2016 – Page 825 – Hays Post Archive

FHSU to host world-famous paleontologist

Posted on March 1, 2016March 1, 2016

FHSU University Relations

Dr. Jack Horner, technical adviser to and partial inspiration for the “Jurassic Park” movies, will speak at a fundraiser for Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History at 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

Horner’s lecture, “Dinosaurs of the Past, the Present, and the Future,” will cover how perceptions on dinosaurs have changed over time and how more research will continue to change these perceptions.

Horner’s own research has greatly impacted the way dinosaurs are viewed. His team discovered the first evidence of parental care in dinosaurs. He was also the first to discover dinosaur embryos. This research has caused a transition from seeing dinosaurs as cold-blooded reptilian creatures to bird-like animals who interacted with each other and their environment in complex ways.

Horner has published eight books, 50 articles and more than 120 papers. New Scientist Magazine described his book “Digging Dinosaurs” as one of the 200 most important science books of the 20th century.

“Dr. Horner was my master’s advisor at Montana State University, and he has served as a mentor to me ever since,” said Dr. Laura Wilson, assistant professor of geosciences at FHSU and curator of paleontology at the Sternberg Museum. “To hear him speak on his research and future developments is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Horner will also speak at a gala event at the museum on Saturday, April 2. All proceeds from both events will go directly towards renovating the Museum’s paleontology lab

Horner currently serves as curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies and Regents Professor of Paleontology at Montana State University. He is also a senior adjunct scientist at the Smithsonian Institute.

Horner worked as the technical advisor for all four “Jurassic Park” movies and on the FOX television show “Terra Nova.” He has been featured on National Geographic, the Discovery Channel and the show “60 Minutes.”

Tickets to the event are $10 for general admission and $5 for museum members and FHSU students. To reserve tickets, contact the Sternberg Museum of Natural History at 785-628-4286.

Data: 95% success rate for FHSU grads finding jobs

Posted on March 1, 2016February 29, 2016

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Contacts with 1,386 Fort Hays State University graduates from the 2014-2015 academic year found a success rate — placement in a job or enrolled in advanced study — of 95 percent, according to a report from the university’s Office of Career Services.

The office of Career Services contacts all FHSU graduates inside the United States within six months of graduation. The 1,386 figure includes Virtual College, on-campus, associate and undergraduate degree students. Not included in the percentage are 62 students whose information was unattainable and Virtual College graduates from China and other nations.

Of the 2014-15 graduates, 978 are working in their major fields and 196 are continuing their education. Another 108 reported being employed outside their majors, 65 were still seeking employment and 39 were not seeking employment.

Geographic employment data show that 147 are working in Ellis County, 423 are employed in western Kansas, 218 are employed in other Kansas regions, and 298 are working out-of-state.

This placement rate for FHSU graduates continues the success of recent years. The placement rate was also 95 percent in 2013-14, 2012-2013, and 2011-12.

The Office of Career Services assists FHSU students in acquiring the skills necessary for a successful job search and provides information about available jobs. It also assists students who are seeking admission to graduate school.

Career Services staff uses phone, mail and email surveys and then turns to faculty, alumni, fraternity or sorority contacts, families, neighbors, and various other sources to find the employment or study status of almost all graduates.

Extension to host course for food handlers

Posted on March 1, 2016

The Ellis County Extension Office will host a Servsafe Food Handler Short Course on Wednesday, March 23, 1:30 to 4:00 pm at the Extension Office meeting room, 601 Main Street in Hays. (Enter the rear door from the north parking lot.) Linda Beech, Ellis County Extension Agent and certified Servsafe instructor, will be the presenter.

The training covers basic food safety principles, personal hygiene, food allergens, preventing cross-contamination, time and temperature controls, cleaning and sanitation. This course would be appropriate for food service employees, dietary staff at nursing homes, hospitals and schools, and volunteer groups who serve concession stands, church dinners, community meals or fund-raisers.

