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Man wounded by police in Kansas charged with 5 felonies

LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City man who was shot and wounded by police has been charged with ramming several patrol cars with a stolen vehicle.

Greenhalgh- photo Johnson Co.

Twenty-year-old Taylor Joseph Greenhalgh, of Lenexa, Kansas, is charged with five felonies, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and felony theft. Bond is set at $250,000. Prosecution also filed a motion to revoke his probation in an unrelated theft case. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.

Police said in a news release that officers surrounded a vehicle that had been reported as stolen Tuesday night in a Lenexa parking lot. The release says the driver was shot when he speed off and hit the patrol cars. The wounded driver then led officers on a 3 ½ mile pursuit before surrendering.

Hays woman named HR manager for ABBB

Jordan Krzycki

ABBB

The certified public accounting firm of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered (ABBB) is pleased to announce the addition of Jordan Krzycki to their professional team.

Krzycki joins ABBB as a human resources manager. Her primary focus will be on firm recruitment and benefit administration. Prior to joining ABBB, Krzycki spent three years as a professional recruiter in the healthcare industry.

“Jordan is a great addition to the ABBB team,” said Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of ABBB. “Her professionalism and knowledge of the field are great assets to both current staff members and new recruits to our firm.”

Krzycki earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Fort Hays State University in 2013, graduating cum laude. She also minored in business management and received her human resources certificate. Krzycki is a member of the Hays Area Young Professionals and enjoys playing volleyball, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family.

Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered provides a wide range of traditional and non-traditional CPA and consulting services to clients throughout Kansas, including agriculture organizations, construction companies, feedyards, financial institutions, governmental and not-for-profit organizations, manufacturers, medical practices, oil and gas companies, professional service firms, real estate companies and small businesses. Founded in 1945, today the firm maintains 15 office locations throughout the state.

Robinson selected as NW KS Hunter Education Instructor of the Year

KDWPT

PRATT – Kansas is home to 1,438 hunter education instructors – all of whom share a passion for teaching others about Kansas outdoors. They offer their time and expertise for free, organizing and teaching Kansas Hunter Education classes around the state on a volunteer-basis. And while all instructors offer invaluable services, each year there are a handful who stand out above the crowd. For their dedication, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the Kansas Hunter Education Instructors Association recognizes these instructors through the “Instructor of The Year” award program.

This year, six Kansas instructors were selected by their peers for their exemplary performance and contributions to Kansas Hunter Education, including Todd Robinson (Region 1), Kent Ervin (Region 2), Dan Haneke (Region 3), Mike Corby (Region 4), Katie Rockers (Region 5), and Robert Friggeri.

Of the six instructors recognized, Friggeri, a veteran instructor of 41 years, was selected as the 2017 Instructor of the Year. An organizing instructor in southeast Kansas for 40 years, Friggeri has worked extensively to coordinate with many different groups in offering classes in the area. Since becoming an instructor, Friggeri has impacted more than 3,800 students through almost 150 classes he has been a part of.

The Kansas Hunter Education Instructor Association, with continued support from the National Wild Turkey Federation, presented Friggeri with a TriStar Arms EX LT series over-and-under 20-gauge shotgun, and each regional instructor with a Savage Mark II heavy barrel .22 LR semi-automatic rifle and scope.

For more information on the Kansas Hunter Education Program, including how to become a volunteer instructor, contact program coordinator Kent Barrett, at [email protected] or visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Education,” then “Hunter Education.”

INSIGHT KANSAS: Did we learn? A test is coming

In 2012, Kansas lawmakers cut income taxes in a bigger, faster, more dramatic way than any other state had done. And revenue from tax collections dropped like a rock, causing Kansas to enter a multi-year period of serious financial trouble.

In 2016, Kansans voted for a new Legislature. One-third of Kansas House and Senate seats turned over, and a supermajority of the newly-minted Legislature, Republicans and Democrats alike, voted to reverse much of the 2012 tax cut in a stunning rebuke to a sitting governor. Income tax receipts then returned to more normal levels and Kansas began to emerge from crisis mode.

