“What Were You Wearing?” exhibit (Photos provided by Jana’s Campaign)
Every April, victim advocacy and prevention organizations across Kansas, and the nation, recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and an opportunity to bring awareness to the ongoing issue of sexual violence in our communities.
This year, Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services, Jana’s Campaign, and the FHSU Women’s Leadership Project are collaborating to bring “What Were You Wearing?”, a sexual assault survivor art exhibit, to the FHSU campus and the community at large for the second time in as many years. The exhibit features re-creations of outfits that survivors of sexual assault were wearing at the time of their assault, based on personal testimony from the survivors themselves.
The survivor art exhibit was born out of an advocacy lens. The question, “What were you wearing?” is pervasive for most survivors. The project’s intent is to place the work of bearing witness to this question’s answer back onto the shoulders of the community. The exhibit asks viewers to understand that sexual assault is NEVER about the clothing the survivor wore – and the act of shedding those clothes is never enough to bring peace or comfort to survivors. The violence is not simply woven into the fabric of the material; it is a part of the survivor’s new narrative.
The exhibit requires all of us to evaluate what caused us, as individuals and as a society, to ask victims of sexual assault, “What were you wearing?” in the first place. To ask the question, “What were you wearing?” costs the questioner nothing; however, the survivor pays dearly in not only their answer; but also in the burden of self-blame.
“Everyone in our community needs to see this exhibit and understand the survivor is never at fault. The exhibit is also personal; attendees can see victims as their friends, family, neighbors, even themselves, and realize sexual assault can happen to anyone.” Kim Cebula, executive director of Jana’s Campaign.
“Research shows that one in five women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime; and in eight out of ten cases, the rapist already knew their victim. As you read the stories in this powerful exhibit, you’ll see that statistic rings true,” said Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. “Demand for sexual assault services at Options has increased 655% in the last three years alone. This isn’t a problem in other communities – it’s a problem right in our own backyard.”
The “What Were Your Wearing?” exhibit will be open April 15-18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the south end of Forsyth Library on the Fort Hays State University campus. The exhibit will also be featured in the Spring Art Walk in Hays on April 26th from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Styles Dance Centre at 1501 Main St.
If you or someone you know needs help because of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, call Options’ free Helpline at 800-794-4624 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services, Inc. is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing direct assistance to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking through individual support. Options provides services to 18 counties in northwest Kansas; services are always voluntary and provided free of charge, with complete confidentiality.
Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
Emergency personnel responded to a tanning bed fire Mon. afternoon at Main Street Gym & Fitness in downtown Hays.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Emergency responders were called to the scene of a fire late Monday afternoon in downtown Hays.
A report came in at 4:50 p.m. about a structure fire in Main Street Gym and Fitness, 806 Main.
Upon arrival, Hays firefighters found light smoke in the building. Staff members had evacuated adults who were working out and a class of children practicing Tae Kwon Do.
According to Shane Preston, assistant Hays Fire Chief, a capacitor in a tanning bed on the lower level overheated and started an electrical fire.
“Staff had already used a fire extinguisher on the fire. We provided ventilation and made sure the fire was completely out,” Preston said at the scene.
There were no reported injuries.
The scene was cleared in less than 30 minutes. Also responding were the Ellis Co. Rural Fire Department, Ellis Co. EMS, and the Hays Police Department.
Emergency personnel responded to a tanning bed fire Mon. afternoon at Main Street Gym & Fitness in downtown Hays.
Tammy Wellbrock, HACC exec. dir., reads an audience question during a Saturday forum with area legislators Sen. Rick Billinger, and Reps. Barb Wasinger, Leonard Mastroni and Ken Rahjes.
Saturday morning in Hays, four area state legislators, all Republicans, all agreed there is “just not enough of the pie” to go around. Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra), chairman of the Higher Education Budget Committee, said the “state is being held hostage by K-12 funding.”
“We have all these programs that need funded. We have all these folks that need. And simply raising taxes is not going to solve the problem. We fed that beast and it continues to grow,” Rahjes said.
Rep. Barb Wasinger (R-Hays) voted against the school funding bill, saying the extra money was not going to students and teachers.
