People enjoying the Hays Kiwanis Park will soon want to, and be able to, linger a little longer.
The park at 17th and Harvest Road in east Hays has never had a restroom.
It soon will have one, along with new playground equipment to replace the aging unit purchased in 1991 by the Hays Kiwanis Club.
The improvements are possible thanks to a $40,000 contribution from the Hays Kiwanis Club in January commemorating the 100th year of Kiwanis International. That money was placed in the city Park Improvement Fund and matched with $40,000 from the 2015 Special Park and Recreation Budget–a total of $80,000.
Hays city commissioners Thursday night approved the recommended purchase of the CXT Inc. Cortez Precast Flush Restroom for $40,100 through the State of Kansas Bid Procurement Contract. Plumbing and electrical work will cost another $6,085.
Kiwanis Club members reviewed the proposals and requested approval to purchase the play equipment from ABCreative in De Soto, Kan., for $30,420, which includes labor for an install supervisor from their firm.
Another $2,800 will be required for fall zone materials after the unit is installed.
“I’ve stated on many occasions, the city of Hays’s parks would not be what they are today without the generosity of our local civic groups, and the Kiwanis Park is a prime example of that,” said Director of Parks Jeff Boyle.
The new restroom will be installed across the parking lot from the playground, in close proximity to the water and sewer lines. A sidewalk will be put in between the parking lot and the restroom.
“As the father of a four-year old, they’re playing, they have to go to the restroom and they just take off,” said Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil. He questioned Boyle about the possibility of installing a metal fence barrier against cars in the parking lot to make it safer.
Boyle was amenable.
“We’ve already done something like that in east Frontier Park and north Frontier Park,” Boyle said, “using oil field pipe. It was rather cheap and looks nice.”
WABAUNSEE COUNTY- A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. on Saturday in Wabaunsee County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy pickup driven by Tyler J. Frank, 21, McFarland, was eastbound on Interstate 70 at Wabaunsee Road six miles north of Alma. The pickup left the roadway on south side.
It then traveled back across the eastbound lanes into the median, rolled and came to rest in the westbound lanes.
Frank was transported to Stormont Vail. He was wearing a seatbelt, according to the KHP.
Twenty-two Hays employees were honored for their long-time service Thursday.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Immediately after approving the minutes from their previous meeting, Hays city commissioners Thursday night formally recognized 22 city employees for their long-time service.
Mayor Eber Phelps presented 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 year service awards as Finance Director Kim Rupp read a short narration of each person’s career.
Those employees who were present shook hands with the governing body and had their pictures taken with the city commissioners.
Service awards were presented to employees for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years working for the city of Hays.
The 2015 Hays employee service recognition included the following:
5-Year Awards
Erin Giebler – Erin Giebler joined the City of Hays in 2010 as the HR Assistant. A year later
she was promoted to Director of Human Resources. Johnny Rupp – Johnny Rupp started with the Solid Waste Division in 2010 and continues to
serve as a Recycling Collector. Travis Hageman – Travis Hageman began with the Hays Fire Department as a Volunteer
Firefighter in 2009. In 2011, Travis was promoted to a Full Time Firefighter.
10-Year Awards J.B. Burkholder – J.B. Burkholder joined the Hays Police Department in 2005. In 2011 he
was promoted to a Uniformed Investigator until 2015 when he took over his current position,
Investigator. Greg May – Firefighter, Greg May, was hired by the Hays Fire Department as a Volunteer
Firefighter in 2005 and joined the department full time the following year. Mark Augustine – Mark Augustine began in the Parks Department as a Parks Maintenance
Worker in 2005. Mark was promoted to a Parks Technician in 2009. Stan Moore – In 2005, Stan Moore joined the Police Department as an Animal Control
Officer and continues to serve the City in this position. Toby Dougherty – Toby Dougherty joined the City of Hays in 2005 as the Assistant City
Manager. In 2007 Toby was appointed City Manager. David Vilaysing – David Vilaysing began his employment with the Hays Police Department
in 2005 as a Police Officer. In 2014, David was promoted to Police Corporal for the City of
Hays.
15-Year Awards Keith Mermis – Firefighter, Keith Mermis, joined the Hays Fire Department in 2000. John Braun – In 2000, John Braun was hired by the City of Hays as an Engineering
Technician. In 2003 John was promoted to the Engineering Superintendent and later that year
he took over his current position of Assistant Director of Public Works. Troy Basgall – Troy Basgall began his career at the City of Hays as a Refuse/Recycling
Collector in 2000. In 2007 Troy was promoted to a Refuse Driver. Marvin Honas – Marvin Honas was hired in 2000 as the Solid Waste Superintendent.