Duane Goossen

What’s next? Will we go forward, or will we go back? That’s the fundamental question at the heart of the upcoming election contests for the governor’s office and every Kansas House seat. (Kansas Senate seats are not up for election until 2020.) How Kansans decide those races will determine whether our state has hope to adequately fund education, maintain high-quality roads, and invest in the future.

The two leading Republican candidates for governor would take us back. Kris Kobach openly promotes a return to the Brownback tax cuts. Jeff Colyer is more circumspect, but of course as Brownback’s lieutenant governor, he was right there helping to create all the trouble in the first place.

Of 125 Kansas House members, 88 of them—49 Republicans and 39 Democrats—voted to override Sam Brownback’s veto and reverse the 2012 tax cuts, the key vote they must now defend when seeking reelection. Their opponents will derisively label that vote the largest tax increase in Kansas history, even though income tax rates remain lower today than in 2012. Already last fall, the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity sent thousands and thousands of postcards into the districts of the legislators who supported the override, disparaging their vote. And Kansans will endure exponentially more political postcards between now and next November.

Successfully changing the Legislature and reversing the tax cuts took a major bipartisan effort, but if lawmakers lose their seats because they voted to override Brownback’s veto, the positive gains for education and fiscal sanity will be fleeting. A Brownback-style governor, paired with a tax-cutting House, could easily take Kansas right back to the grim period from which we’re now just beginning to emerge.

Not even one year ago, our state was still mired in a damaging budget crisis, without enough income to pay the bills. The override vote brought Kansas out of immediate crisis and gave hope for better times, but Kansas still has a long way to go to regain financial health. Hundreds of millions of dollars continue to drain out of the highway fund each year to pay for something other than highways. KPERS payments have been delayed. Nine rounds of budget cuts have left state agencies struggling to meet reasonable service levels. The state’s rainy day fund stands at zero.

The 2016 elections changed the direction of Kansas, but the 2018 election cycle will be just as important in determining whether we keep working toward healing, or re-open the wound.

What will it be, Kansans? Did we gather a lesson from our 5-year tax experiment?

Duane Goossen formerly served 12 years as Kansas Budget Director.

Award results announced from FHSU’s Scholarly & Creative Activities Day

FHSU University Relations

Winners have been announced for Fort Hays State University’s annual John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, recognizing the scholarly and creative activities of students and faculty.

Departments across campus sponsored special activities, including seminars and research presentations.

The main event was a poster and creative works exhibition in the Memorial Union’s Fort Hays Ballroom and the Black and Gold Room featuring student and faculty work from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Education, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics.

Over 130 posters were exhibited, and more than 600 students, faculty and community members participated as presenters or attendees. An exhibit of 147 creative works was also available for viewing. Fifteen oral presentations were given by faculty and students. Special lectures, receptions and exhibits also took place on campus.

Awards were given for poster presentations to undergraduate, graduate, and faculty and staff for empirical and non-empirical research and scholarly work. A “People’s Choice Award” was also given.

The People’s Choice Award poster was from Alexis Summers, Hays senior majoring in nursing: “Maternal Infant Bonding.” Co-investigators were Brooklyn Bange, Colby senior majoring in nursing, and Kathleen Ward, associate professor of nursing.

The People’s Choice Award winner for art was Tristan Smith, Larned junior majoring in studio art.

“This is the 13th year for this prestigious event,” said Leslie Paige, director of the Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects. “It not only showcases the significant work being conducted by faculty and staff, but also exemplifies the opportunities that FHSU students have to conduct research, engage in scholarship and to produce creative works with guidance from their faculty mentors.”

Scholarly and creative activity encourages critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, and leadership. Participation provides the opportunity to clarify academic and professional goals while promoting advancement in a particular field of study. Fort Hays State University supports developing new areas of excellence in all disciplines as part of its mission to advance knowledge and further the economic growth of the state.

