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Year: 2019

Webster Lake now in Public Health Warning

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Algae bloom

KDHE

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), continues to issue public health warnings for six lakes due to blue-green algae. Three lakes are currently on watch status.

Current Warnings:

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (unchanged)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (unchanged)

Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (new 6/27)

Webster Lake (Webster Reservoir), Rooks County (upgraded from Watch status 6/20)

Lifted Warning, No Watch Status: Overbrook City Lake, Osage County

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.

Current Watches:

Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County (unchanged)

Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)

Strowbridge (Carbondale East), Osage County (unchanged)

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.  People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

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.

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.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

Please note that due to the upcoming holiday week, the advisories listed above will remain in effect until July 11.

Eagles Senior Legion sweeps Abilene

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HAYS – The Hays Eagles Senior American Legion ran their win streak to five Thursday night with a doubleheader sweep of Abilene at Larks Park.

Cody Petersen, Willie Sennett and Brady Kreutzer combine on a three-hit shutout in the Eagles 7-0 game one win. The Eagles score seven in the fourth for a 13-3 run-rule victory in game two.

The Eagles scored three in the first inning then gradually pulled away in game one. Palmer Hutchison and Brady Kreutzer both had two hits.

Petersen worked around four walks to throw three scoreless innings for the win.

Brock Lummus, Jamison Martin and Colby Dreiling all drove in two runs in the second game.

Tate Garcia gave up three in the first then pitched two scoreless innings for the win.

The Senior Eagles improve to 19-5-1 and off until next week’s Wild West Fest Tournament.

Hays Junior Legion picks up two run-rule wins over Abilene

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HAYS – The Hays Junior American Legion used a couple of big innings to pick up a pair of run-rule wins over Abilene Thursday evening at the Hays High Field.

After giving up three runs in the top of the first, the Junior Eagles scored seven in the second then added four in the third and took the opener 12-3 in five innings. They plated 12 in the first and won the second game 16-0 in three innings.

Remington Cox and Wyatt Crain both went 3-for-3 and combined to drive in five runs in the first game as the Eagles took advantage of seven Abilene errors.

Dawson VonFeldt allowed one earned run on three hits and worked around four walks for the win.

Cox three-run homer highlighted the big first inning in game two.

Noah Wiemer allowed only one hit over three innings for the win. He also drove in three runs at the plate as the Junior Eagles move to 9-11-1.

They play a doubleheader in Salina Monday then will open play in the Wild West Fest Tournament next Thursday.

Election 2019: Hays City Commission candidate profiles, poll

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Five candidates are running in the November general election for three open seats on the Hays City Commission.

If the vote were held today, which candidates would get your vote? (Vote for up to three.)

[crowdsignal poll=10351399]

Click below to learn more about each candidate:

Michael Berges: Berges files for Hays City Commission seat; cites need to ‘marshal large upcoming projects’

Ron Mellick: Mellick files for re-election to Hays City Commission

Mason Ruder: Hays native Mason Ruder files for city commission

Ryan Rymer: Concerned about West 37th plan, Hays resident files for city commission seat

Henry Schwaller IV: Schwaller files for re-election, saying it’s ‘critical to not add to local tax burden’

KDOT begins work on $38M Interstate 70 project in Gove Co.

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KDOT photo

The Kansas Department of Transportation has started work on a multi-year pavement replacement project along a stretch of I-70 in Gove County. The project area covers a 9-mile portion starting one mile west of the K-23 spur near Grainfield and ending approximately four miles east of K-211.

KDOT will replace the pavement on the eastbound lanes in 2019, followed by the westbound lanes in 2020. Project work will also include pavement replacement at the east and westbound rest areas near Grainfield, construction of new right-of-way fencing, lighting installation at exits 95 and 99 and reconstruction of the box structure carrying County Road 62 under I-70 into two new span bridges. Work is expected to be completed in November 2020, weather permitting.

Koss Construction of Topeka is the primary contractor for the $38.1 million project.

For more information on the project, including ongoing or upcoming road closures related to the work, click HERE.

— KDOT

Monarchs 17U sweeps Hill City

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HAYS – The TMP-Marian 17U Monarchs baseball team swept Hill City 3-1 and 2-1 in a couple of five inning games Thursday night at the TMP Field.

The Monarchs rallied with three runs in the fourth inning in the first game. Kade Harris tied the game on a fielders choice to the shortstop scoring Michael Hale. Noah Gibson broke the tie on a ground out to short. Ben Pfeifer drove in the third run on a ground out.

