May 2015 – Page 91

Investigation underway after State Hospital worker assaulted by patient

Posted on May 3, 2015May 3, 2015

By Dave Ranney

A direct-care worker at Osawatomie State Hospital remains in critical condition at a Kansas City, Kan., hospital after being assaulted by a patient. Susan Murphy, 49, was taken by air ambulance Tuesday to the University of Kansas Hospital with serious head injuries.

Murphy’s co-workers describe her as a petite woman who has worked at the hospital for several years. Her alleged assailant, Jeff McCoy, 35, is listed on the Kansas Department of Corrections website as being 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 290 pounds.

Prior to being admitted to Osawatomie State Hospital, McCoy appears to have spent almost two years in the state’s correctional system after he was convicted of a 2011 battery on a mental health employee. His most recent discharge by the Department of Corrections was on August 11, 2014.

“Our initial report shows that (Murphy) was hit and punched in the face, fell to the ground and hit her head,” said Bob Butters, interim chief of police at the Osawatomie Police Department. “She sustained very serious injuries and was life-flighted to the (KU) hospital,” Butters said.

The case, he said, remains under investigation. Since December 2014, admissions to Osawatomie State Hospital have been limited to patients with serious and persistent mental illnesses who are considered a danger to themselves or others.

Angela de Rocha, a spokesperson for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, said she could neither deny nor confirm that Murphy had been assaulted or that McCoy was her assailant. She did provide a statement indicating that an “incident” had occurred Tuesday during breakfast in an activity center at Osawatomie State Hospital, that 27 patients and 10 staff were present, and that law enforcement officials were immediately summoned. The patients were dining in the activity center, she said, because the commons areas in their “living facilities” were being painted.

The painting, de Rocha wrote in an email to KHI News Service, was “routine” and was not part of the renovation work that was ordered in January after federal surveyors cited the hospital for not doing enough to prevent suicidal patients from hanging themselves.

The renovation work, expected to cost $3.4 million, led to KDADS officials last month announcing plans for eventually reducing the 206-bed hospital’s census to 147 patients. Reducing the census likely will require a temporary moratorium on admissions during the construction, KDADS officials have said. The census on Friday was 137, de Rocha said. In late 2014, federal officials cited the hospital for being overcrowded and not doing enough to ensure proper medical care.

Rebecca Proctor, executive director at the Kansas Organization of State Employees, a labor union that represents many front-line workers at the hospital, said the assault was tragic but not surprising. “It’s an unsafe, hazardous workplace,” she said. “They don’t have enough staff, and staff safety concerns are not taken seriously. We keep being told things are better now. But if that were the case, how could something like this happen?”

The union has long contended that the hospital is understaffed because workers are underpaid and often required to work double shifts. State officials don’t believe that the hospital is understaffed or that the working conditions are unsafe, de Rocha said.

“Regardless of how attentive staff is to hospital patients, staff is sometimes injured by them,” she said. “This has always been true even though it is something that staff works hard to prevent.” Workers’ concerns led Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Republican from Louisburg, to invite KDADS officials to a March 2 town hall meeting in Osawatomie to discuss conditions at the hospital and address persistent rumors of the department’s desire to close the facility or privatize its operations.

KDADS Secretary Kari Bruffett said the agency had no intention of closing the hospital but would be open to privatization if there was reason to believe it would improve patient care. Contacted Friday, Baumgardner said she was unaware of the assault.

“This is the first I’ve heard of this,” she said. “But as soon as I get off the phone, I assure you I’ll be calling KDADS to find out what’s being done to make sure this (assault) doesn’t happen again.” KDADS officials, Baumgardner said, recently assured her that they hoped the anticipated moratorium on admissions would lessen the hospital’s overtime demands and allow for increased training opportunities for employees.

“But this incident,” she said, referring to the assault, “gives me pause.” Rick Cagan, executive director of the Kansas chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said he worried that news of the assault would reinforce negative stereotypes. “When something like this happens, it seems like ‘violence’ always finds its way into the headlines,” Cagan said.

“That’s unfortunate — and what happened at Osawatomie is unfortunate — but the truth of the matter is that a very, very small percent of people with a mental illness engage in violent behavior. So what happened is genuine, but it’s an outlier.”

Dave Ranney is a reporter for Heartland Health Monitor, a news collaboration focusing on health issues and their impact in Missouri and Kansas.

Monuments Men founder to keynote VE-Day anniversary at Eisenhower library

Posted on May 3, 2015May 4, 2015

Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

ABILENE–Robert M. Edsel, Founder and Chairman of the Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art, will be the keynote speaker at the Victory in Europe (VE-Day) 70th Anniversary Commemoration marking the end of World War II in Europe. The program is set for Friday, May 8, 7 p.m. at the Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center Auditorium.

“We are pleased to have Robert Edsel as the keynote speaker at our VE-Day 70th Anniversary commemoration,” states Karl Weissenbach, Director. “The message he brings regarding the preservation of cultural treasures throughout the world is as relevant today as it was during World War II.”

Edsel is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of three non-fiction books, Saving Italy: the Race to Rescue a Nation’s Treasures from the Nazis, The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History, and Rescuing Da Vinci. A film based on Edsel’s book, The Monuments Men, directed by and starring Academy Award winner George Clooney, was released in February 2014.

