TOPEKA – The Kansas Water Office’s (KWO) Smoky Hill-Saline Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) will have a meeting to discuss current water issues affecting the region as well as the state.
The meeting will be Thursday, March 21 at 1 p.m., at the Hays City Hall, 1507 Main Street in Hays. The agenda includes several updates on regional issues such as the Tuttle Creek Water Injection Dredging, Kansas River Basin Study as well as the Kanopolis Access District.
The agenda and meeting materials can be found when available at www.kwo.ks.gov or you may request copies by calling (785) 296-3185 or toll-free at (888) KAN-WATER (526-9283).
Alley conditions in the city of Hays have continued to worsen as a result of the ongoing wet weather.
Due to damaged and impassable alleys, city crews will temporarily be performing CURBSIDE TRASH PICKUP FOR ALL CITY OF HAYS RESIDENTS EFFECTIVE MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019, until further notice. No alley collection of municipal trash OR recyclables will be performed during this time.
We ask that all residents, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PAVED ALLEYS, move their polycart to the street side of their property, so crews can collect the refuse curbside. Recycling materials should also be placed curbside.
Note that this change may alter the timing of normal scheduled collections, but the day of collection should remain the same. If at all possible, attempt to place the polycart where it is not blocked by parked cars or other fixed objects.
We apologize for any inconvenience, and your cooperation and patience on this matter is truly appreciated.
Anyone needing assistance relocating a polycart should contact the Public Works Department.
If you have any questions or wish to report an issue, please contact the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.
Please be advised that beginning Monday, March 18, 2019 the reconstruction of the intersection of 17th and Elm will begin in Hays. Both 17th and Elm Street will be closed to through traffic.
This construction is expected to last until April 12, 2019 (pending weather conditions).
Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. Motorists should use caution in these areas.
The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Office of Project Management at 628-7350 or the contractor, Morgan Brothers Construction at 432-3104 or 384-1777.
Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
“Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” That old saying refers to a situation where lots of resources are around us but none of them are useable. In the case of water itself, this saying reminds us that water is vital to life. Today we’ll learn about a Kansas company which specializes in cutting-edge technologies for waste water treatment. This company’s systems are being used across the nation and around the globe.
Todd Steinbach is co-owner and CEO of Aero-Mod Inc., the company which is designing and providing such water treatment systems. The company began as a project of K-State civil engineering professor Larry Schmid. In 1981, Professor Schmid and some partners founded a company to work on treatment systems for waste water. They designed and installed small treatment plants and worked on housing developments as well.
The company grew and changed through the years. After Larry Schmid, John McNellis served as president of the company. He worked with a contact in Algeria to build the business overseas. Todd Steinbach joined the business in 1994. He and partner Rob Mahan own the company today.
Aero-Mod specializes in cutting-edge waste water treatment systems. “There is oxygen demand when bacteria attack waste,” Todd said. “We are essentially treating water so that oxygen isn’t consumed.” This works kind of like an aerator in a household aquarium.
“We use naturally-occurring bacteria to make the water safe for consumption,” Todd said. These systems are built to remove nitrogen cost-effectively and produce superior effluent quality.
“We’re treating this waste water and putting it back into the rivers so that it is useable again,” Todd said. “Think of the health benefits of people having clean, unpolluted drinking water world-wide.”
Aero-Mod specializes in small- to mid-size municipal type systems. Many smaller towns used lagoon water treatment systems for years, but now are needing to upgrade. Aero-Mod systems provide that opportunity in a cost-effective way.
Aero-Mod has developed and installed municipal systems from California to Vermont, and as far away as Algeria, Costa Rica, and Chile. The company’s corporate clients include Ford Motors, General Motors, Kraft Foods, Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Intel Corporation, and more.
The company’s headquarters is located on the east side of Manhattan, Kansas. Aero-Mod staff design, build and market the equipment at the Aero-Mod facility.
“We have a great group of employees here,” Todd said. The company has grown to 45 employees.
“We need more engineers,” Todd said. “There are great opportunities in civil engineering. It is a very broad field. You can get into things such as water, like we’re doing here, or other environmental issues, structural design such as buildings, you can get into transportation, you can get into geotechnical things, construction materials, there’s lots of opportunities.”
