By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Although there may have been a few frowns on the faces of those planning to spend time outdoors as spring break kicked off for many people this week, most faces likely wore a smile as much needed moisture fell in Hays and across much of Kansas Sunday and Monday.

According to official statistics from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town, the two-day moisture total was 0.76 inches. It was the first moisture of the month.

Prior to this week’s rain, drizzle and wet snow, the last time rain fell in Hays was Feb. 20 with just 0.01 inch recorded. On Feb. 11, 0.09 of an inch of rain was measured.

Hays has seen 1.36 inches of rain so far in 2018. The season’s snowfall to date is 9.0 inches.

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Thu., March 15, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Abandoned Vehicle–1400 block E 19th St, Hays; 8:24 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 8:41 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block W 43rd St, Hays; 8:58 AM
Animal At Large–1500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 9:20 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E Highland Ave, Hays; 9/15/17 10:28 AM; 3/15/18 10:28 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–4500 block Roth Ave, Hays; 11:11 AM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 11:35 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:16 PM
Animal At Large–400 block W 8th St, Hays; 4:53 PM
Criminal Threat–4800 block General Hays Rd, Hays; 5:57 PM
Unwanted Person–2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 7:30 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–1100 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 7:50 PM
Miscellaneous Investigation–1300 block Haney Dr, Hays; 8:34 PM
Drug Offenses–600 block E 15th St, Hays; 9:55 PM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:38 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Fri., March 16, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Criminal Damage to Property–400 block W 8th St, Hays; 12:27 AM; 12:29 AM
Battery – simple–700 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:57 AM
Sex Offense–400 block W 8th St, Hays; 10 PM; 11:38 PM
Burglary/business–700 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:14 AM
Criminal Trespass–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 8:40 AM; 8:48 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–1000 block Fort St, Hays; 9:07 AM
Aggravated Battery–200 block E 32nd St, Hays; 9:10 AM; 9:15 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block E 18th St, Hays; 9:41 AM
Animal At Large–100 block W 11th St, Hays; 10:03 AM
Harassment (All Other)–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 11:55 AM
Suspicious Person–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 1:03 PM
Civil Dispute–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:17 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2800 block Sternberg Dr, Hays; 3:05 PM
Juvenile Complaint–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:14 PM
Civil Dispute–1900 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 4:09 PM
Animal At Large–2900 block Cottonwood Ln, Hays; 4:34 PM
Civil Dispute–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 4:46 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–2100 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 7:58 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–4100 block Covenant Dr, Hays; 9:52 PM
Civil Dispute–300 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:33 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2400 block Vine St, Hays; 10:55 PM; 11:30 PM
Juvenile Complaint–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 11:02 PM
Disturbance – Noise–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 11:36 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 27 traffic stops Sat., March 17, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 11:05 PM
Miscellaneous Investigation–1100 block Vine St, Hays; 12:10 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–500 block W 33rd St, Hays; 8:07 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–Country Club and Hall St, Hays; 8:37 AM
Animal At Large–2500 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 9:01 AM
Animal At Large–1600 block E 28th St Terr, Hays; 9:42 AM
Suspicious Activity–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 3/16 11 PM; 3/17 8:30 AM
Welfare Check–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:14 PM
Domestic Disturbance–300 block E 5th St, Hays; 4:44 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:45 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3/14 5:52 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3/9 5:47 PM
Found/Lost Property–1600 block Main St, Hays; 5:39 PM
Theft (general)–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 7:13 PM
Animal At Large–1200 block Motz Ave, Hays; 7:18 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:24 PM
Welfare Check–500 block W 21st St, Hays; 9:08 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Sun., March 18, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – Noise–300 block W 20th St, Hays; 1:39 AM
Driving Under the Influence–600 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:44 AM
Driving Under the Influence–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 2:02 AM
Disturbance – General–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:39 AM
Burglary/business–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 7:50 AM
Missing Person–1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 8:43 AM
Criminal Trespass–2900 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 8:44 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–2100 block Milner St, Hays; 8:48 AM
Disturbance – Noise–2900 block Willow St, Hays; 9:15 AM
Suspicious Activity–200 block W 37th St, Hays; 9:55 AM
Suicidal Subject–1300 block Steven Dr, Hays; 10:27 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1300 block Steven Dr, Hays; 10:46 AM
Dangerous Animal–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 11:11 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:52 AM
Harassment (All Other)–500 block W 14th St, Hays; 3/8; 3/18
Driving Under the Influence–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:06 PM
Animal At Large–500 block E 5th St, Hays; 6:30 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2100 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 10:03 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block Riley St, Hays; 11 PM

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Hays Community Theatre is debuting its new space with a fundraising variety show and play, “Just Desserts.”