The cost for the course is $10 per person and includes the Servsafe Food Handlers booklet, training materials and refreshments.

Advance registration is required to allow for ordering books and materials. Contact the Ellis County Extension Office no later than March 11 to register and pay fees. A minimum attendance is required by the deadline to hold this class or it will be cancelled.

For questions or a registration brochure, go to www.ellis.ksu.edu/health-nutrition under “Upcoming Events” or contact the Ellis County Extension Office, 785-628-9430.

Monday’s high school basketball sub-state results

Posted on March 1, 2016

BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Class 1A Division I
Cedar Vale/Dexter 62, South Haven 52
Fairfield 46, Central Burden 44
Marmaton Valley 46, Pleasanton 36
Pike Valley 52, Thunder Ridge 23
Stockton 63, Lakeside 51
Class 1A Division II
Ashland 66, Cunningham 40
Caldwell 62, Norwich 50
Elyria Christian 69, Stafford 42
Glasco/Miltonvale-Southern Cloud 48, Linn 43
Northern Valley 58, Cheylin 48
Pawnee Heights 68, Burrton 60
St. Xavier 64, Altoona-Midway 32
Sylvan-Lucas 37, Natoma 28
Western Plains 60, Healy 29
Class 3A
Beloit 81, Hoisington 56
Caney Valley 51, Neodesha 42
Cheney 54, Douglass 41
Conway Springs 57, Bluestem 37
Ellsworth 58, Phillipsburg 57
Eureka 48, Marion 40
Fredonia 82, Southeast 46
Galena 57, Cherryvale 55
Garden Plains 60, Belle Plaine 47
Halstead 43, Sedgwick 39
Hays-TMP-Marian 51, Minneapolis 26
Hesston 66, Remington 30
Hiawatha 54, Riverside 42
Humboldt 62, Central Heights 47
Lakin 62, Cimarron 39
Larned 57, Southwestern Hts. 37
Marysville 60, Maur Hill – Mount Academy 40
Nemaha Central 77, Pleasant Ridge 52
Northeast-Arma 61, Perry-Lecompton 47
Norton 64, Russell 44
Osage City 72, Riley County 42
Oskaloosa 47, Jayhawk Linn 37
Riverton 43, Erie 22
Rossville 68, Mission Valley 35
Sabetha 72, Atchison County 24
Scott City 57, Lyons 23
Silver Lake 44, Council Grove 38
Southeast Saline 104, Hutchinson Trinity 81
St. Mary’s 67, Royal Valley 64
Sterling 65, Syracuse 35
Wellsville 74, West Franklin 49
Wichita Independent 66, Chaparral 41

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Class 1A Division II
Crest 50, Altoona-Midway 10
Linn 38, BV Randolph 25
Northern Valley 62, Cheylin 41
Palco 56, Tescott 25
Western Plains 78, Healy 47
Class 2A
Berean Academy 55, Ell-Saline 28
Canton-Galva 35, Inman 30
Central Plains 78, Ellinwood 17
Chase County 55, Northern Heights 47
Ellis 64, Plainville 47
Hillsboro 65, Herington 45
Horton 52, KC Christian 36
Jefferson North 58, Jackson Heights 43
Kiowa County 47, St. John 19
Madison/Hamilton 63, Burlingame 39
Moundridge 65, Little River 22
Olpe 86, Lyndon 19
Oswego 33, West Elk 27
Pittsburg Colgan 46, Udall 20
Pratt Skyline 47, Medicine Lodge 44
Republic County 29, Smith Center 18
Sedan 61, Yates Center 12
Solomon 40, Lincoln 30
South Central 54, Macksville 21
South Gray 63, Elkhart 57
Spearville 53, Johnson-Stanton County 23
Sublette 63, Ness City 39
Trego 39, Rawlins County 36
Troy 47, Heritage Christian 45
Valley Falls 60, McLouth 6
Valley Heights 59, Bennington 45
Wabaunsee 48, Bishop Seabury Academy 24
Washington County 64, Salina Sacred Heart 52
Class 3A
Fredonia 71, Southeast 35
Garden Plains 63, Belle Plaine 15

Victory Christian Academy will have open house Tuesday

Posted on March 1, 2016March 1, 2016

Submitted

Victory Christian Academy is having an open house at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Victory Christian Academy is a non-denominational preschool through fifth grade private school with a focus on educational excellence and spiritual formation.

