The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and 23 traffic stops Wednesday, May 6, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Lost Animals ONLY–1200 block Maple St, Hays; 12:016 AM
Intoxicated Subject–1900 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:01 AM
Disturbance – Noise–600 block E 7th St, Hays; 1:15 AM
911 Hangup Call–3700 block Hall St, Hays; 1:25 AM
Driving Under the Influence–2200 block of Hall St, Hays; 1:36 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–600 block E 5th St, Hays; 5:43 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3300 block Willow St, Hays; 9:20 AM
Child in Need of Care–3000 block New Way, Hays; 9:59 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–500 block Main St, Hays; 10:41 AM
Theft (general)–300 block E 25th St, Hays; 11:46 AM
Child in Need of Care–400 block E 12th St, Hays; 12:58 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 2:15 PM
Probation/Parole Violation–1000 block Fort St, Hays; 2:28 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–27th and Vine, Hays; 2:35 PM
Civil Transport–2200 block E 22nd St, Hays; 4:37 PM
Civil Transport–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 5:09 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 5:30 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2000 block Metro Ln, Hay; 6:01 PM
Found/Lost Property–500 block S Campus Dr, Hays; 6:51 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–200 block W 38th St, Hays; 8:10 PM; 8:20 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–100 block E 27th St, Hays; 11:32 PM
As children celebrate the last days of school, many teachers are celebrating the beginning of retirement with receptions held in their honor.
Wilson Elementary is honoring four longtime teachers within the district Thursday: kindergarten teacher Jonita Windholz has taught in the district for 35 years, physical education teacher Patti Weber for 19 years, and second-grade teacher Kathy Harper and speech and language pathologist Jan Bunker are each celebrating 37 years of service.
“Looking at the number of years they have given our district and our students, that is a lot of years of service,” Wilson Elementary Principal Tom Meagher said. “I think it’s important to thank them for what they have done for the kids and everybody here in USD 489. … It’s hundred of lives (teachers) have impacted.”
The Wilson retirement reception is Thursday afternoon at 3:45 p.m. in the school library, 101 E. 28th.
A reception to honor the retirement Nancy Harman, O’Loughlin’s Elementary’s principal for 25 years and a teacher at O’Loughlin prior, is planned at the school, 1401 Hall St. Tuesday at 3:45 p.m.
The staff at Roosevelt Elementary is also hosting a reception for their retiring teachers next week; Lois Britten (39 years of service) Linda Lang (35 years), Nina McNeal (22 years) and Sheryl Rader, (34 years).
The reception will be held in the library of Roosevelt Elementary, 2000 MacArthur, Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
Twelve men on the Fort Hays State University campus were named as 2015’s “Men of Merit.” A reception in their honor was held on Tuesday, April 28.
Notifications are sent out campus-wide for staff and faculty to nominate staff, faculty and students who meet the following criteria: breaking gender stereotypes, taking action, leading by example and outstanding contributions.
A committee headed by Amber White, coordinator of diversity affairs, reviews the nominations and conducts interviews. From there, 12 are chosen.
This year’s recipients:
• Luke Abbott, Great Bend senior majoring in mathematics.
• Brett Bruner, director or persistence and retention, Office of Student Affairs.
• Dr. Chris Crawford, professor of leadership studies and interim provost.
• Ulises Gonzalez, Dora, N.M., junior majoring in management.
• Baron Green, Oberlin sophomore majoring in justice studies.
• Dr. Darrell Hamlin, assistant professor of justice studies.
• Seth Kastle, instructor of leadership studies.
• Craig Karlin, director of student financial assistance and interim registrar.
• Cameron Rohleder, Hays senior majoring in physics.
• Brandon Taylor, Colby senior majoring in management.
• Manny Ultreras III, Dodge City senior majoring in justice studies. • Tanner Younie, Hays senior majoring in political science.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Fraternity houses at the University of Kansas will ban hard liquor on their properties beginning this fall.
The ban by the school’s Interfraternity Council bans the presence or consumption of hard alcohol by fraternity or guests on fraternity property. It does not include beer or wine.