In November 2014, Edsel was presented with the “Records of Achievement Award” from the Foundation for the National Archives. The award recognizes an individual whose work has fostered a broader national awareness of the history and identity of the United States through the use of original records.

Edsel’s remarks will provide perspective on the lessons learned about the preservation of cultural treasures during World War II under the leadership of Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower. He will also discuss the challenges confronting us today as we bear witness to the destruction of cultural treasures in Syria and Iraq by the Islamic State (ISIS).

In addition, Edsel will unveil a major initiative to engage the public in the hunt for some of the hundreds of thousands of works of art and other cultural treasures still missing since World War II.

Copies of Edsel’s books, Saving Italy and The Monuments Men, as well as the DVD of The Monuments Men film will be available for purchase in the Presidential Gift Shop. Following the program, Edsel will be available to autograph the items.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, a nonpartisan federal institution, is part of the Presidential Libraries network operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. We preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.

1 Injured in Manhattan Shooting, Suspect Apprehended

Posted on May 3, 2015May 3, 2015

Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN – Law enforcement authorities in Manhattan are investigating a shooting incident that injured one person.

Riley County police reported that at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Sunday officers assigned to foot patrol in the Aggieville Business District heard and responded to the sound of gunshots near the 600 block of N. 12th Street.

Officers immediately gave chase to a suspect who was found to be in possession of a handgun. After a single deployment of an electronic control device (TASER) an adult male suspect was taken into custody.

One adult male victim was transported to Via Christi Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound. His injuries were not considered to be life-threatening and he has since been released from the hospital.

According to witness statements, an Aggieville doorman ran outside thinking someone was lighting off fireworks after shots were fired.

Police say one black male with a very dark shirt and shorts could be seen in the alley between Auntie Maes and Fuzzy’s Taco by the witness.

He was allegedly putting something in his pants, which the doorman thought was odd, because everyone else was running at that moment while he was stationary. As police approached the suspect attempted to walk away slowly, and as they neared he took off running around a corner.

Police do not anticipate any further arrests associated with this incident.

Buyers remorse minimized by prior research, find FHSU psych profs

Posted on May 3, 2015May 3, 2015

FHSU University Relations

What common knowledge calls “buyer’s remorse,” and what psychological science calls “experienced regret,” is the subject of a paper by three psychology professors at Fort Hays State University.

Dr. April Park, assistant professor, Dr. Trey Hill, assistant professor, and Dr. Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, associate professor and department chair, found that the level of regret can be minimized if people spend a lot of time researching a product prior to buying it.

Their work, a collection of two separate studies, also showed that people experience different levels of regret when shopping online compared to a brick and mortar store.

The article is available at sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563215002241. Their work will also be available in an upcoming printed edition of Computers in Human Behavior.

Jr. Ranger Day at Nicodemus National Historic Site offers hands-on experience

Posted on May 3, 2015

Nicodemus National Historic Site

NICODEMUS–Nicodemus National Historic Site is pleased to announce the date for its annual Junior Ranger Day event. On Saturday, May 30, bring your kids to Nicodemus to explore one of the iconic African American communities of the American West.

During this day of interactive events, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Nicodemus, its residents, about the role of its residents in the westward expansion of the United States, as well as how Nicodemus fits into the National Park system.

The program will begin at 10 a.m. and will conclude at 3 p.m.

During that time, students will have the opportunity to speak with descendants of original Nicodemus settlers, churn buttermilk, build their own model church or schoolhouse, play period games, and even design their own National Park. The buttermilk churning demonstration will last from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. All other events will occur on a recurring, cyclical basis, allowing visitors to arrive, participate, and leave at their leisure.

We ask that visitors arrive with at least one quart of water, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

For more information, please contact Education Technician Jonathan Winskie by phone at (785) 839-4321 ext. 306 or by email at [email protected].

The town of Nicodemus is symbolic of the pioneer spirit of African Americans. They dared to leave the only region they had been familiar with to seek personal freedom and the opportunity to develop their talents and capabilities. Nicodemus NHS represents the western expansion and settlement of the Great Plains, and includes five buildings: The First Baptist Church, St. Francis Hotel, Nicodemus School District Number One, African Episcopal Church, and Township Hall.

$285K awarded to COBE students at FHSU

Posted on May 3, 2015

FHSU University Relations

About $285,500 in financial assistance — scholarships and graduate fellowships for the 2015-2016 academic year — were awarded at the annual scholarship award ceremony of Fort Hays State University’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship on April 30.

About 300 donors, students, parents and faculty attended the April 30 ceremony. Awards included 169 scholarships to 134 students amounting to roughly $159,500 and 18 full-time graduate fellowships totaling about $126,000, an average value of $7,000 each.

Scholarship winners are listed by hometown. Each student’s listing includes the scholarship and the amount and, where the information is available, the student’s graduating high school.

Anthony: Michael Stainbrook, a junior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship and a $700 Matthew Schamberger Memorial Scholarship. Stainbrook is a Chaparral High School graduate.

Aspers, Pa.: Dan Barker, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship in China.

Augusta: Madison Macari, a sophomore majoring in tourism and hospitality management, received a $1,000 Verlin and Elaine Pfannenstiel Scholarship. Macari is an Augusta High School graduate.

