May 2016 – Page 30 – Hays Post Archive

Moran’s Agriculture Appropriations Bill Passes Committee

Posted on May 20, 2016

WASHINGTON – The full Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) bill to support farmers and ranchers, encourage rural economic development, and enhance food safety in fiscal year 2017. The legislation, which Sen. Moran authored as Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, directs funding and operations within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The legislation balances continued investment in rural America with fiscal responsibility by reducing federal spending compared to currently enacted levels.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Sen. Moran. “This bill prioritizes interests crucial to farmers and ranchers in Kansas and across the country by investing in agriculture research, conservation and animal health initiatives. The legislation emphasizes food safety efforts, which will help keep families across the country healthy and maintain consumer confidence in American-produced food. The legislation also increases flood prevention and conservation efforts by addressing watershed project backlogs in Kansas and other states.

Sen. Moran continued, “I’m especially proud of provisions in the bill that incentivize military veterans to explore opportunities in production agriculture. Encouraging our veterans to pursue farming, ranching and other careers in agriculture will strengthen our farm economy while empowering vets to apply their unique skill sets and abilities to agricultural production.”

The bill prioritizes a number of key issues for Kansans, including:

• Agriculture research
Increases support for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), USDA’s premier competitive grant program for basic and applied agriculture research. Studies estimate that every dollar invested in agriculture research returns $20 to the U.S. economy. Research completed at USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) labs and universities in Kansas keep producers on the cutting edge of technology and competitive in a global market.

• Watershed and flood prevention
Supports the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program for the first time since fiscal year 2010. This program protects our rural communities from flooding by providing needed support for watershed projects. Watersheds also protect our natural resources and provide conservation benefits by reducing erosion and increasing sediment retention. Estimates show that in Kansas alone, watershed projects in place today provide $115 million in economic and flood damage reduction benefits.

• Veteran outreach
Includes funding for the Food and Agriculture Resilience Program for Military Veterans (FARM-Vets) program and directs USDA to engage in additional outreach and training for veterans transitioning from military service to careers in agriculture. Nearly 40 percent of the nation’s farms are owned and operated by farmers over the age of 65 creating a significant demand new farmers, while at the same time, over 800,000 service members are expected to transition out of the military in the coming years.

• Rural water systems
Provides robust support for the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program and Circuit Rider Program, which are designed to provide technical assistance to rural water systems and prevent pollution of surface and ground water used as the primary source of drinking water by rural residents. Sen. Moran believes the ability for rural communities to provide safe drinking water to its citizens is of utmost importance.

• Food safety initiatives
Supports implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, which intends to improve preventive control measures for food production, decrease foodborne illness outbreaks, and better ensure the safety of imported food. Preventing food contamination keeps consumers safe and heathy and helps agriculture stakeholders by instilling confidence in our food systems.

The U.S. Senate now has the opportunity to debate the agriculture bill, along with the other 11 appropriations bill required of Congress annually.

Genevieve Jacobs

Posted on May 20, 2016

Gorham, Kansas – Genevieve Jacobs, age 96, died Friday, May 20, 2016, at the Main Street Manor in the Russell Regional Hospital, Russell, Kansas.

Service are pending at Cline’s Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Kansas man sentenced for wife’s shooting death

Posted on May 20, 2016

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita man has been sentenced to life in prison in the shooting death of his wife.

The Wichita Eagle reports that 32-year-old Derek Campbell must serve 50 years before becoming eligible for parole under the sentence imposed Thursday in Sedgwick County District Court. He was convicted in March of first-degree premeditated murder in the April 2015 killing of Rebecca Campbell.

Prosecutors say he killed her because he wanted out of their marriage and had rekindled a romance with an old girlfriend. Evidence presented at his trial showed he had researched divorce online and browsed dating websites before the deadly shooting.

Campbell maintains the shooting was accidental. He said at the sentencing that he thought the gun was unloaded and that he loved his wife with “all my heart.”

FHSU’s Walters wins national outstanding faculty advising award

Posted on May 20, 2016May 19, 2016

Angela Walters, associate professor of informatics at Fort Hays State University, has been awarded the Outstanding Advising Award for Faculty Academic Advising by the National Academic Advising Association.