Todd, a Wisconsin native, studied civil engineering at Iowa State before coming to Aero-Mod. His professor at Iowa State was a friend of Larry Schmid’s and helped make the connection with Todd and the company. “We knew nothing about Kansas,” Todd said.
Todd’s business partner Rob Mahan previously served as a consulting engineer himself. Rob comes from the rural community of Rossville, population 1,151 people. Now, that’s rural.
“For the consulting engineer (on these water projects), we can be an extension of their office,” Todd said. Such support has made a big difference as projects are bid, built, installed and maintained.
“We now offer a two-day school for water system operators,” Todd said. “Our customers know we’re there to support them.”
Demand is strong for high-quality, efficient waste water treatment systems across the nation. “We had a record year,” Todd said.
For more information about the company, see www.aeromod.com.
“Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” That old saying reminds us that we all need water but the water is no good to us if it isn’t clean and safe. We commend Todd Steinbach, Rob Mahan, John McNellis, Larry Schmid, and all those involved with Aero-Mod for making a difference by providing systems for treating water for our use. I wish those systems were in use everywhere.
TOPEKA — An employee with the Kansas Department of Transportation is no longer employed with the agency after using KDOT’s twitter account to respond to a tweet from President Trump critical of two Fox News television anchors.
Were @FoxNews weekend anchors, @ArthelNeville and @LelandVittert, trained by CNN prior to their ratings collapse? In any event, that’s where they should be working, along with their lowest rated anchor, Shepard Smith!
The KDOT Twitter account called the president a president a “delusional communist” and added “You know it’s communist countries that try to control media, right?”
Julie Lorenz, acting KDOT Secretary, also used twitter to confirm the employee was no longer working for KDOT.
Today an employee sent a tweet from @SCKansasKDOT. The tweet has been deleted as it does not reflect the views of KDOT or the Administration and was an unacceptable use of state communication tools. The person who sent the tweet is no longer an employee of KDOT.
JOPLIN, Mo. – Fort Hays State baseball fell short of their comeback bid against No. 19 ranked Missouri Southern on Sunday (March 17), 7-4, after stranding three runners in the bottom of the ninth frame. The Tigers dipped to 2-18 on the season and 2-10 in MIAA play, while the Lions moved to 18-6 overall and 10-2 in conference action.
For the first time in the series, neither team was able to plate a run in the first two innings of the contest as both pitchers combined to allow only three hits and nobody making it past second base.
Also for the first time this weekend, FHSU put up the first run on the scoreboard in the third frame as Dawson Sramek led off with a single up the middle. Landon Erway pushed Sramek to second with a sacrifice bunt attempt. Kyler Cox walked, and Taylan Mullins-Ohm reached first on a fielder’s choice, advancing Sramek to third. Cody Starkel then roped his first RBI single down the right field line, scoring Sramek for the 1-0 lead early in the contest.
Tiger starter Ethan Booe gave up a timely 3 RBI double to left center in the next inning, giving the Lions the 3-1 advantage. However, FHSU was able to get a run back in the home half as Sramek line an RBI single to center, scoring Marcus McDaniel. FHSU trailed 3-2 after four frames. Both pitching staffs shut down any offensive production in the fifth frame before MSSU added a run in the sixth on a solo shot to left field, edging the Tigers 4-2 after six innings of play.
FHSU attempted to utilize a MSSU error in the home half of the sixth to their advantage but couldn’t capitalize as they stranded two men on base.
The Lions earned two more runs in the seventh off Tiger relievers Cole Zimmerman and Jake Steinbring. Steinbring then settled down in the eight inning picking up a strikeout and two ground outs to go to the ninth frame, trailing MSSU 6-2.
Steinbring was chased in the ninth after allowing the bases to become juiced. Tanner Smith came on the mound next for the Tigers, limiting the damage to just one run after hitting a batter for a bases loaded RBI.
The Tigers gave everything they could in the final stretch of the game as Jared Haynes earned a pinch-hit walk to begin the inning. Sramek then reached on a fielder’s choice. Landon Erway then single the very next batter, putting runners on first and second. A wild pitch allowed both Erway and Sramek to advance one base. Marcus Altman pinch hit and earned an RBI groundout to third base, scoring Sramek. Taylan Mullins-Ohm walked, then Cody Starkel provided an RBI single through the left side, plating Erway. The Tigers were able to load the bases but were unsuccessful in taking advantage as they stranded all three on base, ending the contest.