Bazine: Bryanda Martinez-Levario, a senior majoring in finance, received a $500 Economics and Finance Departmental Scholarship. Martinez-Levario is a Western Plains High School graduate.

Beloit: Jase Sporleder, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship.

Bennington: Cameron Stanley, a junior majoring in finance, received a $500 Economics and Finance Departmental Scholarship. Stanley is a Bennington High School graduate.
Madison Wolf, a junior majoring in marketing, received a $500 Management and Marketing Departmental Scholarship. Wolf is a Bennington High School graduate.

Brooklyn, N.Y.: Don Phillip, a sophomore majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $500 AT&T Foundation INT Scholarship.

Bucklin: Colt Petty, a junior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship. Petty is a Bucklin High School graduate.

Cheney: Alexis Henning, a senior majoring in accounting, received a $500 William C. and Carolyn Miller Scholarship. Henning is a Goddard High School graduate.

Claflin: Aubrey Kempke, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Cole J. Engel Accounting Scholarship and a $1,000 Kennedy & Coe Accounting Scholarship. Kempke is a Claflin High School graduate.

Colby: Haley Stickel, a senior majoring in accounting, received a $2,250 Kansas Society of CPAs Undergraduate Accounting Scholarship and a $1,000 Creta Lois Sproul Scholarship. Stickel is a Colby High School graduate.
Brandon Taylor, a senior majoring in management, received a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship. Taylor is a Kiowa County High School graduate.

Colwich: Anna Gerber, a sophomore majoring in business education, received a $1,000 Koch Discovery Scholarship. Gerber is a Bishop Carroll High School graduate.

Derby: Broque Short, a fall 2015 freshman majoring in accounting, received a $2,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Achievement Award. Short is a Derby High School graduate.

Dighton: Morgan Lawrence, a senior majoring in management, received a $1,000 Darrell Seibel Family and Edward Jones Investments Scholarship. Lawrence is a Dighton High School graduate.

Dodge City: Luis Montelongo, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship. Montelongo is a Dodge City High School graduate.
Saul Sanchez, an M.B.A. student majoring in business administration, received a $4,000 Schwaller Entrepreneurship Scholarship, a $500 Deana G. Elston-Rupp Scholarship and a graduate teaching assistantship.

Douglass: Amanda Bailey, a junior majoring in tourism and hospitality management, received a $500 William C. and Carolyn Miller Scholarship. Bailey is a Wellington High School graduate.

Edgar, Neb.: Austin Nacke, a sophomore majoring in finance, received a $500 Economics and Finance Departmental Scholarship. Nacke is a Sandy Creek High School graduate.

El Dorado: Trent Schneweis, a sophomore majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship. Schneweis is an El Dorado High School graduate.

Ellinwood: Chelsea Churchill, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $500 Ruthetta Krause Scholarship. Churchill is an Ellinwood High School graduate.

Ellis: Shelby Hollern, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Brungardt Hower Ward Elliott & Pfeifer Accounting Scholarship, a $575 Arthur E. Andersen Scholarship and a $500 Robert S. and Elizabeth W. Armstrong Scholarship. Hollern is an Ellis High School graduate.

Eskridge: Sami Logan, majoring in business education, received a $500 Business Education Teacher Licensure Scholarship and a $500 Tyler Thompson & Jessica Tormey World Ready Business Education Scholarship. Logan is an Eskridge High School graduate.

Evans, Colo.: Morgen Pitts, a junior majoring in management, received a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship and a $1,000 Insurance Planning Scholarship. Pitts is a Liberal High School graduate.

Fort Collins, Colo.: Taylor Mares, a senior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 William E. Lusk Scholarship. Mares is a Rocky Mountain High School graduate.

Frankfort: Jenna Maas, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 William E. Lusk Scholarship, a $1,000 Robert S. and Elizabeth W. Armstrong Scholarship and a $500 Accounting Departmental Scholarship. Maas is a Frankfort High School graduate.

Freeman, Mo.: Deona Sherrill, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $500 William C. and Carolyn Miller Scholarship. Sherrill is a Heritage Christian Academy graduate.

Galena: Dorris Adams-Scott, a senior majoring in management, received a $500 Emprise Bank Management Scholarship and a $500 Robert S. and Elizabeth W. Armstrong Scholarship. Adams-Scott is a Galena High School graduate.

Garden City: Ulises Gonzalez, a junior majoring in management, received a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship and a $1,000 Insurance Planning Scholarship. Gonzalez is a Garden City High School graduate.

Gardner: Garrett Mullins, a sophomore majoring in finance, received a $500 Economics and Finance Departmental Scholarship. Mullins is a Gardner-Edgerton High School graduate.

Garfield: Paul Kirkwood, a junior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,000 Jack and Peggy Heather Scholarship. Kirkwood is a Kinsley High School graduate.

Gem: Rilee Spresser, a senior majoring in management, received a $1,000 Creta Lois Sproul Scholarship. Spresser is a Golden Plains High School graduate.

Goodland: Sloan Ruhs, a senior majoring in tourism and hospitality management, received a $1,000 Creta Lois Sproul Scholarship and a $500 Kansas I-70 Association Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship. Ruhs is a Goodland High School graduate.

