We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Month: September 2019

Harold Scott Beims

Posted on

Harold Scott Beims, 80, of Atwood, died Friday morning, August 30, 2019 in Colby, KS.

He was born on May 25, 1939 to Harold “Pete” and Genevieve (Scott) Beims. Scott grew up on his family farm where he gained a strong work ethic. As a youngster, he enjoyed fishing at Crystal Springs, playing baseball, and getting into trouble with his brothers. He graduated from Atwood Community High School in 1957. Following high school, he attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a degree in Education in 1962, and served one year in the Navy. He taught math in Denver for one year, then moved back home to teach in Atwood. He met Donna Harter, a young teacher in Colby, on a blind date and they were married shortly after on May 29, 1964. Scott then decided to attend law school at Washburn University, where he then graduated in 1968 with honors, finishing 2nd in his class. He returned to Atwood once again to practice law, following in the footsteps of his grandpa Charley Scott and great-grandfather Dempster Scott. In 1970, he joined the firm Lewis, Lewis, and Beims with his best friend Bob Lewis, Jr. and his father Bob Lewis, Sr. Scott thoroughly loved practicing law and served his clients with honesty and dedication.

He and Donna were proud parents and he always enjoyed attending all of his children’s events: football, cross country, musical events, and wrestling matches. No matter what, he was always there cheering them on. Scott placed a high value on the many traditions he shared with his family.

Scott’s love for the community of Atwood was evident in the countless committees and boards he served on throughout his life. He dedicated his life to the public and community where he lived. Scott served the public as Rawlins County Attorney for over 25 years, Atwood School Board for nearly 40 years, Atwood City Attorney, Rawlins County Hospital Attorney, Atwood City Council, and an original trustee of the F.D. Obert Trust. He served his community as a member of Rotary for over 50 years, Kansas Bar Association, Masonic Lodge, United Methodist Church, Atwood Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scout leader, and little league baseball coach.

In his spare time he enjoyed attending various high school and community events, following KU sports, farming, hunting, and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna, his parents, infant sister Cheryl, and in-laws Peach Beims, Carl and Kay Harter, and Jim Harter.

Scott is survived by his children, Bobi Jo and Juan Robles of Atwood, and Mitch and Carrie Beims of Wichita; 2 grandchildren, Braden and Berkley, and 3 step-grandchildren, Tanner, Mia, and Paige all of Wichita; siblings, Ron Beims of Herndon, Terry (Joyce) of Little River, and Sherry Beims of Atwood, brothers-in-law Eugene (Sally) Harter, Don (Val) Harter, and Jerry (Barb) Harter, sisters-in-law Rosie Hespenhide, Jane Anne (Rich) Farris, Dorine Harter and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be 5 -7:00 pm on Monday, Sept. 2, 2019 at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, Sept. 3rd at the United Methodist Church in Atwood. Memorials are suggested to RCHS Athletics, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com.

Donald Jay Hughes

Posted on

Donald Jay Hughes, 82, went to be with the Lord on August 29, 2019 at Citizens Medical Center surrounded by friends, family and his pastor. He was born on November 14, 1936 in Rexford, Kansas, the son of the late Martin and Joye Hughes. He was the younger of two brothers. He married Ruth Ann Price on April 22, 1967.

He started his banking career at Rexford State Bank in 1964. Three years later he began a 24 year career at Thomas County National Bank. He also served his customers and community at Sunflower Bank, First National Bank and The Bank in Colby, Kansas. Some of his endeavors before the world of banking included: grocery clerk; washing dishes in his parents’ café, owning and operating a pool hall, grain elevator manager, volunteer firefighter and school bus driver. From these experiences, he earned a B.S. degree in Life. When he could (or when Ruthie let him), he lent a hand to his customers, stranded highway drivers and young college students.

