2OT
Cherryvale 61, Northeast-Arma 49
Cimarron 42, Haven 39
Council Grove 55, Pleasant Ridge 36
Douglass 38, Wichita Collegiate 34
Galena 51, Caney Valley 46
Garden Plain 63, Kingman 49
Hesston 52, Southeast Saline 37
Lyons 82, Sterling 78, OT
Minneapolis 58, Phillipsburg 44
Nemaha Central 53, Marysville 44
Remington 51, Conway Springs 38
Sabetha 52, Atchison County 40
Silver Lake 56, Riley County 47
Wellsville 52, Eureka 40

Class 1A Sub-State Tournament
Division I
Semifinal
Centralia 53, Immaculata 21
Centre 50, Rural Vista 29
Dighton 77, Satanta 35
Goessel 47, Flinthills 29
Hanover 49, Lakeside 15
Ingalls 58, Minneola 32
Pleasanton 39, Hartford 37
South Haven 64, Marmaton Valley 36
St. Paul 56, Central Burden 29
Thunder Ridge 54, Clifton-Clyde 39
Valley Heights 54, Doniphan West 31
Waverly 60, Southern Coffey 26

Division II
Semifinal
Caldwell 54, Argonia 41
Cunningham 51, Bucklin 43
Elyria Christian 44, Hutchinson Central Christian 27
Golden Plains 49, Palco 21
Linn 52, Axtell 40
Logan 50, Pike Valley 38
Moscow 61, Pawnee Heights 12
Norwich 66, Altoona-Midway 11
Rolla 40, Fowler 23
South Barber 46, Attica 36
St. John’s Beloit-Tipton 62, Natoma 11
Sylvan-Lucas 50, Wilson 41
Triplains-Brewster 48, Weskan 20
Wallace County 53, Cheylin 27
Wetmore 58, Glasco/Miltonvale-Southern Cloud 42
Wheatland-Grinnell 45, Western Plains 16

First storm-chasing class at FHSU this summer

Posted on March 6, 2015March 5, 2015

Dixon took this photo of a storm-chasing class in south-central Colorado in May 2010.

FHSU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

The Fort Hays State University Department of Geosciences will offer the first FHSU course on storm-chasing during the summer 2015 term.

The class will be led by Dr. P. Grady Dixon, department chair, who has been traveling across the Great Plains to observe severe storms since 1998. The course will include a week of virtual-college instruction prior to the 10-day chasing component.

Students will depart Hays on June 6 and return by the evening of June 15. In the days between, they are likely to travel anywhere between Mexico and Canada or the Rocky Mountains and Mississippi River.

The goal for each day is to view the most dramatic storms so that students can learn about the dynamics of thunderstorms, the impacts of severe weather and the geography of the central United States.

Dr. Grady Dixon, FHSU Department of Geosciences Chairman

“This is a chance to go on an extended storm-chase trip for about one-third the cost of a commercial storm-chasing tour,” said Dixon. “In addition, students will earn three hours of university credit through FHSU.”

Student safety is the highest priority, and storms are usually observed from several miles away.

“Some of these storms are so large that even at that distance they can be intimidating,” said Dixon.

The course is limited to eight students, and there is an additional fee to offset the fuel and hotel expenses. Participating students must pay a $450 deposit to the Department of Geosciences by April 1.

For more information about the course, contact Dixon at [email protected].

K-State changes, renames computer network iSIS to KSIS

Posted on March 6, 2015

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University is renaming its computer network system to avoid associating with a terrorist group.

Chief Information Officer Ken Stafford said in a news release Thursday that the university will no longer use the abbreviation iSIS for its network handling enrollment, registration and financial aid. Stafford says many people have expressed concern over the network’s name because the acronym is also used by the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The network will now be called KSIS.

Stafford said it will take considerable time and effort to change the name in all of the school’s references and requested patience while the changes are made.

Several universities use the iSIS program for the integrated student information system, including the University of Colorado and Johns Hopkins University.

Registration open for 3rd annual Susan G. Komen Race in Hays May 9

Posted on March 6, 2015March 5, 2015

More than 1,500 people of all ages are expected to gather on Saturday, May 9, at Hays Municipal Park for the third annual Susan G. Komen Kansas Race for the Cure® in Hays.

Participants will honor loved ones and celebrate survivors as they walk or run in the Hays race. The Kansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure serves women and men in 95 counties in the state of Kansas.

