By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A second discussion by Hays city commissioners of the draft 2019 budget Thursday focused on funding to outside agencies, specifically the Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC).

The 501(c)3 group has received $53,655 in city funds each year since 2015 and is requesting the same amount for 2019.

Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller opened the conversation by saying city funding is “not an entitlement for any of the outside agencies” and DHDC has become a “victim of its own success.”

“It’s doing so well with its fundraisers that I really think it’s time that the little bird gets out of the nest,” Schwaller said.

He noted the city commission began funding DHDC with $100,000 in “seed money” that morphed into an annual appropriation. “And every year we say, this is temporary funding and at some point you won’t get it any more…we’ve never gotten further with that discussion.”

Commissioner Ron Mellick agreed with Schwaller, comparing the situation to “a parent still paying a grown, married child’s cell phone bill.”

“We’ve tried in the past to reduce it by 10 percent each year and we haven’t carried through on that,” added Mellick, who previously served on the commission from 2007 to 2015. He was recently appointed to fill the unexpired term of Chris Dinkel.

“The city is kind of paying DHDC’s day-to-day operations,” Mellick said. “I think ‘tough love’ is going to have to appear and they be slowly weaned off or back at least.”

Mellick and Schwaller both clarified they weren’t proposing any cuts to DHDC funding for 2019 but “next year, we’re definitely going to have a take a much harder look at it,” Mellick added.

Commissioner Shaun Musil, a downtown business owner for a little more than a year, said he’d been “thinking long and hard on this the last couple weeks.”

“I personally think the DHDC board is one of the best volunteer groups in our community (he served one year on the DHDC board) and there’s people from all over this community on that board.”

Still, Musil admitted to having some concerns as a business owner.

“Their events no doubt affect this community, and not only downtown. They stay in the hotels, go to the bars. People love their events. I am kind of concerned about their day-to-day (operations). I think sometimes they’re too focused on the events.

“But I’ve talked to longtime downtown business owners who’ve said if you don’t have something going on down there, they believe a lot of stuff won’t happen and it will have an effect on our sales tax coming in.

“This is such a small part of our budget. I think we should focus on the very, very positive things this group does,” Musil concluded.

Participating in the work session via telephone, Commissioner Sandy Jacobs cited increased collaboration between DHDC, Fort Hays State University and the city for her support of funding DHDC for the foreseeable future.

Mayor James Meier said he was looking at return on investment.

“I don’t think anybody is entitled to money forever,” Meier said, “but if we were to take that $56,000 and invest it in another group or in advertising, I don’t think we’d get the same return that we’re getting right now.”

Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, sitting in the audience alongside DHDC executive director Sara Bloom, addressed the commission.

“I believe downtown is our top attraction,” Dixon told commissioners. “(CVB) supports and markets those DHDC events and when the funding comes straight out of our budget, I believe it is money well spent.”

Commissioners are scheduled for a final budget review at their July 26 meeting where they will set a public hearing for August 9.

In other business, commissioners heard from Public Works Director Jesse Rohr about the Crawford Addition request for annexation, rezoning and final plat.

The property site, at the northwest corner of 48th and Roth, is being considered as a location for a new Tractor Supply Company retail store.

The city commission will vote next week on the requests which have already been approved by the Hays Area Planning Commission.

KDWPT

PRATT – While the odds are very low that you will be bit by a venomous snake in Kansas, that’s little consolation for anyone who ends up with a bite.

Of the 42 species of snakes in Kansas, there are only four native venomous snakes you might encounter: the prairie rattlesnake – found in the western half of the state; the massasauga rattlesnake – found in the eastern two-thirds of the state; the timber rattlesnake ­– found in the eastern fourth of the state; and the copperhead, found in the eastern third of the state. Cottonmouths are very rare in Kansas. Just two specimens of the northern cottonmouth have been recorded in the Spring River drainage in the far southeastern corner of the state. Western diamond-backed rattlesnakes were introduced, but are not widespread and have been recorded in only a few central-Kansas locations.

