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Month: November 2015

Downtown Hays developer selected for new Topeka boutique hotel

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TOPEKA — Aim Strategies LLC, in partnership with Liberty Group Inc., announced plans today to renovate four historic downtown Topeka buildings into a boutique hotel and restaurant.

Cody Foster, founder of Aim Strategies, contacted Chuck Comeau, president of Liberty Group, after the development of the Chestnut Street District in downtown Hays. Foster ultimately selected Liberty Group to oversee the restoration and the branding of the new space that will become the Cyrus Hotel and Holliday’s Public House on Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka.

Plans for the Cyrus Hotel and Holliday’s Public House incorporate the four existing historic structures of 912, 916, 918 and 920 Kansas Avenue, along with an additional five-story tower. The venue will feature 79 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, and over 10,000 square feet of event and meeting space with full catering services.

Located just one block from the Capitol, the hotel and restaurant honor Topeka’s founder, Cyrus K. Holliday.  In an 1854 letter to his wife, Holliday described the area as “perhaps the best landing and the most eligible site for a city in the entire country.” In this spirit, the City of Topeka has invested $9 million dollars over the past two years redesigning and greenscaping Kansas Avenue, making it ripe for development.

Cyrus Hotel Logo

Foster and Comeau worked with Lake Flato, one of the world’s leading architectural firms based in San Antonio, Texas, to design the hotel. David Bowd, founder of Salt Hotels of New York, and former COO for Ian Schrager Hotels and André Balazs Hotels of New York, Los Angeles and London, will manage hotel operations. Topeka companies Architect 1 and McPherson Contractors will bring the plans of the Cyrus Hotel and Holliday’s Public House to fruition.

Liberty Group was established in 1999 to help with the revitalization of downtown Hays. Comeau is a native of nearby Plainville and Fort Hays State University alumni who remembered downtown Hays as a vibrant community hub and wanted to be a part of its resurgence. Liberty Group approached the City of Hays a year later with the Chestnut Street District concept. As a result, the City provided funding to establish the Downtown Hays Development Corp.

Hays development is still in progress. Liberty Group has completed plans for a new 67-room downtown hotel, located at 12th and Main Streets. The concept includes renovation of the historic Strand Theater, located next to the proposed hotel site, into a 6,000-square-foot event venue. A public task force has been formed by the DHDC and the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development to address and evaluate public infrastructure needs before Liberty Group moves forward with development plans.

For more information on the Cyrus Hotel and Holliday’s Public House, visit www.CyrusHotel.com.

FHSU’s Jibowu named MIAA/Astroturf Defensive Athlete of the Week

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State redshirt-freshman defensive back Doyin Jibowu was named the MIAA/Astroturf Defensive Athlete of the Week on Monday (Nov. 16) for his efforts in the 28-14 win over No. 20 ranked Central Missouri this past Saturday.

Jibowu had a great all-around day on defense. He recorded two interceptions, a sack, and five tackles. With 7:00 remaining in the game and FHSU up 28-14, UCM had a golden opportunity to pull withing one touchdown. Jibowu made a great read on UCM quarterback Garrett Fugate as he jumped into the air at the FHSU 9-yardline and intercepted a pass before it crossed the line of scrimmage and returned it 14 yards. It set up a drive that consumed nearly five minutes, helping FHSU seal the win and its first postseason game since 1995.

The redshirt-freshman had two of the four interceptions thrown by UCM in the game. Fugate of UCM had just three interceptions all season before throwing three against the Tigers. Jibowu helped FHSU limit UCM to just 268 total yards, the first team to hold the MIAA’s top offensive attack under 300 yards for the season.

Driver hospitalized after new semi overturns

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KHPGARNETT – A semi driver was injured in an accident just before 5a.m. on Monday in Anderson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 International semi driven by Anthony Scott Moser, 45, Lexington, OK., was northbound on U.S. 169 south of Iowa Road.

The truck dropped off the edge of the roadway. The driver over corrected and the vehicle flipped onto the passenger side.

Moser was transported to the Anderson County Hospital.

He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

HAWVER: It take more than ‘in the classroom’ spending to run a school

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Statehouse habitués are gearing up for another session where the most frequently used phrase will be “spent in the classroom.”