The local event is presented by Eagle Communications and Hays Medical Center.

See coverage of last year’s event HERE.

Every two minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer this year.

Help end breast cancer. Be a part of the 2015 Susan G. Komen Kansas Race for the Cure®-Hays.

Every step you take in this inspirational movement – a 5K competitive, 5K non-competitive or a one-mile walk – will bring us closer to a cure.

Runners in the Hays 2013 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure — Runners in the 2013 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure-Hays

WHAT: 3rd Annual Susan G. Komen Kansas Race for the Cure® – Hays
5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk

WHEN: Saturday, May 9, 7:15 a.m. to 10:30 am
7:00 a.m.: Onsite registration opens
8:00 a.m.: 5K start
8:30 a.m.: Survivor Breakfast opens
8:30 a.m.: Kids for the Cure activities begin
9:00 a.m.: Kids 50 Yard Dash
9:15 a.m.: 1 Mile Family Fun Walk begins
10:00 a.m.: Awards Presentations and Survivor Celebration

WHERE: Hays Municipal Park – 1st and Main, Hays

WHY: To help save lives and end breast cancer forever.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Register: Online registration continues through midnight May 6. Register at www.komenkansas.org. Registration fees range from $10 – $30 prior to Race day. Fees will be $20 – $40 on Race day.

Volunteer: There is still a need for volunteers to help with Race duties. View volunteer opportunities at www.komenkansas.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/volunteer/

Make a Donation. Perhaps you can’t join us in person on May 9, but you want to help. Donations of all amounts are appreciated. Details at: www.komenkansas.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/donate/

Any questions, contact Dana Steffee at [email protected] or call (316) 683-8510.

The Susan G. Komen Kansas Race for the Cure®-Hays, locally presented by Eagle Communications and Hays Medical Center, is grateful for the support of its generous national and local sponsors.

Local sponsors include: Brungardt Hower Ward Elliott & Pfeifer L.C., McGrath Publishing-Plains/Waconda Trader, Hays Ashley Furniture HomeStore/Miller’s of Claflin, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Commerce Bank, Golden Belt Bank FSA, Nex-Tech Wireless and Trober Sound.

The National Presenting Sponsor is Bank of America. The National Series Sponsors include American Airlines, Ford Motor Company, New Balance, SELF Magazine and Walgreens.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Komen Kansas Affiliate

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever, and in 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Kansas Affiliate is part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer.

Through events like the Komen Wichita Race for the Cure and the Komen Hays Race for the Cure, the Kansas Affiliate has invested $4 million in community breast cancer programs in 95 counties in Kansas. Up to 75 percent of all funds generated by the Affiliate stay in the 95 counties we serve in Kansas. The remaining 25 percent of funds raised go to national breast cancer research programs. For more information, call (316) 683-8510 or visit www.komenkansas.org.

Stockton museum becomes ‘education-oriented’

Posted on March 6, 2015March 5, 2015

rooks co museum — Rooks County Historical Society and Museum, Stockton

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The new coordinator of the Rooks County Historical Society and Museum in Stockton, Sue McFarland, has some new ideas for getting people through the doors and learning the history of Rooks County.

The museum, at 921 S. Cedar, was dedicated in 1994. The original museum was located at the fairgrounds.

In addition to a large doll display donated by area residents and a collection of medical instruments used by the county’s first doctors, the museum also houses a lot of official Rooks County records, including those of land ownership, schools, obituaries, wedding licenses, newspapers and yearbooks.

“I’m switching the focus of the museum’s holdings from a ‘collection of old stuff’ to be more education-oriented, and my museum board is really enthusiastic about the change,” said McFarland.

Last month, McFarland started what she called “Genealogy Research 101″ classes.

Prior to February, the first two classes were to ‘teach the teachers'”, she laughed.

The classes are free and participants should bring a computer laptop if they have one. The two instructors utilize the Family History Center program affiliated with the Mormon Church.

Sessions will be held every other Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. This month’s sessions are March 14 and 28. Class size is limited.

To sign up for a session, call the museum at (785) 425-7217.

“This is a great little museum,” declared McFarland.

“We have lots of resources for how to get started in genealogy and I’ve seen the thrill people get when they discover knowledge about their family history.

“I think this is going to be a booming success.”