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Month: September 2017

🎥 Free land. Really. Hays offers 2.19 acres for development tying downtown to FHSU

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W. 10th Street development project between Ash and Elm

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“Land cost should not be an issue,” said Assistant City Manager Jacob Wood Tuesday as he announced the “West 10th Street Development.”

The city-owned property on the north side of West 10th between Elm and Ash Streets, plus a lease for adjacent parking, will be given to the developer selected by the city.

Requests for proposals (RFPs) are being sent out for the project to developers across Kansas. A link will also be available on the city’s website, www.haysusacom. “We’re excited about this here at the city,” Wood said during a news conference.

The location, just north of the railroad tracks and within easy walking distance of Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and the downtown Hays commercial district, was previously owned by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR).

“We’re interested in any kind of mixed-use development, such as a retail store on the bottom floor and apartments up above, multi-family residential, or a commercial development,” Wood explained.

(Click to enlarge)

The city owns the 1.26 acre site, along with a 0.93 acre lease secured from UPPR for parking. It sits one block from the downtown Hays commercial district and a little more than one block from the FHSU campus.

According to Wood, the area historically was used for parking by the old railroad passenger train depot. As he understands it, the depot “just kind of disappeared overnight. Union Pacific tore it down without giving much notice to anybody (after it was no longer used.) The city did purchase that property and it’s really just been used for parking ever since.

“We want to develop as much of the site as possible. If the city were to require someone to put in a bunch of on-site parking, that means there’s less space for the building.  Since we have parking across the street (to the south), they don’t have to worry about that.

“The intent is to leave this thing as wide open as we can and see what we get,” said Wood.

The city has reserved the right to cancel the RFP or select none of the proposals submitted.

“We’re going to let the developer decide what to put there. City staff will review it and then the city commission will make a decision and some kind of agreement.”

Wood acknowledged high land prices in Hays can hinder development.

“People really complain about the price of land here. That’s the biggest thing we hear from outside developers is that the cost of land is too expensive. So this is an opportunity. The cost of land is pretty cheap if it’s free,” he said with a grin.

The city also thinks the land location is good, within one of the most visible corridors in the community.

“We’ll just have to see what the developers think, if that’s a good location, halfway between FHSU and downtown,” said Wood. “It’s gonna have to be something they want to do, what they think the market can bear, and also something the city commission thinks will work in that area.”

The property is in the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, an area eligible for property tax rebates on the increased value of the property once the project is complete.

Proposals will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2017.

KCAIC accepting applications for touring roster of performing artists

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KCAIC

TOPEKA – To help promote Kansas-based performing artists, The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) maintains an approved Touring Roster of Kansas-based touring companies and artists. The roster enables those looking to book performers to identify acts available for bookings. The KCAIC is now accepting applications for inclusion on the roster.

“If you are an artist, becoming a Kansas Touring Performer helps you to be found by presenters and allows you to be considered for increased grant amounts in both the KCAIC AIP-Visiting Artist program and the Mid-America Arts Alliance Regional Touring Program,” said Peter Jasso, Director of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission.

In this program, the artist or artist’s management sets the fee and negotiates the booking. To be eligible for inclusion, applicants:

  • Can come from any artistic discipline (including, but not limited to: music, theater, dance, visual arts, literary, comedy, graphic novels, film, podcasting, etc.).
  • Should be either a Kansas-based nonprofit, individual artist, university, or unincorporated/for-profit group providing arts performances and experiences.
  • Must have a history of touring and maintain a reasonable fee range.
  • Are required to perform outside their community regularly.
  • Must offer single performances or exhibitions as well as complementary services that may include workshops, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, arts education components, residencies, or short performances.

The fact that an artist is approved to the roster does not imply or guarantee that the artist will receive bookings in the coming year.

The deadline for consideration this round is Sept. 29, 2017. The review panel will convene in early October. There may be an additional opportunity in the Spring based on interest. The current roster can be viewed here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/705/KS-Roster.

All applications must be submitted via an online form: https://kansascaic.submittable.com. Current Touring Roster artists do not need to reapply each year although they are subject to re-evaluation upon request.
Applicants will provide the following information:

  • Biographical information
  • Brief description of the artist’s programs
  • Contact information including website
  • Program fees

Support Materials may include:

  • Performances/Programs: Panelists will limit their review to 3-5 minute segments. Video of a staged performance or public program offering is preferred to a video production.
  • Marketing: brochure; sample program; sample news release; reviews; artist/presenter contract
  • Reviews, previous presenters, audience, and noteworthy individuals (cite source)
  • Resume(s) of artists/touring manager (2 pages maximum per person)
  • Letters of Recommendation (3 maximum)

Applications will be evaluated on the following:

  • Artistic Quality: Artistic merit of the applicant and quality of services. This is the primary consideration for inclusion in the roster.
  • Capability and Experience: Evidence of experience and reliability. Ability of applicant for effective implementation, management, and promotion of programs.
  • Impact: Ability of applicant to impact teaching and learning in, about and through the arts and/or innovative integration of an arts discipline into non-arts curriculum or content areas. The quality of complementary activities will be considered.