Rahjes reluctantly voted in favor of the school finance bill. Hays Representative Barbara Wasinger voted against it.
She said she was looking for accountability in the bill, with more funding going into classrooms and for teacher salary increases.
“Did you see the new activity buses that Great Bend did? Paid a quarter of a million dollars for each one of them,” Wasinger said. “Russell used money that they got to build an AstroTurf football field. Last year, Shawnee raised their administrators’ salaries 13%. I have nothing against administrators, but why wasn’t that spent for teachers?
“Good teachers are leaving us because they’re not being paid enough. Let’s start giving them some money.
“I would have voted for the House bill even though it was still a lot of money. It put in accountability measures and put kids and teachers first, finally. It was voted down, and so I voted against the Senate bill that came over.”
Wasinger contends her vote was “not a vote against education.”
Most Senate Republicans lined up behind Kelly’s plan last month after the four school districts suing the state – Wichita, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Kansas City – initially supported it, then withdrew their endorsement and called for higher spending after the 2019-20 school year.
According to Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland), those school districts now want nearly $900 million over the next four years.
“Our (total state) budget is at $7.7 billion and a little over $4 billion is K-12 funding,” Billinger said, “and I support K-12 and I voted for the $92 million. I had an explanation for my vote – we’re being held hostage.”
Western Kansas schools are not the problem, according to Rahjes, especially the small rural districts.
“Most of our administrators could be a substitute teacher one day and cook the meals. They’re the athletic director. They drive the bus, all for a lot less money than some of the bigger districts in the eastern part of the state.
“I believe school board members in this part of the world are very judicious with their money and they want to make wise investments.”
Now that the school finance package is passed, it will be defended in front of the Kansas Supreme Court.
Rahjes expects the court to rule it’s not enough money.
Then, he predicts, “you will see a constitutional amendment try to get into your hands the next election to take the Supreme Court out of the appropriations process.”
“I believe that folks are fed up.”
The Republican-controlled Legislature adjourned Friday for its annual spring break and will reconvene May 1 to work on the budget.
First Dist. Congressman Roger Marshall (R-Great Bend) spoke at Saturday’s legislative forum in Hays.
First District Congressman Roger Marshall (R-Great Bend) attended an early portion of the forum presented by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
Marshall talked about the two issues he said are on the minds of Kansans and its biggest challenges – a lack of employees and the cost of health care.
Degree programs offered by Fort Hays State University through its FHSU Virtual College received seven top-10 recognitions along with other rankings in February and March for being among the best and most affordable programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities.
The top-10 selections:
Grad School Hub
No. 2, 5 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Art & Art History 2019
Grad School Hub, www.gradschoolhub.com, gave Fort Hays State’s Master of Liberal Studies in art history a No. 2 national ranking, based on affordability, graduate outcomes, and student satisfaction.
FHSU’s art history concentration in the MLS degree prepares students for careers as art critics, art history teachers, gallery managers, and museum curators. Core classes include courses on information literacy, origins and implications of the knowledge society, and “Ways of Knowing in Comparative Practice.” The culminating course is “Graduate Readings in Art History.”
To see this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2FPCRfV.
Study.com No. 2, Best 50 Marketing Schools
Study.com, https://study.com, cited Fort Hays State for its “hands-on approach to learning in its Department of Applied Business Studies.” The group also noted that concentrations for the Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing are available in general marketing, business development, sales or digital marketing, and certificate programs are also available in general marketing, social media marketing, and tourism and hospitality marketing. Study.com also prized the availability of internships and opportunities to participate in networking opportunities with professionals.
To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2FDKW7k.
MBA Central
No. 3, 20 Best Online Sports Management MBA Degree Programs for 2019 Quality and affordability gave FHSU a top spot on MBA Central’s list for its Master of Business Administration with a concentration in sports management. The program, said MBA Central, www.mbacentral.org, covers all facets of the sports industry including sports marketing, planning, promotion, facilities management, and legal issues.