He served nine years as Treasurer for the Colby School District. He served on the Colby-Thomas County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission Board, the Colby Community College Endowment Association Board of Trustees, and the Board of Stewardship and other volunteer positions at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

He was survived by his wife, Ruth; his son, daughter in law and two grandchildren, Brendan and Roberta Hughes, and Gabriel and Sofia; his daughter, son in law, two grandchildren and six great grandsons, Tina and David Livingstone, and Lindsey and Elena; and his youngest daughter, son in law and three grandchildren, Amber and Lee Roy Danford, and Aleeya Joi, Jaxon and Jayden. He was preceded by his brother, Dean Hughes.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 3, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby. Inurnment will follow at Beulah Cemetery. Family requests in lieu of flowers to make donations to the Northwest Kansas Foundation for Hope, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com

Magdalena Zerr

Posted on

Magdalena Zerr, age 93, of Grainfield, passed away Friday, August 30th, 2019, at Via Christi Village, Hays.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Grainfield. Burial will be in the Grainfield Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with parish vigil service immediately following at 8:00 p.m., all at the St. Agnes Religious Education Center, Grainfield.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Agnes Catholic Church, Via Christi Village, or the American Heart Association. Contributions made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

A complete obituary is pending with Schmitt Funeral Home.

Rex Kerbaugh

Posted on

Rex Kerbaugh, 82, of Hill City, Kansas passed away at the Graham County Hospital August 29, 2019, surrounded by his beloved family. Rex was born December 23, 1936 in Loveland, Colorado, to Wallace and Lena (Kaufman) Kerbaugh. When he was a child his parents moved with their five children to Kansas. Rex attended grade and high school in Morland. Throughout his life he maintained friendships with his Morland acquaintances.

He served in the United States Army from 1956-1958, including an overseas tour of duty in Germany. Shortly after returning home he met Delores Geist. They were married in Wakeeney, January 30, 1960. Children quickly followed and by 1969 he was the proud father of six. At one point Rex and Delores had four children aged three and under! Rex was looking forward to celebrating 60 years of marriage this winter.

Rex was a lineman for Hill City before going to work for Midwest Energy. He held a variety of positions while serving 23 years with the power company. After the Hill City Power Plant closed, Rex relocated to the Tecumseh plant, where he worked for six years before retiring in 1999.

While raising their children Rex and Delores lived on a farm south of Hill City. This allowed for plenty of fun while gardening and caring for animals, which was always a family affair. This atmosphere helped instill hard work and responsibility in his children. Weekend getaways and vacations always included camping and plenty of outdoor activities. Rex often told stories of a family trip to Colorado to see his brother with the whole family packed in his 1957 Chevy. As a skilled woodworker Rex even built a horse drawn buggy to participate in trail rides. He participated in many rides and of course made this a family event. In 1991 Rex and Delores moved into town after their kids were grown.

Rex was also an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and activities supporting these sports which included scouting hunting locations and raising hunting dogs. He particularly enjoyed hunting when he was able to do it with his sons and passed on his love of the outdoors to them. After Rex got his kids hooked on archery they often bow hunted together. When Rex struggled with long walks scaring up pheasants, he took up trapping. Rex trapped raccoons and coyotes all over Graham County but was especially proud when he trapped the most challenging game, bobcats.

Rex was always ready to help others, perhaps best demonstrated by his regular blood mobile contributions. He was pleased to be recognized for donating more than 11 gallons. Rex was also very proud of his army service. Anyone driving by his Hill City home can see the Stars and Stripes flying high, showing his patriotism and great love for our country.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Bernard; two infant great-grandsons; and one brother, Wayne of Golden, Colorado. He is survived by his wife Delores of the home; five children: Kathy (Ross) VanPelt of Salina; Kenneth (Geralynn) of Tonganoxie; Karen (Tim) Pfeifer of Shawnee; James (Anita) of Hill City; and Tracey (Tony) Herman of rural Hill City; daughter-in-law Bonnie Kerbaugh of Elk City, Oklahoma; 15 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; three sisters: Berneta Bell of Hill City; Leona Bell of Morland; and Jean Nickelson of Wakeeney; and two granddogs. Rex’s love for family, his quiet gentleness, and his deep faith in God will be the things we remember and cherish.

