KDHE

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reporting the first reported case of West Nile virus for 2016. The individual who tested positive is an adult from Thomas County.

West Nile virus is be spread to people primarily through bites from infected Culex species mosquitoes, although the virus has been detected in more than 60 different mosquito species in the U.S. West Nile virus is not contagious from person to person. The Culex species are known to transmit West Nile virus; they are not known to transmit Zika virus.

Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to swelling of the brain or brain tissue and in rare cases, death. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune.

KDHE recommends the following precautions to protect against West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases:

When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.

Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, but can bite at any hour. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at peak times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

West Nile virus cases are most common in the late summer and early fall months. In 2015, there were 34 cases of West Nile virus in Kansas, and more than half of these cases were hospitalized.

Birds are not tested for West Nile virus in Kansas and KDHE will not be collecting information about dead birds. If you find a dead bird, KDHE recommends that you wear gloves, place the bird in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this Web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: https://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes.

PHILLIPS COUNTY – A Northwest Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. on Wednesday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge passenger vehicle driven by Elaine G. Schukman, 65, Norton, was eastbound on B Street in Phillipsburg.

The driver failed to yield and a semi traveling southbound on 2^nd Street collided with the driver’s door of the Dodge

Schukman was transported to Phillips County Hospital. The semi driver from Florida was not injured.

Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

By COOPER SLOUGH
Hays Post

The Hays Community Theatre is hosting a second round of auditions for its annual summer production. The auditions are taking place at the Hays Community Theatre, 118 E. 11th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Walk-in auditions are encouraged.

This year’s show is the Paula Huser Children’s Theater production of “Gran’s Guide to Stop an Ogre.” In the play, the two main characters, Zach and Lilly, arrive home from school upset about the troubles from their day. When their granny sees this, she tells them a seemingly unrelated whimsical, magical story that might just help them overcome the bullies they face at school. The total runtime for the show is about 45 minutes.

The production will feature child actors, directors and musicians.

For more information on this show or to get involved in the Hays Community Theatre, visit the group’s website.

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and 26 traffic stops Monday, Aug. 1, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 12:43 AM
Welfare Check–200 block E 21st St, Hays; 4:20 AM
Animal At Large–700 block Fort St, Hays; 6:30 AM; 6:45 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 7:23 AM
Water Use Violation–1100 block Oakmont St, Hays; 9:11 AM
Criminal Threat–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:30 AM
Identity Theft–300 block W 22nd St, Hays; 11:04 AM
Animal At Large–2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 11:31 AM
Dead Animal Call–200 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:24 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–2700 block Hall St, Hays; 12:43 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 1:08 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:17 PM
Theft (general)–3500 block Vine St, Hays; 7/276 10 PM; 8/1 2:30 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2700 block Plaza Ave, Hays; 5:05 PM
Animal At Large–5th and Pine, Hays; 6:23 PM
Water Use Violation–2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 8:23 PM
Suspicious Activity–1200 block Milner St, Hays; 8:50 PM
Welfare Check–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 9:44 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and 14 traffic stops Tue., Aug. 2, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – General–100 block E 11th St, Hays; 1 AM; 1:15 AM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–3500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:39 AM; 4:30 AM
Suicidal Subject–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 5:09 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:54 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–3000 block E 14th St, Hays; 8:21 AM
Animal Injured–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 8:33 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–3900 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:21 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–200 block E 19th St, Hays; 10:38 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:57 AM
Suicidal Subject–1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 12:36 PM
Theft (general)–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 2:40 AM; 2:42 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1200 block Cedar St, Hays; 4:05 PM
Probation/Parole Violation–100 block E 23rd St, Hays; 5:46 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 4:40 PM
Welfare Check–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:39 PM
Shoplifting–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 7:59 PM; 8 PM
Disturbance – General–400 block Halladay St, Hays; 8:31 PM
Suspicious Activity–1700 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 8:33 PM; 8:57 PM
Animal Call–1200 block Milner St, Hays; 8:58 PM
Criminal Trespass–2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 9:35 PM

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

First it was KDOT–the Kansas Department of Transportation–that objected.

