We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Month: October 2016

KHP: 2 dead after head-on semi crash

Posted on

FatalCrashSEWARD COUNTY – Two people died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. on Tuesday in Seward County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Saturn Vue driven by Marcos Morales-Lux, 36, Guatemala, was westbound on U.S. 54 four miles west of U.S. 83 in the left, eastbound lane of travel and hit a 2016 Kenworth semi head-on.

Morales-Lux and a passenger Encarnacion Perez-Gutierrez, 29, Guatemala, were pronounded dead at the scene and transported to Brenneman Funeral Home.

The semi driver Paul Logan, 41, Oak Grove, was transported to the hospital in Liberal.

A passenger Michael Drinnon, 55, Lawrence, was not injured.

The occupants of the Saturn were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Climate + Energy Project is looking for interns

Posted on

intern with cepCEP

Are you interested in integrating real world experience into your college curriculum? Have you been considering a career path that includes making a positive environmental change? Does the thought of contributing your time to reducing greenhouse gases sound exciting and rewarding? An internship at the Climate and Energy Project might be what you’re looking for!

The Climate + Energy Project is a statewide nonprofit, working diligently toward a sustainable energy future in Kansas. CEP interns play a vital role in this ambitious undertaking: from researching latest developments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, helping share important updates through social media and website, to being our boots on the ground at the statehouse.

CEP interns get a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge in areas of legislature, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

CEP interns connect theoretical knowledge to real life applications through meaningful
assignments. While internships are unpaid, we feel the exposure and knowledge you will gain to be invaluable. CEP is currently hiring interns for the 2016 fall semester and the 2017 spring semester. The following positions are available:

Clean Energy = Clean Air Intern
Clean Energy = Clean Air is a public health initiative that seeks to inform the public of the connection between air quality and our health. An intern would identify current research to support our messaging that a transition to more renewable-sourced energy generation will lead to improved health. This is a great opportunity for a student to perform focused research in air quality, environmental justice, public health and public outreach.
Public health, public administration, communications, and environmental science majors are welcome to apply.

Health Equity Intern
The Health Equity program is a public health initiative that is currently being developed, it will bring environmental leaders in Kansas together to collaborate on programs related to public health and energy efficiency. A Health Equity intern would identify current research to support our collaborated effort. This is a great opportunity for a student to engage with Kansas environmental leaders and perform focused work in public outreach, public health and, environmental justice as it relates to climate change.
Public health, communications, and environmental science majors are welcome to apply.

Clean Energy Business Council Intern
The Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) will bring business voices together to work towards greater clean energy access in KS and the greater KC area. CEBC will expand clean energy economic opportunities and investments through common sense solutions and a variety of networking and educational resources. The CEBC intern will assist in coordinating events, updating and creating website resources, and identifying creative ways to further CEBC’s mission.
Communication, marketing, economics, and business administration majors passionate about corporate social responsibility are welcome to apply.

Legislative Intern
The legislative intern will have an opportunity to attend Energy Committee meetings at the Kansas statehouse, write summaries of discussions for advocacy groups, blog, tweet, and post Facebook updates, research specific documents as needed, and help to further engage people in the renewable energy and energy efficiency discussion.
Political science, marketing, communications, environmental science majors and law students, are welcome to apply.

Communications Intern
The Communications intern would update and maintain CEP’s social media presence, assist in planning, writing, and managing of e-blasts and e-newsletters, draft and distribute news releases, media alerts and other stories, design flyers and other marketing materials, update the website regularly, and collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions, and tools for marketing and communications.
Marketing, communications, and environmental science majors are welcome to apply.

Event Management Intern
The Event Management Intern will play an integral role in the planning, executing, and evaluating CEP’s activities. An intern would plan, coordinate, and manage CEP events, coordinate with event partners and partner staff, manage a budget, work with a team to plan and execute all logistical items for CEP events, day of event management, and post event evaluation.
Marketing, communications and environmental science majors are welcome to apply.

To apply: please email your resume and cover letter to Jamie Hofling at [email protected].

See what previous interns have to say about their time with CEP:

Reflections on CEP Policy Internship
Getting Involved
CEP approach balanced and successful

The Climate + Energy Project (CEP) is a non-partisan 501c(3) organization working to reduce emissions through greater energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. Located in Hutchinson, CEP collaborates with diverse partners across the nation to find practical solutions for a clean energy future that provides jobs, prosperity and energy security. 