FHSU’s program earned MBA Central’s top rating for affordability (under $15,000). Programs were also ranked on the basis of support services and quality of classes. MBA Central also noted high rankings for FHSU’s MBA programs from U.S. News and World Report, Best Value MBA, GetEducated.com and OnlineU.
To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2I1GGjo.
NursingSchoolHub.org
No. 3, Top 25 Most Affordable Online Nursing Degree Programs 2019 FHSU’s online RN to BSN program earned a top spot on Nursing School Hub’s list for its convenience and affordability. Not only is the FHSU program one of the least expensive accredited nursing programs in the country, said NursingSchoolHub, www.nursingschoolhub.com, but virtual students can begin during summer, fall or spring, and classes include current topics of high interest in the field such as health care informatics and ethical and legal issues.
The criteria were regional accreditation for the university as a whole, nursing program accreditation and tuition of less than $1,000 per credit hour. FHSU’s current undergraduate online credit-hour rate is $218.67, which includes both tuition and fees. The FHSU Virtual College does not have an in-state-out-of-state differential. The numerical ranking is from least expensive to most expensive.
To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Wu49Ou.
College Factual
No. 6, Best Colleges and Universities for Non-Traditional Students Non-traditional students – students over the age of 25 – represent the bulk of those going to college today, making it extremely important for colleges to begin to cater to their unique needs. College Factual, www.collegefactual.com, rated Fort Hays State No. 6 out of 1,159 colleges and universities in the nation and, for a second year in a row, No. 1 in Kansas for providing quality education to non-traditional students.
College Factual based its rankings on three categories of criteria: financial factors, degree completion rates, and student body composition and support.
To see this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2yXlbLn.
Great Value Colleges
No. 8, 50 Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs 2019 The same RN to BSN program and the same criteria also landed FHSU a spot on the list from Great Value Colleges, www.greatvaluecolleges.net. Great Value liked the fact that the RN to BSN program is designed to be completed in three semesters, and students can access their coursework anytime that fits their schedules and from anywhere in the world. Students can earn their BSN degrees without leaving their jobs as RNs.
The rating is based on affordability – the lower the tuition, the higher point rating; the institution’s online ranking with U.S. News and World report (This year, for the third year in a row, FHSU’s U.S. News and World Report online ranking was best in Kansas.); and the number of format customizations available.
To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2CFItHH.
TheBestSchools.org
No. 10, The 25 Best Online Master’s in History Programs FHSU’s Master of Arts in history program landed on TheBestSchools’ list for its convenience to distance students. One of the key points cited by TheBestSchools, https://thebestschools.org/, is that FHSU delivers all program coursework asynchronously and never requires online students to visit campus for any reason.
Criteria include academic excellence, strength of faculty scholarship, reputation, available financial aid, the range of degree programs available, and the strength of online instruction methodology.
To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2FwjYNO.
Fort Hays State was also ranked as among the best in the nation in three other categories:
Abound: MBA
Top Degrees MBA 2019 The Master of Business Administration program at FHSU’s W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship is among the first group of top MBA programs in the country as rated by Abound: MBA, a new initiative of Abound from Colleges of Distinction, a college guidance system. The designation covers both the on-campus and online MBA programs.
Abound, abound.college, said that the Robbins College programs lay a “foundation for success no matter the concentration. MBA students can choose the general track or 12 other concentration areas.”
Abound: MBA programs are evaluated on criteria in each of four areas: accessibility, affordability, acceleration, and advancement.
To see this listing, visit https://bit.ly/2CNLLZv.
OnlineMasters.com
No. 16, The Best Online Master’s in Liberal Arts Programs OnlineMasters.com, www.onlinemasters.com, rated FHSU’s online Master of Liberal Studies degree with the liberal arts concentration as No. 16 in the nation and the best in experiential learning, which OnlineMasters noted helps students “develop the necessary skills for career advancement through combined practical application and rigorous coursework.”
OnlineMasters bases its rankings on academic quality (graduation rate, retention rate, enrollment rate and number of graduates); the number of online programs offered; faculty credentials; graduation reputation (polling and surveying current students and alumni); quality of instructor accessibility and responsiveness; student services and technology; and affordability.