Named after the late Dr. John Heinrichs, who championed research at FHSU, Scholarly and Creative Activities Day is sponsored by the university’s Scholarship Environment Committee, with support from the Office of the Provost, the deans, the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science, the Graduate School, the Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects, Forsyth Library and other FHSU colleges and departments.

Door prizes were donated by area businesses: Auto World; Doerfler’s Harley Davidson; Gella’s; Kansasland Tire and Service; Nex-Tech Wireless; Orscheln Farm & Home; Peerless Tires; Pools Plus; Quality Quick Lube; Salon 1007/Rock Haven; Smallcakes; and Walmart.
For more information, contact Paige, 785-628-4349, or by email to [email protected].

The winning posters:

EMPIRICAL
Empirical research involves a question that is clearly defined and answerable by using standardized statistical methods on collected data. This may include either quantitatively or qualitatively collected data.
Undergraduate Students
First Place: Nathan Smith, Holton biology major: “Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Drought-Affected Corn.” Co-investigator was Dr. Brian R. Maricle, associate professor of biological sciences.
Second Place: Alexis Crispin, Shawnee senior majoring in accounting: “Is a Country’s Aggregate Income Related to Its Level of Happiness?” Co-investigator was Dr. Sam Schreyer, associate professor of economics, finance and accounting.
Third Place: Fred Schertz, Monument, Triplains High School, Winona, and Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science: “Electronic Properties of a New Photosensitizer-Dye Derived from a Cadmium Selenide Mediated Retinoid/Carotenoid-Based Complexes of Rhenium (I).” Co-investigators were Jamison Bond, Bel Aire, Northeast Magnet High School and Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Runfan Yang, Wsuhan, China, and Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Amelia Richter, Dodge City, Dodge City High School and Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science; Xinye Bao, Shenzhen, China, Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science; and Dr. Arvin J. Cruz, associate professor of chemistry.
Graduate Students
First Place, tie: Jared Ridder, Hutchinson biology major: “RNA Interference of the Unfolded Protein Response in Acyrthosiphonpisum” (co-investigator Dr. James Balthazor, assistant professor of chemistry); and Aline Rodrigues de Queiroz, Guarulhos, Spain, biology major: “Influence of Light Intensity on Germination, Vegetative Development, and Reproduction of Three Species of Asteraceae Native to Kansas” (co-investigator Dr. Brian R. Maricle, associate professor of biology).
Second Place: Katharine Rivers, Hays geology major: “Education at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History: Developing an Adult Program through Exploration of Successful Educational Models.” Co-investigator was Dr. Laura Wilson, curator of paleontology at the Sternberg Museum.
Third Place: Ashley Lockwood, Hoisington psychology major: “Tolerance Among College Students: Attitudes Towards Juveniles with Mental Illness.” Co-investigators were Brooke Mann, Hays psychology major and lecturer in psychology; Dr. April Terry, instructor of criminal justice; and Dr. Whitney Jeter, assistant professor of psychology.
Faculty
First Place: Dr. Gary Andersen, assistant professor of advanced education programs: “Adjunct and Faculty Survey: Perceptions of Rigor and Quality.” Co-investigator was Nicole M. Frank, faculty development coordinator for Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies.