The initial sign design for I-70 monument markers considered by Hays city commissioners read “Welcome to Hays America.” That wording turned out to be a violation of KDOT policy.

So, commissioners then decided upon the simple “Welcome to Hays” design by artist Scott Gross.

Now, a federal transportation agency has an objection.

Plans for the huge 18′ by 10′ limestone welcome signs by Tobin Rupe Stoneworks, Wichita, called for placement of the westbound sign within the I-70 right of way, just east of the Commerce Parkway exit, and the eastbound sign near Arnhold Park on the south side of the interstate.

“We originally got it approved by KDOT to move forward with that,” Assistant City Manager Jacob Wood said, “and the Federal Highway Administration has said they’re not going to allow those signs in the interstate right-of-way anymore.  So, we’ve had to take a step back and find a couple new locations.

“One is on the north side of I-70 and one is on the south side of I-70.  Basically, those will be just right outside the I-70 right-of-way. If you’re driving on I-70, you see the fence out there, it’ll be right on the inside of one of those fences,” Woods explained.

The two alternate locations being considered for the westbound monument sign are the private property adjacent to the I-70 right of way on the north side of the interstate, just a short distance east of the original location, and the city property located near the old I-70 rest area on the south side of the interstate.

City staff is recommending the first north side location. It would require acquisition of a permanent signage easement at a one-time cost of $1,645 and the cost to construct a barbed wire fence around the sign to keep livestock from the sign.

Wood said Hays city commissioners will look at the new proposed locations during their work session Thu., Aug. 4.

 

 

Submitted

LOGAN — A $500,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Foundation will contribute to the Legacy of Leadership campaign.

The Dwight D. Eisenhower: A Legacy of Leadership capital campaign will fund the renovation of 25,000 square feet of exhibit space – more than 78 percent of the total space in the Abilene museum.

Dane G. Hansen was a personal friend and adviser to President Eisenhower.  Mr. Hansen served as Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the Eisenhower Foundation in 1949.  He was involved in the fundraising and construction of the Eisenhower Museum and Presidential Library in Abilene.   The museum was dedicated in 1954.

“The trustees make this gift to honor the long-standing friendship between Mr. Hansen and President Eisenhower,” said Cy Moyer, President of the Board of Trustees of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.  “We are pleased to be a part of a project that will further the legacy of President Eisenhower and enrich the people of Kansas.”

The renovation of the museum will include touch screens in each of the permanent galleries that invite visitors to learn more than what is presented in the static exhibits.  Six main galleries will present the life and legacy of President Eisenhower in chronological order.

“The Eisenhower Foundation is excited about our next major project — the comprehensive renovation of the Eisenhower Presidential Museum,” said Meredith Sleichter, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Foundation. “This will be the first time since it was dedicated in 1954 that it will tell the remarkable story of Dwight D. Eisenhower in a single, cohesive design.”

The Hansen Foundation grant will be used to support the renovation of the first gallery, titled “From the Heart.” It will chronical Ike’s life while he was growing up in Abilene to 1911, when he boarded a train to West Point Military Academy.  A primary feature within the gallery will be the newly designed “IKEducation Center,” where K – 12 students can participate in 33 unique programs created by a team of professional educators.

The total renovation is slated to be completed in time for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion on June 6, 2019.

“While the Eisenhower Foundation is currently in the ‘silent phase’ of the campaign, we are very encouraged by the response we have received so far, both in terms of volunteers who are serving as campaign council and commitments from organizations like the Dane G. Hansen Foundation,” Sleichter said.

In recognition of the generous donation from the Hansen Foundation, residents of the 26-counties in Northwest Kansas served by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation will receive free admission to the newly renovated Eisenhower Presidential Museum from the time it re-opens through June 2020 simply by showing an ID verifying county of residence.