Great Bend: Matthew Bruner, a freshman majoring in accounting, received a $500 Accounting Departmental Scholarship. Bruner is a Great Bend High School graduate.
Chasity Farr, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship. Farr is a Great Bend High School graduate.
Jordan Klima, a senior majoring in accounting, received a $4,500 Jack and Peggy McCullick Scholarship. Klima is a Hoisington High School graduate.
Peter Marston, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Brungardt Hower Ward Elliott & Pfeifer Accounting Scholarship. Marston is a Great Bend High School graduate.
Adam Neeland, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship. Neeland is a Great Bend High School graduate.
Miles Orth, a senior majoring in finance, received a $1,000 Darrell Seibel Family and Edward Jones Investments Scholarship. Orth is a Great Bend High School graduate.

Hays: Zachary Binder, a junior majoring in finance, received a $1,000 Darrell Seibel Family and Edward Jones Investments Scholarship, a $1,000 Bank/Norman and Ann Jeter Scholarship, a $1,000 Kansas Farm Credit Services Scholarship and a $500 Accounting Departmental Scholarship. Binder is a Hays High School graduate.
Johnae Blackmon, a junior majoring in marketing, received a $1,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship and a $500 Management and Marketing Departmental Scholarship. Blackmon is a Hays High School graduate.
Shelby Dinkel, a sophomore majoring in accounting, received a $500 Accounting Departmental Scholarship. Dinkel is a Hays High School graduate.
Derek Erbert, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship. Erbert is a Hays High School graduate.
Tandra Johnson, a senior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Adams Brown Beran & Ball Accounting Scholarship, a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship and a $650 Dr. and Mrs. M.J. Little Accounting Scholarship. Johnson is a Hays High School graduate.
Achilles Katende, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship.
Austin Knoll, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Brungardt Hower Ward Elliott & Pfeifer Accounting Scholarship and a $500 Kennedy & Coe Accounting Scholarship. Knoll is a Hays High School graduate.
Michaela Kuhn, a junior majoring in finance, received a $500 Andrew and Jenna Dempewolf Finance Scholarship. Kuhn is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Emily Leiker, a junior majoring in tourism and hospitality management, received a $550 Northwest Kansas Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Scholarship and a $250 Kansas I-70 Association Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship. Leiker is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Quan Nguyen, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Kennedy & Coe Accounting Scholarship. Nguyen is a LaCrosse High School graduate.
Drew O’Brien, a junior majoring in marketing, received a $500 Management and Marketing Departmental Scholarship. O’Brien is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Nancy Patel, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship.
Alexis Pfannenstiel, a junior majoring in business education, received a $500 Business Education Corporate Communication Scholarship. Pfannenstiel is a Hays High School graduate.
Preston Ryan, a junior majoring in physics, received a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship. Ryan is a Hays High School graduate.
Adam Schibi, a freshman majoring in management information systems, received a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship and a $500 Accounting Departmental Scholarship. Schibi is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Pierce Schippers, a senior majoring in finance, received a $1,000 Darrell Seibel Family and Edward Jones Investments Scholarship and a $500 Emprise Bank Scholarship. Schippers is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Mark Schneweis, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship. Schneweis is a Hays High School graduate.
Kiera Schwarz, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $700 Commerce Bank Scholarship. Schwarz is a Hays High School graduate.
Christopher Simmons, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $500 AT&T Foundation INT Scholarship.
Jacob Taylor, a senior majoring in accounting and management, received a $1,125 BKD Accounting Scholarship, a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship and a $1,000 Kennedy & Coe Accounting Scholarship. Taylor is a Hays High School graduate.
Tyler Wooldridge, a junior majoring in finance, received a $3,000 Frank Sullivan Financial Planning Scholarship and a $750 David L. Meckenstock Financial Planning Scholarship. Wooldridge is a Hays High School graduate.
Corinne Ziegler, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $700 Cecil Jr. and Betty E. Calvert Endowed Business Scholarship. Ziegler is a Hays High School graduate.
Chloe Zimmerman, a sophomore majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship, a $500 Accounting Departmental Scholarship and a $300 Dr. George Wall Accounting Scholarship. Zimmerman is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.

Highlands Ranch, Colo.: Ryan Ross, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $500 Jack and Peggy Heather Scholarship and a $100 H. Keith & Esther Megill Scholarship. Ross is a Thunderridge High School graduate.
Lauren Solzman, a sophomore majoring in tourism and hospitality management, received a $500 Management and Marketing Departmental Scholarship. Solzman is a Thunderridge High School graduate.

Holcomb: Sarah Hill, a junior majoring in business education, received a $500 Business Education Training & Development Scholarship. Hill is a Holcomb High School graduate.

Holton: Baillie Dunn, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $500 AT&T Foundation INT Scholarship and a $500 Ruthetta Krause Scholarship. Dunn is a Jackson Heights High School graduate.
Austin Hillrichs, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,000 Scott and Rita Harmon Scholarship. Hillrichs is a Jackson Heights High School graduate.

Jacksonville, Fla.: Carly Weeks , a sophomore majoring in management, received a $700 Commerce Bank Management and Marketing Scholarship.

Junction City: Ray Turner, majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $500 AT&T Foundation INT Scholarship. Turner is a Belmont College Prep School graduate.