Marvin has been serving in this position for the last 15 years. Brian Dawson – Brian Dawson began working as a Police Officer in 2000. In 2001 he was
promoted to a School Resource Officer. In 2010 Brian was promoted to Police Lieutenant and
the following year he took over his current position, Assistant Chief of Police.
20-Year Awards
Dustin Degenhardt – Dustin Degenhardt joined the City of Hays in 1995 as a Refuse
Collector. In 1998, he moved to the Service Division where he served as a Maintenance
Worker I, Maintenance Worker II, and his current position, Equipment Operator. Aaron Dome – Aaron Dome began at the Water Treatment Plant in 1994 where he held
positions as a Plant Trainee, Plant Operator I, and Plant Operator II. In 2006 Aaron joined the
Hays Fire Department as a Firefighter. Today he serves as Fire Lieutenant.
25-Year Awards
Jeff Gerstner – Jeff Gerstner was hired at the City of Hays in 1990. He has served the City
in multiple roles throughout his 25 years. Jeff has served as a Refuse Collector, Meter Reader,
Maintenance Worker II and his current position as Utilities Equipment Operator. Dave Bunger – David Bunger began with the Hays Police Department in 1989 as a Police
Officer. In 2005 he took over the responsibilities of a Police Investigator and in 2008 he was
promoted to Police Detective.
30-Year Awards
Carolyn McCollum-Scantlin – Carolyn McCollum-Scantlin began with the City of Hays in
1985 as a Dispatcher. She was promoted to Communications Sergeant in 2003 and in 2012
she took over her current Director of the Communications Center duties. Kurt Arnhold – Kurt Arnhold began as a Utilities Worker in 1985. In 1992 he was promoted
to a Meter Reader and in 2003 he was promoted to a Maintenance Worker II where he has
served the Service Division and, most recently, the Solid Waste Division.
35-Year Awards
Brenda Kitchen – City Clerk, Brenda Kitchen, was hired by the City of Hays’ Clerk’s Office
in 1980. She has held the Account Clerk I, Account Clerk II, Deputy City Clerk, and City Clerk
position.
40-Year Awards Lori Hertel – In 1975, Lori Hertel joined the City of Hays’ Clerk’s Office. She began as an
Account Clerk I and was promoted to Account Clerk II before taking over her current position,
Accounting Specialist.
Listen as ‘Voice of the Chiefs’ Mitch Holthus reviews last Sunday’s road loss at Minnesota and and preview’s this Sunday’s home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday at 6:30am during the Chiefs season.
Istation, a leader in educational technology, has donated Istation Reading to the Tiger Tots Nurtury Center at Fort Hays State University.
The Istation Reading subscriptions will expose the early learners at Tiger Tots Nurtury Center to an engaging, interactive digital learning program. Tiger Tots is a preschool and child care facility on the FHSU campus that shares with Istation a commitment to developing a love of learning in all young children.
“We are excited to receive this valuable donation to promote early literacy growth in our young learners through developmentally appropriate technology use,” said Sara Stroup, director of Tiger Tots. “Istation provides an assessment and intervention curriculum that together will allow us to identify our children’s weaknesses and immediately provide data-driven instruction specific to each child’s needs.”
“We are pleased to give Istation Reading to the students and teachers at Tiger Tots,” said Istation chair and CEO Richard H. Collins. “Preschool is a critical time for gaining early literacy skills. We believe Istation Reading will compliment the great work that’s already being done at Tiger Tots, and the end result will be kindergarten-ready students.”
Istation Reading is computer-delivered literacy instruction that strictly adheres to research-based standards. Istation’s early childhood program is carefully crafted to ensure every lesson is purposeful, interactive and engaging. Children play along as they learn through clapping and singing with songs and games.
In addition to the software, Istation is donating three iPads to Tiger Tots. The total value of the gift is about $15,000. The unlimited subscriptions are good through June 30, 2018. Training on the program is included.
Istation was recently awarded a contract through the state-funded Kansas Reading Success Program providing pre-K through eighth-grade students at public and open-enrollment charter schools in Kansas unlimited access to Istation Reading for the 2015-2016 school year. FHSU’s College of Education will conduct research studying the effects of the Istation Reading program on participating students.
Istation is an award-winning comprehensive e-learning program used by more than four million students across the world. Known for its accurate assessments, engaging curriculum and trusted teacher tools, Istation helps students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade achieve academic growth.
An animated, game-like interface effectively engages students so that they do not even know they’re being evaluated. Along with its highly interactive digital curriculum, Istation provides teachers with access to thousands of lessons perfect for instructing small groups or an entire class. Comprehensive progress reports are also immediately available for educators, administrators and parents.
Istation instruction is available in Reading, Reading en Español and Math. Students can also use their Istation subscriptions at home.
For more information on Istation, contact Teresa Woodard, (972) 715-3887, or email [email protected].