KU Ramps Up Childhood Mental Health Clinic

Posted on

BY ANDY MARSO

Julie Boydston explains how toys can serve as tools for student counselors at the University of Kansas Child and Family Services Clinic in Lawrence. The clinic provides counseling services to children and their families on a sliding scale based on income. ANDY MARSO / HEARTLAND HEALTH MONITOR
Julie Boydston explains how toys can serve as tools for student counselors at the University of Kansas Child and Family Services Clinic in Lawrence. The clinic provides counseling services to children and their families on a sliding scale based on income.
ANDY MARSO / HEARTLAND HEALTH MONITOR

In a small, windowless room at the University of Kansas Child and Family Services Clinic, Julie Boydston put on a few sock puppets and explained that they’re more than just toys.

Like the dollhouse and costumes in the room, the puppets are tools that help student counselors get children with behavioral and mental health problems to open up.

“They can’t talk to you about their feelings,” Boydston explains. “But maybe they can say what ‘Mr. Duck’ thinks or ‘the frog is sad’ and why is he sad.”

The clinic provides counseling services to children and their families on a sliding scale based on income — no insurance necessary.

Boydston, a clinical psychologist, has been involved in the clinic for more than 10 years, as an adjunct professor and supervisor. But this year she was given a new role as the clinic’s director and charged with increasing outreach to expand the clinic’s role serving families throughout northeast Kansas and sometimes beyond.

Ric Steele, the director of KU’s clinical child psychology program, says before Boydston’s position was added, faculty members served as clinic directors in addition to their other duties.

“So with this move we’ve got someone who’s dedicated to really expanding the services and to think about how we can really address the needs of this part of the state,” Steele says. “This was a long time coming, and it represents a real opportunity to provide better services for people and enhance our training.”

Steele’s department also added two faculty members this year, including one who specializes in autism. Their presence and research will help the student counselors in the clinic serve more people more effectively, he says.

The counselors — all graduate students — had 1,793 appointments in the fiscal year that ended in July, a 30 percent increase from 1,377 the year before.

The number of clients seen rose from 397 to 461.

“I would say (demand) continues to grow,” Boydston says. “There’s a high need.”

Steele says there are multiple reasons for the increase.

One is that awareness of childhood behavioral and mental health issues has grown substantially in the last decade, especially when it comes to autism spectrum conditions.

While more families are seeking services, funding for community mental health centers, which are the only providers in some areas, has remained static or even been cut in recent years.

The community mental health center funding cuts also have reduced job opportunities for the program’s graduates.

“I can think of two or three community mental health centers that are down to really kind of bare bones in terms of the number of doctoral-level providers,” Steele says. “Until that turns around, that’s an issue.”

But Steele says “a surprising number” still opt to stay in Kansas, considering that many students come to the program from other states.

There are 19 student counselors in the program this year, and six more who just started the program will be able to provide counseling at the end of this semester or beginning of the next.

Boydston says that’s about average the last few years, so physical space constraints — the program has seven counseling rooms — are becoming a limitation, especially during the evening hours when more families prefer to make appointments.

But the program’s public role continues to grow. The clinic recently hosted its first Kids Behavioral Wellness Fair at the Lawrence Public Library.

“We really do kind of fill a need,” Steele says.

Andy Marso is a reporter for KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team. You can reach him on Twitter @andymarso

No creepy clown: Ronald McDonald keeping a lower profile

Posted on

NEW YORK (AP) — McDonald’s says Ronald McDonald is keeping a low profile with reports of creepy clown sightings on the rise.

McDonald’s Corp. said Tuesday that it is being “thoughtful in respect to Ronald McDonald’s participation in community events” as a result of the “current climate around clown sightings in communities.” The company did not provide any other details about how often its red-haired mascot makes appearances, and how that will change.

The burger chain’s decision comes after a rash of pranks around the country that have involved eerie clown sightings. The reports have forced police in some areas to respond.

HPD Activity Log Oct. 10

Posted on

hpd top sponsor jan 6

cleland pharm hpd activity log

hpd bobs bail bonds bottom 2 jan 6

The Hays Police Department responded to 19 traffic stops and 11 animal calls Mon., Oct. 10, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Criminal Threat–2500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 2:38 AM
Criminal Trespass–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 2:42 AM
Civil Transport–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 2:59 AM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 30th St, Hays; 8:38 AM
Animal At Large–400 block E 18th St, Hays; 10:11 AM
Disturbance – General–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 10:37 AM
Battery – simple–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10/9 4:30 PM; 4:40 PM
Obstruction of Legal Process–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:29 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block E 15th St, Hays; 12:50 PM
Found/Lost Property–4400 block Vine St, Hays; 12:58 PM
Found/Lost Property–800 block Ash St, Hays; 1:11 PM
Animal At Large–2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 4:17 PM
Animal At Large–3200 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 4:35 PM
Theft (general)–2000 block Vine St, Hays; 5:17 PM
Suspicious Activity–1200 block 1205 E 22nd St, Hays; 5:45 PM; 6:30 PM
Theft (general)–1900 block Whittier Rd, Hays; 10:30 AM; 7 PM
Theft (general)–1200 block Allen St, Hays; 8:15 PM; 8:33 PM
Suspicious Activity–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:30 PM; 10:30 PM