That’s the school finance phrase that draws the most attention, that sounds on its face as a reasonable use of those state dollars. You send your kids to school, and when they come home seven hours later, well, you want to know that all those $4 billion plus in state tax dollars went to teach them things they didn’t know when they arrived.

That’s where this “spent in the classroom” phrase comes in. Everybody wants tax dollars for public education to be spent on educating his/her kids or grandkids or neighbors’ kids—in those classrooms.

But there’s a lot that school districts do that doesn’t involve direct pupil-to-teacher contact in a classroom.

The kids ride a bus to school? That’s not “in the classroom” spending, according to many legislators, but isn’t talked about much because most legislators’ constituents’ school districts bus kids to school, where the classrooms are.

And, if there’s a lunch program, well, those lunches aren’t generally eaten in the classroom, and the halls and classrooms that are cleaned, well, that’s not direct teacher-to-pupil contact.

Oh, and don’t forget that someone manages those schools, makes sure that the furnace is running, the windows aren’t broken, that equipment is bought at the best price, bills are paid and the employees who work for your local unified school district are paid, and their checks are double-checked and the deductions for taxes made.

All that non-classroom spending is important. There is probably some magic percentage that only accountants know that defines an efficiently run school district.

But, in a state with school districts ranging from 80 students to 47,000 students, we’re figuring that the “spent in the classroom” vs. “not spent in the classroom” costs are going to vary dramatically. It’s the management costs of a giant district spread over more pupils. That’s why a gallon jug of milk costs less than buying eight pint cartons of milk; it’s called economies of scale.

But about all we’re hearing from lawmakers is “in the classroom.”

That catch phrase is getting a little old, and while total costs are the least complicated for legislators to get a handle on, it’s probably not as important as how well the student do, what they learn, and are they going to know enough to go on to post-secondary schools or maybe just get a job and move out.

The upcoming legislative session is where the real work will start on assembling a new school finance formula to replace the interim block grant program, which enters its second and likely last year for the 2016-17 school year.

That block grant program essentially takes state aid the districts received in the 2014-2015 school year and just continues it for two years, regardless of changes in makeup of the school districts and numbers of pupils (if enrollment growth is less than 2 percent), and tells the districts to spend it however they think they need to provide an education to their pupils.

But don’t forget, that even with a relatively clean sheet of paper to start with, much of what we’ll hear about financing public education next session is going to be about “in the classroom” with whatever links can be established to performance of students—at the lowest cost to the state treasury.

Maybe that phrase will work out, but we’re trying to remember the last time anyone got cheaper drinks by taking their own glass, ice and an olive on a toothpick into a bar trying to pay for just the vodka and vermouth.

Syndicated by Hawver News Co. of Topeka, Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report. To learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit www.hawvernews.com.

Ceramics celebration, sale at FHSU

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Celebrate Mexican Folk Art Ceramics and the biannual ceramics pottery sale at Fort Hays State University. Two different events involving ceramics will give participants the opportunity to do a hands-on project and the opportunity to purchase pottery created by students.

The Mexican Folk Art Ceramics Celebration is at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, in the south end of Forsyth Library. While at the event participants will have the opportunity to listen to student curators share research on the pieces chosen for display, create a ceramic sugar skull with the help of Chantel Bollinger and Amanda Wilson, and meet Tim Johnson, the collector who donated the collection, as well as FHSU President Mirta M. Martin.

Biannual Ceramics Pottery Sale is at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17 to 18 in the Memorial Union. The pottery on sale is student-made, and includes mugs, bowls, plates and other functional ware. Only cash and checks will be accepted.

Kansas man arrested for alleged sexual battery at Salina church

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SALINA- A Kansas man was arrested at church on Saturday in Salina.

Police say Christopher McCarter, 39, was taken into custody at the Emmanuel Christian Center, 1325 E. Cloud, between 6:30 and 7 p.m. accused of sexual battery.

He is alleged to have touched a 24-year-old woman with sexual intent while she was with her daughter in the quiet room of the church.

McCarter is homeless, according to police.

