The Hays Youth Orchestra’s fall season will start up at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, in Fort Hays State University’s Malloy Hall for an orientation meeting.
All students between sixth and eighth grade who play the violin, viola, cello or bass are welcome to attend.
Younger students are also welcome to participate with the approval of the director. Older students are invited to participate as assistants and mentors.
Shawn Demuth will serve as this year’s conductor. He is a graduate of the FHSU Department of Music. He plays the violin and piano, composes music and teaches music at USD 388 in Ellis.
“We’re looking at doing fun but challenging music,” said Demuth. “My goal is to bring young musicians together to help build relationships and to increase their passion for music.”
Rehearsals are on Saturday mornings starting in September, with performances scheduled for December and May.
Students interested in playing are should contact Demuth at [email protected] for an application form or additional details.
The Hays Youth Orchestra Program is supported in part by the Hays Symphony Guild, which believes that nurturing the joy of musical performance in today’s youth is critical to developing strong and skilled performers for tomorrow.
LAWRENCE — Climate change is a problem facing countries around the world, but media coverage of the topic differs from one nation to the next. A new study from the University of Kansas shows the way media frame climate change coverage can be predicted by several national factors, yet none tend to frame it as an immediate problem requiring national policies to address the issue.
While richer countries tend to frame climate change coverage as a political issue, poorer countries more often frame it as an international issue that the world at large needs to address.
Hong Vu, KU School of Journalism and Mass Communication
“Media can tell people what to think about. At the same time, framing can have an effect on how people think about certain issues,” said Hong Vu, assistant professor of journalism at KU and the study’s lead author. “Not only can framing have an impact on how an issue is perceived but on whether and how policy is made on the issue. With big data, machine-learning techniques, we were able to analyze a large amount of media climate change coverage from 45 countries and territories from 2011 to 2015.”
Vu and co-authors Yuchen Liu, graduate student at KU; and Duc Vinh Tran of Hanoi University of Science and Technology published their findings in the journal Global Environmental Change. They analyzed over 37,000 articles and considered national factors such as economic development, weather and energy consumption. They reviewed headlines from nationally circulated publications of varying political ideologies that contained the keywords “greenhouse gas,” “climate change” and/or “global warming,” or the local language equivalent.
The most consistent predictor of how the issue was framed was a nation’s gross domestic product per capita.
“We showed that the issue is more politicized in richer countries. In poorer countries, it was framed more as an international issue,” Vu said. “Which makes sense, as poorer countries don’t have the resources that richer countries do to fight it.”
Even when richer countries framed the issue as one they could address with their more plentiful resources, it was often also framed as a political issue and would focus on debate or argument about political approaches as opposed to proposing policy solutions. Media from richer countries also focused more on the science of climate change.
When climate change was framed as an economic issue, it was in countries that had the most severe climates and those that have experienced the most adverse consequences of climate change and natural disasters, loss of life and property, and economic effects.
In terms of social progress framing, richer countries framed the issue in terms of energy policy and use. Those that emit the most carbon dioxide framed content in terms of energy issues, while poorer countries and those that had experienced the most severe climates focused more on natural impact.
The study also used independent nation-level variables from several databases, including the World Bank, the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, the Global Carbon Atlas Project and Freedom House, all nongovernment organizations working in development or on climate change.
The authors argue that the international relations frame being the most widely used reflects the fact that climate change is a problem every nation needs to address. Economic effects being second most popular reflects that fighting climate change will have impacts on every economy and that when natural disasters and climate change were discussed, they were nearly always brought forth in an economic sense. They also contend that richer countries framing the issue as political reflects that climate change skeptics in those nations gaining more media prominence and the efforts of multiple groups trying to politicize the issue, influence media agendas and policymaking.
The study helps add to the understanding of media influence on climate change coverage, Vu said. Future work will address questions of framing the topic, if it’s done on local, national or global levels, if communicators suggest solutions, if such solutions are attributed to individuals, businesses or governments and efficacy of proposed solutions. Three decades of communications on the topic show there is not a sense of immediacy in covering the problem and influencing policy.
“As communications researchers we want to know why, if climate change entered public discussion more than 30 years ago and we’ve been covering it as a global problem since, why can’t we slow the warming climate down,” Vu said. “If we want the public to have better awareness of climate change, we need to have media imparting it in an immediate sense. By looking at how they have portrayed it, we can better understand how to improve it, and hopefully make it a priority that is reflected in policy.”
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has announced Kansas Department of Administration Secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace will be the new Chief Information Technology Officer for the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services (OITS). The appointment is effective immediately, with the OITS duties done in addition to her work leading the Kansas Department of Administration.
“Secretary Burns-Wallace has the leadership skills and executive experience necessary for a successful Chief Information Technology Officer to possess,” Governor Kelly said. “Our state’s computer systems are vulnerable to both domestic and international security threats. Secretary Burns-Wallace understands these threats and will ensure that our state’s infrastructure is prepared to handle them and keep Kansans’ information secure.”