The IFC, which approved the ban Tuesday, said it includes an amnesty clause that encourages chapters to help anyone who needs medical assistance.
IFC president Chris Pyle said the council has been discussing ways to change the drinking culture within the fraternity community and to create healthier and safer environments.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports a few of the university’s 23 fraternity chapters already are dry, while others have specific rules about when alcohol can be consumed.
Early reports shows a wide variations in rainfall totals in Ellis County as a result of a series of storm fronts passing through the area Wednesday.
A report from Ellis showed 1.25 inches in the gauge, but reports from Hays were much less — around 0.1 to 0.2 inches.
Only trace amounts fell south of Hays, which was under a tornado watch much of Wednesday afternoon and evening. A report north of Hays, where a late afternoon severe thunderstorm rolled through, showed 0.65 inches of rain.
The K-State Ag Research Center recorded 0.13 inches of rain Wednesday, bringing the monthly total to 0.99 inches. In all of 2015, the Research Center has recorded just 3.21 inches of precipitation.
Osborne County received 1.68 inches of rain Wednesday, while Smith County has a report of more than 3 inches — the highest reported total in northwest Kansas.
Farther east, thunderstorms were far more severe, with tornadoes and hail causing damage. Click HERE for more.
The area is expected to dry out today, with the possibility of addition storms arriving this weekend. Click HERE for the complete forecast.
Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will return to the Hays Public Library on Sunday for a free concert at 2 p.m. This is the third time Fletcher will be performing at the Hays Public Library.
Fletcher has been playing the guitar since he was 7.
“Classical guitar is pretty much done in the style of Andres Segovia. Nylon strings are used and using a combination of flesh and fingernails on the right hand produces sound. The left leg is elevated by way of a footstool, and the palm of the left hand is held parallel to the fret-board.” Fletcher said. “Classical style is by far the most challenging, but it is also the most rewarding.”
Fletcher has toured across the United States performing in music halls, cathedrals and universities. He has also appeared on numerous radio shows and was featured on the television show “Storyline” on TBS.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has received damage reports from six counties: Harvey, Sedgwick, Jewell, Lincoln and Republic Counties.
Tornado damage in Scandia- KHP photo
Only one injury has been reported so far, in Jewell County.
Republic County Emergency Management reports damage to five homes and an ethanol plant near Scandia. In addition, a feedlot operation was struck by an apparent tornado, and as many as 150 head of cattle were killed.
In Jewell County, one home was destroyed west of Mankato and another home damaged east of Mankato. Harvey County emergency officials report that a hog barn was destroyed southeast of Burrton.
Two homes were damaged near Wichita in Sedgwick County.
Sedgwick County tornado on Wednesday- photo Wayne Sill
In Lincoln County, officials report damage to an outbuilding at an electric company on the east edge of the town of Lincoln, as well as damage to trees in a cemetery.
Additionally, these counties and others report numerous power lines down and damaged and uprooted trees
Additional strong storms are in the forecast over the next two days.
Check the post for rainfall totals as they become available.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A recently rejuvenated foundation for Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence is setting a lofty goal.
The Haskell Foundation says it hopes to raise $70 million in the next 10 years. So far, it has $250,000.
Executive Director Marisa Mendoza, who began the job in November, told the university’s Board of Regents Wednesday that the foundation is working to get alumni reconnected to the school and to establish partnerships to help with advertising and fundraising.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports the foundation was revived last year after more than a decade of inactivity.
Haskell President Venida Chenault says two of the school’s biggest priorities are a new science and technology building and renovating the currently closed Hiawatha Hall, possibly into a center for graduate studies.
GREAT BEND – Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered has announces the promotions of Regan Ochs, Nancy Peschka and Brad Shirer.
Regan Ochs
Ochs, previously HR/Marketing Associate, now serves as the firm’s Executive Administrator & Marketing Specialist. In this role, she will manage all university recruitment efforts and coordinate the TALENT internship program for the firm. In addition, Ochs will be responsible for all internal and external marketing efforts. She will support the firm’s Managing Partner and the Board of Directors by assisting with strategic objectives and special projects.