At the open house you will have an opportunity to meet the staff, review the curriculum and ask about V.C.A.’s small class sizes, affordable tuition and character building Christian values.

V.C.A. is housed at Celebration Community Church 5709 230th.

To find out more about Victory Christian Academy and PreSchool, visit haysvca.com or call 785-639-6303.

SCHLAGECK: The beauty of fire

Posted on March 1, 2016February 29, 2016

John Schlageck writes for the Kansas Farm Bureau.

Every spring across the vast, open Flint Hills grasslands, you can see fires for miles. The flames lick at the blue Kansas sky as the brown, dry grass crinkles, crackles and bursts into orange.

Viewed up close or at a distance, prairie fires are mesmerizing. Beautiful and frightening at the same time, it’s hard to take your eyes away from this annual ritual.

These fires aren’t a recent phenomenon and they aren’t strictly for the viewing pleasure of those traveling up and down our highways. Long before civilization invaded the prairie, fires were ignited by lightning storms and the charred prairie restored the health of the native grasses.

Native Americans were the first practitioners of prescribed fires. They used the fire to attract the buffalo for easier hunting.

Today, farmers, stockmen and landowners continue to use fire as a range management tool while maintaining the economic viability of the Flint Hills.

The artificially ignited controlled burning of the tall-grass prairie in east-central Kansas is an annual event designed to mimic nature’s match. It has become a tradition, part of the culture of the communities and the people who inhabit this region of our state.

Fire is an essential element of the ecosystem. Burning pastures is one of the best management tools for maintaining the native prairie.

This annual pasture burning only occurs for a few days each year. It is not a procedure that is drawn out and lasts for weeks. Weather conditions dictate the length of the burning seasons most years.

Not every cattleman burns his pastures every year as is sometimes portrayed. Instead, individual ranchers and landowners survey and decide each spring, which pastures will benefit and produce a healthier, lush grass for livestock after burning. Often neighbors plan and burn together, giving them more hands to ensure a safe, controlled burn.

Forage quality and ecosystem health are both dependent on fire. Without fire, woodlands take over the Flint Hills and the livestock industry loses a fantastic resource.

Kansas State University recommends burning take place when wind speeds are between five and 15 miles per hour, relative humidity is from 40 to 70 percent and temperatures fall in the range of 55 to 80 degrees.

Landowners in all counties must notify local officials prior to planned, controlled burns. This notification is key to preventing prescribed fires from turning into accidental wildfires and ensuring burning is allowed under the existing conditions.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has a Kansas Flint Hills Smoke management plan to help alleviate air quality issues in urban areas generated by prescribed burning in the Flint Hills region. Coupled with the associated web tools, it should give producers better decision-making abilities when planning and implementing prescribed fires.

Producers can now assess how the smoke from their burns may impact urban areas downwind. Information like this can make a difference in keeping ozone within acceptable levels and keeping regulatory restrictions from impacting ranchers. This website is www.ksfire.org.

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

Chiefs place franchise tag on All-Pro safety Eric Berry

Posted on March 1, 2016March 2, 2016

By DAVE SKRETTA
AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Kansas City Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Eric Berry on Tuesday, ensuring the All-Pro safety who overcame from cancer last year will remain Chiefs property through next season.

The 27-year-old Berry will make $10,806,000 under the franchise tag. It’s the fourth time in five years that Kansas City has designated a franchise player.

