July 2016 – Page 55 – Hays Post Archive

Ellis High School gets funds from Ellis Police for security cameras

Posted on July 11, 2016

ELLIS–Ellis High School is getting some financial support from the Ellis Police Department to fund the purchase and installation of security cameras in and around the school.

Council members approved the $2,000 request by Police Chief Taft Yates and EHS Principal Corey Burton during their July 5 meeting.

In other business, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman advised the council of a letter from Kansas Rural Water Association regarding rising THM levels in the city’s water level.

Scheuerman said he and the KRWA question if the timing of the water sample testing may be affecting the results.

Trihalomethanes (THM) are a group of four chemicals formed along with other disinfection by-products when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water, according to the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA).

The complete meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes July 5, 2016

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Ron Keithley was unable to attend the meeting; therefore, his agenda item under Special Order will be removed.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Dan Pyle, Buck Driggs, Doreen Timken, Sharon Disney, Glen Keller, Brandon Tippy, Pauleen Edmonds, Nan Brown, Dena Patee, Corina Cox, Travis Kohlrus, Guy Windholz, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Margie Mickelson, Steve Ferland, Tammy Schumacher, James Miller, Todd Walker (arrived 8:00 p.m.), and Charlene Weber (arrived 8:10 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on June 20, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #2000. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor David McDaniel noted that due to Council’s admonishment of allowing a resident additional time during Public Comments, the 5-minute limit will be enforced without exception.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Aaron White with the Ellis County Coalition was not in attendance to present the Coalition’s 2017 Budget request.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Dan Pyle presented the 2017 budget request for the Ellis Recreation Commission. The Commission requested $5,000 to upgrade the Creekside Park dugouts. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Travis Kohlrus presented the 2017 budget request for the Tourism Task Force. The Task Force is requesting $16,000 out of the transient guest tax funds to establish a twelve month marketing campaign for Ellis tourism. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation. Mr. Kohlrus also inquired if the Council wanted to continue with the volunteer group acting as a task force, or formalize into a City committee.
Public Works: Personnel
Brandon Tippy read a prepared statement regarding a recent interaction with Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, updated Council on the Waterline Improvement Project. Mr. Driggs proposed a change order adding a flushing hydrant and additional waterline in the Baughman Street area. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to accept the proposed change order for the Waterline Improvement Project at a cost not to exceed $8,500, with funds to come from the USDA loan proceeds. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner opposed.
General Government: Contracts
Tammy Schumacher and James Miller presented three options for installing WIFI in City Hall, including leasing or purchasing the equipment. Council discussed whether the City Shop needed to be included in coverage. Council asked Ms. Schumacher to present an additional proposal excluding the City Shop so they can consider additional options.
NEW BUSINESS
Street: Financial – CDBG Funds
Corina Cox, Northwest Kansas Planning & Development, provided a timeline of events to initiate the Community Development Block Grant funding process for the Street Improvement Project. Once Council approves the Environmental Review Report, notice is published in the paper and the public is given a 14-day comment period. At that point, the City may then make a request for the release of funds from the State and another comment period is given to the public. Once the second comment period passes, the City may let the project for bids. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the Environmental Review Report for CDBG Project No. 16-PF-016. The motion passed 6-0.
Executive Session
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 15-minute executive session was proposed starting at 8:17 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with City Attorney Olavee Raub, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, and Steve Ferland present. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Gary Luea opposed. The Council returned to open session at 8:32 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
Clerk: Accounting/Billing
City Clerk Amy Burton entertained questions from the Council regarding the monthly utility billing and delinquent shutoff process. An unusual number of residents stated they did not receive their past due notices for June. Ms. Burton did visit with the Post Office regarding the issue and the Clerk’s office will watch to see if a problem continues to occur.
Sanitation: Special Project
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman requested guidance from Council on how to handle special pickups requested by volunteer groups rather than the resident. Council directed Mr. Scheuerman to obtain permission from the resident before performing the special pickup, and to let the volunteer groups know ahead of time that there are sanitation fees involved. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to not bill the resident at 1406 Maple Street for special pickup charges due to not having the owner’s permission prior to the pickup. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion failed 2-4, with Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Bob Redger voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Bret Andries, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, and John Walz voting opposed. Council directed Mr. Scheuerman to contact the volunteer group supervisor to see if funds are available for the sanitation charges.
Water: Repair/Acquisition
Mr. Scheuerman presented two bids for the purchase of waterline valves to replace several of the inoperable valves in the infrastructure. Council member John Walz moved to accept the low bid from Municipal Pipe Services in the amount of $16,800, with funds to come from the Water Depreciation fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Police: Special Project
Police Chief Taft Yates presented a request from Ellis High School Principal Corey Burton for financial support to partially fund the purchase and installation of security cameras in and around the school. After further discussion, Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the request from Ellis High School for $2,000, with funds to come from the Police Department budget. The motion carried 6-0, with Council member John Walz abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water
Mr. Scheuerman explained a letter received from Kansas Rural Water Association regarding rising THM levels in the City’s water supply. Depending on the results of the latest monitoring test, KDHE may require the City to issue a public notification of the rising chemical levels for the second, and perhaps even the third, quarters for 2016. Mr. Scheuerman and the representative from KRWA question if the timing of the sample testing may be affecting the results.
Ground Water Associates has requested an extension from the Division of Water Resources for additional time to provide information regarding the City’s pending application for water rights.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for June and the July staff calendar. Chief Yates reported no major fireworks issues, but reminded residents to please clean up the streets of fireworks debris.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the updated Roster of Appointments for the City’s internal committees and several other external boards and committees with City representatives.
The Monthly Health Insurance Savings Report was reviewed.
The 2016 General Obligation Refunding bonds will close on July 6th. The projected savings on the refunding of the 2006 General Obligation and Revenue bonds is approximately $650,000.
General Government: Special Meeting
Ms. Burton will check with Galen Pfeifer, Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, regarding scheduling a budget work session either July 12th or July 19th. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner noted she will be out of town the week of July 11th.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub noted she will be absent the August 1st Council meeting. City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler will attend the meeting in her absence.
Ms. Raub reported she will draft a policy offering procedures for investigating department complaints outside of the Police Department, which is under a separate Internal Affairs policy. She noted the Internal Affairs policy should be updated as well.
Mayor Update and Announcements
General Government: Special Meeting
Mayor David McDaniel reminded Council of the Facility Tour Work Session at 1:00 p.m. on July 9th. Council will meet at City Hall to start the tour.
The League of Kansas Municipalities training session on KOMA/KORA is August 5th in Hays. All Governing body members are encouraged to attend.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