All venomous snakes found in Kansas are pit vipers, meaning they have heat-sensitive pits in front of each eye to help locate prey. Their venom is hemotoxic, causing internal bleeding and tissue damage.

Snakes are active during the warmer months between late March and November – the same time when people are most active outdoors. Most snakes are found in rural or semi-rural areas where there is suitable habitat and prey. They may be found in woodlands and shrubby areas; brush, log or rock piles; around water; in tall grass; around rocky outcrops or ledges; or even under ornamental shrubbery and gardens. Kansas’ venomous snakes feed primarily on rodents, but their diet may also include insects, frogs, toads, lizards, small birds and other snakes. Snakes cannot regulate their body temperature internally, so when it’s hot, they may be more active at night, retreating to shady areas or under rocks and logs during the day. When it’s cooler, they tend to be more active during the day.

Hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting may put you in areas where you could encounter a snake, so be snake-savvy and snake-aware. Venomous snakes are generally shy and aren’t looking for a fight, but they will bite in self-defense if you step too close, step on or provoke them. Learn how to recognize them. They are well-camouflaged, so watch where you walk, and don’t go barefoot or wear flip-flops or sandals, even on established trails or around campgrounds. Instead, wear sturdy leather shoes or boots. To help protect your legs, wear long pants or jeans rather than shorts. Special snake chaps and tall leather boots are available if you’ll be working in brushy areas where you suspect venomous snakes live. Wear leather gloves when handling brush, and never reach into an area you can’t see. Don’t try to handle or tease a snake.

Snakebites in Kansas are rarely fatal and effective treatment is available. If you think you’ve been bitten by a venomous snake, stay calm to slow the spread of the venom. Keep the site of the bite quiet and below the level of your heart. Call 911 or get to a hospital as quickly as possible, but do not try to drive yourself.

It is not necessary to catch or kill the snake because a single type of antivenom is used to treat all pit viper bites in the U.S. Do not apply a tourniquet or ice, and never attempt to cut the bite marks and suck out the venom. Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

There are usually one or two puncture marks. If the snake injected venom (they can choose whether to inject venom and about 25 percent of bites are “dry”), there may be burning pain along with redness, and swelling around the bite that may progress along the limb. Nausea and vomiting can occur. Your vision may be affected and breathing can become labored. Other symptoms may include increased salivation and sweating and numbness or tingling around your face and limbs.

Nationwide, venomous snakebite deaths are rare, but bites can be very painful and cause serious tissue damage. Always seek immediate medical attention if you think you have been bitten. Learn about our venomous snakes so you’ll know where they live and how to recognize them.

A great resource is the online Kansas Herpetofaunal Atlas hosted by the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Fort Hays State University: https://webapps.fhsu.edu/ksherp/default.aspx. There you’ll find color photos, descriptions, life history, range maps and a calendar of peak activity.

You can reduce the risk of venomous snakebite by learning all you can about snakes and our wild areas, taking a few simple precautions, and being aware at all times.

– KS DEPT. OF WILDLIFE, PARKS & TOURISM –

KDOL

Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.4 percent in June. This was unchanged from May and down from 3.6 percent in June 2017.

“Current trends in the Kansas labor market are strong,” said Secretary Lana Gordon. “Job growth has exceeded the national average and the number of people receiving unemployment benefits is the lowest in ten years.”

Jobless rates across northwest Kansas showed an uptick, but the unemployment rate remains extremely low across the region. Ellis County unemployment rose from 2.3 percent in May to 2.7 percent in June, while Russell County saw a 0.7 percent increase to 3.2 percent.

Rooks County had the highest unemployment in the region at 3.3 percent. Click the map above for a county-by-county breakdown.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 1,900 from May. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 1,600 from the previous month.

“Private sector job growth in Kansas has accelerated throughout 2018,” said Labor Economist, Emilie Doerksen. “June was the 10th consecutive month of private sector job gains in the state, including consistent growth in professional and business services and recent increases in manufacturing and trade, transportation and utilities.”