To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2WplcB3.
SuccessfulStudent.org
No. 32, The Best Online Psychology Degree Programs Successful Student, successfulstudent.org, ranked two bachelor psychology degree programs as No. 32 in the nation but best in Kansas. The ranking covers the online Bachelor of Arts and the online Bachelor of Science in psychology, and several degree options available in the programs.
The rankings are based on quality of the program, types of courses available, the quality of faculty members involved, other awards and rankings, reputation, and the online education method.
To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2TY1fVn.
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.
TOPEKA – Brad Loveless was confirmed by the Senate Friday as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). Governor Laura Kelly appointed Loveless in January 2019.
“Secretary Loveless is an experienced, respected leader of conservation and environmental programs in Kansas,” said Gov. Kelly. “I look forward to working with him to foster responsible stewardship of our natural resources and promote the state’s fantastic travel destinations and outdoor recreation opportunities.”
“I am grateful to Governor Kelly for the chance to lead an organization that I greatly respect and have worked with for many years,” said Secretary Loveless. “I have had the pleasure of getting to know many previous secretaries as well as the biologists, land managers and administrative staff. They’re great people and I look forward to working with them to serve this wonderful state.”
Loveless joined the department after a 34-year career with Westar Energy where he was most recently the senior director of environmental conservation and sustainability. Prior to that position, he was director of biology and conservation programs and earlier held environmental management positions at Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation. He also served as a leader of Westar’s Green Team, an active volunteer group of employees and retirees that helps with habitat improvement, environmental access and education, and enhancement of sensitive species.
A fisheries biologist by training, he is an avid angler, hunter and beekeeper.
Blue Sky Acres is 2.5 miles south of Hays on Highway 183/250th Ave.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
“I approved it before and I’ll approve it again.” “And I’ll be right there with you.”
Hays Mayor Henry Schwaller and City Commissioner Sandy Jacobs were quick Thursday night to reiterate their support of the Blue Sky Acres Addition final plat.
The property 2.5 miles south of Hays and on the west side of Highway 183 is adjacent to seven residential properties and is currently undeveloped farm ground. The plat is comprised of six lots, ranging in size from 2.5 to 3 acres, slated for residential development. Rezoning of the 20-acres property from agricultural to residential suburban was approved by the city commission Jan. 14, 2016.
On April 18, 2016 the final plat was reviewed and approved on a 6-1 vote by the Hays Area Planning Commission.
Blue Sky Acres is adjacent to the VonFeldt subdivision.
The Ellis County Commission, on a 1-1 vote, did not approve the request by property owner Mary Ann Unrein. She sued the commission and Commissioner Marcy McClelland. A judge ruled in favor of the commission and McClelland who was defeated in the next election.
Ron Mellick, city commissioner, attended last month’s county meeting. “They addressed all the issues very well so I don’t see any reason not to move it on.”
“Fine example of why elections matter,” added James Meier, who is up for re-election to the city commission. “This is clearly within the jurisdiction of the county.”
The city commission will vote on the final plat during its April 11 meeting.
Hays is involved because the property is located within 3 miles of the city limits, in the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
Blue Sky Acres final plat (Click to enlarge)
“In that three mile district we have authority over the zoning and then we have to approve all the plats,” explained Jacob Wood, assistant Hays city manager.
“We still don’t do building inspections or anything like that. It’s really just about the property and the use of the property.
“We’ve already actually approved the zoning. The plat, which is kind of the map or layout of what that property will look like once they develop it, that is something the city has a say in as well.”
Jesse Rohr, Hays public works director, told the city commission that Blue Sky Acres will have private roads to be built and maintained by the developer and adjacent lot owners. The subdivision will be accessed with existing entrances off Highway 183. The plat includes dedication of road and alley right-of-ways.
ELLIS – A public hearing regarding construction of a new municipal swimming pool was conducted by the Ellis City Council Monday evening prior to the regular council meeting.
The Kansas Dept. of Commerce is offering a special round of grant funding for small city swimming pools.
A new pool for Ellis is projected to costs $1.85 million. The city can apply for a maximum $1 million state grant with a local match of $850,000.
