FHSU University Relations

A group of 13 students and two sponsors from the Fort Hays State University GoGlobal Living and Learning Community are assisting construction of new houses in Puerto Rico and exploring the history and scenery of the island.

The group is staying in Cerro Gordo, a rural seaside town where repetitive storms damaged many homes. The students learned how to mix concrete and carried 30-pound bags of cement mix to construction sites.

“The construction work they are doing is not easy,” said Dr. Richard Lisichenko, FHSU associate professor of geosciences and sponsor of the GoGlobal group.

“But they have embraced their responsibility and opened up to the good people of this community,” he said.

Local people prepare meals for the group, often involving chicken and plantains, and eat with them. While some of the students were unsure about how to interact with the community members at first, they were soon put at ease, finding the Puerto Ricans friendly and welcoming.

For many of the students, the trip is the first time they have traveled outside the continental United States. “I’ve always loved the idea of being a world traveler. I am excited to see a new culture and to try things the I wouldn’t be able to do in Kansas,” said Hannah Menhusen, Wichita freshman.

The plains of Kansas contrast starkly with the tropical beaches and rocky hills of Puerto Rico. According to Goodland junior Carly McCracken, “Puerto Rico is an island filled with startling beauty and rich history.”

During their time off, the students go on excursions to historical sites in San Juan and relax on the beach near the house they are staying in. They swim in the ocean and look for starfish and sea urchins. “I doubt the feeling of the ocean will ever become normal to all of us Kansas folks,” said McCracken.

Though the trip only lasted from May 18-25, it has made a lasting impression. “The smell of ocean carried on a refreshing breeze will forever be imprinted in my mind,” said McCracken.

To visit the trip’s blog, visit http://www.globalworkstravel.com/blog/fort-hays-state-university-puerto-rico-custom-trip-2015/.

For more information about the GoGlobal Living Learning Community, visit the webpage at www.fhsu.edu/lc/go-global/.

QUINTER- One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30 a.m. on Saturday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Pontiac driven by Tammy R. Morrison, 44, Cape Girardeau, MO., was westbound on Interstate 70 southwest of Quinter.

The vehicle drifted off the roadway into right ditch.

The vehicle came back onto roadway and went into a skid.

The driver lost control of the vehicle and rear-ended a Hino Box Truck driven by Lee A. Malone, Waxahachie, TX., which was also westbound on the interstate.

Malone was transported to Gove County Medical Center.

Morrison was not injured.
Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident according to the KHP.

FHSU University Relations

The Hays City Band invites musicians of all levels to join them for its 2015 summer season. The first rehearsal on Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m. in Malloy Hall, room 126, on the Fort Hays State University campus.

While musicians can simply show up to the first rehearsal, Dr. Lane Weaver, director of athletic bands at FHSU and Hays City Band director, recommends that people email him at [email protected] or call first.

“That way we can plan ahead,” he said.

Every year, about 45 to 50 musicians of all ages and playing abilities rehearse and perform together. Many of the band members return year after year, such as Peggy Anschutz, Gorham. Anschutz, a retired band teacher, has played clarinet in the band for more than 20 years.

“The group has a lot of Fort Hays State music professors, area music directors and Fort Hays students,” she said.

“In the last 10 years, there have been more junior high and high school students. The music was more challenging before, but I like the literature,” said Anschutz.

“The literature is not hard,” said Weaver. “It’s about being laid-back and fun while still sounding good.”

While the band sometimes plays the same pieces multiple years in a row, the group will play all new music this summer. This, paired with a variety of FHSU student conductors, will keep the rehearsals and performances fresh and interesting for band members and audiences.

“I’m a bit nervous, but I think the music is easily graspable,” said Evan Strong, Pratt senior, one of the student conductors. “This isn’t the first time I’ve conducted. I did some student conducting with the symphonic winds.”

The other student conductors are Katie Glading, Oberlin senior; Renee Trevino, Sublette senior; Matt Rome, Hays, a recent FHSU graduate; and Kevin Pham, Hays, a recent FHSU graduate.

The Hays City Band offers a place for musicians of all levels to hone their skills, try new things or simply relax and have fun.

“Come give it a shot. Most people who try it have fun and see that there is nothing to be afraid of,” said Weaver.

Musicians are not the only people who can enjoy the band though.

“If you don’t play an instrument, come to the concert. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. This year you might need an umbrella,” said Anschutz.

The first concert is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, on the FHSU Quad. The Hays City Band performs outdoors on the Quad every year, and people sit under the canopy of trees and listen to the band while children run and play on the grass, sometimes dancing to the music.

“It’s kind of a fun, old-fashioned setting. It’s about creating that atmosphere together,” said Weaver.

For more information about the Hays City Band, contact Weaver at (785) 628-5353 or [email protected].

FHSU University Relations

The 150th anniversary of Fort Hays, Hays City, Rome and Ellis County is not until 2017, but it is never too early to begin planning for a sesquicentennial celebration.

“We are starting early. We want to make everyone aware of everything that happened 150 years ago,” said Dr. Juti Winchester, assistant professor of history at Fort Hays State University, president of the Board of Directors of the Ellis County Historical Society and chair of the Ellis County Sesquicentennial Planning Committee.

The committee held its first meeting May 21.

In 1967, Ellis County celebrated its 100th anniversary with a week-long celebration around the Fourth of July. The first event was a Governor’s Ball, with Gov. Robert Docking in attendance. A performance depicting the evolution of Hays was held at FHSU’s Lewis Field Stadium every night, and fireworks concluded each day’s activities.

RELATED STORY: Eagle talks with Don Westfall of the historical society.

The committee’s goal for the 150th anniversary is to attract visitors from within and outside the county, to celebrate the history of Hays and help generate revenue for local businesses. They are encouraging businesses to use 1867 as a theme in 2017, from special brews or food to other merchandise.

“We want to raise awareness and create a better profile regarding the history of Hays,” said Don Westfall, executive director of the Ellis County Historical Society. “We hope the sesquicentennial attracts tourists to Hays for the celebration.”

The historical society and the Fort Hays State Historical Site are planning activities throughout the entire year. The society is sponsoring a look-a-like contest of three well-known historical figures — Buffalo Bill Cody, George Armstrong Custer and Wild Bill Hickok. Potential event ideas include another Governor’s Ball, a Sesquicentennial parade, ghost tours, a chili cook off, quilt making and a prairie dog eating contest (hot dogs). Historians and authors from surrounding counties will attend to help educate the public and tell stories from the early days of Hays.

In June 2017, the Little Big Horn Associates, an organization dedicated to preserving the history of Gen. Custer and the Battle of Little Bighorn, plans to hold its annual conference in Hays. About 800 members are expected to attend.

The Sesquicentennial Committee encourages all local businesses and the university to get involved in the celebration of the history of Hays.

“The celebration belongs to the community,” said Winchester. “I hope people get together and make it a memorable one so they can say ‘I was there.’ ”

The next meeting, open to the public, will be at a brown-bag lunch at noon, Wednesday, June 10, in the Ellis County Historical Society Museum.