The final Legislative Coffee of the 2016 session will be presented by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Saturday morning, May 7, at 8:30 a.m. in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main.
Republican state representatives Sue Boldra, 110th District-Hays, and Ken Rahjes, 111th District-Agra, are scheduled to speak.
The public is invited to attend the free event.
NEWTON – Law enforcement authorities in Harvey County are investigating an allegation against a police officer.
On Friday morning the Newton Police Department was made aware of a criminal allegation against one of an officer.
A resident posted to their personal facebook page stating they had witnessed an officer kick a sleeping homeless man who was laying on the ground, according to social media report from Newton Police.
The Department reported “We take these complaints seriously and immediately launched an investigation.
We have dash cam video of the interaction and are confident these allegations are completely false.
The officer’s conduct was professional and non-aggressive in nature.
The officer had absolutely no physical contact with the man. In fact we cannot see an activity, which could have been mistaken for the actions which were reported,” according to the social media comment from Newton Police.
“We have reached out to the person who wrote the original post and asked them to come and view the video.
This incident is consistent with the vast majority of complaints we hear about our officers.
When the video is viewed we find the claims have been exaggerated or as it appears in this case completely fabricated.
The Newton Police reminded, “Falsely accusing people of an illegal act, even officers, is a crime.”
Tammie Williams, RN in the Emergency Department, is HaysMed’s newest DAISY Award Winner.
Williams was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of staff and supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed.
Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings.
“Her nomination epitomizes teamwork, leadership and customer service,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “We are so fortunate to have nurses of her caliber and dedication working at HaysMed.”
Williams has been an associate of HaysMed for 18 years.
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.
To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to www.haysmed.com/daisyaward. If you have questions, call (785) 623-2388
Dustin Armbruster
It has been a long road for Drew Young at Hays High. But at the same time, the journey went very quickly. In the fall of 2015 Young broke his ankle playing dunk ball at a friend’s house. That injury help him realize something though. Young realized how much basketball meant to him and how important it was to put in the effort to continue his playing days behind high school.
Drew Young
On Friday Young inked his letter of intent to play for Colby Community College just down Interstate 70 from Hays. This past season Young was second on the team in scoring at 12 per game, lead the team in assists at 4.6 per contest, was second in steals and first in charges taken. Young scored in double figures fifteen times his senior season and eighteen in his career. Young also finished just outside the top 20 in career assists despite logging just 46 games.
Assistant Coach Tim Nunnery
Young says he will be hitting the weight room to add muscle, improve his quickness and speed of his shooting release before heading to Colby in August.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
“This year may not be the right time for a project of this scale but that does not mean it has no future.”
That’s the premise of a collaborative project proposed by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) and presented to the Hays city commission Thursday night by students in the Fort Hays State University Construction Management program.
DHDC has been working with FHSU to develop a plan for building a downtown open-air metal roof pavilion in the east end of Union Pacific Park, 10th and Main.
The project would also include a public restroom. Total cost is estimated at $190,676. Executive Director Sara Bloom told commissioners DHDC “would be gifting almost $50,000 for a bathroom” to be constructed.
The pavilion–with three entrances and concrete bench seating–site design, lighting and landscape design would all be executed by FHSU students, with some input from local professionals.
Board president Sandy Jacobs first made it clear to commissioners “DHDC does not plan to ask the city commission to take any action.”
“We think it’s a really viable project. We believe it will have its time, whether that time is today or that time is six months from now,” she said.
Jacobs also acknowledged the slowed local economy and tight budgets.
“We understand challenges in all of our community, not just at the city level, but the county level. We understand sales tax issues. So, we’re going to put it in your hands and let you tell us what you want done, if anything, at any point in time.”
DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom reminded commissioners the pavilion project was included in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
“It could also be the dawn of the ‘Downtown To Campus Corridor’,” she said. “DHDC has always envisioned that corridor (to FHSU) being down 10th Street.”
Commissioners thanked and praised the 20 FHSU students and their instructor, Kris Munsch, following their detailed explanation of the project construction and costs.
The collaboration between FHSU, DHDC and the city of Hays was seen as a positive, but commissioners had some big concerns, starting with whether there would be any guarantee of completion.
“I don’t think my department chair intends to fire me anytime soon, do you, Kim?,” Munsch joked as he looked back at FHSU Department of Applied Technology Chairman Kim Stewart in the crowd, who was taking pictures as the students talked.
“DHDC is very committed to this project,” Bloom told commissioners. “We’re going to do everything we can to see this project go.”
“We do want to reiterate that we are making a commitment tonight that whenever this project takes place–whether it’s in the very near future or down the road–we are fully committed to raising those funds. We will not break ground until we have all $200,000 in our bank,” Bloom promised.