The Pain with the Rain … sponsored content

Posted on July 11, 2016July 11, 2016

By JOEY KOERNER
Koerner Chiropractic

April showers bring May flowers — and a real pain in the back! Don’t worry, I am not complaining about the rain in any way. In fact, I could not be more thankful for all the moisture that we have received this year.

With the moisture, though, comes a lot more work in our yards. This increased workload can be a daunting task and can put a lot more physical strain on our backs.

Mowing, picking weeds, raking, trimming, digging, gardening, etc. are tasks that have to be performed more frequently. These activities can cause a lot of strain on our backs and can lead to various types of injuries or pain. The majority of us have to perform these tasks ourselves and there are some things we can do in order to minimize our potential for injury.

Posture: Maintain proper posture when performing tasks in the yard.
When lifting: be sure to bend at your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs to lift. Keep the item you’re lifting close to your body. Avoid twisting or turning at the waist while you are lifting. Do not try to move or lift items that are too heavy; have someone help you lift or move these heavier items.

When mowing: remember to keep a tight core and a straight back while mowing. Avoid bending over and using your back to push the mower. Use the strength of your legs to push the mower along. Be sure to use proper lifting technique as explained above when dumping your grass clippings.

Warm up: Warm up your muscles to avoid injury.
Muscles are more prone to injury when they have not been warmed up properly. Taking a few minutes to allow your muscles to warm up prior to any yard work can help you avoid injury. You don’t have to go through an intense calisthenics workout to warm up. Simply performing a few specific stretches or even just walking for a few minutes can warm your muscles up properly.

Drink water: Staying hydrated is vital to our bodies.
Our bodies are mostly made up of water. Just as water is vital for us to survive, it is also vital for our muscles to perform at an optimal level and to avoid injury or cramping. During the summer months, when the weather is exceptionally hot, it is even more important that we drink plenty of water.

This will not only help protect us from injury, but also help avoid dehydration which can potentially be life threatening. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after you are working in the heat. Try to do some of the more physically taxing activities early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is a bit cooler.