Kansas City, Kan.: Vilma Maldonado, a junior majoring in management, received a $1,000 Darrell Seibel Family and Edward Jones Investments Scholarship and a $700 Commerce Bank Management and Marketing Scholarship. Maldonado is a Bishop Ward High School graduate.
Samantha Morrissey, a sophomore majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Verlin and Elaine Pfannenstiel Scholarship. Morrissey is a Bishop Ward High School graduate.

Kingman: Jessica Duhon, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship. Duhon is a Kingman High School graduate.

LaCrosse: Dylan Engel, a junior majoring in management, received a $500 Emprise Bank Management Scholarship. Engel is a LaCrosse High School graduate.

Lakewood, Colo.: Gabrielle Makatura, a junior majoring in international business, received a $1,000 Bank of Hays Rev. William Miller Memorial Scholarship. Makatura is a Green Mountain High School graduate.

Larned: Reagan Quick, a sophomore majoring in accounting, received a $1,250 Lewis, Hooper and Dick LLC Accounting Scholarship. Quick is a Larned High School graduate.

Lawrenceville, Ga.: Amadou Berete, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship in China.

Limon, Colo.: Ashley O’Dwyer, a junior majoring in finance, received a $1,800 Peier Family Scholarship. O’Dwyer is a Limon High School graduate.

Lucas: Darissa Spears, a senior majoring in management, received a $550 Northwest Kansas Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Scholarship. Spears is a Wilson High School graduate.

Macksville: Adam Oak, a junior majoring in management, received a $1,000 L&S Kohlmeier Scholarship. Oak is a Macksville High School graduate.

McDonald: Jose Ponce, a junior majoring in marketing, received a $1,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship and a $1,000 Koch Discovery Scholarship. Ponce is a Cheylin High School graduate.

McPherson: Brooke Michael, a junior majoring in management, received a $1,000 Creta Lois Sproul Scholarship. Michael is a Brewster High School graduate.
Nikolous Rempe, an M.B.A. student, received a $2,500 Kansas Society of CPAs Graduate Accounting Scholarship and a graduate teaching assistantship. Rempe is a McPherson High School graduate.
Terry Vickroy, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,500 Jack and Peggy Heather Scholarship. Vickroy is a McPherson High School graduate.

Mission: Jason Foster, a senior majoring in finance, received a $1,000 Darrell Seibel Family and Edward Jones Investments Scholarship. Foster is a Shawnee Mission North High School graduate.

Ness City: Matthew Frank, a sophomore majoring in accounting, received a $5,000 Farmer Family Excellence Scholarship. Frank is a Ness City High School graduate.

North Platte, Neb.: Luke Wright, a junior majoring in finance, received a $500 Economics and Finance Departmental Scholarship. Wright is a North Platte High School graduate.

Norwich: Bailey Poe, a sophomore majoring in accounting, received a William E. Lusk Semester Tuition Scholarship, a $500 Accounting Departmental Scholarship and a $500 Robert S. and Elizabeth W. Armstrong Scholarship. Poe is a Norwich High School graduate.

Oakley: Brittany Ellegood, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship. Ellegood is an Oakley High School graduate.

Omaha, Neb.: Kristine Tippin, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship. Tippin is a Northwest High School graduate.

Osborne: Andrea Langley, a junior majoring in management, received a $1,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship. Langley is a Shanghai American School graduate.

Overland Park: Shannon Elliott, a senior majoring in management information systems, received a $500 MIS Faculty Scholarship.

Park: Derek Day, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship. Day is a Victoria High School graduate.

Pawnee Rock: Loretta Lauer, a senior majoring in human resource management, received a $300 Jerry L. Kaempfe Memorial Scholarship.

Phillipsburg: Kelly Grismore, a junior majoring in management, received a $1,000 Robert S. and Elizabeth W. Armstrong Scholarship. Grismore is an Alma High School graduate.

Pierceville: Christina Wyatt, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,250 Lewis, Hooper and Dick LLC Accounting Scholarship.

Plainville: Bryan Brungardt, a senior majoring in management, received a $500 Robert S. Armstrong Memorial Scholarship. Brungardt is a Plainville High School graduate.

Quinter: Brooke Flax, a junior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Creta Lois Sproul Scholarship, a $1,000 High Plains Farm Credit Scholarship and a $1,000 Robert S. and Elizabeth W. Armstrong Scholarship. Flax is a Quinter High School graduate.

Russell: Savanna Huff, a sophomore majoring in finance, received a $500 Economics and Finance Departmental Scholarship. Huff is a Russell High School graduate.

Salina: Joel Anderson, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $500 AT&T Foundation INT Scholarship. Anderson is an Ell-Saline High School graduate.
Larry Billinger, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship in China. Billinger is a Sacred Heart High School graduate.

San Diego, Calif.: Jason Hardy, a senior majoring in management information systems, received a $500 Jack Logan Scholarship. Hardy is an El Toro High School graduate.

Sandy, Utah: Lynn Mellor, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship in China.
Carrie Park, a junior majoring in human resource management, received a $500 Management and Marketing Departmental Scholarship. Park is a Cottonwood High School graduate.

Stockton: Emily Barnett, an M.B.A. student, received a $1,000 Creta Lois Sproul Scholarship and a graduate teaching assistantship in China. Barnett is a Stockton High School graduate.
Caleb Kriley, an M.B.A. student, received a $1,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Graduate Scholarship and a graduate teaching assistantship in China. Kriley is a Stockton High School graduate.
Scott Voss, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship. Voss is a Stockton High School graduate.