Tiger starter Ethan Booe allowed four runs on five hits in six innings of work, striking out five batters on the afternoon. Zimmerman allowed two runs on two hits in 0.1 innings of relief, before Steinbring allowed one run on three hits in 2.0 innings out of the bullpen. Tanner Smith pitched 0.2 of an inning in the ninth, shutting the Lions down in the process, with one strikeout.
FHSU will be back in action next weekend as they take on Northeastern State on the road in Tahlequah for a true road series (March 22-24). First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 2 p.m. from Thomas C. Rousey field.
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas street gang member with a prior felony conviction for robbery was sentenced to 17 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Freeeman is being held in Harvey County
Adonis W. Freeman, also known as Ad Koli, 32, Wichita, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Freeman, a documented member of the Bloods, admitted in his plea that he had a Glock Model 27 handgun on the floor next to him when agents served a search warrant at his residence.
Evidence in support of the search warrant included a video on social media in which Freeman was seen with a gun sticking out of his pocket.
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball had a good start to MIAA play on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 17) with a pair of wins over Missouri Southern at Tiger Stadium. FHSU took game one 8-4 and then secured the doubleheader sweep with an 8-2 win in the second contest. FHSU moved to 9-8 overall, 2-0 in the MIAA, while MSSU went to 8-9 overall, 1-3 in the MIAA.
Game 1: Fort Hays State 8, Missouri Southern 4
The Tigers put game one away early with a pair of runs in the first and four in the second to build a 6-0 lead through two innings. Sara Breckbill picked up two RBI on her double down the right field line in the first, knocking in Terran Caldwell and Katie Adler. In the second, Grace Philop knocked in a pair of runs on a single with the bases loaded. Breckbill loaded the bases again with a single, then Bailey Boxberger and Allison Jurgensen picked up one RBI each by drawing walks to force runs across.
Missouri Southern plated single runs in the third and fifth with RBI singles, but FHSU extended its lead back to six runs in the sixth with a sacrifice fly RBI by Boxberger and an RBI single by Jurgensen. Missouri Southern had a pair of unearned runs cross the plate in the seventh, benefitting from a Tiger error to open the inning, but it was too little, too late.
Michaelanne Nelson picked up the win for FHSU by going 4.0 innings in the circle, moving to 3-4 on the season. She allowed four hits and a walk, while striking out four. Megan Jamison logged two innings and allowed three runs (one earned) before turning the ball over to Hailey Chapman for the final three outs.
Game 2: Fort Hays State 8, Missouri Southern 2
The second game was very similar to the first in the pattern of runs scored. FHSU scored the first six runs of the game before MSSU countered with two, and then FHSU pushed the lead back to six with a pair of runs late.
The Tigers scored four in the first inning, thanks to a two-RBI double by Bailey Boxberger and then a two-run homer by Elise Capra. It was the third home run of the season for Capra, a laser shot over the left field wall.
In the fourth, Terran Caldwell picked up an RBI by drawing a bases-loaded walk. Katie Adler followed with an infield RBI single by deflected off a diving shortstop’s glove.
A two-run double was all Missouri Southern could counter with against Hailey Chapman, who threw well in a complete-game effort. Chapman allowed only three hits and struck out eight, moving to 5-4 on the season.
FHSU pushed the lead back to six in the sixth when Lily Sale had an RBI triple and Terran Caldwell knocked her in on a ground out.
Tiger Notes
-Elise Capra was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate in Game 2.
-Bailey Boxberger led the Tigers in RBIs for the day with 4.
-At least six Tiger batters had two RBIs on the day.
-The Tiger pitching staff produced a solid 1.00 WHIP in the doubleheader.
-Hailey Chapman threw her fourth complete game of the season.
Up Next
Fort Hays State hosts Pittsburg State in another MIAA doubleheader on Monday (Mar. 18). Start time is 12 pm at Tiger Stadium in Hays.
BECKHAM COUNTY (AP) — A woman was arrested after authorities say she used a T-shirt gun to launch drugs, cellphones and other contraband over a prison fence.