Avoid continuous/repetitive activities:
Avoiding continuous or repetitive activities can also help you avoid injury. Bending over to pick weeds for extended periods of time will cause a lot of strain on the muscles in your back. Rather than performing this continuous bending, try to kneel down and keep your back straight to pick weeds.

If you absolutely have to bend over; take frequent breaks, stand upright, stretch, and walk around before bending back over. When using yard tools and equipment; be sure to switch hands/sides throughout the activity. Our bodies are not designed for repetitive strain and although most of us have our favorite side that we use (typically our dominate side), it is a good idea to switch hands/arms periodically.

If you are unable to do this, then simply take periodic breaks and be sure to stretch the fatigued muscle during these breaks. Switch between yard work activities. If you need to mow, trim, rake, and pick weeds; try to break up or switch back and forth between the activities. This will help you avoid continuous or repetitive strain on specific muscles and in the end, help you avoid injury.

The majority of us will develop back pain at some point in our lives. Following some basic precautions to help avoid stress on our backs can be helpful in avoiding pain; however, injuries can still happen. When an injury happens or pain develops, conservative treatments should be the place you look first. Chiropractic care and physical therapy are two of the best conservative treatments for back pain. Koerner Chiropractic & Physical Therapy offers you both services. We offer many different ways to help get you better and we make healing fun. We can figure out the source of your pain, help you heal, and show you how to keep the pain from returning.

If you develop pain or have an injury from working in the yard, call Koerner Chiropractic & Physical Therapy and get started on the right path to getting better! We have same-day appointments and very little waiting time.

Sponsored content

Ellis County budget review set for Monday evening

Posted on July 11, 2016

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will review the 2017 budget at Monday’s county commission meeting.

The county began working through the budget process in March and, over the past four months, has met with department heads and outside agencies to set this year’s budget.

County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes will present the commission with feedback from those meetings at Monday’s meeting and then ask for direction from the commission. If there are no changes, the commission is expected to set a public hearing and publication at next week’s meeting.

In other business, the commission will discuss purchasing two new ambulances.

Monday’s Public Building Commission meeting starts at 5 p.m. with the regular commission meeting to follow at the County Administrative Center.

SCHLAGECK: Cover up

Posted on July 11, 2016

John Schlageck writes for the Kansas Farm Bureau.

I recently read a public-service ad circulating by the American Academy of Dermatology that lists five ways to die on a golf course. The five ways include hit by a golf ball, run over by a golf cart, whacked by a golf club, struck by lightning and forgot your hat.

While none of these possibilities is pleasant to contemplate, the threat of skin cancer is real and should be considered carefully. This is especially true of farmers, ranchers and construction workers who are in the sun much of the time.

Every year one million new cases of skin cancer are detected, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. One out of five people in this country develops skin cancer during his/her lifetime.

All across America, folks are gearing up for vacations with their families – many of these trips include stops at the beach, national parks, state lakes or outdoor amusement parks. Many others work for long hours in the sun during the summer months – farmers, ranchers, construction workers, amusement park attendants, etc.

If you spend several hours in the sun, protect yourself. Avoid the midday sun if at all possible. Cover up. Always wear a hat. Work in the shade whenever possible. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. One person dies every hour from this disease in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Fortunately, melanoma can be cured if it’s caught early enough. Dermatologists advise us to examine our skin regularly.

If you find a blemish larger than a pencil eraser, multi-colored, asymmetrical or irregular at the edges, you may have melanoma and should see a dermatologist.

While we should protect ourselves from potential skin cancer, we must be every bit as aware of this danger for our children. Overexposure to sunlight during childhood will affect children for the rest of their lives.

Studies show that damage from the sun to a child’s skin can actually increase the odds that he/she will develop skin cancer as an adult.

American Academy of Dermatology estimates indicate 80 percent of a person’s total lifetime sun exposure occurs in the first 18 years.

Protect your children. Cover them up. Teach them to wear long-sleeved cotton shirts that breathe. Make sure they wear head protection at all times. Make wearing sunscreen part of the ritual for gearing up for the sun.

While skin cancer can kill you, it’s much more likely to disfigure you. Each year, thousands of Americans lose chunks of their skin to this disease, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Some people lose their nose; others may lose their ears, while others may escape with only the loss of an eyebrow.

