By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

After several months of legal maneuvering, the case of the proposed Blue Sky residential division could finally be coming to a conclusion with a bench trial scheduled for Tuesday.

In November 2016, a proposed residential subdivision south of Hays – Blue Sky Acres owned by Mary Alice Unrein — failed to receive approval of the final plat after the Ellis County Commission voted 1-1 on the measure.

Despite receiving the approval of the county zoning and planning department, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the KWO, County Commissioner Marcy McClelland voted against the plat, citing concerns about water availability and wastewater contamination.

Commissioner Barb Wasinger recused herself because of a conflict of interest. Commissioner Dean Haselhorst voted in favor. Because there was no majority, the measure failed.

On Dec. 20, 2016, Unrein filed a lawsuit contending that she completed all the necessary requirements to have to project approved and that “Commissioner Marcy McClelland and other commissioners should be compelled to perform the clearly defined duty to approve the plat and dedication of Blue Sky Acres Addition.”

The suit also argues the court should force the commission to approve the plat through a writ of mandamus.

According to legaldictionary.net, a “writ of mandamus refers to an order by a court to a lesser government official to perform an act required by law, which he has refused or neglected to do. This type of court order is a remedy that may be sought if a governmental agency, public authority, or corporation in service of the government, fails or refuses to do its public or statutory duty.”

In May 2017, District Judge Bruce Gatterman denied a motion by Ellis County to dismiss the case citing state statute that says a person can pursue action against a governing board to have the decision overturned.

Gatterman on Feb. 20 ordered Unrein to present facts of the case to the County Commission and McClelland by March 13. McClelland and the Commission had until April 13 to respond.

He also set a one-day bench trial for 9 a.m. Tuesday on the second floor of the Ellis County Courthouse.

Of the eight facts presented by Unrein, the Ellis County Commission and McClelland had issues with two.

They objected to the claim that McClellan had previously expressed support for the Blue Sky Acres.

In the court document, they said the fact was not relevant to the case.

The commission also denied a fact presented by Unrein that said “the only objections were made by homeowners or members of the governing body” and did not rely on ordinances or regulations.

Areas of Ellis County received significant rainfall on Sunday as storms rolled through the area.

While most of Hays received about a half-inch of precipitation, areas southwest of Hays saw reports of up to 1.75 inches.

The northern part of the county had trace or no rainfall.

Southern Russell County has a report of 0.93 inches, and areas of Rush County received just less than a half inch.

The most significant rainfall was reported in northwest Rush County, where 2.85 inches was observed.

The chances for additional rain and thunderstorms remains until Wednesday. Click HERE for the complete extended forecast.

FHSU University Relations

Four graduates of Fort Hays State University’s Department of Nursing were recognized in a ceremony today with Leora B. Stroup Awards as the outstanding graduates of the spring 2018 graduates.

The pinning ceremony also recognized 27 graduating Bachelor of Science in Nursing students; 100 RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing students; nine Master of Science in Nursing students; and the first cohort of six Doctorate of Nursing Practice graduates.

This year’s Stroup Awards include a fourth, this one for the outstanding graduate of the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program, which is the first doctoral program for the university.

“The Stroup Awards exemplify the excellence in nursing that Miss Stroup promoted,” said Kathleen Ward, associate professor of nursing. “Recipients demonstrate outstanding achievement in academics, professional activities, community service and contributions to clinical nursing.”

This semester’s winner of the On-campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing Award is Katelyn Folks, Clay Center.

Her award letter says, “Katelyn altruistically gave two weeks of her summer to provide nursing care to medically disadvantaged residents in a third world country.” It also noted that “she is a very driven, caring, nursing student,” and during her clinical experiences, the letter says, “she performed exceptionally, with professionalism and knowledge.” The letter concluded, “She will make an exceptional registered nurse.”

The Outreach RN to BSN Award went to Shanna Carrillo, Hays, a charge nurse at HaysMed.

“Shanna is a very motivated individual; she portrays excellence in leadership and communication skills,” says the award letter. It continues, “She is always smiling, has a positive attitude and is an excellent role model.”

Tammie Williams, Hays, director of the Emergency Department at Hays Medical Center, was awarded the Master of Science in Nursing Award.

Her award letter says, “Ms. Williams’ accomplishments exceed the classroom to envelop the practice arena. … Over the years Tammie has challenged herself intellectually to acquire the knowledge and skill set of a quality leader.” The letter also cites her work as an ICU nurse, a flight nurse and PICC line specialist. She is also the chair of the Unit Based Council at HaysMed.

Abbie Weatherley, Shawnee, a nurse practitioner in the St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Department, Kansas City, is the recipient of the first-ever Stroup Award as the Outstanding Doctorate of Nursing Practice graduate. “Abbie demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning,” says her award letter. It continues, “Not only is Abbie a great student, she is also a wonderful teacher” and “has demonstrated academic excellence and leadership qualities with her peers.”

The Stroup awards were created in 1993 in honor of Leora B. Stroup, founder of the nursing program at FHSU, to honor her innovation and her passion for nursing. She began the university’s nursing program in 1952, using her clinical and military background.

When she began the nursing program, she was the only faculty member. Today, the program has advanced to degrees in Bachelor of Science of Nursing, Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science of Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and the Doctorate of Nursing Practice and 25 faculty members.

Joel Shorman has been named general manager of Hull Broadcasting/KFIX-96.9 FM in Hays.

Shorman was born in Oklahoma, moved to Boston and then moved to Austin, Texas, where he lived for the last 24 years until moving to Hays seven months ago. His travels have taken him to many states in the U.S. as well as other countries including Mexico, Ireland, England, Italy and the Hindu Kush in Pakistan. His education background includes studies in business and music performance, he plays electric and acoustic guitar and enjoys building electric guitars.

“It is difficult to replace a longtime employee and general manager. Cameron Perry will be missed,” said Rich Hull of Hull Broadasting. “I am very pleased that Joel Shorman has accepted the challenge of general manager. He is relatively new to broadcasting, but his short history with Hull shows he has the ability and determination to make this move work. Joel is a valuable employee and represents the values that Hull Broadcasting represents.”

Shorman’s hobbies include muscle car and motorcycle restoration, hunting and fishing, kayaking, snowboarding, radio control cars and boat racing.

“I love hiking, camping, and spending time with my family and dog as often as possible,” Shorman said. “All of my extended family hail from Nebraska and Kansas (farming families now retired).

“I am incredibly excited and deeply humbled to have the opportunity to take on this challenge. Cameron Perry was a radio legend as well as a mentor and will be impossible to replace,” he added. “He is gone but will never be forgotten, because I want to carry on his passion for rock ‘n’ roll radio, while bringing my own creative energy to the table for this fantastic company.”