It was a 3-2 vote later in the meeting on a resolution for Ellis to apply for the Community Development Block Grant funds. Council members Steve Ferland and Bob Redger were opposed.
In other business, the city accepted a $50,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, for the campground expansion project.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
April 1, 2019
PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – SWIMMING POOL
Swimming Pool – Grant
Mayor David McDaniel opened the public hearing regarding swimming pool improvements at 7:00 p.m. Justine Benoit, Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission, provided details of the Department of Commerce special round of funding for small cities swimming pools. The State has set aside $20 million for this once-in-a-lifetime grant opportunity. The project is expected to cost $1,850,500, with a maximum grant award of $1,000,000 and a City cash match of $850,500. The City hopes to apply for other local and regional grants to offset the cash match. Several residents appeared to offer opinions and ask questions regarding the proposed project. Mayor McDaniel closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Steve Ferland, Jolene Niernberger, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Martin LaBarge was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor David McDaniel requested Council’s ratification of the City’s acceptance of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant for the Campground Expansion Project.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Justine Benoit, Darrell Romme, Verda Flinn, Dan Pyle, Jeff Wolf, Glen Keller, Barbara Perkins, Juno Ogle, Nickole Byers (arrived 7:55 p.m.) and Devin Henderson (arrived at 7:55 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on March 18, 2019 and Bills Ordinance #2066. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Swimming Pool: Grant
Justine Benoit, Northwest Kansas Planning and Development, presented the proposed contract for administrative consulting services. The contract is contingent upon Community Development Block Grant funding. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the contract with Northwest Kansas Planning and Development for grant administrator services in the amount of $20,500, contingent upon CDBG funding, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Special Projects fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Steve Ferland opposed.
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner then moved to authorize Mayor David McDaniel to sign the related grant documents for Community Development Block Grant funding. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Steve Ferland opposed.
Swimming Pool: Grant
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve Resolution No. 554 certifying the City of Ellis has legal authority to apply for Community Development Block Grant funds. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-2, with Council members Steve Ferland and Bob Redger opposed.
Swimming Pool: Grant
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve Resolution No. 555 assuring the Kansas Department of Commerce that funds will be provided for the operation and maintenance of the grant-funded improvements to the swimming pool. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-2, with Council members Steve Ferland and Bob Redger opposed.
General Government: Insurance
Darrell Romme, Romme Agency, reviewed the 2019 general insurance policy for the City. The City incurred over $165,000 in losses the prior renewal period, much of that in worker’s compensation claims. The last several years the City has received a return on premium based on the insurance pool’s losses, with almost $20,000 refunded last year. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the 2019 renewal of the City’s insurance policies from Romme Agency in the amount of $121,873.00. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Sanitation: Accounting/Billing
Dan Pyle, Ellis Recreation Commission, requested Council approval to waive sanitation fees for weekly grass disposal. Council member Bob Redger moved to waive the weekly grass sanitation fees indefinitely for the Ellis Recreation Commission. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Pyle continued by requesting Council approval to utilize a City dumpster and to waive weekly trash dumpster fees at 501 West 6th. The Commission mows the property around the shop annex and also pays a portion of the electrical charges. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to allow the Commission use of a City dumpster and to waive sanitation fees for weekly dumpster service at 501 West 6th in exchange for in-kind services provided by the Commission. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Streets: Policy
Council reviewed the proposed Emergency Route Plan. Several questions arose and it was the consensus of Council to table consideration of the plan until Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub can meet to further discuss.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported that after further investigation into the property affected by the Cedar Lane lift station project, only one property owner is involved. The project may also fall within an existing easement and further research will be completed to determine the exact property line.
General Government: City Code
Ms. Raub presented the suggested revisions to the proposed ordinance regulating the sale of cereal malt beverages and beer. Council suggested revising Section 10 (c) to also set the special event fees by resolution. Council member Bret Andries moved to approve Ordinance No. 1438 regulating the sale of cereal malt beverages and beer, with the revision to Section 10 (c). Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Council then discussed increasing the license fees to $100.00 for a General Retailer, $75.00 for a Limited Retailer, and $50.00 per day for special event fees.