Sublette: Gabriela Trejo, an M.B.A. student, received a $1,000 Adams Brown Beran & Ball Accounting Scholarship, a $1,000 Mapes & Miller Scholarship and a graduate teaching assistantship. Trejo is a Sublette High School graduate.

Tijeras, N.M.: Grant Storey, a sophomore majoring in tourism and hospitality management, received a $500 Management and Marketing Departmental Scholarship. Storey is a Hope Christian School graduate.

Topeka: Jennifer Brownlow, a junior majoring in management information systems, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship. Brownlow is a Cair Paravel-Latin School graduate.
Shaneatra Jones, a junior majoring in management, received a $1,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship. Jones is an Excel High School graduate.
Alexander Schmidtberger, a junior majoring in finance, received a $700 Commerce Bank Scholarship. Schmidtberger is a Hayden High School graduate.

Towner, Colo.: Mikayla Schmidt, a senior majoring in finance, received a $500 Economics and Finance Departmental Scholarship. Schmidt is a Plainview High School graduate.

Udall: Abigail Mettling, a senior majoring in marketing, received a $500 Robert S. and Elizabeth W. Armstrong Scholarship. Mettling is a Udall High School graduate.

Valley Center: Brooke Faulhaber, a fall 2015 freshman majoring in finance, received a $2,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Achievement Award. Faulhaber is a Valley Center High School graduate.
David Ortiz, a freshman majoring in accounting, received a William E. Lusk Semester Tuition Scholarship. Ortiz is a Valley Center High School graduate.

Victoria: Logan Harmon, a freshman majoring in management information systems, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship. Harmon is a Kapaun Mount Carmel High School graduate.
Cody Scheck, a senior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Adams Brown Beran & Ball Accounting Scholarship, a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship, a $1,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship, a $1,000 Lindberg Vogel Scholarship and a graduate teaching assistantship. Scheck is a Victoria High School graduate.
Falynn Wasinger, an M.B.A. student, received a graduate teaching assistantship. Wasinger is a Victoria High School graduate.

Walsh, Colo.: James Kelly, a senior majoring in marketing, received a $700 Commerce Bank Management and Marketing Scholarship. Kelly is an Elkhart High School graduate.

Waterville: Megan Martin, a junior majoring in business education, received a $1,000 William Berl Lenz Jr. Scholarship. Martin is a Valley Heights High School graduate.

Wichita: Matthew Alliman, a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship and a $500 AT&T Foundation INT Scholarship. Alliman is a Wichita North High School graduate.
Emily Dreher, a junior majoring in management information systems, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship. Dreher is an Arkansas City High School graduate.
Julia Fletcher, a senior majoring in marketing, received a $1,000 Robert S. and Elizabeth W. Armstrong Scholarship.
Steven Grimstead, a junior majoring in management information systems, received a $1,000 Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance Co. Scholarship and a $500 Ruthetta Krause Scholarship.
Sarah Hogan, a senior majoring in accounting, received a $1,000 Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship, a $650 Dr. and Mrs. M.J. Little Accounting Scholarship, a $575 Arthur E. Andersen Scholarship and a $500 Leonard and Ethel Thompson Scholarship. Hogan is a Kapaun Mount Carmel High School graduate.
Richard Kerr, a sophomore majoring in information networking and telecommunications, received a $1,500 Jack and Peggy Heather Scholarship, a $1,000 Insurance Planning Scholarship and a $650 Jeanne Lambert Memorial Fund Scholarship. Kerr is a Bishop Carroll High School graduate.
Jason Lewis, a sophomore majoring in management information systems, received a $1,000 Insurance Planning Power of One Scholarship. Lewis is an Emporia Senior High School graduate.
Morgan McDonald, a fall 2015 freshman majoring in human resource management, received a $2,000 College of Business and Entrepreneurship Achievement Award. McDonald is a Valley Center High School graduate.
Jonathan Piszczek, a senior majoring in accounting, received a $1,125 BKD Accounting Scholarship, a $950 John Garwood Scholarship and a $750 John and Nancy Francis Scholarship. Piszczek is a Kapaun Mount Carmel High School graduate.
Christopher Turner, a senior majoring in management information systems, received a $500 MIS Faculty Scholarship. Turner is a Haysville Alternative High School graduate.

Wiley, Colo.: Maggie Schneider, a junior majoring in tourism and hospitality management, received a $250 Kansas I-70 Association Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship. Schneider is a Wiley High School graduate.

Winfield: Matthew McWithey, a senior majoring in finance, received a $5,000 Farmer Family Excellence Scholarship. McWithey is a Winfield High School graduate.

Xinzheng, China: Bingbing “Isabella” Bai received a graduate teaching assistantship.

Saturday car fire threatened to spread to house

Posted on May 3, 2015

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A vehicle fire nearly spread to become a house fire in Hays early Saturday afternoon.

The City of Hays Fire Department, assisted by the Hays Police Department, Ellis County Sheriff, and Ellis County EMS, was dispatched at 12:28 p.m. May 2, to a car on fire threatening a house at 314 East 16th Street.

According to Fire Chief Gary Brown, firefighters found the engine compartment of a car well involved in fire when they arrived.

