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SHPTV named top non-metro station of the year by KAB

SHPTV

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills Public Television has been named the 2018 Non-Metro Television Station of the Year by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters after accumulating six awards in individual categories.

Along with broadcasting PBS programming, SHPTV produces a variety of local programs. Several of those programs were recognized with this year’s KAB awards, including Doctors on Call, Traveling Kansas and Real Ag.

The awards will be presented at the KAB Convention on Oct. 15 in Wichita.

A list of SHPTV’s awards is provided below:

1st Place Single Topic Event News – Doctors on Call: Influenza – SHPTV Staff
1st Place In-Depth News Reporting – Real Ag: Lavender – Les Kinderknecht and Matthew Campbell
1st Place Special Program – Traveling Kansas: Hays – Les Kinderknecht
1st Place Station Promotion Campaign – SHPTV PBS Nerd – Matthew Campbell
1st Place Station Website –SHPTV.org – Callie Kolacny
Honorable Mention Station Promotion Announcement – SHPTV Testimonial: Miranda – Matthew Campbell

🎥 City commission approves 2019 budget; includes solid waste rate increase

Hays Mayor James Meier signs the city’s 2019 budget Thursday.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

With no public comments, the public hearing for the 2019 draft budget for the city of Hays was closed and the budget then approved unanimously Thursday night by Hays city commissioners.

A short review of the highlights was presented by Assistant City Manager Jacob Wood who noted the $39,504,844 budget is balanced with no mill levy increase and includes a new pay plan for city employees.

“The assessed valuation is expected to decrease by a half percent,” Wood pointed out. “The value of one mill in 2019 is expected to be at $234,000, about $10,000 down from the previous year. But we will remain stable at 25 mills.”

“We’ve been at or below 25 mills for 12 of the last 13 years Hays is still the sixth lowest in Kansas and we are the lowest outside of Johnson County. We will continue with that trend,” said Wood. “This is a sustainable budget and we will continue to pay cash for most large projects.”

“I’d also like to point out the city’s finances is really relying on 18 mills of that 25 mills and that 6.7 mills goes to the Hays Public Library and the library employees fund,” Commissioner Ron Mellick added at the end of the meeting. “So that when somebody says the city is running on 25 mills, that is correct, but technically the city funds are received only from the 18 mills.”

Included in the budget is a $2 rate increase for solid waste customers. The last rate increase was 12 years ago in 2006, when the city moved to automated collection. Commissioners will address the rate increase in an upcoming agenda this year.

“We can discuss where that increase actually needs to be but for the purposes of budgeting two dollars is where we set it,” explained Wood.

 

First Care Clinic to celebrate National Health Center Week

First Care Clinic will celebrate National Health Center Week August 12th – 18th with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Health Centers. Community Health Centers serve more than 27 million patients in over 10,000 communities across the country. They provide access to comprehensive primary and preventative care.

First Care Clinic providers work together in an integrated setting to provide quality medical care, mental health services, and general dentistry. FCC also offers a prescription assistance program, marketplace assistance, and free group support classes. FCC accepts most major insurance, but also offers a sliding fee scale for those who qualify. The mission of First Care Clinic is to be the region’s premier medical home dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all. In 2017 FCC saw 6,160 patients with 14,681 appointments.

The medical providers consist of Dr. Christine Fisher, Medical Director; Nicole Spray, Dawn Knapp, Tosha Garrison, and Jill Kuhlmann. The dental providers include Dr. Peter Paris, Cheyenne Grauerholz, Rebecca Bittel, and Lacey Radcliffe. Sandy Cullison, Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, is also on staff to provide counseling/mental health services.

FCC will celebrate by inviting the public to the following events during National Health Center Week.

Monday, August 13
Free Dental Screening, Fluoride Application and Vision Screening for children from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, August 15
Free Blood Pressure Checks from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday, August 16
Free Diabetic Cooking Class from 4:00 – 5:00 PM (RSVP by calling Jordan at 621-4990. Attendance is limited.)

— Submitted

Hays students earn degrees from Washburn

TOPEKA — Washburn University has announced its graduating class of students in spring 2018.

“These students have put in the hard work required and we are proud to award them degrees from Washburn University. I have no doubt they will continue to work hard in their careers and do great things,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, Washburn University president.

Hays graduates included:

Skyler Urban of Hays completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Paul Bergeron of Hays completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Tabitha Wolf of Hays completed a Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work.

Golden Q event will help raise funds for scholarships for student veterans

The Fort Hays State Student Veterans Association would like to invite the public, as well as all FHSU students, to the Golden Q on Aug. 15.

The Golden Q will donate a portion of the proceeds from that day’s special to the Student Veteran’s Association to help raise funds for veterans attending Fort Hays State University. The FHSU Student Veteran’s Association is a group of individuals joined together by their love of service, country and school.