Berry was diagnosed with lymphoma in late 2014 and immediately began treatment. He was deemed cancer-free last summer, reported to training camp on time, and proceeded to have arguably the best season of his six-year career. He made 55 tackles and two interceptions while playing in every game.

His performance earned Berry the AP’s Comeback Player of the Year award.

The Chiefs have until mid-July to work out a long-term contract with Berry. Otherwise, he would play for the tag salary. He can’t talk to other clubs.

Sunny, breezy Tuesday

Posted on March 1, 2016

Today Sunny, with a high near 55. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast in the evening.

WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind 10 to 17 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 39. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph.

ThursdaySunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 36.

FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 68.

Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Kansas man arrested on suspicion of 34 sexual offenses

Posted on March 1, 2016

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — An Arkansas City man has been arrested on suspicion of 34 sexual offenses, including rape.

The Arkansas City Police Department said Monday that the man was arrested Friday during a controlled traffic stop. Police said they were notified Wednesday of an adult male having an inappropriate relationship with a girl. Authorities say that during their investigation, they identified another juvenile victim.

Police say some of the offenses occurred in Arkansas City and others took place in rural parts of Cowley County.

The man faces three counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 12 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, three counts of criminal sodomy, 10 counts of indecent liberties with a child, and six counts of rape.

Presidential contenders set to visit Kansas

Posted on March 1, 2016

LAWRENCE- Senator Bernie Sanders will bring his presidential campaign to Lawrence on Thursday. The event is scheduled for the Tess’ House 2421 East 27th Terrace, according to a social media report by the campaign Specific details on the visit are still being completed.

Senator Marco Rubio will hold a rally on Friday in Wichita, according a social media report by his campaign.

Senator Rubio will deliver remarks and share his vision for A New American Century. The doors will open at 12:45 PM and the event begins at 1:45 PM. Location of the event has not been confirmed.

Each guest is required to RSVP for all Marco Rubio for President Events, including all adults over age 12.

Both Democrats and Republicans in Kansas have presidential caucuses Saturday.

Suspect wanted in 2014 Kansas murder arrested in Mexico

Posted on March 1, 2016

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — The fourth suspect in a 2014 home invasion that led to the death of a Pittsburg State University student has been taken into custody in Mexico.

The Pittsburg Morning Sun reports 20-year-old Bryan Levi Bridges was arrested in Juarez, Mexico, on Sunday night. He was wanted in Kansas on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated burglary and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery in the October 2014 home invasion that left 20-year-old Taylor Thomas dead.

Crawford County Attorney Michael Gayoso says he hopes to have Bridges back in the county early next week for a first court appearance.

Prosecutors say Bridges was in the home with three other men as the group attempted to steal marijuana from Thomas’ roommate when Thomas was shot.

Police arrest 2 suspects on drugs, weapons charges

Posted on March 1, 2016

HOISINGTON – Law enforcement authorities in Barton County are investigating two suspects on drugs and weapons charges.

Just before 1p.m. on Friday, narcotics search warrant was executed by Hoisington Police at a residence in the 200 block of North Elm Street, according to a social media report from Hoisington Police.

Officers found large quantities of drugs and drug paraphernalia and arrested Blaise Cain for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance within one-thousand feed of a school and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers also arrested Kendal Jacobs for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance within one-thousand feet of a school, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of a weapon.

The suspects are being held at the Barton County Jail on $100,000.00 bond.

Warm February prompts Kan. winter wheat to break dormancy

Posted on March 1, 2016

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Unseasonably warm temperatures have prompted winter wheat to break dormancy early in Kansas.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that rain is needed to support growth and development of the crop.

The agency rated winter wheat condition as 6 percent poor to very poor. About 35 percent is in fair shape, with 51 percent rated as good and 8 percent as excellent.

Mild weather conditions have been good for calving season, which is about 24 percent complete in Kansas