Click HERE for service details.

Five-show theater festival in northwest Kansas shines spotlight on area talent

Posted on

By JESSICA HEFLIN
MSAC Intern

HOXIE – The Main Street Arts Council (MSAC) completed the last round of performances in the 2019 Main Street Summer Theater Festival on July 21. The festival, which featured five shows in five towns, began with rehearsals all throughout June and culminated in nine performances the first three weekends in July.

Approximately 160 area youth between the ages of 5 and 18 from all over northwestern rural Kansas participated in the festival, performing for family and friends throughout the region. Towns and shows in this year’s festival included Goodland: Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland JR”; Quinter: Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka KIDS”; Hoxie: DreamWorks’ “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR”; Colby: Disney’s “Cinderella KIDS” and Atwood: Disney’s “The Lion King JR.”

The 2019 shows were made possible in part thanks to the generosity of Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Fund Grants received from the Sherman County Community Foundation, Thomas County Community Foundation, Gove County Community Foundation, Sheridan County Community Foundation, and the ACE Foundation/Rawlins County Community Foundation, respectively. All foundations are affiliates of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, Bird City.

Grant support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, directly, aided with staff fees for festival directors, choreographers and student director interns. A grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission and National Endowment for the Arts also assisted with staff fees.

Participation in the festival was free to all cast members thanks to the generosity of these grant funders, members of the MSAC and from ticket sales. Without the help of the community, this would not have been possible for the youth to experience. Culture and creativity are important in a child’s life, and the MSAC sincerely thanks all who contributed to helping make the theater festival possible and a success.

Along with the summer theater festival, the arts council sponsors various programs for the community to participate in and learn about different aspects of culture and expressions of art and music. These include adult theater production(s), community choir, art classes, and the annual Main Street Art Walk in downtown Hoxie.

All MSAC programming is made possible through the financial support of paid members, donations, and grants. To support MSAC in its endeavor to promote the arts, encourage creativity, serve the Arts community, and act as an advocate for the Arts, consider paid membership. Varying levels are available for both individuals and businesses, each offering a multitude of benefits and advertising premiums in acknowledgment of support.

Visit www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/join-us to join today or contact Executive Director Karl Pratt at [email protected] for more information.

Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka KIDS” in Quinter (Photos by Amanda Richards, Bow Creek Photography)

 

Disney’s “Cinderella KIDS” in Colby

 

DreamWorks’ “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR performance in Hoxie

Update: Police catch Kansas felon wanted for fatal stabbing

Posted on

TOPEKA, Kan. –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and after asking the public for help to locate a suspect have made an arrest.

Andrew Evans photo Topeka Police

Just after 8p.m. Sunday, police responded to 1213 SE 33rd Street in Topeka on a report of a stabbing., according to Lt. Manual Munoz.

Officers located 41-year-old Raymond Lee Smith suffering from life-threatening injuries at the scene. Medical personnel arrived and pronounced Smith deceased.

Information gathered has led investigators to issue an attempt to locate for Andrew Timothy Evans, 40 of Topeka.

Evans was being sought as a person of interest and was last seen leaving the area on foot. On Monday evening, police reported they had located Evans and taken him into custody. After questioning, he was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of first-degree murder, according to Lt. John Trimble. 

Evans has two previous burglary convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He had been out of prison since November 2017.

 —————–

TOPEKA, Kan. –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and asking for help to locate a suspect.

Just after 8p.m. Sunday, police responded to 1213 SE 33rd Street in Topeka on a report of a stabbing., according to Lt. Manual Munoz.

Officers located 41-year-old Raymond Lee Smith suffering from life-threatening injuries at the scene. Medical personnel arrived and pronounced Smith deceased.

Information gathered has led investigators to issue an attempt to locate for Andrew Timothy Evans, 40 of Topeka.