hpd top sponsor jan 6

Tigers break into D2Football.com rankings for first time in program history

Posted on

Fort Hays State moved into the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll for the first time in program history on Tuesday (Oct. 11). The Tigers are ranked No. 23 in the latest poll. The D2Football.com poll is a supplemental poll generated by writers that are dedicated to covering NCAA Division II Football. The AFCA Poll released eachMonday is the official Division II poll for national rankings.

Fort Hays State is one of four teams referenced in this week’s poll. Northwest Missouri State is No. 1 in the nation to match its AFCA Poll national ranking. Emporia State is No. 7 in the D2Football.com Poll, while ranking No. 12 in the AFCA Poll. Central Missouri is No. 15, but is behind FHSU in the receiving votes section of the AFCA Poll. FHSU is the second-highest team in the receiving votes section of the AFCA Poll released on Monday (Oct. 10).

Fort Hays State (5-1 overall) heads to Washburn this weekend and currently sits in a tie with Emporia State in the MIAA standings for second place. Both are looking to chase down Northwest Missouri State, which is the only unbeaten team remaining in the MIAA.

Below is the D2Football.com Poll for October 11, 2016.

Team Record Last Week
1 Northwest Missouri State 6-0 1
2 Grand Valley State 6-0 2
3 North Alabama 3-1 3
4 Shepherd 5-0 4
5 Midwestern State 5-0 5
6 Sioux Falls 6-0 7
7 Emporia State 5-1 11
8 Ashland 5-1 14
9 Texas A&M-Commerce 4-1 6
10 Tuskegee 6-0 13
11 California (Pa.) 5-0 16
12 Harding 6-0 17
13 Indiana (Pa.) 4-1 9
14 Minnesota Duluth 5-1 19
15 Central Missouri 4-2 20
16 Valdosta State 4-1 21
17 West Georgia 4-2 10
18 Henderson State 5-1 8
19 LIU-Post 6-0 22
20 Azusa Pacific 5-1 12
21 Bemidji State 5-1 23
22 Slippery Rock 5-1 24
23 Fort Hays State 5-1 NR
24 Ferris State 4-2 15
25 Wayne State (Mich.) 5-1 NR

FHSU Sports Information

Kan. man hospitalized after truck hits fence, jackknifes in ditch

Posted on

PAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 6a.m. on Tuesday in Pawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Kenworth commercial truck driven by Shawn Allen Steinle, 44, Salina, was westbound on Kansas 156 one mile west of Burdett.

The truck went off the roadway into the north ditch.

It traveled west, hit a KDOT post, came out of the ditch, crossed the road, entered the south ditch, hit a fence line and jackknifed in the south ditch.

Steinle was transported to the hospital in Larned. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Bernece Rohleder

Posted on

Screen Shot 2016-10-11 at 9.52.16 AMBernece Rohleder, 101, Salina, formerly of Victoria, Kansas, died Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Brookdale Senior Assisted Living facility in Salina.

She was born June 29, 1915 in Vincent, Kansas the daughter of Anton and Katherine (Schrant) Schulte. She was a 1933 graduate of Victoria High School and attended Business School at Fort Hays State University. On May 22, 1945 she married John C. Rohleder in Vincent. He preceded her in death in 1989. Together they owned and operated a grocery store and liquor store in Victoria and Bernece was also a nurse for Dr. Anderson in Victoria for many years.

Survivors include a daughter; Lucy Kollhoff and husband Mike of Salina, Kansas, a sister-in-law; Laverna Schulte of Hill City, Kansas, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John C. Rohleder, a son; Leo Paul Rohleder in 2007, a grandson John Rohleder in 2004, four brothers; Virgil, Herbert, Albert, and Paul Schulte, and three sisters; Josephine Rusch, Florence Heilig, and Clara Staab.

Private family burial will take place in Mt. Allen Cemetery, Hays. Visitation will be from 5:30 until 8:00 pm on Tuesday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Brookdale/Fairdale Senior Living Center or to the Women Helping Women Fund, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Consolidated Extension district closer after Ellis Co. Commission resolution

Posted on

Phillip Smith-Hanes
Phillip Smith-Hanes
By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

A proposed merger of Ellis and Barton County Kansas State Extension districts took another step forward Monday with a resolution approved by the Ellis County Commission.