Prior to joining the Kelly administration earlier this year, Burns-Wallace served as vice provost of undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas. Previously, Burns-Wallace was assistant vice provost for undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Stanford University, a master’s degree in public policy and international affairs from Princeton University and a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.
“I’m honored to be selected by Governor Kelly to serve in this important role,” Secretary Burns-Wallace said. “I believe in public service and I look forward to working with Governor Kelly, the Legislature and the OITS and Department of Administration teams to serve the people of Kansas. We must ensure that the state has the IT systems in place to conduct its daily business and maintain the safety and security of our data in today’s ever-changing and interconnected world.”
OITS was created under Governor Sam Brownback. Previously, OITS was known as the Division of Information Systems and Communication (DISC) and was a division of the Kansas Department of Administration. OITS is an independent agency, but the two agencies still maintain close operational relationships in several areas because the transition was never completed.
“The relationship OITS has had with the rest of state government has been challenging, and communication between the agency and its customers has been difficult. This was not the fault of the agency’s previous leadership. It is, however, a direct result of the fact that the previous administration split OITS from the Department of Administration and then failed to properly support the move, convey its mission and get buy-in from the rest of state government,” Kelly said.
Burns-Wallace replaces Lee Allen, who has decided to leave the agency.
“I appreciate the work Lee has done for OITS, and thank him for his service to the State of Kansas,” Governor Kelly said.
With a little more than two weeks to go before the start of the 2019 season the TMP-Marian volleyball team took part in a preseason scrimmage Friday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.
TMP finished 20-16 last season and is two years removed from claiming their first state title in program history.
Coach Natausha Dreher said Friday they have 22 girls out for volleyball this season. They have several players back from last year’s team that saw varsity action.
Among those is sophomore Emilee Lane. She was one of three unanimous first-team All Mid-Continent League selections last season.
Dreher said they are still working on communication and that Friday’s action was another step in the right direction.
“I feel like this was a good building block and they know what they want to work on and tomorrow morning when we step into practice they know that that was the base and we build from there,” Dreher said.
The varsity team will open their season on Aug. 31 at the Hays High Invitational while the C-team will travel to Phillipsburg for a tournament.
KANSAS CITY, KAN.– A registered Kansas sex offender was sentenced this week to 10 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Ben Grace photo KBI offender registry
In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $5,000 to the fund established by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
Benjamin Grace, 32, Lawrence, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. In his plea, he admitted he was identified during an FBI investigation of a service on the internet that was involved in the production, advertisement and distribution of child pornography.
After executing a search warrant at his home in Lawrence, FBI agents interviewed him at his workplace in Overland Park. He admitted viewing child pornography, including images of children as young as five years old.
At the time, Grace was listed on a Kansas Bureau of Investigation web site because of a 2008 felony conviction in Johnson County on a charge of electronic sexual solicitation of a child.
FINNEY COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Finney County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Peterbilt semi driven by Robert J. Baldridge, 55, Holcomb, was northbound on Business 83 just north of U.S. 83.
Emilio Corrales, 11, Garden City, was southbound on a bicycle on the walkway portion of the bridge off the east edge of the roadway. Witnesses observed the bicycle drive off the bike path, causing it and the boy to fall out into the northbound lane of Business 83 right in front of the semi.
The passenger side of the semi struck both the bike and the boy. The semi came to an abrupt stop to render aid the boy.
EMS transported Corrales to Wesley Medical Center. Baldridge was not injured and had been wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
Listen to updates from Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph, Mo. with the “Voice of the Chiefs” Mitch Holthus. The reports originally air weeknights at 6:30 p.m. on 96.9-FM, KFIX.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen after a incident involving a gun.
Woodman Elementary google image
Just after 4p.m.Thursday, police responded to a disturbance with a weapon call at Woodman Elementary in the 2500 block of South Hiram in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. An employee reported that teens were on scene and that they possibly had guns.
The investigation revealed there was a verbal disturbance between a group of five boys and a group of six girls known to each other, who were walking from Truesdell Middle School to Woodman Elementary School.
During the disturbance, a 14-year-old boy pointed a handgun at the girls, according to Davidson.
No shots were fired and no one was injured. The 14-year-old was arrested on scene and recovered the gun. Woodman Elementary was briefly placed on lockdown.
USD 259 spokeswoman Susan Arensman said the incident happened in a neighborhood south of Woodman Elementary school and not on the school’s property.
The boy is being held in juvenile detention on requested charges that include six counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm by a juvenile and unlawful use of a weapon.
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities in Barton County developed information of drug trafficking at a home in Great Bend and made two arrests.
Ricketts photo KDOC
Just before 11a.m. Thursday, detectives executed a search warrant developed at a residence at 1445 Park Street in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
They discovered drugs and paraphernalia and arrested Eligus R. Ricketts, 34 of Salina.
He was booked on requested charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement officer. Ricketts was found hiding in a closet at the time of his arrest. Ricketts also had an outstanding warrant from Saline County. The Saline County warrant was a no bond warrant, the charges in Barton County carry a $100,000 bond, according to Bellendir.