The car was in the driveway only a few feet from the house.

Firefighters used a fire extinguisher to hold the fire in check while a hose line was laid to attack the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished.

The vehicle suffered heavy damage. There were no injuries.

Five fire trucks and eighteen firefighters responded.

The last fire crew left the scene at 1:13 PM.

Partly cloudy and warm Sunday, chance of thunderstorms late

Posted on May 3, 2015May 3, 2015

A cold front working its way South this afternoon will provide a chance for thunderstorm development across the area, bringing partly to mostly cloudy skies. Ahead of the front, Southerly winds will bring warm temperatures today with highs in the mid 80s.

Cooler temperatures will are forecast across the region Monday with more chances for showers and thunderstorms. A series of cold fronts pushing through the area during the upcoming week will bring chances of rain each day, with highs mainly in the 70s.

Today: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 6 to 14 mph.

Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. East wind 8 to 17 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10am and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Paying down student debt easier for some in rural Kansas

Posted on May 3, 2015May 2, 2015

By Alyssa Scott
KU Statehouse Wire Service

When Seth and Rachael Cavenee moved to Greeley County about two years ago to start a family, they didn’t realize the move could reduce their student debt.

Seth graduated from Wichita State University in 2007, and Rachael completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Colorado before earning her doctorate from WSU in 2013. When they moved to Greeley County, they became eligible for Kansas’ Rural Opportunity Zones program, which provides assistance in paying back student loans.

As a part of the ROZ program, individuals who move to designated rural Kanas counties have the opportunity to earn student loan repayments of up to $15,000 over the course of five years. Although the program has only been in place since July 2011, there is evidence that this incentive could encourage individuals to continue living rurally even after completing the repayment program.

The Cavenees found out about the program shortly after moving to Greeley County and said they plan to live in rural Kansas after they complete their five years and earn their full repayments.

“My husband and I are planning on staying here permanently,” Rachael Cavenee said. “My husband farms, so it’s highly beneficial that we were able to live here and take advantage of this program to have that financial support and less stress for our family.”

The ROZ program was established to increase population in rural Kansas through offering financial incentives. The student loan repayment portion of the program spans 70 counties, which choose to opt into the program. The expenditures from the student loan repayments are shared equally by the state and the county. To be eligible for the repayments, individuals must earn an associate, bachelor’s or post-graduate degree and move to a designated county from either within Kansas or from other states.

In the first year the program was offered, 172 people applied. Over the years the program has grown, with 740 people applying in 2014 and 376 receiving approval. Nearly 2,200 have applied for the ROZ program since it began.
Cori Woelk, a resident from Greeley County, decided to take advantage of the student loan repayments and just completed her first year of the program.

Although she is originally from western Kansas, she earned her master’s degree in Oklahoma and worked there for almost five years before returning to Kansas where she works as a sales representative for a company dealing with agricultural chemicals.

“I started trying to get back to Kansas through work, and it was definitely a program within our community, Greeley County, that was highlighted obviously because of the need and trying to draw people back to rural Kansas,” Woelk said. “I think the biggest benefit of programs like this is it provides people to areas that definitely need a boost in population. If we want our communities to survive we have to be proactive, and I think this is a step toward that.”

Although people such as Woelk think a ROZ program is crucial to preserving rural Kansas, senators questioned its effectiveness in a February hearing. Chris Harris, Kansas Department of Commerce program manager, made a presentation about ROZ to the Senate Commerce Committee. Since then, the House Taxation Committee held a hearing in March for House Bill 2298 where there were no opponents but several proponents who supported extending the program and funding. Harris said there has been no action since that hearing. The fiscal note of HB 2298 reported that Kansas spends about $1 million annual on the ROZ program.

“Our goal is to attract young and talented residents to rural communities across Kansas,” Harris said. “The student loan repayments have been a very compelling tool that rural counties have used to initiate conversations with interested individuals, recruit them to their respective communities and then retain them once they are there.”

Harris said individuals live in the community for about a year before receiving their first payment. They are then required to remain living in the county for five years to be eligible for the five annual payments, which are worth up to $3,000 for an overall total of $15,000. Since the program has not been in place long enough for any of the participants to be finished, the KDOC is tracking participants to see if these individuals plan on living in rural counties after completing the program.

“We have been tracking just through asking individuals and participant surveys and this indicates very strong interest in moving into rural counties,” said KDOC Spokesman Matt Keith. “At this point we do have a very good idea that a lot of those individuals using this program want to live in rural Kansas and this sort of helps them get started there.”
Harris said almost 60 percent of ROZ participants have already purchased or built homes in the designated rural communities and others are currently looking for housing. Seventeen percent of participants have started new businesses in these communities.

“Early results have shown that these individuals are opting to remain in the community long-term,” Harris said. “It is our belief that an individual that lives in the community for five years has a high probability of remaining in that community. Several trends would seem to support this assertion.”
Rachael Cavenee is part of the 17 percent of participants who have contributed to these rural areas by starting a new business. She opened an audiology practice in the city of Tribune in Greeley County.

“This program has helped me start paying back student loans while starting my own business,” Rachael Cavenee said. “I think that with starting a business and having a husband who is self-employed, this has opened doors for us.”
Seth Cavenee said he was interested in the program because he was originally from Tribune, so it was a goal of his to live and work there after starting a family.