The performance will be at 7 p.m. Friday, April 6 in the community theatre’s new building at 121 E. Eighth St. Tickets are $10. They can be purchased online at www.hctks.com. If the performance has not been sold out, tickets will be available at the door. Admission includes dessert.

The performance will begin with a variety show, featuring such famous figures as Tom Jones, Sonny and Cher, Marilyn Monroe, and John Denver.

Cheryl Glassman, director, said she has tried to incorporate music into the variety show for people in their 20s to people in their 70s.

The variety show will last about 50 minutes with “Just Desserts” lasting another hour.

“Just Desserts” is a murder mystery surrounding a community bake-off. Mr. Cogsworth, a known hater of sweets, has been chosen to judge the local baking competition. Before he can render his decision, Cogsworth dies mysteriously.

Suspects include the three finalists in the bake-off, including Scooter Bright, a local manicurist; Edna May Carter, the cat lady; and Margaret Mason, the richest lady in town.

Glassman described the variety show and “Just Desserts” as audience interactive. Audience members will be seated at tables in the new theater, and actors will move among the audience during the performance. Miss Peabody, who is in charge of the bake-off, will solicit audience members’ help in solving the mystery. During intermission, audience members will be asked by the cast to find clues hidden in the theatre to solve the murder.

The community theatre’s new venue used to be the old Eagles Lodge. Glassman said theatre volunteers have been working hard on renovations, and most people will not recognize the new space. Money raised from the upcoming show will help offset renovation costs.

“Just Desserts” is showing one night only in Hays, but the cast will be reprising their show the following Saturday in Great Bend as a fundraiser for the Knights of Columbus.

KDC

TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. and officials from state government agencies have completed a review of Letters of Interest submitted from communities across the state to be considered for designation as Opportunity Zones.

Opportunity Zones are a new economic development tool enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 designed to encourage long-term investments in low-income urban and rural communities. Based upon the number of low-income communities identified by the Federal Census, the Governor may nominate up to 74 census tracts in Kansas for designation as Opportunity Zones.

In February, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced it would begin accepting Letters of Interest from communities to have their eligible low-income census tracts designated as Opportunity Zones. Following the review of submissions, the Governor has determined that each community who submitted an eligible census tract will be nominated for at least one Opportunity Zone designation. The communities with census tracts to be included in Governor Colyer’s nominations for designation as Opportunity Zones include:

Allen County	Graham County	Osawatomie
Arkansas City	Great Bend	Ottawa
Arma	Greeley County	Parsons
Atchison	Hutchinson	Pittsburg
Belleville	Jewell County	Rooks County
Cloud County	Lane County	Salina
Dodge City	Lawrence	Shawnee
El Dorado	Leavenworth	South Hutchinson
Emporia	Lenexa	Stafford
Finney County	Manhattan	Topeka
Frontenac	Montgomery County	Wichita
Garnett	Norton	Wyandotte County
Goodland	Olathe
Gove County	Osage City

Due to overwhelming interest in the program, Governor Colyer will utilize the available 30-day extension from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to work with local leaders to finalize the specific census tracts designated within each community.

About Opportunity Zones

Opportunity Zones will provide tax incentives for investors who re-invest their unrealized capital gains into Opportunity Funds that are dedicated to investing in the Opportunity Zones designated by Governor Colyer. This program provides a tax incentive for investors to re-invest their unrealized capital gains into Opportunity Funds that are dedicated to investing in economically distressed areas designated as Opportunity Zones by the Governor. The program provides deferral and reduction of capital gains taxes when the gain is invested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund and maintained for at least five years. Additional tax incentives are available for investments held for periods of seven and 10 years.

Additional information about the Opportunity Zone program may be found at https://kansascommerce.gov/opportunityzones.

FHSU University Relations

Programs offered through the Fort Hays State University Virtual College received nine recognitions in February from various agencies as among the best and most affordable online programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities. The Department of Leadership Studies earned two recognitions, and the Department of Teacher Education earned three.