Although the initial cost for the 40 foot by 80 foot pavilion would not be paid by the city, the estimated annual expenses of a property lease with Union Pacific Railroad, electricity, upkeep and supplies, is estimated at $5,224. Commissioners cited that as another concern about the proposal.
The adjacent abandoned grain elevators also worry the city.
“Hays artist Dennis Schiel is in the process of raising several thousand dollars to have those redone, to have the roof fixed, and to have the structural soundness brought back up to code so that he can paint a mural on them,” Bloom said.
“However, we do know from Aaron White (Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development Executive Director) who has contacts with Union Pacific that they are taking bids right now to have those things taken down,” Bloom advised, “so one of those two things is likely to happen in the very near future.”
Mayor Eber Phelps reminded the audience, which included downtown Hays business owners, that Thursday’s meeting was a work session only and no action could be taken.
Commissioner James Meier asked for the pavilion project to be put on the June 16 work session agenda for further discussion
“If it’s something we find that’s not workable because of ‘X, Y and Z’ then and so be it.” Meier said.
“That way the discussion has been had and it’s over and DHDC can move forward with whatever other projects they want to move forward with.
“I just don’t see a point in dragging this out,” he added.
Commissioner Henry Schwaller was absent.
Submitted
The Baccalaureate Service for the Hays High School Class of 2016 by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA) will be held Wed., May, 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the 12th Street Auditorium, 323 W. 12th.
HHS graduation is Sun., May 15, at 3 p.. in Fort Hays State University Gross Memorial Coliseum, 600 Park Street.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Planned Parenthood attorney says Kansas will not cut off Medicaid funding for the abortion provider until May 24.
Attorney Bob Eye said Friday that Planned Parenthood and the state Department of Health and Environment agreed on the timing of the cutoff after Planned Parenthood filed a federal lawsuit.
A department spokeswoman did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.
The state notified Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri earlier this week that Medicaid funds would be cut off as of Tuesday. The lawsuit seeking to block the action was filed the next day.
Eye said the parties agreed the two-week delay would give them and the presiding federal judge more time to prepare for a first hearing that is now expected to be May 17.
Kansas Athletics
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball landed a big one as center Udoka Azubuike (You-doke-uh As-a-boo-key) has signed and will be a freshman at KU in 2016-17, KU head coach Bill Self announced Friday.
Azubuike (7-foot-0, 275 pounds) was on the postseason all-star circuit in spring 2016. He is a McDonald’s All-America and scored nine points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes for the East team McDonald’s game March 29 in Chicago. The Lagos, Nigeria native also played for the World Team at the 2016 Nike Hoops Summit where the USA team defeated the World Team 101-67 on April 9 in Portland, Oregon. Additionally, he competed in the Jordan Brand Classic, April 15, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Azubuike verbally committed to Kansas in late January. He averaged 16.9 points and 9.7 rebounds this past season while at Potter’s House Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida in leading the Lions to a 21-9 record under head coach Stephen McLaughlin. Azubuike was a four-year starter for Potter’s House and averaged 17.2 points and 9.6 rebounds his junior season. Azubuike is described as one of the most dominant big men in the class of 2016.
“We feel Udoka is as good as a big-man prospect as there is in the country,” Self said. “He’s got size, strength, explosiveness and is so young. Being only 16 years old, his best ball is well ahead of him. One fortunate thing about Udoka’s age is we know he has to be in school for at least two years due to the NBA minimum age requirements. We see him as an impact guy right off the bat with a high ceiling.”
In the class of 2016, Azubuike is ranked No. 22 overall by ESPN100. He is No. 27 by Rivals.com and No. 34 by Scout.com.
“Norm (Roberts) was the point man in his recruitment,” Self said. “It has been an absolute pleasure in getting to know Udoka and also his guardians, Harry and Donna Coxsome. Being in the United States for a short period, we have seen so much development in his comfort level, not only with us but with the surroundings and everything that goes along with basketball in the States.”
Azubuike joins guard Josh Jackson, who signed May 3, and forward Mitch Lightfoot who signed with Kansas in November 2015.
Kansas Basketball 2016 Signees
Udoka Azubuike, Center, 7-0, 275 lbs., Lagos, Nigeria, Potter’s House Christian Academy (Fla.)
Josh Jackson, Guard, 6-8, 205 lbs., Detroit, Mich., Prolific Prep (Calif.)
Mitch Lightfoot, Forward, 6-8, 219 lbs., Gilbert, Ariz., Gilbert Christian HS
WIGGINS, Colo. (AP) — Authorities say a semitrailer that rolled on its side on in northeastern Colorado was split in two by another truck headed down the highway.