Second Place: Dr. Robert Keener, assistant professor of agriculture: “Prebiotic and Probiotic Influence on Beef Calves’ Immunity.” Co-investigators were Dr. Yass Kobayashi, associate professor of biological sciences; Mariah Beikman, St. Francis senior majoring in chemistry; Shaylee Flax, WaKeeney senior majoring in animal science; Brittany Starkey, Dodge City junior majoring in animal science; and Mike Stoppel, Russell junior majoring in agriculture.
Third Place: Dr. April Terry, instructor of criminal justice: “Sweep It Under the Rug: The Stronghold of Surname in Response to Sexual Assault in Frontierland.”
NON-EMPIRICAL
Non-empirical research is the comprehensive and careful consolidation of available information within a domain or a reinterpretation of that information within a new framework or context. It does not use standardized statistical methods on collected data.
Undergraduate Students
First Place: Maegan Karlin, Victoria senior majoring in nursing: “Effectiveness of Bed Alarms on Falls.” Co-investigators were Jenny Schoenecker, Akron, Colo., senior majoring in nursing, and Kathleen Ward, associate professor of nursing. 2nd Place: Emily Schumacher (Nursing) Curbing the Appetite on Emotional Eating, Co – Investigator: Vanessa Hernandez
Second Place, tie: Abbie Maxwell, Andale senior majoring in nursing: “Testing Anxiety in Nursing Students” (co-investigators Marley Palmer, Lucas, an athletic training major, and Kathleen Ward, associate professor of nursing); and Emily Schumacher, Victoria, nursing major: “Curbing the Appetite on Emotional Eating” (co-investigator Vanessa Hernandez, La Crosse senior majoring in nursing).
Third Place: Cody Moon, Clay Center senior majoring in athletic training: “Is the Use of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Effective in Decreasing Pain and Increasing Function in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.”
Graduate Students
First Place: Lyndie Glidewell, Douglass special education major, “Overcoming Barriers to Promote Parent Partnerships.” Co-investigators were Annette Fieger, Silver Lake special education major; Bryon Sturm, Burden special education major; Andrew Weese, Topeka special education major; and Dr. Brooke Moore, assistant professor of advanced education programs.
Second Place, tie: Jordan Petz, Hays, nursing major: “Academic Electronic Health Record Implementation Proposal” (co-investigators Dr. Christine Hober, professor of nursing; Tanya Smith, assistant professor of nursing; and Rebecca Sander, associate professor of nursing); and Trevor Williams, Erie, Colo., geology major, “Designing a Measure of Effectiveness for Exhibits Communicating Evolutionary Theory at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History” (co-investigator Dr. Laura Wilson, curator of paleontology at the Sternberg Museum).
Third Place: Scout Harrison, Brooklyn, Wis., biology major: “Plant-Soil Microbiome Feedback Impacts on Native and Non-native Grasses Throughout Kansas.” Co-investigator was Dr. Mitchell J. Greer, assistant professor of biological sciences.
Faculty
First Place: Dr. Laura Wilson, curator of paleontology at the Sternberg Museum: “Seabirds as Ecological Indicators in Late Cretaceous Marine Environments.”
Second Place: Michelle Van Der Wege, assistant professor of nursing: “The Gamification of Pharmacology.” Co-investigators were Shauna Keil, assistant professor of nursing; and Patricia Drees, assistant professor of nursing.
Third Place: Dr. Brooke Moore, assistant professor of advanced education programs: “Integrating Evidence-Based Reading into Middle-School Instruction: Exploring Sustainability.” Co-investigators were Alison G. Boardman, University of Colorado-Boulder; Cristin Jensen-Lasser, Regis University; Kimberly M. Schmidt, University of Colorado-Boulder; Clara E. Smith, University of Colorado-Boulder; and Vanessa Santiago-Schwarz, University of Colorado-Boulder.

The winning artworks:

Ceramics
First: Tyler Dallis, Exeter, Mo., junior.
Second: Harley Torres, Ulysses senior.
Third: Ngoc “Nini” Nguyen, Hutchinson junior.
Sculpture
First: J. R. Hahn, Brewster senior.
Second: Craig Cropek, Winfield senior.
Third: Trent Burhenn, Great Bend senior.
Drawing
First: Kendra Hall, Purdy, Mo., senior.
Second & Third: McKenna O’Hare, Oberlin junior.
Painting
First: Noah Wellbrock-Talley, Salina senior.
Second: Brett Novack, Garden City junior.
Third: Billie Spears, Hays junior.
Printmaking
First: Verdell Haws, Hiawatha senior.
Second: Emily Kohls, Hutchinson junior.
Third: Billie Spears, Hays junior.
Photography
First, Second and Third: Felix Albl, Kleinmachnow, Germany, graduate student.
Design
First: Erin Pascal, Wichita senior.
Second: Ngoc “Nini” Nguyen, Hutchinson junior.
Third: Ashley Hidebrand, Norton senior.
Graduate Art
First: Kurt Breshears, Sedalia, Colo.
Second: Zane Mahanna, Hoxie.
Third: Can Long, Shenzhen, China.
Senior Recognition
First: Bri Shores, Newton senior.
Second: Juana Estrada-Hernandez, Aurora, Colo., senior.
Faculty
Linda Ganstrom, professor of art and design.

Kansas, Oklahoma approve religious veto on LGBT adoptions

The Kansas Legislature has narrowly approved a controversial measure allowing faith-based adoption and foster care agencies in Kansas to be reimbursed by the state for placement services, even if they turn away prospective parents who don’t fit their religious beliefs.

FILE PHOTO / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

The bill that includes the provisions constituting the “Adoption Protection Act” passed the House shortly before midnight Thursday with the bare minimum 63 votes in favor with 58 against. The Senate followed suit a couple hours later on a 24-15 vote. In a statement Gov. Jeff Colyer said he would sign it.

Opponents argued the religious protections would open the door to state-sponsored discrimination, particularly against same-sex couples, but also single people and minorities.

“Christian slaveholders used the Bible and their strongly or sincerely held religious beliefs to justify slavery.” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, a Democrat from Lawrence.

Proponents contend the measure will keep more adoption agencies in Kansas at a time when more than 7,000 children are awaiting permanent homes. Department For Children And Families Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel endorsed the measure.

“Some might allege this bill would perpetuate discrimination, and nothing could be further from the truth,” said Rep. Susan Humphries, the Wichita Republican who sponsored the measure. “This bill simply ensures that all providers can stay in the field and continue to serve children, unafraid of government censorship”.

Humphries described the religious protections as “preemptive”, enabling faith-based placement agencies to weather lawsuits and withstand changes in state leadership.

The Oklahoma Legislature passed similar legislation hours before Kansas lawmakers took their votes Thursday.

Catholic Charities, which operates in Kansas, testified in support of the measure. The organization stopped offering adoption services in Massachusetts to avoid having to facilitate adoptions by same-sex couples there.

The Family Policy Alliance also lobbied for the Kansas bill, and it won a last-minute endorsement from Kansans For Life, the leading anti-abortion group in the state.

“Passage of the Adoption Protection Act means that more, rather than fewer, groups, will be able to assist in facilitating adoption, and that will result in fewer babies being aborted,” Mary Kay Culp, executive director of Kansans for Life said in a released statement.

The Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights group, showed up at the statehouse last week to speak against the religious exemption, and took out full-page ads in state newspapers reading, “Keep Kansas Open To All.” TechNet, a network of large technology companies including Apple and Google, sent a letter to lawmakers expressing opposition to the bill.

The Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce also voiced its opposition to the bill.

“If we become a state that is shown to discriminate, how easy is it going to be for us to go out and recruit new talent, and retain them once we get them here ?” said NEJC president Deb Settle. “If they’re originally from Kansas, how are we going to keep them here, if we’re a state that’s showing discrimination?”

The debate threatened to torpedo long-needed updates to Kansas adoption law contained in the underlying bill – updates including a change to say “married couples” can adopt, rather than “husband and wife.” Earlier this session, the House rejected the original version of the religious protection measure, subsequently added to the adoption bill as an amendment.

The bill squeaked through with a compromise clarifying that the religious exemptions would only apply to foster care and adoption services, and not anything else that a faith-based agency might provide, like health care or housing.

For Rep. John Carmichael, the House Judiciary Committee’s ranking Democrat, the refined language didn’t make the bill any more defensible.