The performance fee indicates the cost of presenting a program an average distance from the artist’s home area and includes transportation and lodging, unless otherwise noted. Factors affecting the performance fee include: number and type of performances at a specific location; size and type of audience expected; actual distance traveled; block booking arrangements; and equipment required. All fees listed are negotiable and subject to change.

KCAIC does not serve as a booking agent for artists listed, nor does a listing guarantee employment. The most successful artists use this as a tool to help promote themselves to potential booking agents. Eligible organizations may request funding from KCAIC through the AIP-Visiting Artists program to present artists on this roster to their community for an increased grant amount. Roster artists are also eligible for an increased grant amount through the Mid-America Arts Alliance Regional Touring Program.

About KCAIC: The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC), a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, is focused on the creative industries sector of the Kansas economy. The Commission is dedicated to measuring, promoting, supporting and expanding the creative industries to grow the state’s economy and create creative industry-related jobs. For more on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission go to KansasCommerce.gov/caic.

Stolen, loaded revolver found in bathroom at KU

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Wescoe Hall at KU -google image

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — University of Kansas police have found a stolen, loaded gun in a bathroom stall in an academic building on campus.

Deputy Police Chief James Anguiano said the .38-caliber revolver was discovered Tuesday morning in Wescoe Hall. He said both a student and a graduate teaching assistant had seen the firearm.

Anguiano said a check of the serial number showed the gun was stolen in Olathe, Kansas. He did not have more details.

It was the second report in two months of an unattended gun being found in a university bathroom. A Wichita State University employee left one behind in July.

A Kansas law that took effect in July requires state universities to allow concealed guns on their campuses.

Man admits to drunken driving in crash that killed Kansas woman

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McAllister -photo Johnson Co.

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City man has admitted to driving under the influence in a crash that killed a woman who worked with special needs children.

The Kansas City Star reports that 28-year-old James McAllister, of Overland Park, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of 24-year-old Caitlin Vogel of Stilwell. He also pleaded guilty to driving without a court-ordered ignition interlock device.

Authorities say McAllister ran a stop sign in May 2016, causing his sport utility vehicle to broad-side the sedan Vogel was driving. Vogel worked with special needs children as an autism instructional assistant for the Olathe school district.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 18. The plea agreement calls for a prison sentence of nine years and seven months.

Kansas man jailed for alleged sex crimes with 3 children

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Harold Weis – Saline County Booking Photo

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.

On August 22, police received a report of possible sex crimes involving three young children, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The victims, three boys ages five, nine and eleven, told police Harold Weis, 33, Salina, sexually assaulted them, according to Forrester.

The encounters are said to have occurred at Weis’s Salina apartment, 1265 Faith Drive, between 2012 and August of 2017.

Police arrested Weis and booked him into the Saline County Jail on 20 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, 21 counts of criminal sodomy, four counts of aggravated solicitation and one count of criminal threat.

Listen to Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State football coach Chris Brown

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Click below to listen to Tiger Talk with “Voice of the Tigers” Gerard Wellbrock and Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown as they review Thursday’s win over Missouri Southern State and take a look ahead at this Thursday’s homer opener against #13 Central Missouri.

Tiger Talk airs on Monday evening at 6 p.m. on Tiger Radio Mix-103.

Congress votes to honor Bob Dole with gold medal

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Senator Dole during a 2014 visit in Russell with Eagle Communications

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to give the Congressional Gold Medal to former Sen. Bob Dole for his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator and statesman.

The medal represents Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished contributions to the nation.

The Senate has already passed the legislation. Tuesday’s voice vote approval sends the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature.

Dole, 94, represented Kansas in the House for eight years and in the Senate for more than 27 years. He led Republicans in the Senate for more than a decade before resigning in 1996 to focus on his campaign for the presidency. That campaign ended with a loss to Bill Clinton.

Dole was seriously wounded in World War II and never regained full use of his right arm.

Former Hays asst. city manager helps bring Tyson Foods expansion to Leavenworth Co.

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Gov. Brownback talks about 1,600 new jobs coming to northeast Kansas with the addition of a $320 million Tyson poultry complex.

OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA – In rponse to strong consumer demand for chicken, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) today announced plans to build a $320 million poultry complex in eastern Kansas.

The company will construct a processing plant, hatchery and feed mill near the city of Tonganoxie, in Leavenworth County, which will employ approximately 1,600 people and contract with northeast Kansas farmers and ranchers to raise chickens. The operation, currently scheduled to begin production in mid-2019, will produce pre-packaged trays of fresh chicken for retail grocery stores nationwide.

“More people want fresh food and as one of the world’s leading protein companies, we’re well-positioned to provide it,” said Tom Hayes, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “We believe this new operation, which will incorporate the latest production technology, will enable us to meet the sustained growth in consumer demand for fresh chicken.”

The poultry plant will be capable of processing 1.25 million birds per week, increasing Tyson Foods’ overall production capacity. The payroll and payments to farmers from the new operation, along with its purchase of grain and utilities, is expected to generate an annual economic benefit to the state of Kansas of $150 million.

“Kansas will be an outstanding home for this Tyson complex,” said Governor Sam Brownback. “Growing Kansas means we must grow the food and agriculture sector which accounts for nearly 45 percent of the state’s economy. The far-reaching impact of this development will be felt by farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and communities throughout eastern Kansas. This is a step in the right direction to further diversify and grow our state’s economy.”

The Governor emphasized the importance of local-level support for economic development. “Kansas is known throughout the world for our commitment to animal agriculture and for our communities which offer an exceptional place for companies of this quality to find a talented workforce in a business-friendly environment.”

“Tonganoxie is looking forward to a successful partnership with Tyson Foods,” said Tonganoxie Mayor Jason Ward. “We have planned for a development of this type for many years by making strategic investments in public infrastructure targeted to support future industrial growth. This project will bring much anticipated opportunities for local residents to enjoy the quality of life benefit of working close to home. Tyson has a long history of support for small towns and local markets. They will be a great fit for our community.

Mark Loughry is a former Hays assistant city manager.

“The Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners is excited that Tyson Foods will be opening a state-of-the-art poultry processing facility in southern Leavenworth County,” said Mark Loughry, Leavenworth County administrator. “This represents a significant investment by Tyson and creates new jobs at the plant for our citizens. More than that, it provides an opportunity for area ag producers that was previously unheard of in Kansas.”

Loughry is a former employee of the city of Hays working as assistant city manager, city clerk, finance director, and information technology director during 2000-2009.

“We believe eastern Kansas is the right location because of the availability of grain and labor, as well as access to our nationwide customer base that is accessible through the state’s top-notch transportation network,” said Doug Ramsey, group president of Poultry for Tyson Foods. “We’re grateful for the tremendous support we’ve received for this project from Governor Brownback, as well as leaders from the City of Tonganoxie, Leavenworth County, the Leavenworth County Development Corporation, and a host of other city, county and state officials.”

Tyson Foods anticipates purchasing about 300 acres of property south of Tonganoxie and currently plans to break ground sometime this fall. The company will work with outside contractors to build the plant, hatchery, feed mill and related infrastructure and expects the construction project to involve hundreds of workers. Farmers and ranchers who have interest in raising chickens for the new poultry complex are encouraged to go to www.growwithtyson.com for more information.

Earlier this year, Tyson Foods announced it was moving to No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) in its Tyson® branded retail chicken products, making it the world’s largest producer of NAE. The Tonganoxie plant will be part of the continued expansion of the company’s NAE offerings.
Tyson Foods currently operates facilities in six Kansas communities, employing about 5,700 in the state with an annual payroll of more than $210 million. In its 2016 fiscal year, Tyson Foods paid Kansas cattle suppliers more than $2 billion and hog suppliers more than $1.3 million. The company estimates its total statewide annual impact for fiscal 2016, including grain purchases, utilities, property taxes and charitable contributions to be more than $2.4 billion.

About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp® and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 114,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit www.tysonfoods.com.

State’s first large-scale cyber security forum next month

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KDC

TOPEKA – Registration is now open for the first, large-scale cyber security event in Kansas which will take place October 4, 2017 at the Wichita State University Hughes Metroplex, 5015 East 29th St North. The inaugural Cyber Security Forum will offer invaluable insight for business and security decision makers in small businesses, non-profits, and government, as well as provide a platform for students and educators to engage with industry professionals. The Forum also aims to raise the awareness of Kansas’ position as a leader in the cyber security field.

