SHPTV

BUNKER HILL – The Kansas Legislature on Smoky Hills Public Television returns next Friday night with four area legislators scheduled to participate in the live call-in show.

Scheduled to appear on the program are Representative Brad Ralph of Dodge City, Representative Ken Rahjes of Agra, Representative Tory Marie Arnberger of Great Bend and Representative Eber Phelps of Hays.

Viewers are encouraged to call, 1-800-337-4788, with their questions during the show, which will air Friday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. Previous episodes are available at www.smokyhillstv.org.

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON
Hays

Jeewan Rai is passionate about Bible translation.

Rai is project manager for Wycliffe Associates’ Bible translation programs in Nepal. He will be the keynote speaker at a Wycliffe banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 29, in the Black and Gold Room of the Fort Hays State University Memorial Union.

Rai explained that Bible translation when he was a boy was the “family business,” a business that he is determined to carry on.

“Father was a Bible translator,” Rai said. “He was also a poor man, receiving $10 to $12 per month to feed my mother, me and my brother. I often wondered about his passion for Bible translation. I knew how hard it was for him.

“He would often walk for days in difficult mountainous terrain to teach from the translated Word of God. I now know his passion was a result of God loving him first, and I saw the impact of having scriptures in his own language.”

That same passion has been carried down as Rai works with local churches in Nepal to start new Bible translation projects.

Wycliffe Associates, which began in 1967, is a ministry that works to accelerate the work of Bible translation around the world.

The ministry does that in three ways, according to information provided by Shelly Waterson, Wycliffe’s director of marketing and communications.

First, Wycliffe works with national Bible translators in each country to provide God’s Word in their own “heart language.” Secondly, it partners with the local church to guide translation work, Waterson said. Lastly, Wycliffe engages people from all around the world to provide resources, technology, training and support for Bible translation.

Currently, Wycliffe is at work in 76 countries and in 2016 mobilized more than 7,000 volunteers and staff members.

There are 7,097 different languages spoken in the world; 3,771 of those still do not have a Bible. And, 2,000 of those languages are oral-only because they have no written alphabet. For those oral-only languages, Wycliffe is providing spoken translations of the scriptures, said Noel Davis, Wycliffe’s South Central area director in the U.S.

Wycliffe’s goal is to have a Bible completed in every language in the world by 2025, Davis said.

One of the new strategies that Rai will be discussing is Wycliffe’s Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation (MAST) Workshops. Under this method of Bible translation, local translators working in teams of 10-12 translate several passages in the same book of the Bible simultaneously and then check each other’s work.

This new method has speeded up Bible translation tremendously, Davis said. Rather than sending in people to totally learn a new language and then translate the Bible into that language, MAST utilizes local believers who already know the language. Translations that used to take years are now possible in just a few weeks.

The MAST concept had its trial run in Nepal in 2014. Working 12 hours a day, local translators were able to translate the four Gospels and I and II Timothy in just two weeks, Davis said.

Nepal is primarily a Hindu country, so Bible translators often face ostracism from neighbors and family members who are upset with them for abandoning the traditional religion. Some Christians in Nepal have even been physically threatened by Hindu extremist groups.

Rai said, “It brings me tears of joy to see a local church so united for His Word.”

Those local churches include those in his home country of Nepal, but also the churches in Hays. Rai said he is looking forward to sharing with the Hays community how God is opening the hearts of Nepali nationals to help expedite Bible translation—all for the sake of those still waiting to read the scriptures in their native tongue.

There is no cost to attend the banquet April 29, but tickets are required. Those complimentary tickets are available by calling (785) 650-2342 or by e-mailing Linn Ann Huntington, the local coordinator, at [email protected]/. Reservation deadline is April 20.

Huntington said, “In Matthew, Chapter 24, Jesus talked about what would happen in the ‘last days’ to signal his return to earth. One of the things Jesus said was that ‘this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come,’ Matthew 24:14 (NKJV).

“It is incredible to see that prophecy being fulfilled in our own time, that the gospel is truly going to every language group on this earth. I hope people in Hays will turn out to hear Mr. Rai and learn about the work Wycliffe is doing.”

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Programs offered through Fort Hays State University Virtual College received five No. 1 recognitions among numerous other rankings from various agencies as among the best and most affordable online programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities.

Distance education at Fort Hays State began in 1911 when faculty voted to offer correspondence courses free so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to gain the education required to teach. The Correspondence Department created then evolved continuously with changing technology and culture until, in 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College.

AffordableColleges.com
No. 1, Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Counseling
The Virtual College’s Master of Science in counseling earned the No. 1 spot on AffordableColleges’ list of affordable online master’s degrees in counseling.

FHSU offers concentrations in school counseling and clinical mental health. Classes include counseling skills development, theories in counseling, educational research, psychopathology and diagnosis, and childhood and adolescent counseling. In addition, the school counseling concentration requires three on-campus courses, each lasting four days.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2ovZIVB.