Examine your skin regularly, at least once a week. Look for warning signs. If you find anything bleeding, crusting or not healing, see your dermatologist immediately.

Remember, you can enjoy the sun and spend time outside, and don’t forget these common-sense suggestions: have fun, and like everything else in life – enjoy the sun in moderation.

John Schlageck, a Hoxie native, is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.

Police investigate Kansas grocery store robbery

Posted on July 11, 2016July 11, 2016

SHAWNEE COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County are investigating a weekend robbery at a grocery store.

Just before 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, police responded to a Dillons Store in the 2800 Block of SW 29th Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

A suspect entered the store wearing all black clothing and a red mask covering his face, according to a witnesses.

The suspect ran to several cash registers, took the contents and then attempted to flee.

The store security guard was assaulted in an attempt to confront the suspect. He was not seriously injured.

The suspect was last seen running behind the store in the 2900 Block of SW Oakley.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact police.

HPD Activity Log July 5 and 6

Posted on July 11, 2016July 11, 2016

The Hays Police Department responded to 15 animal calls and 25 traffic stops Tue., July 5, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Fireworks Violation–1400 block Washington Cir, Hays; 12:11 AM; 12:33 AM
Fireworks Violation–3700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 12:17 AM
Water Use Violation–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 3:50 AM; 3:56 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 7:36 AM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 43rd St, Hays; 9:11 AM
Animal At Large–300 block E 24th St, Hays; 9:25 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:12 AM; 12:03 PM
Welfare Check–1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 2:56 PM
MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:07 PM; 3:51 PM
Drug Offenses–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 3:13 PM
Civil Dispute–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 3:53 PM
Drug Offenses–1300 block E 22nd St, Hays; 1201/15 8 AM; 7/5/16 4:10 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:16 PM
Found/Lost Property–1700 block Yocemento Ave, Ellis County; 4:59 PM
Civil Dispute–1900 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 5:03 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays;5:04 PM
Found/Lost Property–1700 block Yocemento Ave, Ellis County; 5:11 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 5:10 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 5:30 PM
Found/Lost Property–1700 block Yocemento Ave, Ellis County; 5:13 PM
Found/Lost Property–1700 block Yocemento Ave, Ellis County; 5:22 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1100 block E 22nd St, Hays; 6:21 PM
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 7:41 PM
Civil Dispute–1100 block Drum Ave, Hays; 9:38 PM
Suspicious Activity–3800 block Post Rd, Hays; 10:20 PM; 10:25 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and 8 traffic stops Wed., July 6, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–1000 block Main St, Hays; 8:56 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 9:43 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:31 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–1600 block Main St, Hays; 10:30 AM
Drug Offenses–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:10 AM
Found/Lost Property–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:51 AM
MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy–700 block Vine St, Hays; 1:27 PM
Civil Dispute–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 1:55 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 2:17 PM
Welfare Check–1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 1:37 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 3:13 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 W 12th St, Hays; 3:44 PM
Water Use Violation–1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 4:52 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–1100 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 5:14 PM
Disturbance – General–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 5:24 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 W 12th St, Hays; 6:21 PM
Animal Call–500 block W 23rd St, Hays; 7:20 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–1100 block Vine St, Hays; 8:33 PM
Animal Call–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:24 PM

Early morning shed fire in Hays

Posted on July 11, 2016

HFD

At 6:32 a.m. this morning, Monday, July 11, the Hays Fire Department, assisted by the Hays Police Department and Ellis County EMS was dispatched to a structure fire at 415 East 19th Street.

According to HFD Chief Gary Brown, on arrival firefighters found a garden shed on fire behind the house. Firefighters used one hose line to quickly bring the fire under control.

There were no injuries. The most probable cause of the fire was improper disposal of smoking materials.

Sixteen firefighters staffing four fire trucks responded. The last fire crew left the scene at 7:18 AM.

New Ellis Co. bridge to be celebrated with ribbon cutting Tuesday

Posted on July 11, 2016

ELLIS COUNTY

ELLIS COUNTY–The public is invited to a ribbon cutting Tuesday, July 12, at 10 a.m. for the new Ellis County bridge over the Smoky Hill River on 180th Ave. southwest of Hays. The bridge is a joint project of Ellis County and the Kansas Department of Transportation.