The daylong event which is free and open to the public will feature experts in cyber security from across the state, nationally recognized industry and government professionals, educators and researchers from higher education, and military personnel from McConnell Air Force Base. The detailed event program and complete list of speakers can be found on the event website at https://www.wichitacybersecurityforum.com/.

“The idea behind the event was generated by a conversation with a Wichita-based small business that wanted to raise the awareness level of cyber defense for other small businesses across our state,” said Lisa Roberts, Kansas SBDC associate state director. “That conversation led to reaching out to other organizations interested in achieving the same goals. Over time our work evolved into what we are sure will be an amazing day in October.”

The planning team, led by the Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC), is a collaboration of multiple community organizations, educational institutions, and private sector businesses, all who are involved in cyber security industry or cyber defense. The event is in line with the Blueprint for Regional Economic Growth, a 10-county regional cluster based economic development plan led by the Greater Wichita Partnership. “Cyber security is a growing field across the country and globe, and is significant to our local economy here in Wichita. The 184th Intelligence Wing at McConnell Air Force Base and expanding local educational and degree attainment programs are reinforcing the infrastructure to drive job creation in our region,” said Andrew Nave, Executive Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Wichita Partnership.

Sponsors include:

Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC)

Kansas Department of Commerce

Greater Wichita Partnership

Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas

Wichita State University

Friends University

Butler Community College

Booz Allen Hamilton

Kansas Air National Guard

Better Business Bureau, Inc.

Ennovar Technology Solutions

Keller Leopold Insurance

Kansas PTAC

TriCorps Security

TriCorps Cybersecurity

In addition to the all-day forum on October 4, there will be closing reception from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Wichita State University Experiential Engineering Building 4110 E 17th St North, Wichita. Kansas Interim Secretary of Commerce Nick Jordan will address the group to start the evening networking event.

A full schedule, registration details and speaker list may be found on the event website at

https://www.wichitacybersecurityforum.com/.

About Kansas Small Business Development Center

We help business. We are small business advisors.

The Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC) is a statewide small business (typically less than 500 employees) advising, consulting, and training service funded by federal, state, and local partners. Funding through tax dollars allows the Kansas SBDC to provide advising and training (i.e. cash flow, marketing, and market data) to businesses across the state at low or no cost. The SBDC is part of a larger national association committed to helping small businesses reach their development, improvement, and transition goals.

To learn more, visit https://www.kansassbdc.net or call 877-625-7232.

Police continue investigation of missing Kansas woman

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Nystrom -photo Maize Police

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities continue to investigating reports of a missing Kansas woman.

Maize police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 30-year-old  Kendra Leigh Nystrom who has now been missing for over four months, according to a media release.

Kendra was last seen around 10:30 AM on the morning of May 4, 2017. She left her parents’ home in the 12000 block of West 29th Street North with only her dog. She left the house on foot leaving her personal belongings, car and cell phone behind. This residence is located adjacent to the Cowskin Creek which was running above capacity due to recent heavy rains. Moderate flooding was occurring in the area at the time.

On May 10, 2017, an area resident recorded what appeared to be some type of altercation between a man and a woman at the intersection of 37th Street North and 135th Street West, which is approximately a mile and a half from the Nystrom’s home.

The video showed a woman getting out of and running away from a car stopped at the intersection and a male chasing after her. Both subjects ultimately returned to the car which left traveling south on 135th Street West. We have not been able to identify the parties involved in the incident or if the incident was in anyway related to Kendra’s disappearance.

Kendra had spent the night before her disappearance at a motel on West Kellogg in Wichita and may have frequented motels along west Kellogg and or south Broadway. We have received several tips of sightings of Kendra in the areas of South Broadway in Wichita, the Plainview neighborhood in Southeast Wichita and the Oaklawn community in South Wichita, however we have not been able to verify or confirm any of these sightings. While we have spoken with numerous individuals who know Kendra, none have seen or heard from her since the date she went missing.

Kendra is described as awhite female with reddish brown hair. She is approximately 5’4″ tall and weighs between 100 and 120 lbs. She also has the initials “R.J.” tattooed on her left ring finger. Her dog is a black and gray male Chihuahua mix named Frankie.

We are asking for owners of property adjacent to the Cowskin Creek south of 29th Street North to check areas near the creek. We would also like to speak with the individuals involved in the incident that occurred on May 10 at the intersection of 37th Street North and 135th Street West in Sedgwick County.

These cases, no matter the age of the missing person, take a toll on family. It is highly unusual for Kendra to go more than a week without talking to her mother. It has now been over four months. On behalf of the Nystrom family, we are asking for anyone who has any information about Kendra’s disappearance or current whereabouts to call 9-1-1 or the Maize Police Department at 316-425-3356. We know someone either knows Kendra’s whereabouts or holds the key to her disappearance. It is important we hear from you. Information and tips may also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 316-267-2111 or 1-800-222-TIPS.