Earlier this year, the commission directed Ellis County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes to begin talking with Barton County about creating an Extension district made up of the two counties. In a joint meeting in Great Bend on June 6, the two commissions agreed to move forward with the proposed merger and get the public’s input.

The resolution approved Monday night by the Ellis County Commission begins the process of merging the Extension offices.

According to Smith-Hanes, the resolution will be published in the newspaper of record and then there will be a 60-day period where people could oppose the merger. Smith-Hanes said if none opposes the merger — and Barton County approves it, as well — they will move forward to form the district.

Smith-Hanes said in his memo to commissioners Monday both commissions would then have to appoint an executive board for the Extension district. An operational agreement would then be drafted by the commissions, the director of Extension and Kansas State University and the Attorney General. When that agreement is adopted, the district would be officially formed on July 1, 2017.

Ellis County has budgeted approximately $256,000 for the Extension Council in 2017. According to Smith-Hanes, if the consolidated district is formed, the district would have independent taxing authority beginning in 2018.

The proposed merger would not reduce staff or services for either office. Instead, joining forces would allow agents to focus on more specialized areas.

There are currently 16 other combined Extension districts throughout Kansas, including the Midway District comprised of Ellsworth and Russell counties, the Walnut District made of Rush, Ness and Lane counties and Logan, Gove and Trego Counties form the Golden Prairie District.

In other business, after an executive session, the commission authorized County Counselor Bill Jeter to bid on five properties that are up for auction on the county tax foreclosure sale on Oct. 26.

Smith-Hanes said the properties have improvements on them and the bids by Jeter are what the property owners owes in taxes, and county officials hope someone will submit a higher bid so the county can recoup the tax money. He also said if they end up high bidder on the properties, they believe they can resell them for a profit.

The county will bid on the following properties:
Track 6 – 403 E 13th – $14,910.13
Track 7 – 2390 E 27th – $54,147.35
Track 13 – 516 E 7th – $5,896.25
Track 16 – 508 W 17th – $12,088.00
Track 20 – 413 W 15th – $5,846.4

The commission also approved a contract for the 2016 road striping project for no more than $60,000.

Commissioners also approved a contract with Kirkham, Michael and Associates of Ellsworth for $17,487. The engineering firm will inspect 201 bridges for Ellis County. They will also inspect bridges in Hays and Ellis.

The Ellis County Public Works department will place stop signs on Feedlot Road at the intersection of Toulon Avenue after the commission approved a resolution Monday. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Department had requested the change because of the number of accidents at the intersection.

Funding issues: Kansas Youthville residential campus to close

Posted on
Courtesy image
Courtesy image

WICHITA – The Youthville residential campus for foster kids in Dodge City will close on November 12, according to Shelley Duncan, president of EmberHope.

“It’s a large wonderful campus,” said Duncan. “However with reduced state funding, the organization is no longer able to sustain residential services in Dodge City.”

“If another entity would assume the services, that would be wonderful,” she said.

Seventeen children are currently enrolled in the program and there are approximately 50 staff members in Dodge City, according to Duncan.

EmberHope is a nonprofit, faith-based agency started by the United Methodist Church. It is committed to developing innovative programs that inspire change in at-risk youth and families, according to the organization’s web site. The organization operates with private and state funding.

In February, the organization announced plans to sell a portion of their Newton Youthville campus.

Edith M. Criswell

Posted on

Screen Shot 2016-10-11 at 8.10.57 AMEdith M. Criswell, age 89, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2016 at her home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on October 28, 1926 in Sheridan County, Kansas, the daughter of John Thomas and Delma Emma Fortin McCoy. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1973 moving from Medicine Lodge, Kansas, she was a Elementary School Teacher in Kansas and Texas, Surgical Assistant, Legal Secretary, Medical Clinic receptionist and caregiver.

She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas. Edith was also a member of the St. Joseph Alter Society and was active at the polls during every election, a homemaker and loving Mother and Grandmother.

On May 19, 1949 she married Darrel Leroy Criswell in Hoxie, Kansas. He passed away on January 18, 1997in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Four Daughters – Diane & Doug Simpson of San Antonio, Texas, Carolyn & Tom West of Scott City, Kansas, Cheryl Turley of Park City, Kansas, Mary Comba of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother – Tom & Melba McCoy of Bel Fourche, South Dakota, One Sister – Mary Ann Jones of Wichita, Kansas, Eleven Grandchildren and Twenty Five Great Grandchildren(26 by 2017).

She was preceded in death by her Parents,Husband and One Sister – Jeannie Spresser.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2016 at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Leoville, Kansas with Rev. Robert Nuckolls presiding.

Memorials may be given to the Edith Criswell Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Leoville, Kansas

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. Until 11:00 a.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File