BestCollegeReviews.org
No. 2, The 47 Best Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs Online for 2018
FHSU earned the No 2 spot on BestCollegeReviews list of the best online organizational leadership programs based on its affordability, prestige and customization options.

Through the Virtual College, FHSU offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership. Both degrees require 124 credit hours and core leadership courses including introduction to leadership concepts, advanced leadership behaviors, principles of civic leadership, leadership and personal development and leadership and team dynamics.

“The innovative curriculum focuses on the study of leadership in the context of the modern organization,” says the FHSU website. “Standard classroom practices do not apply here. Whether in the classroom or in the field, students will constantly be challenged to adapt and overcome.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2pandC7.

No. 4, The 25 Best Master’s in Organizational Leadership Programs Online 2018
BestCollegeReviews also recognized FHSU’s Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in organizational leadership. The program earned praise for its affordability, flexibility and academic reputation.

Students enrolled in the 31-credit-hour program can complete the degree on their own schedule and have multiple options to customize their degree.

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

BestEducationDegrees.com
No. 11, Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
FHSU’s Bachelor of Science in elementary education earned the No. 11 spot on BestEducationDegrees’ list based on its student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rate, affordability and financial aid accessibility.

The 127-credit-hour program provides candidates opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills with measurable outcomes and feedback from university faculty. Courses include foundations of education, classroom management, educational psychology, concepts of elementary mathematics and instructional technology for elementary teachers.

“The program of study helps future teachers discover the links between general education courses, professional education curriculum, pedagogical theory and clinical experience,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2FKiDF3.

EducationWeek.org
No. 5, 2018 Top Teacher-Preparation Programs in the United States
EducationWeek named FHSU one of the top five colleges in the nation for teacher education, noting the program’s prestige and hands-on application.

FHSU Virtual College programs include, among others, a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, a Bachelor of Science in education (early childhood unified) and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a minor in special education.

These programs help future teachers discover the links between general education courses, professional education curriculums, pedagogical theory and clinical experience. Students can add a certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

“Fort Hays State gives students the hands-on experience they need to be immediately successful in their classrooms,” says EducationWeek. “Without practical application, theory is useless, so these professors make sure students get plenty of both at Fort Hays State.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Dlpe3J.

TopMastersInEducation.com
No. 6, Best Online Master’s in Special Education Degrees
TopMastersInEducation praised FHSU’s program for its flexibility, accessibility and use of instructional technology.

FHSU’s Master of Science in high-incidence special education is a 36-credit-hour program available entirely online. Courses focus on the practical needs and challenges faced by educators of special education students.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Ii5AZY.

CollegeChoice.net
No. 26, 50 Best Online Colleges and Universities
CollegeChoice named FHSU one of the 50 best colleges in the nation for online education. The website praised FHSU for its degree options, affordability, accessibility and student support services.

Through the Virtual College, FHSU offers more than 50 programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor and master levels.

“Our online degree programs are fully accredited, affordable, and utilize the latest in learning technology for what we think is one of the best values in higher education today,” says the FHSU website.

“FHSU takes the accessibility of their programs so seriously that they keep their programs among the most affordable in the country,” says CollegeChoice.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2IhvPj7.

No. 39, 50 Most Affordable Online Colleges
CollegeChoice also named FHSU as among the 50 most affordable online colleges in the nation. The website specifically noted the value of FHSU’s Bachelor of General Studies, which allows students to customize a degree program to their interests and career goals.

“The Virtual College at Fort Hays utilizes the most advanced learning technology to help students learn in a flexible, affordable setting,” says CollegeChoice.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2FwD2hy.

GreatValueColleges.net
No. 6, Top 50 Affordable Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Online 2018
GreatValueColleges analyzed FHSU’s student-to-faculty ratio, affordability and prestige to award it the No. 6 spot on its list of the most affordable criminal justice bachelor programs in the nation.

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/2tGQ0nm.

OEDB.org
No. 18, The Best Online Computer Science Programs
FHSU earned a spot on OpenEducationDatabase’s list based on its graduation rate, retention rate, acceptance rate and enrollment rate.

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.

“Fort Hays State University’s Virtual College offers students a low-cost alternative to in-classroom learning from a reputable institution of higher education,” says OEDB.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2tE24Wz.

About the FHSU Virtual College
Distance education at Fort Hays State began in 1911 when faculty voted to offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to gain the continuing education required to teach. The distance education 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.