Carter Newell pitched two scoreless innings of relief and picked the win after starter Jace Wentling allowed one run on two hits over the first two innings. Both pitchers struck out three Hill City batters.

The Monarchs jumped out early with two runs in the top of the first in the second game. Mark Rack drove in Jace Wentling with a two-out single then Nick Helget scored on a wild pitch.

Hill City scored their line run in the top of the third.

Kade Harris allowed one run on two hits over three innings for the win

The Monarchs have won five of their last six and improve to 8-8.

Vaccine foes contest Kansas plan to require new school shots

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Vaccination opponents in Kansas have mobilized against a plan from the state health department to require more immunizations children in school and day care.

Dozens of them packed a public hearing on a regulation drafted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The new rule would require children in school and day care to be vaccinated against meningitis and hepatitis A. The state already requires immunizations against polio, diphtheria, measles, German measles, whooping cough, mumps, chickenpox and hepatitis B. The change could take effect later this year, depending on how the department responds to comments.

The new rule would put Kansas in line with recommendations from the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, which guides vaccine use in the U.S. Kansas’ health department also pursued greater vaccination requirements amid outbreaks of measles, a disease easily prevented with a shot.

The new rule would preserve exemptions from vaccination mandates for medical or religious reasons, but many people in the hearing said the requirements give the government too much power. They also argued that vaccine skeptics are ignored and problems kept quiet.

“Vaccine science is tobacco science,” said Tasha Haas, a writing instructor at Kansas City Kansas Community College who spoke against the requirement.

Vaccine opponents said parents should decide whether their children are immunized and suggested that a recent Kansas Supreme Court decision protecting abortion rights gives people an absolute right to make their own medical decisions.

But health department spokeswoman Kristi Pankratz said the remarks at Thursday’s hearing are only a small portion of the comments that the agency has received about the rule in the past 60 days.

A handful of health advocates and health care professionals at Thursday’s hearing emphasized the importance of vaccines.

Gretchen Homan, a Wichita pediatrician and chairwoman of the Immunize Kansas Coalition, said children need to be able to attend school without fear of becoming sick from infectious disease.

“There are things in this world that we cannot change,” Homan said. “But the things I can protect them from, like infectious disease, I will make that choice.

SPONSORED: Thirsty’s hiring for server/waitstaff positions

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Thirsty’s Brew Pub & Grill is now accepting applications for Server/Waitstaff positions. Thirsty’s team constantly works towards creating space for customers to relax, dine, drink and socialize in a warm, comfortable setting with multiple sports viewing options. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR TEAM MEMBERS THAT CAN HELP US ACCOMPLISH THAT!

Thirsty’s is looking for energetic, fun, positive, organized people that have a drive for providing a great customer experience, each and every time!

We offer competitive wages, food discounts, flexible schedules, and a great group of people to work with that proudly represent our brand. No experience necessary, we train extensively. Applications are taken online by clicking HERE or by going to www.thirstysgrillandpub.com and clicking on the employment tab.

Police: Arkansas murder suspect may be in central Kansas

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating murder and continue to search for a suspect who may be in Kansas.

Courtesy Camden Police

Jory Worthen, 24, is wanted by the Camden Arkansas Police Department,  in connection with the murders of Alyssa Cannon and her 4-year-old son Bradon Ponder.

Worthen was last seen driving a 2007 white Honda Accord with Arkansas license plate number 921YBE.

Jory is believed to be in the Wichita area, according to Wichita Police.

If you see this vehicle or Jory, call 911 immediately.

Suspects wanted in theft of $100K of farm equipment from rural Kan. business

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MORRIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of farm equipment from a rural business and asking the public for help identifying suspects.

Suspects as seed from the White City gas station/COOP

On June 23, several vehicles were stolen from the Oleen Brothers’ Headquarters, a registered cow-calf and quarterhorse business in rural Dwight, according to the Morris County Sheriff. The items stolen included a Brown 3500 Dodge Ram Truck pulling an Aluminum EBY Trailer with the company’s Brand Logo on it, two 900 series Polaris Rangers (one with orange highlights and one with olive green) both with 60 gal. pressure water tanks, and a Red Ford F250 feed truck with a feed box on the back. The suspects reportedly arrived from White City on Highway 4. The vehicle they were driving appears to be a light colored Chevy Avalanche with dark trim.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the vehicles or the people responsible for this theft, please call the Sheriff @ 620-767-6310 or Arden Oleen @ 785-466-1422.

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