For more information on Tiger Tots Nurtury Center, contact Stroup at (785) 628-4101 or email [email protected].
GORHAM — The Gorham Community Development Association will be hosting a German Meal fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5 p.m. until the food is gone at the Gorham Senior Center.
The cost is $13 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6 to 10, Children age 5 and under eat free. The meal will feature green bean dumpling soup, wedding roast, galuskies, brats and kraut, noodles and beans, cheese pockets, grebbel, cinnamon rolls, kuchen, tea, and coffee.
All proceeds will benefit the Gorham Park Project.
Cool high pressure will settle in across western Kansas to start the weekend. Light winds are forecast today as the center of the high will be positioned across west central Kansas. Highs will reach the lower to mid 60s.
Tonight, clear skies and light winds will allow temperatures to bottom out in the mid 30s. Some frost will likely develop, especially in low lying areas. A frost advisory is in effect for early Sunday morning.
Looking ahead into next week, clouds will increase Monday as low pressure develops over the Northern Plains. The associated cold front will move through Tuesday night. A few showers or some sprinkles will be possible mainly Tuesday into Tuesday night. Wednesday through Friday will be cooler with highs in the upper 50s.
Today: Sunny, with a high near 64. Northwest wind 7 to 14 mph.
Tonight: Areas of frost after 1am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 36. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming south after midnight.
Sunday: Areas of frost before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 6 to 11 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. South wind 6 to 9 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. South southeast wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph
A faculty member of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University, Dr. Babu George, associate professor of management in the Virtual College International, was a special guest of honor at a recent tourism conference in India.
The conference, “Tourism and Hospitality: Beyond the Agenda for One Billion Tourists and One Billion Opportunities,” was sponsored by Panjab University’s Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management in Chandigarh.
In his presentation, George stressed “the need for thinking beyond disciplinary boundaries in better understanding complex social phenomena like tourism that have gained trans-disciplinary manifestations.”
The conference drew scholars from fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, geography, gender studies, law, technology, education and management studies.
ackson County CASA Executive Director Martha Gershun says the new program for foster kids transitioning out of the system will serve about 75 foster children in its first year. CREDIT ALEX SMITH / HEARTLAND HEALTH MONITOR
Growing up in foster care can be challenging, but many of the biggest problems foster children face occur after they age out of the system.
Among the sobering statistics: More than one in five become homeless, nearly three out of four girls become pregnant by age 21 and only half are gainfully employed at age 24, according to the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, a national foundation that assists young people leaving foster care.
Two local chapters of the national nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, on Wednesday announced the creation of a program to help foster children prepare for the time when they’re too old to qualify for foster care.
Jackson County CASA Executive Director Martha Gershun described it as similar to the mentoring and life preparation children receive from parents in traditional families.
“These are youth who often have been in multiple foster homes,” Gershun said. “They have been moved around a great deal, and they haven’t had that consistent adult looking out for them.”
The CASA Transition Program for Older Foster Young will employ a case manager to help them find medical, educational and therapeutic services they can use as adults.
Children will begin working with the case managers starting at age 15. In Kansas, foster care services end when children turn 18. In Missouri, they end between the ages of 18 and 21.
Organizers say the program will serve about 75 foster children in Jackson County, Missouri, and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas in the first year. About 1,640 children are currently under court protection in the three counties.
The new program will also provide volunteer mentors to help aged-out foster youths through age 26.
Gershun said that she and Lois Rice, executive director of CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties, have already received positive feedback from the teenagers who will get the additional help.
“What we’ve found is that they are greatly relieved that someone is saying, at the age of 15, ‘I’m gonna stay with you for the next three years to get you ready,” Gershun said.
Alex Smith is a reporter for Heartland Health Monitor, a news collaboration focusing on health issues and their impact in Missouri and Kansas.
CHICAGO (AP) — Marijuana use among U.S. adults doubled over a decade. That’s according to government surveys showing that almost 10 percent of adults use the drug, or more than 22 million people.
Most of that is recreational use.
The researchers say the trend reflects a cultural shift and increasingly permissive views about the drug. Recreational use is now legal in four states.
Almost 1 in 3 users had signs of marijuana dependence or abuse. That’s a slight decline from a decade ago.
The results come from a comparison of health surveys from 2001-02 and 2012-13 sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Results were published Wednesday in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.
Hays city commissioners Thursday night approved the recommended purchase of the CXT Inc. Cortez Precast Flush Restroom for $40,100 through the State of Kansas Bid Procurement Contract. Plumbing and electrical work will cost another $6,085.
Kiwanis Club members reviewed the proposals and requested approval to purchase the play equipment from ABCreative in De Soto, Kan., for $30,420, which includes labor for an install supervisor from their firm.