K-State’s Burns named Big 12 Player of the Week

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MANHATTAN, Kan. – Following a school-record breaking performance last week at Texas Tech, senior kick returner Morgan Burns was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

The honor was the first in Burns’ career, while it was the second for the Wildcats this season after place kicker Jack Cantele was honored following the Louisiana Tech game. K-State has had 17 special teams player-of-the-week honors since 2011, while the Wildcats have had at least two accolades on special teams over the last eight seasons.

Burns recorded a school-record 221 kickoff-return yards against the Red Raiders, breaking the previous record held by Aubrey Quarles, who had 197 yards at North Texas in 2010. Burns took the first Texas Tech kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, his second kickoff-return score this year after returning the season-opening kickoff 100 yards for a score against South Dakota.

Burns’ yardage total was the most by a Big 12 player since Texas’ Fozzy Whitaker went for 252 yards against Oklahoma State in 2010, while it is the third-highest total in the nation this season.

With his effort against the Red Raiders, Burns moved into fifth place in school history in career kickoff-return yards (1,112), while he entered the top-10 list for kickoff-return yards for a season as he is now fourth (678). He also moved into a tie for second place in school history in season kickoff-return touchdowns and into sole possession of third place for a career.

Kansas State takes on Iowa State this Saturday in an 11 a.m., contest at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game can be seen nationally on FS1.

Winter storm forecast for western Kansas

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GOODLAND, Kan. (AP) — A winter storm is forecast to move into sections of western Kansas.

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard watch Monday for northwest Kansas, forecasting high winds, rain and up to 6 inches of snow.

The weather service office in Goodland says the storm is expected to be more severe to the west in Colorado. But snow and wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour may combine in northwest Kansas, reducing visibility on roadways.

The weather service says the snow in Kansas would likely begin after midnight Monday, with the heaviest snowfall expected about midmorning Tuesday.

The blizzard watch in Kansas is forecast to be in effect from late Monday through Tuesday night.

Richard Lee Bisterfeldt

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Recently, the world bid a very sad farewell to a favorite Son, Dad, Brother, Friend, Mentor, and one heck of a Drummer. It was with great sadness that the family and friends of Richard Lee Bisterfeldt said good-bye to him on September 22, 2015.

He was the first born and only son, of Leland and Delores (Krause) Bisterfeldt, arriving on this good earth on September 4, 1947. He attended LaCrosse High School. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications (Radio and Television Production), at Fort Hays State College, in 1972.

On June 7, 1972, he married his first wife, Jacqueline (Herl) Bisterfeldt, currently of Las Vegas Nevada. To that union arrived two cherished daughters, Nicole Bisterfeldt-Rainey, LaCrosse, Kansas and Danielle Bisterfeldt, Las Vegas, Nevada. He had one beloved Granddaughter, Madilynn Rainey, LaCrosse, Kansas.
On April 24, 1999, he married his second wife, Elisa Beerbohm.

He was a professional Drummer who toured with numerous musical entertainment groups in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and California; The Mel Herl Combo, The Blue Things, The Raging Regattas, Fyre, and James Lee Band. The bands The Blue Things, Fyre, and James Lee Band were featured in major recording product releases and received mentions in key recording industry publications such as Billboard magazine.

He was a long standing member of Broadcast Music, Inc., (BMI), The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the Country Music Association (CMA), Association of Country Music (ACM), Percussive Arts Society (PAS), National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), and the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association.

He is survived by his wife, Elisa, Broomfield, Colorado, Dad, Leland Bisterfeldt, LaCrosse, Kansas, his sister, Melanie (and Irvin) Schaffer, Mountain Home, Arkansas, his sister, Jann Bisterfeldt (and Michael Suchan), Anaheim Hills, California, his daughters, Nicole Bisterfeldt – (and Aaron) Rainey and Danielle Bisterfeldt, and his Granddaughter, Madilynn Rainey.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Delores (Krause) Bisterfeldt, Maternal Grandmother, Elva (Irvin, Krause) Warnock, Maternal Grandfather, Fred Krause, Paternal Grandmother, Rosa (Appel) Bisterfeldt, and Paternal Grandfather, Ben Bisterfeldt.

