By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Oak Park Complex project is moving forward by the Hays USD 489 school board, although Monday night’s approval of four related items were by a split vote.

The $2 million dollar lease agreement for the former medical complex at 2501 E. 13th Street, and contracts for a construction manager and architect passed 4-2. Board members Greg Schwartz and Lance Bickle voted against each item. They, along with board president Mandy Fox who was absent, have consistently opposed the project.

Nabolz Construction, Lenexa, and DLR Group, Overland Park, were awarded the contracts which were notarized during a five-minute break in the meeting at 8 p.m.

The building will be renovated for use by the Early Childhood Connections (ECC) program. The Washington school and Munjor building, where ECC is now housed, will be closed.

HaysMed, the owner of the largest portion of the complex, has agreed to donate $500,000 of the purchase price of the complex back to the school district for use in the renovations. A $1.47 federal grant requires the renovation work to be complete by June 30, 2019.

The renovated center is set to open to students in the fall.

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 22 traffic stops Thu., Dec. 13, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–100 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:57 AM
Intoxicated Subject–400 block W 4th St, Hays; 2:19 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block E 12th St, Hays; 6:41 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–2300 block Plum St, Hays; 12/12 8 PM; 12/13 7:28 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block E 8th St, Hays; 12/12 7:58 PM; 8 PM
Civil Dispute–1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:42 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–2900 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 10:10 AM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–500 block W 24th St, Hays; 10:21 AM
Theft (general)–500 block E 16th St, Hays; 12/11 9 PM; 12/12 1 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–2500 block E 21st St, Hays; 2:04 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 2:09 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–100 block W 13th St, Hays; 2:30 PM; 2:38 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 3:01 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:58 PM
Theft (general)–2900 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 1:55 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–27th and Broadway, Hays; 3:54 PM
Animal At Large–15th and Ash St, Hays; 4:32 PM
Burglary/vehicle–200 block W 23rd St, Hays; 7:27 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 12 animal calls and conducted 19 traffic stops Fri., Dec. 14, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Welfare Check–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:52 AM
Disturbance – Fight–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:54 AM
Drug Offenses–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 2:27 AM
Suspicious Activity–300 block W 15th St, Hays; 7:37 AM
Dead Animal Call–500 block E 6th St, Hays; 7:51 AM
Dead Animal Call–2500 block Ash St, Hays; 8:54 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–1400 block Vine St, Hays; 12/13 8:35 PM; 8:40 PM
Animal At Large–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:08 AM
Domestic Disturbance–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 8 AM; 9 AM
Animal At Large–1800 block Milner St, Hays; 10:56 AM
Drug Offenses–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:04 AM
Welfare Check–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 11:14 AM
Animal At Large–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 11:50 AM
Animal Injured–1000 block Elm St, Hays; 12:46 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:56 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:02 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:20 PM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:03 PM; 2:33 PM
Juvenile Complaint–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 5:20 PM; 5:25 PM
Welfare Check–500 block W 31st St, Hays; 5:52 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1600 block Fort St, Hays; 6:22 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:37 PM; 9:25 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Sat., Dec. 15, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – Noise–100 block E 18th St, Hays; 1:12 AM
Domestic Disturbance–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1:45 AM; 2:14 AM
Battery – simple–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:54 AM
Intoxicated Subject–100 block E 5th St, Hays; 2:28 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1400 block W 46th St, Hays; 8:30 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 8:52 AM
Animal At Large–1500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 12/15/2018 10:25:45 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:40 AM; 10:50 AM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–2700 block Willow St, Hays; 1:41 PM
Disturbance – Noise–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 7:13 PM
Found/Lost Property–1300 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 8 AM
Driving Under the Influence–1000 block Elm St, Hays; 8:10 PM
Dead Animal Call–200 block E 11th St, Hays; 8:26 PM
Parking Complaint–400 block Milner St, Hays; 8:55 PM
Disturbance – Noise–200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 11:48 PM
Obstruction of Legal Process–500 block E 7th St, Hays; 11:56 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Sun., Dec. 16, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:45 AM
Suspicious Activity–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 6:43 AM
Dead Animal Call–600 block E 11th St, Hays; 7:26 AM
Domestic Disturbance–500 block Vine St, Hays; 9:59 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 36th St, Hays; 11/16 10:03 AM; 12/16 10:03 AM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–300 block W 16th St, Hays; 11 AM; 11:39 AM
Burglary/vehicle–400 block Ash St, Hays; 12/15 9 PM; 12/16 11:30 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10 AM; 2:29 PM
Animal At Large–1700 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 3:31 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 5:17 PM
Domestic Disturbance–27th and Vine, Hays; 6:30 PM; 6:48 PM
Drug Offenses–300 block E 26th St, Hays; 8:22 PM; 8:28 PM
Suspicious Activity–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:28 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 29 traffic stops Mon., Dec. 17, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity–2800 block Grant Ave, Hays; 12:16 AM
MV Accident-Property Damage–2400 block Main St, Hays; 11 AM; 11:05 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–700 block Fort St, Hays; 11:28 AM
Animal At Large–20th St and Canal Blvd, Hays; 11:49 AM
Burglary/vehicle–500 block Halladay St, Hays; 12/15 8 PM; 12/16 9 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:05 PM
Animal At Large–400 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:11 PM
Harassment (All Other)–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 12/9 8 PM
Burglary/residence–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2 PM; 2:45 PM
Animal At Large–200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 2:51 PM
Animal At Large–100 block W 17th St, Hays; 3:06 PM
Theft (general)–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 2 PM; 2:56 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:16 PM
Burglary/vehicle–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 3:37 PM
Burglary/residence–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 2 PM; 2:30 PM
Criminal Trespass–2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 5:58 PM
Burglary/residence–2000 block Metro Ln, Hays; 5:46 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–200 block S Cedar St, Stockton; 7:14 PM
Suicidal Subject–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 8:21 PM
Welfare Check–1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:47 PM