To reach the bridge drive south from Hays approximately six miles to Antonino Rd. Turn west (right) and drive seven miles to 180th Ave. Turn south (left) and go 2-1/2 miles to the bridge.

The ceremony is expected to last 30 minutes.

Providers: Kansas Budget Cuts ‘Devastating’ Mental Health System

Posted on July 11, 2016

By JIM MCLEAN

Gov. Sam Brownback and Republican legislative leaders have blocked consideration of Medicaid expansion, which could help restore funding for community mental health centers, according to one mental health official.

Kansas community mental health centers are sending a distress signal to state policymakers.

The association that represents the state’s 26 community mental health centers issued a statement Wednesday expressing “strong concerns” about the $30 million in funding cuts that it says its members have suffered in the past 12 months.

“The community mental health centers have taken one devastating hit after another over the last year,” said Kyle Kessler, executive director of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas Inc.

In addition to the 4 percent cut in Medicaid reimbursement rates ordered by Gov. Sam Brownback that took effect last week, Kessler said the elimination of two programs hit mental health centers hard.

Objections from federal officials led to the repeal of a state requirement that community mental health centers screen Kansans seeking admission to the state’s two mental health hospitals. Subsequently, a state decision to end a “health homes” pilot program cost centers that had staffed up to participate in it.

State officials said the pilot program, which was aimed at improving the coordination of care for Kansans with both mental illness and chronic medical conditions, was discontinued because it wasn’t meeting its health improvement objectives. Supporters said the program wasn’t given enough time to work and blamed the state’s ongoing budget problems for the decision to end it.

The federal government initially paid 90 percent of the pilot program’s cost. But starting this year, the state’s share of the cost would have increased by $13.4 million a year.

In its statement, the mental health association said the “reduction in treatment staff” forced by the series of budget cuts will increase the pressure on local law enforcement agencies and the state’s already overburdened mental health hospitals.

“The message that people need to hear is that budget and policy decisions have consequences,” said Mike Garrett, CEO of Horizons Mental Health Center in Hutchinson.

State officials should consider expanding eligibility for KanCare, the state’s privatized Medicaid program, as a way to help restore funding to community mental health centers, Garrett said.

Brownback and Republican legislative leaders have blocked consideration of expansion for the past three years, arguing that it would be too expensive. They also have said that it would be unfair to extend KanCare coverage to poor but non-disabled adults until the state can afford to provide support services to thousands of Kansans with physical and developmental disabilities on waiting lists.

Tim DeWeese, executive director of the Johnson County Mental Health Center, said inadequate funding for the past six years and the state’s rejection of KanCare expansion have significantly reduced the capacity of a mental health system that once was among the nation’s best.

“Over the last several years it’s seemed to me that we have had a slow dismantling of the mental health system across Kansas,” DeWeese said.

Angela de Rocha, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, declined to comment on the centers’ funding concerns but said the agency has “enormous respect for its community mental health center partners across the state and does all it can to support them.”

Jim McLean is executive editor of KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team.

FHSU KAMS begins pilot program with South Korean school

Posted on July 11, 2016July 11, 2016

fhsu cultural exchange — FHSU KAMS has signed a cultural exchange agreement with Daejeon Science High School for the Gifted in Daejeon, South Korea.

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Students attending the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science at Fort Hays State University now have the opportunity to add studying abroad to their high school experience.

KAMS, established by the Kansas Legislature in 2006, is the state’s premier residential academic high school program for juniors and seniors.

July 8, Dr. Joey Linn, vice president for student affairs at FHSU, signed an agreement with the Daejeon Science High School for the Gifted in Daejeon, South Korea. The Daejeon school is one of only six in Korea categorized as “gifted,” which is the most prestigious category. It is a highly competitive process to get into the Daejeon school, with more than 2,000 students vying for 93 spots each year.

The agreement will allow KAMS students to experience a week-long cultural exchange with Daejeon students in the summer. This fall, a group of Daejeon students will have the same opportunity when they come to the Fort Hays State campus.

It promises to be a “gift exchange” like no other.

“We are very excited to establish this partnership with the Daejeon Science High School for the Gifted,” Linn said. “This agreement will provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for the students in the KAMS program to foster joint research across the globe. A partnership such as this reflects yet another ‘Forward thinking. World ready.’ initiative of Fort Hays State University.”