Since June 2017, Kansas gained 24,800 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 22,200 private sector jobs.

Boise State Office of Communications and Marketing

Mark Bannister has been named interim dean of the College of Business and Economics, effective Aug. 1.

Bannister currently serves as dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), where he has led a rapidly growing college.

“Mark’s strong vision and leadership style make him an outstanding choice for the college at this time. He brings a wealth of experience from Fort Hays State, and I know that he’ll respond very well to the many exciting initiatives in COBE. It’s a great fit,” said Interim Provost Tony Roark.

“We wish outgoing Dean Ken Petersen the very best in his new role as the Helen Robson Walton Endowed Chair in Marketing Strategy and Professor of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at the University of Oklahoma.”

The search for a permanent Dean of COBE will commence in the 2019-20 academic year with guidance from the incoming university president.

Bannister was a finalist for the COBE dean position four years ago. Based on his experience and his familiarity with Boise State’s programs, the university initiated discussions with him in May. Bannister visited Boise twice in June to meet with COBE leadership, faculty and staff.

“I am very pleased and excited to join an outstanding group of faculty, staff, alumni and other supporters who are dedicated to providing students with a high quality education. I am also impressed with the research, thought leadership and service of the faculty,” Bannister said. “Boise State’s growth and innovation are important factors in drawing me to the college and university. I look forward to building on an outstanding base and working together to continue to build a truly notable college of business.”

The Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship has significant traditional on-campus instruction, domestic distance-learning programs and on-the-ground international programs in China.

Bannister has received Fort Hays State University’s Pilot Award, its highest teaching honor, and has been recognized repeatedly for his teaching by FHSU student groups. He initiated the “Entrepreneur Direct” speaker series that has brought a series of entrepreneurs to campus to present and to interact with faculty and students, and also has worked with the FHSU Foundation to increase private giving to the college and its departments.

He is a Senior Policy Fellow of the Docking Institute of Public Affairs and a principal in Bannister Capital. He teaches course work on legal issues and management of information technologies, as well as supervises and participates in research and programming on entrepreneurship, telecommunications, strategic planning and community development.

Bannister holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas as well as a Master of Science in Communications Studies.

KDHE

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health warnings for Atchison County Park Lake, Carbondale West Lake, Frazier Lake, Jerry Ivey Pond, Lake Afton, Lake Wabaunsee, Melvern Outlet Pond and Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Rooks County State Fishing Lake, South Park Lake and Webster Lake for the upcoming weekend and week.

The warning has been lifted for Clarion Woods Lake in Shawnee County and the warning has been downgraded to a watch for Topeka’s Central Park Lake (Pond).

If a lake is under a public health warning for blue-green algae, activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. The lakes currently under a public health advisory:

• Warning: Atchison County Park Lake, Atchison County
• Warning: Carbondale West Lake, Osage County
• Warning: Frazier Lake, Grant County
• Warning: Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County
• Warning: Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
• Warning: Lake Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County
• Warning: Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County
• Warning: Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County
• Warning: Rooks County State Fishing Lake, Rooks County
• Warning: South Park Lake, Johnson County
• Warning and Beach Closed: Webster Lake, Rooks County

• Watch: Central Park Lake (Pond), Shawnee County
• Watch: Mary’s Lake, Douglas County

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has stated swimming is not allowed at the Melvern Outlet Swim Pond Beach and all wading and contact with algae is highly discouraged. Melvern Lake Visitors can utilize Coeur d’Alene Swim Beach which sets on the main body of the lake, located west of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Office.  The present algae bloom is isolated to the Outlet Pond and Outlet Swim Pond, Melvern Lake is not affected.

Lakes under a warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be specifically noted. Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms. Boating and fishing are safe on lakes under a warning but contact with the water should be avoided. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake. Zoned lakes may have portions fully open for all recreation even if other portions are under a warning.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful

bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit https://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm. Human and animal illnesses potentially related to harmful algal blooms can also be reported through this website or by calling the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 1-877-427-7317.