Submitted

The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to make an appointment now to give and help ensure patients can get the treatment they need at a moment’s notice.

 In November 2016, a 100-foot maple tree fell on Mike McMahon, causing life-threatening injuries. He needed 11 units of blood during emergency surgery and another seven units to treat complications after. Six weeks following the accident, McMahon was released from the hospital – just in time to spend the holidays with his family.

 “I’m grateful for the donors who gave me such an amazing gift – the gift of life,” said McMahon. “I was an occasional blood donor before the accident. Today, I donate as often as I can to help ensure others receive blood when they need it most.”

 Now is an important time to give blood A seasonal decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors get busy with family gatherings and travel. In addition, severe winter weather can cause blood drive cancellations and negatively affect the blood supply. Patients like McMahon can’t afford for there to be a shortage of blood.

 Give the gift of life – make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 As a special thank-you for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give Dec. 20 through Jan. 6 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 20-Jan. 15

Decatur County

Jennings

1/4/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., United Methodist Church, 202 S Topeka Ave

Ellis County

Hays Blood Donation Center

208 E. Eighth St.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fridays: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 Hays

12/21/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., USD 489 District Office, 323 W 12th

12/29/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Big Creek Crossing Mall, 2938 Vine St.

1/2/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunflower Bank, 4720 Roth

1/4/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Big Creek Crossing Mall, 2938 Vine St.

1/5/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Battle of the Badges – Ellis County, 208 East 8^th

Gove County

 Grinnell

12/21/2018: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., VFW, 92 S. Oak

 Quinter

12/20/2018: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant

Osborne County

 Osborne

1/15/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Veteran’s Building, 123 W Main St.

Phillips County

 Logan

1/9/2019: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Logan High School, 305 N. Sherman

Rawlins County

 Atwood

12/26/2018: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus, Lake Road

Russell County

 Lucas

1/11/2019: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., United Methodist Church, 332 N. Main St.

 Luray

12/21/2018: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Luray Community Center, 115 S. Main

 Russell

1/14/2019: 12:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fossil Creek Inn & Suites, 1430 S. Fossil

Sherman County

 Goodland

12/27/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Harvest Evangelical Church, 521 E. HWY 24 

Thomas County

 Colby

12/20/2018: 7:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Colby Community Building, 285 East 5^th

Wallace County

 Sharon Springs

1/3/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Building, 316 W Roman St.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

 About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Submitted

A group of local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts shared some Christmas magic with residents of two care homes in Hays on Saturday.