No. 1, Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Information Technology
AffordableColleges recognized FHSU’s Master of Business Administration in information assurance as the No. 1 program based on its accessibility and affordability.

The program prepares students to protect digital information from outside threats. Courses include foundations of information systems security, management of information security, and information risk management and disaster recovery.

“Fort Hays State University has offered a high-caliber MBA program for over 30 years,” says the FHSU website. “It presents a whole new world of opportunities and challenges.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2omK5O1.

BestCollegeValues.com
No. 1, 10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice 2017
BestCollegeValues named FHSU the most affordable college for online criminal justice degrees in 2017.

The Virtual College offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. In addition to taking courses including criminology, justice in the information age and comparative justice systems, students can complete certificates specializing in corrections, justice networking and victim advocacy.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2o3TWHx.

BestCounselingDegrees.net
No. 1, Top 25 Low-Cost Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling 2017
BestCounselingDegrees named the Virtual College’s Master in Science in school counseling the No. 1 program in the nation based on its affordability, accessibility and accreditation.

The 45-credit-hour program includes three on campus courses lasting four days each. Required courses include counseling skills development, appraisal in counseling, social and cultural foundations and professional counseling in elementary schools.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2p1hh0U.

ComputerScienceDegreeHub.com
No. 1, 30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer Science 2017
The Virtual College’s Bachelor of Science in computer science topped ComputerScienceDegreeHub’s list of affordable online bachelor programs in computer science.

The 120 credit-hour program requires 39 hours in computer science major courses and 24 hours in emphasis track courses in business or networking. Students must also complete 55 credit hours of general education requirements.

“The online Bachelor of Science in computer science from FHSU teaches students the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in the technical workforce,” said ComputerScienceDegreeHub.com.

To view this ranking, https://bit.ly/2oijC3w.

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org
No. 6, Best Online Colleges for Liberal Arts 2017
AccreditedSchoolsOnline named FHSU the No. 6 online liberal arts school in the nation.

FHSU earned the rank based on financial aid availability, affordability, graduation rate and student-teacher ratio. The site also noted FHSU’s wide range of master’s degree programs and its accreditation.

“The school values its highly interactive community that encourages students to share ideas with their professors and peers alike,” said AccreditedSchoolsOnline.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2paJ66Y.

No. 19, Best Online Master’s in School Counseling 2017
FHSU’s Master of Science in counseling earned the No. 19 spot based on its affordability and accessibility.

Classes include counseling skills development, theories in counseling, educational research, psychopathology and diagnosis, and childhood and adolescent counseling. In addition, students are required to complete three on-campus courses, each lasting four days.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2pBjxYH.

No. 24, Best Online Certificate Programs for 2017
AccreditedSchoolsOnline placed the Virtual College among the best online certificate programs in the nation based on its affordability, student-teacher ratio, graduation rate and diverse program options.

The Virtual College offers 48 certificate programs, including six graduate specific certificates. Programs include accounting, community development, global leadership, international studies, justice networking, management, public administration and victim advocacy.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2nVLwGq.

No. 27, Best Schools for an Online Bachelor’s Degree 2017
FHSU earned the No. 27 rank on AccreditedSchoolsOnline’s list of the best schools for an online Bachelor’s degree.

The Virtual College offers 31 Bachelor degree programs, including a flexible Bachelor of General Studies that students can tailor to their specific interest and needs. Programs include accounting, criminal justice, elementary education, geosciences, marketing, medical diagnostic imaging, political science and tourism and hospitality management.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2oEOImL.

No. 33, Top Online Teaching Programs for 2017
AccreditedSchoolsOnline recognized FHSU for the range, prestige and affordability of its online education programs.

The Virtual College offers Bachelor degrees in education (early childhood unified) and education (elementary). A third Bachelor program in elementary includes a minor in special education.

The college also offers Master’s programs in education, education administration and special education.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2oiqUUM.

AffordableColleges.com
In addition to the No. 1 ranking, AffordableColleges recognized FHSU’s RN to BSN program as being among the best and most affordable in the nation.
No. 17, Affordable RN to BSN Online Programs
FHSU earned the No. 17 spot based on its affordability, financial aid availability and graduation rates. AffordableColleges specifically noted the program’s accessibility to military members and their families.

Courses are completed entirely online and include topics in health assessment, healthcare ethics, healthcare legal aspects, nursing concepts, nursing inquiry, and systems and policy.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2punhvS.

BestDegreePrograms.org
No. 2, Top 30 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Psychology 2017
Affordability and accessibility earned FHSU the No. 3 spot on BestDegreeProgram’s list of affordable online schools for psychology degrees.

FHSU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Both programs consist of 124 credit hours and contain general education and psychology requirements, such as abnormal psychology, social psychology and child and developmental psychology.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2ofKFeJ.

No. 2, Top 30 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration 2017
FHSU’s Bachelor of Business Administration was praised for its affordability and diverse concentration options.

Students seeking a BBA from the Virtual College can choose from concentrations including accounting, finance, international business and economics, management, marketing, and management information systems.