General Government: Policy
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the proposed Donation Policy. Council suggested revisions to the Eligible Applicants and Funding Criteria sections. Ms. Burton will present the revised policy for consideration at the next Council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Tourism: Contract
Ms. Burton presented the 2019 renewal contract for the City’s five Lamar billboards. The total annual contract increased 17% and the renewal now includes a preemptive clause that the City’s billboards may be canceled from the contract at any time if another advertiser offers a higher rent payment. Council replaced all of the billboard wraps last year. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the contract with Lamar in the amount of $9,750.00 with funds to come from the Tourism Fund and to direct the Tourism Committee to research additional sign options by January 1, 2020. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Financial
Council member Bob Redger moved to approve Resolution No. 556 authorizing employees and City officials to use the City’s credit card. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Clerk: Acquisition
Council member Steve Ferland moved to approve the purchase of 20,000 pressure seal utility billing forms from Hamlin Creative Consulting in the amount of $2,120.00, with funds to come from the General-Administration fund. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Council member Bob Redger moved to ratify the invoice from APAC in the amount of $703.87 with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Street fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0 with Council member Steve Ferland abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
General Government: Disposition
Emergency Manager Darin Myers has a potential buyer for the City’s old warning sirens. Council member Bret Andries moved to authorize the sale of the City’s five outdoor warning sirens. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman inquired if the Council was still interested in applying for the Community Development Block Grant for replacement of a section of waterlines in the City. It was the consensus of Council to proceed with the grant application.
Mr. Scheuerman reported that the engine in the 1-ton dump truck has recently failed. Repairs are estimated at $3,000 – $7,700. Mr. Scheuerman will provide more accurate repairs costs at the next Council meeting.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for March and the April Staff Calendar. The Department will host the annual prescription drug takeback program on April 27th.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton reported that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently inspected the City’s burn site and it was found to be in compliance with the Kansas Open Burning Regulations.
Campground: Grant
The City was awarded a Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant in the amount of $50,000 for the Campground Expansion Project. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to ratify the Mayor’s signature accepting the grant. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
Council member Bob Redger requested the engineer for the swimming pool improvement project attend a future Council meeting to further discuss the project.
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner noted that the Community Block Party has moved from Play World to Swimming Pool Park.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Steve Ferland moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Kathrine Collister, a Whitewater freshman, foreground, and another Whitewater student, Morgan Claassen, a junior, craft stage sets for Act IV, the garden scene, of the FHSU Theatre production of “The Marriage of Figaro.” Collister and Claassen are both elementary education majors.
FHSU University Relations
Four acts. Four different locations – Figaro’s quarters, the countess’s boudoir, a banquet hall, and a garden. A cast of 27, not counting stage manager and crew.
All of this in a theatre with limited wing space – that’s the space off to the sides, where actors and scenes wait their turns to be rolled onto the stage.
And a kicker: “We have an unusual challenge with this year’s opera – a three-week turn-around. We usually have six,” said Debra Holmes, assistant professor of music and theatre and technical director for Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall, where Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” will be performed on three nights, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and a Sunday matinee.
The three week-six week window is the time between tearing down the set for one production – in this case, “Barefoot in the Park” – and building all the scenery and props and designing the lighting for the next one.
Holmes has a Master of Fine Arts in scenography design from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. That encompasses scenery, lighting and costumes. She is in her first year at Fort Hays State and is also the set designer and chief builder for FHSU Theatre.
“When I was considering the design,” she said, “I needed to include a window for an actor to jump out of, three doors, and some levels, meaning different levels of the stage, to make it interesting, all while keeping the majority of the space clear for bodies.”
Twenty-seven people, plus stage manager and crew, are a lot of people for a stage the size of Felten-Start’s.
“The challenge to this design,” she said, “is to indicate the grand Mozart spaces inexpensively and take up minimal floor space.” She emphasized the “grand” nature of the scenery required for Mozart’s opera.
“We have a newly renovated fly system, so I wanted to use that to create each unique location,” she said.