Girl Scout Troops 11203 and 11266 met at Via Christi Nursing Home (formerly St John’s Nursing Home).

The girls were full of excitement, Christmas cheer and over flowing with giggles.

They each grabbed a gift bag and a blanket and skipped off to find their intended recipient. Not only did they bring much welcomed gifts, but the joy of youth.

After the gifts were delivered, the girls were off to the Hays Good Samaritan Nursing Home where they were met by Boy Scout Troop 101.

At Hays Good Sam’s, the Scouts went in teams to do Santa’s work delivering a gift bag and lap robe to their assigned recipients.

One dear lady was celebrating her birthday so the Scouts sung her a rousing version of “Happy Birthday,” much to her delight.

By all accounts the gift bags and lap robes were greatly appreciated as were the visits from these wonderful Scouts.

The Scouts were given keepsake of hopefully the first of many years to come of the annual Christmas Magic gift bag event. One was left on each home’s Christmas tree as well.

The Scouts are all excited and enthusiastic about doing it again next year.

Thanks to the generosity and compassion of donors, 68 deserving veterans and elderly will have a merrier Christmas.

Brian Gribben, coordinator of government documents and special collections at Fort Hays State University’s Forsyth Library, has been named an affiliate fellow for the Center for Great Plains Studies.

The center, hosted by the University of Nebraska, focuses on studying the people, cultures, and environment of the Great Plains from the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Texas Panhandle into Canada.

Affiliate fellows do not hold appointments at the University of Nebraska but have professional interests in the mission of the Center for Great Plains Studies. There are over 200 affiliate fellows from 122 institutions.

Gribben’s fellowship provides opportunities for inter-institutional collaboration in the advancement of scholarship related to the Great Plains.

FHSU University Relations

Criminal Justice Club members of the Delta Tau Omega Chapter at Fort Hays State University brought home three first-place awards at the recent criminal justice competition in Lee’s Summit, Mo.

Roy Koech, Russell junior, received first place in the upper division of the Criminal Law category. Taylor Petersen, Phillipsburg sophomore, earned first place in the lower division of the Corrections category. Conrad Vajnar, Hays sophomore, received first place for the male under – 25 division in the Physical Agility category.

The Region 3 Competition of the American Criminal Justice Association – Lambda Alpha Epsilon, hosted by the Gamma Epsilon Delta Chapter from the University of Central Missouri was at the Missouri Innovation Campus.

“ACJA-LAE regional and national competitions allow students and professionals to compete in a variety of written and skills-based competitions,” said Dr. Tamara Lynn, assistant professor of criminal justice at FHSU.

Written competitions include topics such as criminal law, police administration, corrections, juvenile justice and ACJA-LAE knowledge. Skills-based competitions include physical agility and firearms at both the individual and team levels. A skills-based team crime scene investigation competition was also included. All attendees competed in the written competitions.

“In addition to competing, students have the opportunity to network with professionals across the criminal justice system,” said Lynn. “At the national competition, students also compete for scholarships and a paper competition.

Other awards received are listed alphabetically by category.

American Criminal Justice Association-Lambda Alpha Epsilon Knowledge
Petersen also received third place in the lower division and Lynn received third place in the professional division.

Corrections
In addition to Petersen’s first place award, Bea Walsh, Thornton, Colo., sophomore, received third place in the lower division and Lynn received third place in the professional division.

Firearms Team Competition
The team of Tyler Beckman, Atwood freshman, Andrew Lankas, Atwood junior, and Lynn, received second place in the professional division.

Physical Agility
In addition to Vajnar’s first place finish, Walsh received second place for the female under – 25 division.

Research Poster Competition
Vajnar received third place in the lower division.

Upper division represents undergraduate students who have successfully completed at least 70 credit hours. Lower division represents those who have completed at least 12 but less than 70 credit hours.

The FHSU Delta Tau Omega chapter will host the region 3 competition in fall 2019.