Evans is being sought as a person of interest and was last seen leaving the area on foot. Munoz advised the public not to approach Evans and notify law enforcement immediately.

Evans has two previous burglary convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He had been out of prison since November 2017.

 

HaysMed CHI offers kids activities on school early release days

Posted on

The Center for Health Improvement at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is offering special kids activities for the school’s early release days.

The Center is partnering with USD 489 to assist parents with an alternative activity program on the days when school releases early. Those dates are September 11, October 9, November 13, February 12, March 11 and April 8. The classes are from 1:30 p.m. to 5:35 p.m. The program provides a variety of group activities and keeps kids moving and having fun.

Early Release Days are designed for children ages 6 – 11 and will be held at The Center for Health Improvement Gymnasium at 2500 Canterbury Drive in Hays. Transportation is provided by USD 489 from the child’s respective school to the The Center upon request.

The fee is $12 for each day a child attends and includes a healthy snack. The registration is due by Monday before each early release activity day. To register go to https://haysmed.clubautomation.com or call 623-5900. Registration is limited to 25 children.

LETTER: Walk to bring light to suicide prevention

Posted on

Kansans are dying by suicide at increasing rates. 477 people died by suicide in 2015. 512 in 2016. 544 in 2017. Suicide is now the eighth leading cause of death in Kansas, up from 10th, and is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24 and those aged 25-44.

Luckily, suicide is preventable. The cause of suicide is complex, but there are warning signs that can help you know that help is needed. Warning signs sound like talking about feeling stuck, being a burden on others, or having no purpose. Warning signs look like increased alcohol and drug use, isolation, giving away cherished items, and visiting others to say goodbye.

If you notice warning signs, have an honest conversation with them. Talk to them in private and listen to their story. Share your concern for them and ask directly if they have thought about suicide. A common misunderstanding is that talking about suicide will encourage someone who was not considering it.

In fact, many people have been saved because someone took the time to ask directly. Encourage them to seek treatment from a mental health provider or to talk with their doctor. Avoid debating with them or minimizing their problems. If they say that they are considering suicide, take them seriously and stay with them. Remove items that may cause harm and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). You can also get help by texting TALK to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor any time of day. The most important thing is letting them know that they are not alone.

If you are noticing the warning signs in yourself, reach out to a trusted person who can help you. Mental health needs are not a sign of weakness or an indication of your worth as a human being. Mental health needs are as important as other health needs, and sometimes we need others to support us when we may not be able to help ourselves.

We can prevent suicide by teaching about the resources available and by breaking the stigma that surrounds mental illness. The Hays Area Out of the Darkness Walk on Sept. 14 will do both. The Hays Area Walk will share information about warning signs and ways to support others, while also bringing the conversation into the light and letting people know that talking about suicide is the only way to reduce suicide.

Registration will start at 1 p.m. in Municipal Park and the walk will start at 2 p.m. If you are interested in walking, volunteering or donating, go to www.afsp.org/Hays.

I walk to shine a light on a topic that is often misunderstood. I walk to show others that mental health is health. I walk because of my own history of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. In adolescence, I battled depression accompanied by non-suicidal self-injury. As an adult, my battle has continued. Only when I was willing to seek help from a mental health professional was I able to regain control. I hope my efforts will help others get the help they need. Sign up today and join me to reduce the impact of suicide in our communities.

Kyle Carlin, Hays

FHSU earns 10 national top-10 rankings in July and August

Posted on

FHSU University Relations

Degree programs offered by Fort Hays State University through its FHSU Virtual College received 10 top-10 recognitions, including a No. 1 and six top-five ratings in July and August. They were recognized for being among the best and most affordable programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities.

The top-10 selections:

OnlineColleges.com
No. 1, Best Online Universities in Kansas for 2019-20
Fort Hays State claimed OnlineColleges.com’s, www.onlinecolleges.com, top spot for its study of the best online colleges in Kansas for 2019-20. The study covered affordability, financial aid resources, ratio of on-campus to online students, and number of online programs offered.