Walters was nominated for this award by the university after she was named Shearer Advisor of the Year for the 2014-2015 academic year, which carried a $500 cash award sponsored by Commerce Bank.

“Thank you for your commitment to excellence,” said FHSU President Mirta M. Martin in an email to Walters. “You do us proud!”

Since 2000, Walters has served as the lead Web development faculty member for the Department of Informatics. Her courses include topics such as XHTML, CSS, Web design, Web standards, JavaScript, Apache/MySQL/PHP, Human-Computer Interaction research, usability testing, data modeling, database and Web application security, e-commerce theory and application, and mobile Web application development. Her master’s thesis explored e-commerce in rural areas, and her dissertation research relates to online trust mechanisms and trust-related behavior.

The Shearer Advising Award winner was selected from nominees of the university’s academic colleges. Walters was nominated by the College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

For more information about NACADA and the Outstanding Advising Awards, navigate to www.nacada.ksu.edu > Events & Programs > Awards.

Cave Quest is theme for upcoming vacation Bible school

Posted on May 20, 2016May 19, 2016

Celebration Community Church will offer Cave Quest, this year’s vacation Bible school for kids 4 year old to incoming fifth-graders. The free VBS is scheduled for May 23 to 26 at the church.

Celebration’s dedicated Children’s Church Team will be led by DeLynn Rice as kids learn relevant Bible stories, eat delicious snacks, play fun-filled games, and make crafts and friends.

“This year’s VBS will ground kids in the rock-solid foundation of God’s love, a love that takes us through life’s dark times,” the church said in a news release. “Kids will learn how to follow Jesus the light of the world.”

“The kids who come to Cave Quest will experience God’s Word in surprising and unforgettable ways,” Rice said. “Each day, loving leaders will reinforce one simple Bible truth—which makes it easy for kids to remember and apply to real life.”

For express registration, sign up online at C3’s website, www.celebratejesus.org or register at the door on Monday night at 5:30 p.m. Celebration Community Church is located on the hill above I-70 at Exit 157.
If you have any questions, call (785) 625-LIVE.

Hays High girls’ soccer advances to state quarterfinals

Posted on May 20, 2016May 20, 2016

TOWANDA, Kan. – The Hays High girls’ soccer team used two Sydney Sulzman goals, lengthy possession time and solid defense to upend Circle 2-1 Thursday night in Towanda. Sulzman struck for her first goal in the 30th minute from just inside the goalie box on the far right side. It did not take Circle long to answer as Jill McCoy was able to sneak one by Hays’ goalkeeper Taylor Groen-Younger.

Sulzman would strike again at the beginning of the second half to give Hays High the lead in the 43rd minute. Circle tried to mount a comeback late in the match but did not have enough fuel left in their tank to really challenge the fresh legs of Hays High.

Head coach Jim Maska on his team advancing to the state quarterfinals

The Indians (11-6) will now face Trinity Academy (13-3) Tuesday at 6:30 pm in Wichita. The Knights have outscored their first two opponents 21-0 including a 10-0 win over Buhler yesterday.

Ellis baseball advances to state

Posted on May 20, 2016May 20, 2016

ELLIS-, Kan. – The Ellis baseball team has advanced to the 2-1A state tournament after a 4-1 win over Ell-Saline in their own regional final Thursday. The Railers jumped out early scoring two in the first inning then added two in the fourth for the final margin.

Clay Feik, Daniel Carbajal and Dalton Hensley each had two of the Railers 10 hits. Easton Smith picks up the win allowing the one run on four hits with 10 strikeouts and three walks.

Ellis has won six straight and improves to 15-4. They will play Thursday in the state quarterfinals in Great Bend.

The Ellis softball team lost to Republic County 13-1 Thursday in the regional championship game at the Sylvan Grove regional.