“If you allow people to use state dollars in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs, for the purpose of discriminating against another religion … based on sincerely held religious beliefs, that shreds the purpose of the first amendment,” Carmichael said. “I cannot countenance that.”

At present, and under the bill, child placement agencies that refuse to place children with same-sex couples, single parents, or non-Christians, still get state reimbursement for the services they provide on behalf of a DCF contractor.

The state’s two case management contractors that handle most foster care and adoption placements – currently KVC Kansas and St. Francis Community Services – are excluded from the protections. Those contractors must serve all prospective foster parents and adoptive families referred to them by under DCF’s “no eject, no reject” policy.

Madeline Fox is a reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can reach her on Twitter @maddycfox.

HPD Activity Log April 30 & May 3

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Mon., April 30, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:14 AM
Criminal Trespass–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 6:46 AM
Theft of Vehicle–2100 block Milner St, Hays; 4/29 8 PM; 4/30 1:30 AM
Suspicious Activity–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 4/28 8:42 AM; 4/30 8:42 AM
Suspicious Person–700 block W 7th St, Hays; 8:58 AM
Animal At Large–500 block E 20th St, Hays; 10 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–6th and Elm St, Hays; 10:34 AM
Dangerous Animal–1200 block Maple St, Hays; 10:40 AM
Disturbance – Noise–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9 AM; 11:02 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–2700 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:18 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–1300 block W 43rd St, Hays; 1:40 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–1900 block Ash St, Hays; 2:40 PM; 2:50 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block W 14th St, Hays; 4:53 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–13th and Main St, Hays; 5:06 PM
Theft (general)–500 block W 6th St, Hays; 4/26 8 PM; 4/29 11 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–1100 block E 15th St, Hays; 7 PM
Criminal Trespass–100 block W 18th St, Hays; 4/23; 4/27
Animal Bite Investigation–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 8:01 PM
Suicidal Subject–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 10:04 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 22 traffic stops Thu., May 3, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–4100 block General Hays Rd, Hays; 9:35 AM; 9:38 AM
Runaway Juvenile–1700 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 10:09 AM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:35 PM
Theft (general)–200 block E 19th St, Hays; 5/1 12 AM; 11:59 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–600 block E 15th St, Hays; 1:43 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:54 PM
Animal At Large–100 block W 19th St, Hays; 3:02 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 3:32 PM
Criminal Trespass–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:01 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 5:11 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–Hays; 5:56 PM
Juvenile Complaint–300 block E 15th St, Hays; 8:06 PM
Mental Health Call–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 11:16 PM
Suspicious Activity–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 8 PM; 11:46 PM

Kan. man jailed after police find stolen gun during traffic stop

SHAWNEE COUNTY –  Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on weapons charges.

Gayland -photo Shawnee Co.

On Thursday evening, police conducted a traffic stop in the 500 Block of SE Branner in Topeka, according to Lt. Manual Munoz.  Officers determined the driver and a passenger had open containers of alcohol in the vehicle.  They also located a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen, according to Munoz.

Officers determined that 34-year-old Robert Taylor Gayland had been in possession of the gun. He was taken into custody and booked on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of meth and numerous traffic violations, according to Munoz.

Fifth graders nominate teacher for award; Roosevelt student honored for dedication

Amy Haskell, fifth-grade teacher at O’Loughlin Elementary School, was nominated by her students as well as some of their parents for the Best of the Best award.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Amy Haskell, fifth-grade teacher at O’Loughlin Elementary School, was nominated by her students as well as some of their parents for the Best of the Best award.

Most of those students showed up at the Hays school board meeting Monday night to honor her and thank her for being their teacher.

“Our whole class nominated Mrs. Haskell, because we thought she was a really good teacher and she made all of our school work really fun,” said student Marisa Wasinger. “We didn’t just read out of textbooks. She helped everyone in our class grow a lot and helped us all out a lot through the past two years.