His, “Celebration of Life,” will be held at Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, LaCrosse, Kansas, on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, at 1:00PM. If you would like to share photos or movies for the event, please e-mail Jann Bisterfeldt at [email protected].

Remembrances can be made in his honor to the LaCrosse High Musical Department or the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association.

Obama decries critics who ‘pop off’ with opinions on IS

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President Obama during the Monday morning news conference
President Obama during the Monday morning news conference

ANTALYA, Turkey (AP) — President Barack Obama is sending a message to critics he says “pop off” with their opinions about the U.S. campaign against the Islamic State.

Obama spoke at a news conference Monday in Antalya, Turkey and said his critics should present a specific plan.

And if his critics think their advisers are smarter than Obama’s, the president says, “I want to meet them.”  Watch the President’s news conference here.

Obama says his sole interest is in keeping the American people safe. He says he’s not interested in doing what works politically or will make him or America look tough.

Some Republican presidential candidates have called on Obama to send U.S. ground troops into Syria. One of them, Ben Carson, recently said he had information on China’s involvement in Syria.

Obama officials said they had no evidence of that. Carson expressed surprise that “my sources are better than theirs.”

Obama is rejecting the notion that the United States has underestimated the ability of the Islamic State group in the wake of the deadly terror attacks in Paris.

Obama says the danger of the group is the reason the U.S. is operating in Iraq and Syria, and why it has mobilized 65 countries to go after IS.

Obama says one of the challenges of terrorism is to understand that a handful of people who don’t mind dying can kill a lot of people.

The president says reducing the territory controlled by the group in Iraq and Syria will reduce the flow of fighters and lessen the threat it poses. He says disrupting the threat requires constant vigilance and communication.

Free concert tonight showcases FHSU small ensembles

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The Fort Hays State University Department of Music and Theatre will showcase its variety of performers and ensembles at the FHSU Small Ensemble Concert at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov.16, in Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

The concert is free and features the Smoky Hill Chorale, Flute Quartet, Low Brass Choir, Trumpet Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, Brass Choir, KNS Jazz Combo, and Sinfonietta — a small string orchestra.

The ensembles will play a diverse range of musical instruments and styles, ensuring any audience member to enjoy the performance.

HPD Activity Log Nov. 13-15

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The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and 11 traffic stops Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–13th and Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:25 AM
Driving Under the Influence–1800 block Vine St, Hays; 1:10 AM
Animal At Large–200 block Castillian Blvd, Hays; 8:09 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–400 block W 27th St, Hays–11:22 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 11:46 AM
Animal At Large–Douglas and Haney Dr, Hays; 3:31 PM
Civil Dispute–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 4:12 PM
Animal At Large–21st St and Anthony Dr, Hays; 4:49 PM
Criminal Threat–300 block W 18th St, Hays; 7:43 PM
Mental Health Call–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 9:08 PM
Suspicious Person–2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 10:06 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and 18 traffic stops Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Domestic Disturbance–400 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:02 AM
Theft (general)–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 2:2 AM
Animal Call–1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 2:47 AM
Criminal Trespass–1800 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 3:24 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–3900 block E 8th St, Hays; 12 PM
Found/Lost Property–600 block Main St, Hays; 1:38 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2400 block of Indian Trl, Hays; 4:21 PM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–400 block W 35th St, Hays; 5:34 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:25 PM; 5:45 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–800 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:56 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–100 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:55 PM
Liquor Offense, sell, furnish, transport–900 block Ash St, Hays; 11:12 PM
Drug Offenses–200 block W 9th St, Hays; 11:30 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and 7 traffic stops Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – General–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:20 AM
Disturbance – Fight–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:47 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:24 AM
Welfare Check–2000 block Main St Terr, Hays; 3:31 AM
Civil Dispute–2700 block Hall St, Hays; 12:58 PM
Criminal Trespass–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 1:22PM
Lost Animals ONLY–18th and Fort, Hays; 1:36 PM
Disturbance – General–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:10 PM
Burglary/vehicle–300 block W 6th St, Hays; 11/14 9 PM
Suspicious Activity–200 block E 28th St, Hays; 6:13 PM

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