TMP-Marian girls’ soccer falls in regional final

Posted on May 20, 2016May 20, 2016

HAYS, Kan. – The TMP-Marian girls’ soccer season came to an end Thursday with a 2-0 loss to defending state champion Topeka Hayden in the second round of the 4-1A Central/South Central regional. The Monarchs had several scoring chances in the first half but the match which was scoreless at halftime.

The Wildcats, who beat TMP-M in last year’s state quarterfinals, scored their first goal with 25 minutes left in the second half. They would score again with 16:30 to play.

TMP-Marian ends their remarkable season at 11-4-1.

More than one way to earn a degree from FHSU

Posted on May 20, 2016May 19, 2016

By Diane Gasper-O’Brien
FHSU University Relations and Marketing

With a full-time job and a family to provide for in Junction City, Nicholas Allbritton didn’t have the time to complete his college degree at a nearby university.

So he went looking for “the best online school” he could find.

That was a year ago.

Now, with diploma in hand, Allbritton can concentrate on his job and his family and on running for the Republican nomination to represent the 68th District in the Kansas House of Representatives. Allbritton originally had planned to run for the Republican 17th District Senate seat but switched just this week.

Allbritton, 27, and his family entourage – some from as far away as Virginia – were in Hays for last weekend’s 2016 Fort Hays State University Commencement.

Early Saturday morning was the first time Allbritton set foot on the FHSU campus, and he was impressed from the time he entered the Robbins Center for a graduation meet and greet for Virtual College graduates.

“Even the president was so personable,” Allbritton said of Mirta Martin. “She went out of her way to make us feel welcome.”

Allbittron graduated from a local private school in Junction City in 2006 and attended two colleges before deciding to follow his father into the U.S. military.

In his third year of serving in the Kansas Air National Guard, Allbritton covers the Kansas area as a computer consultant for CompuCom Technologies out of Texas.

Following three internships in the Kansas Legislature, including a stint working for Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer from Grinnell of the 40th District, Allbritton decided to enter his first race.

Thus began his search for an online school where he could finish his bachelor’s degree.

“I have always wanted to serve people,” Allbritton said, “and the people of Kansas are the best. I decided if I want to serve the people of Kansas, I have to educate myself.”

It took just one phone call to solidify Allbritton’s choice.

“I called Fort Hays State, and the admissions person was just awesome, so helpful,” Allbritton said. “The process was so seamless.”

Several other Virtual College students also came to Fort Hays State for their first time over the weekend, some from other states.

“I hope being here allows you to get in touch with your roots here,” Martin told the graduates. “We believe we are a family, and you are a very important part of our family.”

Allbritton, who earned a degree in political science, said Fort Hays University “has helped me achieve my dream of running for public office.”

In so doing, he will be accepting Martin’s challenge to the graduates.

“The more lives you touch, the more intentional your actions, the more networks you make, the more alert and engaged you become in the well-being of others — the greater your influence will be,” Martin said during her commencement speech. “This is the great lesson you take with you from Fort Hays State University.”

Allbritton is taking that lesson to heart.

“The main reason I am running is to help the people of Kansas,” Allbritton said. “I believe we can unify, change and inspire Kansas on issues of jobs, education and helping veterans in order to ensure a greater Kansas for future generations.”

On the issue of education, Allbritton will be the first to advocate for FHSU’s Virtual College.

“The Virtual College has worked extremely well with my busy schedule, ” he said. “All the faculty and staff have been very helpful. They have made my experience at Fort Hays State University one to remember. ”

Allbritton’s first trip to the FHSU campus was one to remember, too.

Following commencement, he visited the campus bookstore and bought a Fort Hays State hoodie.

“I figured I’d better get something, it being my first time on campus,” he said. “I want to represent Fort Hays State. ”

Allbritton has done that by example, showing that students can earn degreed in different ways than attending traditional on-campus classes — and at different times in their lives.

“I tell people you can still earn a degree, ” he said, “even if it’s not right out of high school. ”

He also suggests which university to contact for online classes.

“I am just so fortunate to have had the experience of Fort Hays State University, which has changed my life for the better, ” he said.