“All of these former military personnel have the same goal in mind, help anyone they can! We are currently raising money to provide scholarships to those current and prior service military members looking to make that transition into college life,” the organization said in a news release. “Please stop by the Golden Q and visit with us on Aug. 15. We thank you in advance for your support.”

SPONSORED: FHSU seeking Skilled Trades Technician

Fort Hays State University-Energy Division Seeking Position – Skilled Trades Technician, Plant Operations

The FHSU Energy Division/Power Plant is looking for a dependable individual to hire in the Power Plant Department.  This is a full time position with benefits. 

TASKS

Operation, maintenance and repair of industrial equipment such as boilers, generators, pumps and valves.  Work involves all aspects of boiler operation to include general maintenance and repair of related Energy Division/Power Plant equipment.  Follow written and oral procedures, reading and recording gauges and water testing.  Able to lift 30-50 lbs.

Working hours during the heating season require 24/7 operation during the months of October to April, requiring shift work for continuous operation.  Working hours from May through September are usually Monday – Friday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.  This position may be required to work a flexible work schedule as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license.  Three years’ experience in some skilled trades area.  Prefer experience in electrical or mechanical trades, but this is not required.  Must be able to lift 30-50 lbs. 

COMPENSATION

Starting Pay: $14.50 / hr., with shift differential, when applicable.  Full benefits package.  Visit https://www.fhsu.edu/humanresourceoffice/Prospective-Employee/ for more about the benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Application Process:  To apply for this position, please visit https://fhsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CAREERS.  Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents:  Applicants should submit a resume and names and contact information for three professional references.  Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.

Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.

Handcuffed man jumps to his death from KC highway overpass

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – A handcuffed man who jumped to his death from a highway overpass in Kansas City  had just been arrested.

The suspect jumped off a bridge at I-435 and 210 Highway- photo courtesy KCTV

Police told the Kansas City Star that the man had just been arrested before jumping from the overpass near Missouri Route 210 and Interstate 435 Thursday morning.

Police were responding to a report of a man and woman on foot jumping in and out of traffic. Officers detained the couple and handcuffed them. Police say the man broke free, ran and jumped to his death. His name has not been released.

Police say it is unclear what the man and woman were doing on the highway.

Webster Lake remains in algae warning

Blue-green algae

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 some Kansas lakes for the upcoming weekend and week.

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:

Closure: Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County
Warning: Atchison Co. Park Lake, Atchison County
Warning: Hodgeman County SFL, Hodgeman County
Warning: Perry Lake, Zone B (the Slough Creek arm), Jefferson County
Warning: Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area Lake, Linn County
Warning: Carbondale West Lake, Osage County
Warning: Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County
Warning: Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County Closure – Visitors can utilize Coeur d’ Alene Park 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.
Warning: Webster Lake, Rooks County
Warning: Frazier Lake, Grant County
Warning: South Lake Park, Johnson County
Warning: Lake Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County
Warning: Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
Warning: Lake Scott State Park, Scott County
Watch: Overbrook City Lake, Osage County
Watch: Rock Garden Pond, Gage Park, Shawnee County
Watch: Mary’s Lake, Douglas County
Watch: Perry Lake Zone A (the southern portion of the main body, south of the Longview Campground), Jefferson County
Watch: Perry Lake Zone B (the Slough Creek Arm), Jefferson County

A closed or closure status indicates that conditions are extremely dangerous for humans and pets. Harmful algal toxins and cell counts are at dangerously high levels. Any kind of contact with the waterbody is prohibited.

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 www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

Kansas woman accused of shooting man during argument

TOPEKA, Kan. –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a teen suspect in custody.

Smith -photo Shawnee Co.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the 1900 block of SW 36th Street in Topeka on a report of a shooting, according to Lt. Manual Munoz.

Upon arrival, officers found a man in critical condition from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital.

The initial investigation indicates that a man and women had gotten into an argument and during the argument the victim was shot.

Police took a suspect identified as Sierra Simone Smith, 19, Topeka,  into custody and transported to her the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning. Several witnesses were also brought to the LEC and questioned by detectives.

Smith was booked into the Shawnee County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, according to Lieutenant Andrew Beightel.

 

Family of man shot by Kansas deputy files lawsuit

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The family of an unarmed black man who was shot in the back following a police chase in Kansas has sued alleging he was beaten by officers while he lay dying from a gunshot wound.

William Matthew Holmes photo courtesy GoFundMe

The lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Kansas by the family of 24-year-old Matthew Holmes stems from an Aug. 28, 2017, incident that included a 20-mile chase of the suspect vehicle that reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

Authorities who investigated the shooting found Holmes was shot in the back by a McPherson County sheriff’s deputy while Holmes was on the ground struggling with Newton police officer.

Prosecutors declined to bring criminal charges, finding that the deputy had a reasonable belief the officer faced imminent death or great bodily harm.

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