FHSU’s Virtual College prides itself in having tuition rates ranked among the lowest in the United States and the lowest rates of any four-year college in Kansas. The university awards and delivers more than $59 million in financial assistance. With nearly 200 online degree and certificate programs, Fort Hays State boasts a distance education participation of 81 percent, according to OnlineColleges.com.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2AQbY8X.

College Consensus
No. 3, Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degree Programs 2019
College Consensus, www.collegeconsensus.com, awarded FHSU’s W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship a top-five spot for its Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. The degree, said College Consensus, will prepare students for a multitude of high-demand positions.

The study was conducted based on affordability, convenience, and reputation, with each weighted at 33 percent. Fort Hays State was chosen as the No. 3 program out of almost 300 programs.

To see this this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2TFig39.

Top Education Degrees
No. 3, Top 20 Online Nursing Education Master’s Degrees 2019
Fort Hays State’s Master of Science in nursing education degree ranked No. 3 on Top Education Degrees’ list. Top Education Degrees, www.topeducationdegrees.org, based its rankings on four criteria: ranking from US News Online Nursing Ed Master’s, student-to-faculty ratio, cost per credit hour, and accreditation.

FHSU’s program is completely online and is geared toward working RNs who want a career in nursing education. The department offers rolling classes each semester, meaning students can take courses at their leisure. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

To see this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2NCO1ZI.

SuccessfulStudent.org
No. 3, Best Online Master’s Degrees in Human Performance
The Master of Science in health and human performance at FHSU ranked as the No. 3 program on Successful Student’s list. The program is accredited by the North Central Association for Colleges and Schools and offers a wide array of core classes to prepare students for a comprehensive exam prior to graduation.

Successful Student’s, successfulstudent.org, guidelines covered quality of the program, types of courses available, quality of faculty involved, awards, reputation, and the online education process.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2KIxXnt.

TheBestSchools.org
No. 5, The Best Online Bachelor’s in Network Administration Programs
The Best Schools ranked two FHSU programs, the Bachelor of Art and the Bachelor of Science in information networking and telecommunications with a concentration in computer networking and telecommunications at No. 5 in their latest rankings. The program gives students the opportunity to earn their degrees while also earning credit towards industry specific certifications needed for the workforce. With small class sizes and laboratory equipment supported by leading companies like Cisco and Oracle, students are able to advance their skills in a great environment.

The Best Schools, thebestschools.org, chose programs based on the quality of the program, the variety of courses offered, faculty, ranking, awards, and reputation. FHSU’s accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges was also mentioned in the ranking.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2HWvoOV.

Affordable Schools
No. 5, 35 Top Value Affordable Accounting Degree Online Programs (Bachelor’s) 2019
The same accounting program recognized by College Consensus also landed FHSU a top-five spot on the first of many lists from Affordable Schools, affordableschools.net. Average cost of attendance and student to faculty ratio were major factors in this study.

Fort Hays State’s program consists of a 124-hour program giving students the skills necessary for entry-level accountants upon graduation, The FHSU website says that students will be able to “clearly communicate accounting problems and solutions, and be exposed to computer applications as they relate to the accounting functions.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/32h1OKj.

No. 5, 20 Best Affordable Colleges for RN-BSN Online 2019
FHSU’s online RN to BSN program is came in at No. 5 on another list by Affordable Schools. The criteria were average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratio, ranking from U.S. News & World Report: Best Online Bachelor’s Program, and graduation rate.

Fort Hays State’s RN to BSN program can be completed in just three semesters. Incoming students have the option to enter the program at any semester: fall, spring, or summer. FHSU’s small class sizes help students interact with their professors easier, allowing for quicker learning and understanding of the concepts being taught.

To see this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/30pbUHc.

No. 6, 35 Top Value Marketing Online Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2019
The Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing at FHSU came in at No. 6 on another Affordable Schools list. According to Affordable Schools, the ranking began with a search for marketing programs through the National Center for Education Statistics, finding 120 colleges and universities. After individual reviews of each program, the top 35 programs were selected.

