Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment samples publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Lakes under a Warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be specifically noted. Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms. Boating and fishing are safe on lakes under a Warning, but contact with the water should be avoided. It is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as the fish is rinsed with clean water; only the fillet portion is consumed and all other parts are discarded. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake. Zoned lakes may have portions fully open for all recreation even if other portions are under a Warning.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

Public Health Warning: High levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Warning indicates that activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.

Kansas public waters currently under a Warning status:

CENTRAL PARK LAKE, Shawnee County
LAKE AFTON, Sedgwick County
MARION RESERVOIR, Marion County (Not Marion County Lake)
MILFORD RESERVOIR, (All Zones; A, B and C) Clay, Dickinson and Geary Counties

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Lake water is not good to drink for pets or livestock
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans
• Water contact should be avoided
• Fish can be eaten as long as they are rinsed with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

KDHE will update these statements as conditions warrant.

Today A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 75. East wind 9 to 14 mph.

Tonight Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 63. East southeast wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Saturday Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 63. Northeast wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79.

Sunday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Independence Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.

Video courtesy Hays Police Department

Hays Post

UPDATE 3:50 p.m. Friday

The Hays Police Department has identified the suspect in a case of alleged inappropriate behavior at the Hays Public Library on June 28.

HPD Chief Don Scheibler said Friday afternoon a suspect was in custody. No further details were available at this time.

“We’re grateful for the community’s assistance,” Scheibler said.

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The Hays Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a person suspected of inappropriate behavior at the Hays Public Library.

According to Assistant Chief Brian Dawson, the Hays PD received a delayed report from the library of a white male who was allegedly “stimulating himself” while on the internet on a library computer. Security cameras captured footage of the suspect entering and leaving the library, the HPD reported.

Dawson said the alleged incident occurred in the afternoon of June 28.

Dawson said library personnel made contact with the individual before they reported the incident to Hays PD, and the man left before officers could speak with him. Dawson said law enforcement wants to talk with the individual about the incident.

Police officials request if anyone recognizes the individual in the video above that they contact the Hays Police Department at (785) 625-1030 at [email protected].

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

The word grew fast on Tuesday as the Kansas City business publication Ingram’s published a list titled “50 Kansans You Should Know” that included Fort Hays State University’s Kris Munsch.

The list consists of men and women all across the Sunflower State ranging from small-town businessmen to leaders of billion-dollar corporations.

“I was very surprised to make the list,” said Munsch, assistant professor of applied technology. “I received a call from Ingram’s several months ago and was told I was one of about 100 being interviewed. I had forgotten all about it. A buddy of mine actually sent me the link to the list congratulating me, so I was shocked.”

Munsch earned his B.S. in technology studies in ’03, M.S. in education administration in ’09 and Ed.S. in advanced professional studies in ’14 all from FHSU.

Before making the decision to come to FHSU in 2012 to teach, Munsch worked as a field manager for Cecil O’Brate, also one of the 50 Kansans you should know. O’Brate, Garden City, is founder, chairman and CEO of several oil and gas companies, including American Warrior.

“Telling Cecil I was leaving him was tough, as I admired who he was as a person,” said Munsch. “Simple and hardworking means a lot to me, but I’m grateful now for making the decision I did to leave and teach. As I told my mom yesterday, making this list is another sign that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be in the universe today. That’s a peaceful thought.”

Death has impacted Munsch’s career. In 2005, his 16-year-old son, Blake, died from an automobile accident, which taught Munsch a new way to live. In 2012, Dr. Fred Ruda, chair of the Technology Studies Department, also died in an automobile accident. Munsch helped the department fill a temporary one-year instructor position.

“If I were to thank anyone, it would be my son who has died,” said Munsch. “Blake’s death has taught me to live from the soul. That’s how I teach, and I’m grateful that he works through me when I’m with my students.”

“Anytime something like this happens — for me it’s very humbling. I just do what I do, and without a doubt love what I do,” he said. “I’m a simple, hardworking man who was raised by parents who taught me that nothing is free, and no matter what I do, leave things better than I found them.”

The full list of Ingram’s “50 Kansans You Should Know” is available at https://ingrams.com/article/50-kansans-you-should-know-3/.