Hickman- photo Beckham Co. Sheriff
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections says the incident prompted a lockdown at the North Fork Correctional Unit in Sayre, about 120 miles west of Oklahoma City.
The agency says authorities arrested Kerri Jo Hickman after discovering the T-shirt gun and another package in her vehicle.
The container that was launched contained cellphones, ear buds, phone chargers, methamphetamine, digital scales, marijuana and tobacco.
Hickman remained jailed Friday in Beckham County on complaints of introducing contraband into a penal institution, conspiracy and drug trafficking. Jail records don’t list an attorney who could speak on her behalf.
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have released details on a suspect vehicle.
Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV
Just before 9p.m. Saturday, police responded to the report of a shooting in the 1100 block of SW Hillsdale Street in Topeka, according to Lt. John Trimble.
Officers found a victim identified as 25-year-old Robert McKinsey James, unresponsive in the yard suffering what appeared to be several gunshot wounds.
Officers were able to secure the scene and first responders performed first aid on McKinsey. He was transported to an area hospital where he died, according to Trimble.
The suspect vehicle is described as an older, boxy, dark colored SUV that was seen fleeing from the area shortly after the shooting. The SUV had several occupants, according to Trimble.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police.
Beginning Monday, the reconstruction of 43rd Street south of Walmart will begin in Hays.
43rd Street will be closed west of Roth Avenue for demolition.
Areas of 43rd Street east of Roth Avenue will be accomplished under subsequent phases of construction that allow for continued access to local businesses.
This construction is expected to last approximately 3 months (pending weather conditions).
Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. Motorists should use caution in these areas.
The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 or the contractor, Vogts-Parga Construction, at 316-217-1961.
ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan.(AP) — Residents in parts of southwestern Iowa were forced out of their homes Sunday as a torrent of Missouri River water flowed over and through levees.
Heavy rainfall and snowmelt forced river levels across several Midwestern states to dangerous levels. At least two deaths were blamed on flooding, and two other men have been missing for days. While river levels on Sunday were starting to level off in Nebraska, other residents in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri were bracing for worse flooding to come.
The Missouri River reached 30.2 feet (9.2 meters) Sunday in Fremont County, Iowa, in the state’s far southwestern corner, 2 feet (0.6 meter) above the record set in 2011. People in the towns of Bartlett and Thurman were being evacuated as levees were breached and overtopped.
County Emergency Management Director Mike Crecelius said it wasn’t just the amount of the water, it was the swiftness of the current that created a danger.
“This wasn’t a gradual rise,” Crecelius said. “It’s flowing fast and it’s open country — there’s nothing there to slow it down.”
Thurman has about 200 residents. About 50 people live in Bartlett.
Lucinda Parker of Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management said nearly 2,000 people have been evacuated at eight Iowa locations since flooding began late last week. Most were staying with friends or family. Seven shelters set up for flood victims held just a couple dozen people Saturday night.
Hundreds of people remained out of their homes in Nebraska, but rivers there were starting to recede. The National Weather Service said the Elkhorn River remained at major flood stage but was dropping. It was expected to dip back below flood stage by Tuesday. U.S. 30 reopened near Arlington on Saturday.
The flooding is blamed on at least two deaths. Aleido Rojas Galan, 52, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was swept away in floodwaters Friday night in southwestern Iowa, when the vehicle he was in went around a barricade. Two others in the vehicle survived — one by clining to a tree. On Thursday, James Wilke, 50, of Columbus, Nebraska, died when a bridge collapsed as he used a tractor to try and reach stranded motorists.
Two men remain missing. A Norfolk man was seen on top of his flooded car late Thursday before being swept away. Water also swept away a man after a dam collapse.
In St. Joseph, Missouri, home to 76,000 people, volunteers were helping to fill sandbags to help secure a levee protecting an industrial area. Calls were out for even more volunteers in hopes of filling 150,000 sandbags by Tuesday, when the Missouri River is expected to climb to 27 feet — 10 feet above technical flood stage.
The rising Mississippi River also was creating concern. The Mississippi was already at major flood level along the Iowa-Illinois border, closing roads and highways and swamping thousands of acres of farmland. Moderate Mississippi River flooding was expected at several Missouri cities, including St. Louis.
Flooding has also been reported in Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