Fort Hays State’s program can be completed completely on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format (on-campus and online). Students can choose one of two concentrations, business development and sales or digital marketing, as well as the general marketing option.

To see this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/323DfiY.

No. 7, 35 Top Value Psychology Degree Online (Bachelor’s) 2019
Affordable Schools gave two bachelor psychology degree programs a No. 7 ranking. The ranking chose both the online Bachelor of Arts and the online Bachelor of Science in psychology as top-10 programs.

According to Affordable Schools, the programs listed are considered “top value” programs because of their flexibility for both first time students and transfer students. The ranking considered each program’s cost of attendance and student-to-faculty ratio when selecting the top programs.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2ZuxdKM.

No. 7, 35 Top Value Communication and PR Online Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2019
The Bachelor of Science in business education with a concentration in corporate communication at FHSU ranked No. 7 by Affordable Schools. The criteria for the ranking was based on cost of attendance and student-to-faculty ratio.

Affordable Schools mentions the low cost of the degree intended for working adults who need flexibility in order to complete their education. The program is offered completely online and does not require certain residency for participation.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/345Wryo.

Affordable Schools also ranked Fort Hays State among the best in the nation in two other categories:

No. 14, 35 Top Value Business Administration Online Degree Programs 2019
The Bachelor of Business Administration in management at Fort Hays State was ranked No. 16 by Affordable Schools. The program made FHSU the lone college in Kansas to make the list.

Affordable Schools’ ranking process began with an initial list of over 500 programs that was carefully reviewed and narrowed down to the top-35. Student-to-faculty ratio and tuition were the greatest factors when choosing the top programs, Affordable Schools states.

To see this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2XVwVMa.

No. 15, 35 Top Value Criminal Justice Studies Online Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2019
Affordable Schools’ final list ranked two programs at Fort Hays State at No. 15: the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.

The program offers four concentrations to choose from: law enforcement, corrections, law and the courts, or an individualized plan. Students can also pursue additional options including a minor in criminal justice or a choice from five certificates, all of which are offered completely online. The FHSU criminal justice webpage notes that it accepts prior credit, and the Department of Criminal Justice assists students in job placement after graduation.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2LcN6MQ.

OnlineColleges.com
No. 16, 20 Best Online Colleges for Adults Going Back to School in 2019-20
OnlineColleges.com says that according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 7.6 million of the 19.9 million college students enrolled in 2018 were aged 25 or older. Many adults go back to school to either begin or complete an unfinished degree. OnlineColleges.com ranked Fort Hays State as the No. 16 college in the nation for adults going back to school this year.

According to OnlineColleges.com, www.onlinecolleges.com, FHSU is a good place for adult students because of its 95-percent job placement rate, and its 100-percent pass rate on specific licensure exams for nursing and education. Online students can follow the standard 16-week semester schedule while squeezing in eight-week courses for quicker completion.

To see this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Qvb5ZC.

About the FHSU Virtual College
Education at distance from Fort Hays State began in 1911 when faculty voted to offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to gain the continuing education required to teach. The distance education department created then evolved continuously with changing technology and culture until, in 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College.

McPherson hospital, college announce rural health initiative

Posted on

MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — McPherson College and McPherson Hospital are partners in a new health initiative to improve rural health care.

McPherson College President Michael Schneider during last week’s announcement-photo courtesy McPherson College

The two organizations announced last week that they will combine academic programs and community outreach.

As part of the project, McPherson College will offer a new health science degree beginning in the fall of 2020.

Health science students will gain hands-on training with internships, field experiences and observation at McPherson Hospital.

McPherson Hospital CEO Terri Gehring says one goal of the project is to persuade some of the health science students to stay and work in McPherson after graduation. She says the hospital competes with several nearby organizations to recruit and retain employees.

A survey of all health-related opportunities for students in central Kansas is planned as part of the initiative.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File