The program requires 27 credit hours of business core classes as well as 39 concentration-specific credit hours. Fifty-five general education credit hours are also required.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2oV4LzG.

GetEducated.com
No. 4, 17 Best Affordable Online Sociology Degrees
GetEducated analyzed full-time tuition, including additional fees, to place FHSU No. 4 on their list of affordable sociology degrees.

FHSU offers both a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a Bachelor of Science in sociology, with an addictions counseling track available for both degrees.

Students can also pursue six sociology certificates in areas including community development, women’s and gender studies and building a career in a nonprofit corporation.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2on8Mdr.

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and 13 traffic stops Tue., April 18, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–1100 block Vine St, Hays; 1:30 AM
Disturbance – Fight–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:50 AM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–3500 block Vine St Frontage Rd, Hays; 5:09 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:36 AM
Animal At Large–3300 block Willow St, Hays; 9:07 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–500 block Vine St, Hays; 10:05 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 10:56 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–2200 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 11:45 AM
Found/Lost Property–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 11:56 AM
Suspicious Activity–300 block E 22nd St, Hays; 2:06 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:14 PM
Found/Lost Property–1300 block Schwaller Ave, Hays; 3:16 PM
Civil Dispute–400 block E 11th St, Hays; 5:10 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–100 block E 14th St, Hays; 5:15 PM; 6:39 PM
Domestic Disturbance–500 block E 20th St, Hays; 10:01 PM

A former Fort Hays State University president was among the five semi-finalists for a university administrator role in Louisiana.

The University of Louisiana System said this week that Mirta M. Martin, who resigned her post at FHSU last fall, did not make the list of three finalists for the position of president at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La.

Administrators will interview the three finalists Thursday before naming a president.

Click HERE for more.

Martin also is a finalist for the chancellor position at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.

CORRECTED to show Martin was a semi-finalist, not finalist for the position in Louisiana. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

USD 489

The Indian Call yearbook and The Guidon newspaper adviser at Hays High School has won a top journalism teaching award for 2017.

Bill Gasper is this year’s recipient of the Jackie Engel Award, sponsored by Kansas Collegiate Media (KCM) and named in honor of a former journalism teacher at McPherson High School. Engel helped bring national recognition to Kansas high school journalism and was the first recipient of the award in 1990. She died in 2005, but her legacy of excellence lives on in this award.

The award was created to honor the best high school journalism teacher in Kansas. Gasper received a plaque and cash award at the KCM Awards Conference in Wichita April 10. He will also be honored at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association state conference May 6 in Lawrence.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be associated with such a great journalism adviser as Jackie Engel, as well as all the other top advisers who have previously won this award,” Gasper said. “This is truly one of the highlights of my professional and teaching career. I am deeply grateful.”

Gasper has advised the student newspaper and yearbook for the last 13 years after helping to revive the program. One highlight was when the school newspaper won the highest award for high school newspapers, the Pacemaker, in 2009. There have been many other awards, including All-Kansas awards for the yearbook and newspaper, as well as All-American honors for the yearbook.

The longtime adviser took a long route to his current career. After graduating from Fort Hays State in 1982, he was editor of The Leoti Standard, and was then owner/publisher of The Ellis Review from 1983-2004. He was also owner/publisher of The Hoxie Sentinel from 1995-2004.

In addition, Gasper was manager of organizational communications for K N Energy, Inc. from 1989-95 in Hastings, Neb. and Denver. He was chosen by the judge, in part, for the work that came out of his earlier career.

“His students all say he his standards are the same he had as a longtime community journalist; he holds them accountable and he insists on professionalism and responsibility. He teaches them ethics….and is a professional role model in every sense of the word. And they love him for it.”

In his acceptance speech, Gasper referenced a student who helped to get the program rolling once again at Hays, during his first teaching days.

“Somebody told me once that to be successful, you should always surround yourself with good people,” Gasper said. “And during my 13 years of teaching, I’ve been blessed with outstanding students who make me look really smart. I just can’t thank them enough for being part of the journalism program at Hays High School.”

THOMAS COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Thomas County are investigating a suspect after a Sunday chase, crash and arrest.

Just before 3 p.m. Sunday, a Deputy with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Ryan Stevens, Colby, for excessive speeds on U.S. 24 just west of Colby, according to a media release.

Upon initiating a traffic stop inside of Colby city limits, the vehicle fled from the Deputy.

The deputy pursued the vehicle down 4th Street and numerous residential streets before fleeing north out of town.

Officers with the Colby Police Department joined in the pursuit.

After leaving Colby, the Stevens lost control and flipped his vehicle before coming to a rest at Franklin Avenue and Veterans Memorial Drive.

Stevens exited the vehicle and surrendered to the Thomas County Deputy and Colby Police Officers.
He was arrested and provided medical treatment.

Stevens made a first court appearance on Tuesday and is being held on a $100,000 Bond, according to Thomas County Sheriff Joel Nickols.

Details on charges were not available early Wednesday.