“I tell people every chance I get that Fort Hays State has the best Virtual College around,” he added. “When I have the opportunity to speak or motivate people I am proud to say that Fort Hays State University is where I graduated from. ”

Massive frozen food recall covers hundreds of items, stores

Posted on May 20, 2016

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A massive frozen foods recall involves millions of packages of fruits and vegetables that were shipped to all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. See more information here.

Authorities who want to stem the listeria-linked illnesses and deaths worry it’ll be difficult to get consumers to dig through their freezers and check for products they may have bought as far back as 2014 from places like Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s and Safeway.

The more than 400 products from CRF Frozen Foods in Pasco, Washington, could be contaminated with listeria. Products tied to the plant have caused eight listeria-linked illnesses, including two deaths.

The CRF plant closed two weeks ago and CRF spokesman Gene Grabowski said the company is still trying to pinpoint the source of the contamination.

Housing rehab program created to rectify home shortage in Ellis County

Posted on May 20, 2016May 20, 2016

By JAMES BELL and BECKY KISER
Hays Post

In an effort to address a shortage of homes available to medium-income families in Ellis County, the Ellis County Development Corp. has announced the development of a rehabilitation program in an effort the renovate existing housing stock through the county.

“We have available older, poor-quality housing, but we don’t have anything much in the middle, so the idea behind this program is to fill that gap,” said Aaron White, Coalition executive director.

The program was conceived after White realized there was a serious need for housing rehabilitation after speaking with local contractors and real estate agents.

The program, created with a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, will provide loans to real estate agents and contractors through a seven-person loan committee.

If the board approves a request, the parties can then use those funds to rehabilitate a house anywhere in the county.

“We can take some of the old, dilapidated houses and poor-quality houses and turn them back into prime housing stock,” White said.

But for applications to be accepted, developers have several requirements that must be met: a minimum of $10,000 in renovations, the project has to be completed in six months, and the home is capped at a $145,000 for sale price – right about the middle of the range of housing that is difficult to find in Ellis County, according to White.

Further, the remodeled home cannot be used for rental property.

“Our hope is that this will open up some new housing options in Ellis County,” White said.

While the ECDC will provide funding, they will not select housing for rehabilitation.

“We leave the project to come to us,” White said. “It’s up to professionals – contractors and Realtors. The loan committee will basically analyze each application to look to see if the projections if they feel like they are realistic.”

The seven-person board will be selected from leaders in the construction and lending industry, according to White.

Applications are expected to begin this summer, and funding available will allow for up to three housing projects to be carried out at the same time.

“The loan fund will rebuild itself as projects turn, and we’re hoping we can turn between six and 12 houses a year under this program,” White said.

While the impact will not be exceptionally large, White said it will assist the housing crunch as the city of Hays and Fort Hays State University continue to grow and new residents seek affordable housing.

“We have had a lot of employers have told us that housing has impacted their ability to recruit talent they need,” White said, adding he has heard from employers that employees recruited to come to Hays sometimes leave after failing to find housing.

“You don’t want housing to be another reason why you are potentially struggling to fill certain types of positions with employers in the area,” he said.

Man convicted in fatal shooting of Kansas man

Posted on May 20, 2016May 20, 2016

KINGMAN, Kan. (AP) — A southern Kansas man charged in the shooting death of another man in Kingman County in 2014 has been found guilty.

Fifty-two-year-old David Younger was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder in the death of 62-year-old Danny Ely. Authorities responded to a suspicious death call in Kingman on Dec. 15, 2014, and found Ely dead.

Jennifer Rapp, a spokeswoman for Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office, says evidence shows Ely died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Hays’ Schmeidler recognized as Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete

Posted on May 20, 2016May 20, 2016

SALINA — Sidney A. Schmeidler, a Kansas Wesleyan University Volleyball student-athlete from Hays, was among 42 KWU students named as a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete for the 2015-16 academic year.

Each year Daktronics sponsors the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes. In order to be a recipient of the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete award, the athlete must fulfill the following requirements: is a junior or senior in academic standing; has been in attendance at the nominating institution two full academic years as a non-transfer student or a minimum of one academic year as a transfer student; and has a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of nomination deadline (for transfer students the GPA is only at current NAIA institution).