He has nine previous convictions that include criminal possession of a firearm, aggravated escape from custody, aggravated assault, fee and attempt to elude law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Johnson photo Barton Co.
Deputies also came in contact with Howard L. Johnson age 23 of Great Bend Johnson was taken into custody on three outstanding warrants for parole violation. The bond on Johnson’s warrants range from $1500-$5000.
Phillipsburg resident Ernest A. Thacker passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE at the age of 79.
He was born February 28, 1940 in Russell, KS the son of Harold F. and Amy (Corwin) Thacker.
He was united in marriage to Thelma G. Wells on June 12, 1960 in Russell, KS. She survives.
Other survivors include two sons, Rodney of Hays, KS and Doug of Casper, WY; daughter, Carrie Bredemeier of Colby, KS; brother, Harold of Wichita, KS; sister, Amy Ellen Casper of North Platte, NE; six grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in the United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.
Mr. Thacker will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661, with the family receiving friends Monday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church or the United Methodist Women Thrift Store.
Once again, the Fort Hays State University Football team will gather to meet the public and sign autographs at Big Creek Crossing at 1 p.m. Saturday.
“We do the football signing every year,” said Branson Hoffman, marketing director, noting he expects over 120 players to be available during the free event.
“You can bring a T-shirt or your favorite item to get signed,” he said.
There will be posters, too, and markers will be provided.
The facility opens its doors to host the event and will have other activities during the day to accompany the team autograph session.
“We see ourselves as an asset to the community and we want to give back, but we also want to open our doors to not just shopping,” Hoffman said. “We want to have that good relationship with the community and this is a perfect example.
“We have such a good location on Vine street and with us having a big open center court with a high-traffic area, it just works,” he said.
The autograph session will run until 3 p.m., immediately followed by a back-to-school fashion show showcasing ensembles from some of the center’s shops.
“They just kind of model their back to school trends and fashion, clothes,” Hoffman said.
The center will also have a food truck rally from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a feature of the event that started in 2017.
“The public is welcome to come for any part or all three,” Hoffman said. “It’s one fun day for it all.”
The following is a letter posted Friday on FB by Sheriff Brandon Carver to the residents of Sheridan County:
As Paul Harvey would say … here is the rest of the story!
The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office wants to bring our taxpayers up to speed about the funding situation for K9 Dak. Prior to deciding on purchasing a drug dog, we took an online survey, we also discussed the idea with the commissioners. We felt that a drug dog was necessary due to the influx in drug cases, especially meth cases.
These drugs are ruining communities, families, and increasing other crime. If Law Enforcement doesn’t take proactive stance with the current drug “epidemic” happening nationwide, we will see more deaths and more victims of crimes. Our agency will stand their ground against illegal drugs.
We proceeded with getting the K9 solely based on the fact that the K9 would be funded by a GI Bill through the VA. Paperwork was submitted and accepted. We then proceeded with obtaining the dog and certifying both the handler and the K9. It was brought to our attention from the training facility that they hadn’t received payment for reimbursement for the K9. Long story short, the training facility that was listed on the initial application and was approved, was later denied and informed by the VA that the training facility was not accredited training facility through the VA. Which left us in a horrible position.
We were scrambling around trying to find the funding as our budget couldn’t withhold it. God answered our prayers, with outstanding support from the community and actually from around the state. We held a “beef raffle”, the beef was donated by local rancher (who wants to remain anonymous), which helped us tremendously. We raised over $4,000 with this fundraiser. We have had other individuals donate afghan blankets, collector cars, and misc items to be raffle off at a later date.
We didn’t know how the “beef raffle” would go over, so we looked at other avenues for funding too. We hired Corina Cox with Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission (NWKPDC) to help us with a grant. We applied for a $10,000 grant through the Dane G. Hansen Community Foundation and received confirmation that we received $5,000 of the $10,000 requested.
Through all the donations and grant funds received, I am proud to report to the tax payers that your local K9 Dak is fully paid for, the required equipment is paid for, and all other expense are covered. There are no words that could ever express my gratitude toward our local citizens and folks from around the state for your support! Thank You and God Bless
KANSAS CITY (AP) — Relatives are outraged after a 17-year-old was killed outside a Kansas City home and his 7-year-old sister shot six times as she played nearby.
Police on the scene of the fatal shooting -image courtesy KCTV
Police suspect that another teen opened fire Wednesday night after an argument, killing Zavien Hall and wounding his sister, Jazmine Hall. She is hospitalized in stable condition. No other suspect description has been offered and no arrests have been made.
The siblings’ great-grandmother, Jannie Hall, asked what Zavien could have done that was “so bad.” She also expressed outrage that Jazmine had been wounded, saying, “Son, what was wrong with you?”
Zavien’s great-grandfather, Emanuel Hall, says there is “no explanation as to why this would have happened.” Zavien’s family described the teen as a jokester, playful but extremely respectful.