“It’s especially helpful for younger individuals who are wanting to start a family because it makes this more viable,” Seth Cavenee said. “The program definitely helps me be capable of being self-employed and being able to support my family this way without needing to take on a second job.”

Harris said many program participants are similar to Seth Cavenee as they often have a connection to rural life. He said demographics show that participants are typically between the ages of 24 and 35 and have recently earned at least an undergraduate degree.
In the past ROZ has partnered with Love Small Town America, a resource that aims to increase awareness of small towns through giving them an Internet presence. Nicole Godek, CEO of LSTA, said it is important for the government to continue providing opportunities like the programs ROZ offers.

“I think in general it’s time that we start focusing on smaller communities because as we’ve seen in Kansas, quite a few of them have lost population,” Godek said. “While we can do things on a local level, I think the government really needs to step in and provide incentives, otherwise no one will hear about it or move back to these communities.”

Alyssa Scott is a University of Kansas junior from Wichita majoring in journalism and French.

AP Poll: Most favor drone strikes, even on fellow Americans

Posted on May 3, 2015May 2, 2015

KEN DILANIAN, Associated Press
EMILY SWANSON, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new Associated Press-GfK poll shows that 6 in 10 Americans favor using drones to target and kill members of terrorist groups such as al-Qaida overseas, while only 13 percent are opposed. About 24 percent don’t feel strongly either way.

By a wider margin, nearly three-quarters of Americans say it’s acceptable for the U.S. to kill an American citizen abroad if that person is part of a terrorist organization.

The poll released Friday shows support for unmanned targeted killing crossing party lines.

Nearly 6 in 10 Democrats favor using drones to target terrorist groups, while only 16 percent are opposed. Among Republicans, 72 percent are in favor and only 10 percent are opposed.

Independents are more ambivalent, with 45 percent in favor and 12 percent opposed.

Kansas interstate fire destroys semi, vehicles

Posted on May 2, 2015May 3, 2015

Saturday fire on Interstate 135 in McPherson County

MCPHERSON COUNTY -A semi hauling vehicles to Central America was destroyed by fire early Saturday evening on Interstate 135 in McPherson County.

Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Craig Davis said the driver was southbound just before 5:30pm when he saw sparks coming from his dashboard.

He pulled over and tried to put out a fire with his extinguisher and then called for help.

The fire destroyed the semi and the vehicles on the trailer.

The fire did close the interstate to southbound traffic for more than two hours.

Traffic was moved over to old 81 Highway for about a 10-mile detour.

There were no injuries.

All girls welcome at Western Kansas Girl Scout summer camps

Posted on May 2, 2015May 2, 2015

Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

WICHITA–Adventure awaits this summer with Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. Camp registration is now open, and all K-12 girls are welcome at the 111 summer camps and activities offered through Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland.

Camping, a Girl Scout tradition since 1912, gives girls the opportunity to develop leadership and outdoor skills, lifelong friendships, and a deep appreciation for nature. From day camps to weeklong adventures, camping in cabins or under the stars, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland offers a variety of activities to fit girls’ interests through the council’s six camp locations and partner camps across Kansas.

Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland is committed to providing camp opportunities for every girl, regardless of her financial situation. Thanks to the generosity of donors, camp scholarships are available. Girl Scout camps provide the opportunity for all girls to develop a sense of responsibility, become more independent, and most importantly, have fun.

Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland’s camp season is June 1 through July 31. For registration and a complete list of summer activities, go to kansasgirlscouts.org, flip through the online Summer Guide, or call 1-888-686-MINT (6468). Here are some of the upcoming Girl Scout camps across the state:

Southwest
· CSI Overnight, June 12-13, Garden City Girl Scout Office. K-12 girls will discover the tricks of the crime scene analysis trade, including using fingerprints and other evidence to solve mysteries. $40 per member/$55 per non-member.

North
· Girl Scout Treasure Hunt, June 13, Lakewood Discovery Center, Salina. K-5 girls will enjoy the ultimate treasure hunt, along with playing games, hiking, geocaching, and even making their own stamp to decode clues to the treasure trove. $11.50 per member/$26.50 per non-member.

· Girl Scout Treasure Crew, June 13, Lakewood Discovery Center, Salina. Girls in grades 6-12 will work together to create the greatest treasure hunt ever! They’ll enjoy crafts, practice GPS skills, and celebrate with a pizza party. $16.50 per member/$31.50 per non-member.

Northwest
· Let’s Get Riding – Learn From Equestrian Pros, June 4, Colby Community College Farm. Girls in grades 2-5 will learn horseback riding skills from the Colby Community College Equestrian Team! $20 per member/$35 per non-member.

Police: Kan. teen stabbed man for not wanting to bet on race

Posted on May 2, 2015

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 45-year-old man was in critical condition after police say he was stabbed by a 17-year-old for refusing to place a bet on a foot race between the two.

The Wichita Eagle reports the unidentified victim was visiting someone who lived in a Wichita neighborhood when he and the teen decided around midnight they would race.

Police spokesman Sgt. Roger Runft says the older man refused to bet on the race, so the teen ran into the house where the 45-year-old was visiting, came out with a knife and stabbed the man in the chest.

The victim was taken to a hospital with a punctured lung, but is expected to survive.

Police don’t know if the 17-year-old and victim knew each other, and they haven’t located the suspect.