“She really deserves this award because she really has been one of my favorite teachers. She has a really good personality, but when it is needed, she is strict. Those are just a couple of reasons that Mrs. Haskell will be a teacher that I will remember.”

Amy Haskell with members of her fifth-grade class.

Other students said Haskell made learning fun and she uses voices when she reads the children books. The children also said Haskell cheers them on through their extra curricular activities, such as sports.

“Mrs. Haskell is the most humble teacher that I have ever had,” Mason Schleicher said. “She always likes to laugh around with us and play outside with us. You always laughs and she barely ever gets mad, so she is the most favorite teacher I have had yet.”

Student Ian Irwin said Haskell was the kind of teacher that makes you want to get out of bed in the morning, because she does not stress her students out.

The students were also eager to report when Haskell is particularly proud of them, she buys them doughnuts.

Another student said Haskel makes her smile every day.

The students concluded by thanking Haskell for helping them grow in school.

Haskell said, “It is such a gift to know I have made such an impact on these children and their families and that I am not so mean it sounds like. I love my job. I wish everyone could say that. These kids, you guys, make my job so much fun, and you are the reason I get up in the morning and come to school and plan fun things for you. I love you guys.

“One of you made a poster in fourth grade that said ‘Family’ for our classroom, and I think that is what we are. It is easy to be a teacher and spend every day with you guys. You make it fun. Thank you for nominating me and taking the time to do this.”

Taryn Bieker, Roosevelt fourth-grader, was named as April’s student Best of the Best.

Taryn Bieker, Roosevelt fourth-grader, was named as April’s student Best of the Best.

She was nominated by her teacher Jeff Welch.

“I nominated Taryn because since the beginning of the school year, she is truly someone who goes above and beyond in everything she does. She is a very kind, empathetic and dedicated student and someone any teacher would be happy to have in their class,” he said. “I know she makes my job a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable on a daily basis. It was an easy choice to nominate her for such an award. I am very proud of her.”

Sunny, mild Friday

Today Sunny, with a high near 76. North wind 7 to 11 mph.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 47. North wind around 6 mph becoming south in the evening.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 85. West southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 53. South southwest wind around 7 mph.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. North northwest wind 7 to 13 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 80.

Paula S. Bixenman

November 12, 1964 – April 26, 2018

Paula Sue Doherty Bixenman, 53, of Colby, Kansas, passed away on April 24th, in Hays, Kansas.

A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday, May 4th at Kershenbrock Funeral Chapel with Kirby Benisch of Celebration Community Church of Colby officiating. Burial will follow at Beulah Cemetery. Arrangements are by Kershenbrock Funeral Chapel.

Paula was born in Colby, Kansas to Glen and Wilma Doherty on November 12th, 1964. She studied at Colby Community College. She married David Bixenman in October 1990 in Colby and then moved to Elko, Nevada. Paula gave birth to David Michael Bixenman, Jr. on October 29th, 1992 in Salt Lake City, Utah. David Paul Bixenman was born June 25th, 1996 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite being four months premature and because of many prayers, David proved to be God’s miracle baby for Paula. Her son gave her life such purpose and meaning. Paula was active in her sister and brother-in-law’s church in Elko. Her love of God and family had been a main stay in her life.

Paula is preceded in death by her infant son David, father Glen Doherty, sister Barbara Lawrence, nephew Joshua Doherty, grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Doherty and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Carpenter.

Paula is survived by her son, David Bixenman, her mother Wilma Doherty Anderson, brothers Charles, Gary, and Joseph Doherty; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who loved her.

The family of Paula wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Paula’s caregivers: Jacque Brooks, Kathy Mackey, Courtney Britton, and Terry Knox for all they did to help Paula in her home over the years. She was thankful for the many years this allowed her to be independent. To the nurses, doctors, staff, and volunteers of HaysMed, we can’t thank you enough for going above and beyond to provide great care and attention to Paula and her family. It was a great comfort and very appreciated.

Click HERE for service details.

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