Ochs is a 2013 summa cum laude graduate of Fort Hays State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. She is active in the community serving as an ambassador of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce; Prairie Godmothers member and volunteer; and the vice chair and leadership committee chair of the Barton County Young Professionals. She is also involved at Prince of Peace Parish, where she leads the Dante Deo Catholic college ministry program at Barton Community College. Ochs, originally from Hoxie, moved to Great Bend and joined the ABBB team in May 2013.
Nancy Peschka
Peschka, previously Chief Operations Officer, now serves as Internal Consultant & Project Manager. In her new role, she will provide strategic guidance to the firm’s Board of Directors and partner group. Peschka originally joined the ABBB team in 2000.
Born and raised in Great Bend, Peschka currently resides in Lincoln, Nebraska with her husband, Dan. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her daughter, Kimberly Peschka Bilder, son-in-law and two grandsons.
Shirer, previously Chief Financial Officer, now serves as the Chief Administrative Officer. He oversees ABBB’s financials and will also take on the oversight of the firm’s day-to-day operations, facilities, the HR team and its functions, and organizational development. Shirer has been with the firm for 25 years and has served in various capacities, including: Staff Accountant, Manager, Firm Administrator, and Director of Administration.
Brad Shirer
Shirer received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Currently, he is a member of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Trinity United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. Shirer is a Hoisington native. He currently resides in Great Bend with his wife, Sarah.
Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered provides a wide range of traditional and non-traditional CPA and consulting services to clients throughout Kansas, including agriculture organizations, construction companies, feed yards, financial institutions, governmental and not-for-profit organizations, manufacturers, medical practices, oil and gas companies, professional service firms, real estate companies and small businesses. Founded in 1945, today the firm maintains 13 office locations throughout the state. For more information about Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, visit www.abbb.com.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A court panel in Kansas is considering whether to block a new education funding law at the request of four public school districts.
The districts contend the state now distributes aid in ways harming programs for poor and minority students.
The three-judge Shawnee County District Court panel was having a hearing Thursday in a lawsuit from the Dodge City, Hutchinson, Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas, districts.
The law took effect in April and scrapped the state’s old per-student funding formula. The old formula provided extra dollars for each child learning English as a second language or at risk of dropping out.
The new law gives districts “block grants” based on their current aid through the 2016-17 school year. Supporters contend the law provides stability for school districts.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lone Star Lake is being closed temporarily to the public so officials can administer an herbicide to fight an invasive species.
The Lawrence Journal World reports the lake will be closed for at least 24 hours next week. The Douglas County Commission approved Wednesday for the county’s Public Works Department to use an herbicide to attack Eurasian Watermilfoil.
According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the species is a plant that forms a dense mat of vegetation on the surface of water.
Public Works Director Keith Browning said the lake will close Monday and will reopen as soon as Tuesday afternoon.
MEADE–If you’re in need of a family-friendly outdoor activity for your children, consider bringing them to Meade State Park’s annual OK Kids Day on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Open to children of all ages, the free event will include fun activities such as fishing, wingshooting, archery, crafts, a treasure hunt, sandcastle contest, paddle boating, and more. There is no cost to attend and no daily park pass will be required the day of the event; however registration is required.
Preregistration will be available Friday, May 8, from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. onsite at the Visitor’s Center, and again from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9.
Thanks to local and corporate sponsors, participating youth will have the opportunity to win several great prizes including a fishing rod/reel combo or tackle box and sleeping bag. Prizes are limited but youth age 7 and under are automatically eligible for a prize.
A complimentary lunch of hamburgers, elk burgers and hotdogs will be served.
For more information on this event, or to volunteer, call the Meade State Park office at (620) 873-2572.
Severe thunderstorms will be possible across the region over the next few days.
Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. West wind 8 to 10 mph.
Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between midnight and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South southeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming east northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. East northeast wind 10 to 13 mph.
Friday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northeast wind 10 to 13 mph.
Saturday Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. East wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday Night Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3am. Low around 52. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