Colorado State Patrol spokesman Trooper Josh Lewis says at least one car also drove through the hole in the trailer made by the other truck around 3 a.m. Friday on Interstate 76 near Wiggins.
Lewis says three people were taken to the hospital, one with serious but not life-threatening injuries and the other two with minor to moderate injuries.
The second truck ended up in the opposite lane of traffic after plowing through the rolled truck.
The rolled semi was carrying paint drums, which spilled on the roadway. It remains closed.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
An Ellis County man was arrested Thursday morning in connection with a 911 call about an aggravated assault in rural Ellis County.
According to a news release from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Thursday morning, May 5, at 10:10 a.m. there was an aggravated assault in the 2000 bock of E. 8th in rural Ellis County.
The victim, who had fled the scene, was later located by sheriff’s officers.
Jeorge Edward Walst Walston, Jr., 53, was arrested on-scene in connection with the aggravated assault.
Detective Brad Ricke said the investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected.
WINFIELD, Kan. (AP) — A spring festival that highlights Kansas products, music, food and places is opening this weekend.
The Wichita Eagle reports that the Kansas Sampler Festival is planned for Saturday and Sunday at Winfield’s Island Park. It includes more than 300 exhibitors from 150 communities.
A shift in focus is planned. Starting in 2018, the foundation that promotes the festival plans to create an annual Kansas Road Trip that will encourage exploration of specific regions of the state.
Submitted
In celebration of Mothers Day, Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th Ave., Hays, is showing the film, “Moms’ Night Out” Friday May 6, at 7:05 p.m.
“Moms’ Night Out” is an endearing true-to-life family comedy that celebrates the beautiful mess called parenting.
This family friendly film is a part of the church’s radio station, 98.5 The TRUTH, monthly Free Friday Family Film series. Popcorn and pop are also free.
The church is also honoring all mothers this weekend with drawings for five unique gift baskets. Winners will be drawn at each of the church’s five Sunday services at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m. as well as the brand new service on Saturday night at 5 p.m.
Celebration Community Church is located on the hill north of I-70 at exit 157. For more information call (785) 625-LIVE.
By MEGAN HART
Kansas appears on track for a quiet year for pertussis cases after two years marked by outbreaks.
As of mid-April, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment had recorded eight cases of pertussis. There were 412 cases in 2014 and 431 cases in 2015, meaning the state is likely to have fewer cases this year unless a major outbreak hits in the next few months.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease that causes a persistent cough. In severe cases, the coughing fits can become violent, with a characteristic “whooping” sound. It typically is more severe in infants and people with compromised immune systems.
Nick Baldetti, director of the Reno County Health Department, said last year’s outbreak started in mid-April in elementary schools. It spread to other parts of the community during the summer, then to additional schools when students returned to the classroom, he said. Reno County had 101 pertussis cases in 2015, but has none so far this year.
The Reno County Health Department appointed an “incident commander” last year to coordinate its response to pertussis, allowing other workers to continue focusing on their areas of expertise, Baldetti said. It also reached out to teachers about the importance of identifying students who might be infected and set up community clinics to vaccinate children in the “hot zone” of infection, he said.
“All sides were hyper-vigilant in trying to get ahead of this,” he said.
Shelly Schneider, administrator of the Barton County Health Department, said a 2015 outbreak there began in the winter, when an infant died of pertussis. It later showed up in schools. Most of those diagnosed with pertussis hadn’t been vaccinated, she said.
Residents responded to news about the outbreak by getting tested if they had symptoms, Schneider said. Large numbers of people also took advantage when the health department extended its vaccination clinic hours, she said.
“At one point we did have a line around the building,” she said.
Chris Steward, health protection director for the Sedgwick County Health Department, said the county had scattered cases of pertussis in 2015 but not a significant outbreak. Still, the health department did send letters to parents encouraging them to take their children to a doctor if they had a persistent cough, which helped prevent more exposures, she said.
Pertussis is “cyclical,” Steward said, and while the number of cases rises and falls, the disease doesn’t go away. A higher number of cases in certain years may be driven partly by increased awareness that motivates people to get their cough checked out, she said.
“We know there’s pertussis in the community, but it’s whether they’re getting tested and diagnosed,” she said.
Baldetti said the health department encourages Reno County residents to get booster shots for pertussis regularly because the vaccine loses its effectiveness over time. Doing so can protect people who can’t receive the vaccine because of their compromised immune systems and babies too young to get it, he said.
“A lot of people were under the assumption that they had received a booster 15 years ago and they were good,” he said.
Megan Hart is a reporter for KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team. You can reach her on Twitter @meganhartMC