Linn made the trip to Korea for the signing, then greeted a KAMS contingent at the airport. Five 2016 graduates of KAMS, assistant director Alex Shaw and graduate assistant Regina Tolbert will spend eight days in Korea for the inaugural exchange between the two schools.

“Our idea is to be able to provide an amazing opportunity at a young age,” said Dr. Roger Schieferecke, KAMS director. “It’s another way that KAMS differentiates the high school experience for our students — the curriculum and the opportunities.”

The ultimate goal of the pilot program is to establish a partnership where students in both schools can do joint research projects.

“Our kids will be able to submit research into their competitions and be co-authors of competitions in Korea,” Schieferecke said. “When they graduate, as part of their resumé, they will have international presentation and research experience. It will open up all sorts of opportunities for them.

“Plus,” he added, “it’s about simply forming friendships, some that could last a lifetime.”

When Schieferecke told KAMS students about the program this past school year, he said he asked seniors who showed an interest in international collaboration to represent the pilot group.

Students sold Krispy Kreme donuts on campus during the spring semester to help defray costs of their trip, of which the majority was funded by the students themselves.

Although Korean is the language of instruction at the Daejeon school, Schieferecke said that all their students have some level of English proficiency.

He said that KAMS students will be paired with a host Korean student who speaks “very good English.”

KAMS student will stay with Daejeon students their families the first two nights, then spend the rest of their time at the Daejeon high school. KAMS students will learn some traditional cultural Korean lessons such as history, cooking and language. They will visit the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute in Daejeon and spend a couple of days at the National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon-gun — 69 kilometers, or about 43 miles, from Daejeon.

“This is a great way to send kids over there to experience a different culture and gain the value that comes from that,” Schieferecke said. “I think it’s going to be an amazing partnership.”

Marilyn J. Speer

Posted on July 11, 2016

Marilyn J. Speer, age 81, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016 at the St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on September 7, 1934 in Saline County, Nebraska, the daughter of George Kenneth & Florence Marie Ridpath Butt. A resident of Scott City, Kansas until 1965 moving to Modoc, Kansas, she was a homemaker and a Registered Nurse.

Memberships include the First Christian Church, CWF and Eastern Star all of Scott City, Kansas.

On June 10, 1954 she married Charles A. Speer in Dighton, Kansas. He passed away on November 23, 2015 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Three Sons – Gaylon Speer of Overbrook, Kansas, Gary Speer of Scott City, Kansas, Gordon Speer of Jetmore, Kansas, One Daughter – Jeanne Spradling of Baldwin City, Kansas, One Brother – Kenneth Butts of Minneola, Kansas, Two Sisters – Karen Lynn Huskamp of Wichita, Kansas, Kaye L. Gruver of Wichita, Kansas, Thirteen Grandchildren, Twenty Great Grandchildren, One Great Great Grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, One Son In Law and One Grandson.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Christian Church of Scott City at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 with Pastor Scott Wagner and Pastor Steve Payne.

Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church or Park Lane Nursing Home % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Albert Dean

Posted on July 11, 2016

Albert Dean, age 98, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on October 9, 1917 in Rush County, Kansas, the son of William W. And Bessie Naomi Brewer Dean. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1932 moving from Rush County, Kansas, he was a Farmer.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church Scott City, Kansas. He was a US Navy Veteran of WWII.

On September 20, 1941 he married Mary Alice Graham in Sharon Springs, Kansas. She passed away on November 1, 2008 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include his One Son – Lynn A. & Jeannie Dean of Idaho Falls, Idaho, One Daughter – Carol R. & Jerry Davey of Amarillo, Texas, One Brother – William G. Dean of Colorado Springs, Colorado, One Sister – Doris Whinery of Norman, Oklahoma, Five Grandsons, Ten Great Grandchildren and Seven Great Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife – Mary Alice, Two Brothers and Two Sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2016 with the Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church or Park Lane Nursing Home % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Hays High School boys soccer camp begins today

Posted on July 11, 2016

The Hays High School boys team soccer camp begins today for both high school and middle school students. The camp dates are July 11th, 12th & 13th and will be held from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Pratt-Optimist Park. Cost for the camp is $25 per player and includes camp shirt. Forms can be printed online at https://www.hayshighindians.com/Athletics/index.html. under the Athletics Information section.