Teens arrested after displays vandalized at Kan. State Fairgrounds

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Kansas State Fairgrounds

HUTCHINSON—Cleanup and repairs are being done in preparation for the Kansas State Fair after a number of teens vandalized displays and buildings over the weekend.

Police report that a number of 13-year-old teens used knives to slash tents near the Gate 3 area, spray painted a number of portable buildings on display and several fair structures, and poured stain over a number of hot tubs at a vendor’s booth.

Fair GM Susan Sankey says she is disappointed by the actions of the teens and that the damage is still being assessed. She also noted that law enforcement’s presence will certainly be stepped up from now until the fair is over.

Sankey says repairs to their buildings are being made, although some are just temporary, especially where some buildings were attacked with spray paint. Several vendors had damage either to tents or product to an extent that is not known at this time.

Police took the youth in Sunday morning after responding to the report of a stolen truck from Skaets restaurant. The pickup was found inside the fairgrounds, which led to the discovery of the teens and the damage.

Officers say the vandalism is a felony due to the dollar amount of the damage done.

News From the Oil Patch, Sept. 5

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The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline climbed another penny Tuesday to $2.648. That’s 27 cents higher than a week ago and the highest average price thus far this year. Motor club AAA reports the average across Kansas was $2.485, up more than 25 cents from a week ago. We spotted $2.49 in Great Bend and $2.48 at most outlets across Hays.

Drillers in Ellis County continued to lead the state in oil production, according to new numbers released Aug. 28 by the Kansas Geological Survey. Kansas operators produced about 3.1 million barrels of oil statewide in May, compared to 2.97 million in April. Total production statewide through May is just over 15.04 million barrels. Ellis County leads the state with over 234,000 barrels of new oil production in May, for a total this year of just over one million barrels. Barton County produced just over 154,000 barrels in May for a year-to-date total of 714,000 barrels. In Russell County, operators produced over 141,000 barrels of oil in May, 668,000 so far this year. Stafford County production in May was over 90,000 barrels, which brings their year-to-date total to 436,000 barrels of oil.

Top oil production by county through May 2017:
Ellis County 1.09 Million bbl
Haskell County: 970,000 bbl
Barton County: 714,000 bbl
Finney County: 675,000 bbl
Russell County: 668,000 bbl
Rooks County: 662,000 bbl
Ness County: 636,000 bbl
Harper County: 462,000 bbl
Stafford County: 436,000 bbl
Barber County: 419,000 bbl
(KGS)

Baker Hughes reported 943 active drilling rigs across the US Friday, an increase of three gas rigs. Canada reported 201 active rigs, which is down 16 from last week. Independent Oil & Gas Service reported ten active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down three, and 23 west of Wichita, up one for the week. They’re drilling on two leases in Barton County and moving in completion tools at a pair of sites in Ellis County and two more in Stafford County.

Last week there were 51 permits filed for drilling at new locations in Kansas, 38 east of Wichita, 13 in western Kansas. There was a permit filed in Barton County, and one more in Ellis County last week.

Operators across Kansas completed 18 new wells last week. Independent Oil & Gas Service reported 13 well completions in western Kansas, including one in Barton County, one in Russell County and one in Stafford County,. There were five newly-completed wells east of Wichita last week.

Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota is urging the US Geological Survey to do another survey to determine just how much oil and natural gas are available in his home state. According to Inside Energy dot org, the USGS did such a study in the Bakken shale formation in 2008, and concluded the play contained 3.7 billion barrels of oil available for operators to extract. By 2013, another survey doubled the estimate to 7.4 billion barrels, thanks to advances in technology. Senator Hoeven says he’d like to ensure his state continues to receive the jobs and dollars that have boosted the state over the last decade. Agency officials say they will reach a decision in a week on whether to update their estimate for North Dakota’s oilfields. That decision depends, in part, on whether enough has changed in the oil patch here since 2013 to make that new survey necessary.

A report in Forbes Magazine suggests that OPEC’s role in managing the price of oil will be over if Russia ever “hops on the shale bandwagon” in Siberia. There are sanctions in place that currently restrict US companies from showing the Russians how to recover shale oil. The Siberian Bazhenov formation has hydrocarbons just 98 feet deep. The formation is larger than the Bakken and Eagle Ford plays combined. Because of that formation, Russia is home to the second largest shale oil reserves in the world, with an estimated 74.6 billion barrels, compared to 78.2 billion in the U.S., according to US government figures.

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