In a fly system, scenery is lifted and lowered from the ceiling.
“Initially, I thought about using China silk to indicate locations, but the estimate was more than $2,000, so I had to look for another alternative.”
The solution she found was a material called Tyvek®, 600 yards, two feet wide, for $99. It is normally used as a building wrap in construction. It is available without lettering, and it can be glued and painted. For Holmes, it is theatre.
“I designed some screens made from Tyvek to fly in to indicate each location, and my student workers carefully cut the pieces, glued them together, painted them a base color and stenciled the designs.”
The fourth act, set in a garden, has trees, which Holmes and her students cut out, painted and hung, which they will “fly” in and out, as with the rest of the location scenery.
“I’m already using stock wall units for the doors and the window and using stock platforms to add the levels,” said Holmes. “I’m very pleased with the result.”
“I couldn’t have done this without the support of my department chair, my colleagues and the student workers,” she said.
Performances are all in Malloy Hall’s Felten-Start Theatre. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 4, 5 and 6, the curtain opens at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s matinee, April 7, begins at 2:30 p.m.
“The only way to attack child abuse is to lift that veil of silence that has been over families.”
That was the message from Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees, who spoke during Tuesday’s listening session in Hays about sexual abuse by Catholic priests and Capuchin friars in Hays and throughout the Salina Diocese.
The meeting at St. Nicholas of Myra Church was hosted by Bishop Jerry Vincke along with Frs. Christopher Popravak and Joseph Mary Elder of the Denver Province of Capuchins.
Late last week, the Capuchins and the Salina Diocese released separate lists of clergy who have been investigated for “substantial” or “credible allegations” of sexual abuse of a minor.
“For so many years, children were not comfortable reporting,” Drees said in an interview following the meeting. “Children would report to their family. The family would not report it.
“Hopefully, this (meeting) will give parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends the encouragement that when a child does tell you about a situation like this, you report it to law enforcement, let law enforcement properly investigate it and see what’s going on.”
Between July 2012 and March 4, 2019, the Ellis County Attorney’s office was notified by the Capuchins of seven possible sexual abuse cases involving more than one abuser.
Drees believes it’s “very good for persons who have been abused in the past to bring that information forward. Everyone is encouraged to report. … The local parish priest will help you report, and the diocese wants to hear from people.”
The Kansas statute of limitations is very specific.
“We have to know all the details to know whether a case is outside the limitations,” Drees said.
Many times, the crimes are reported years after the abuse, but the Kansas statute of limitations has changed over time.
“Today, if you have a rape or if you have a aggravated criminal sodomy, that would be unlimited. So that’s within a lifetime, if you find that out, you can prosecute it,” Drees explained to the audience.
But that’s a fairly recent change in state law. Previously, the statute of limitations was 10 years.
Other sexual violent crimes against children can be prosecuted until the victim turns age 18, or 28 if a suspect is identified through DNA. There are some exceptions, Drees noted.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation launched its own inquiry in early February into alleged sexual abuse by clergy and is working with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.
KBI agent Mark Kendrick, Colby, attended Tuesday’s meeting but would not comment on why he was there. Standing in the back of the church were several Hays and Ellis County law enforcement officers.
It’s unknown at this time whether reported cases will be referred back to local prosecutors or if the state will prosecute, according to Drees.
There are still an unknown number of unreported sexual abuse incidents.
“Statistically, you know that there are more cases out there,” said Drees.
“What we’re hearing about are people who are old enough and set enough in their careers and families, that they’re now willing to come forward.”
Drees noted sexual abuse is reported in areas other than the Catholic Church.
“All walks of life. All clergy, doctors and lawyers, teachers. Abuse transcends all occupations,” he said. “We have to give the young children and teenagers who have been abused to have the courage to come forward and report.”
Capuchins Joseph Mary Elder and Christopher Popravak, Ellis Co. Attorney Tom Drees, and Bishop Jerry Vincke listen in Hays Tuesday night to public comments about sexual abuse of minors by clergy of the Salina Diocese.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
The pews in Hays’ St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church were nearly filled Tuesday evening as people gathered for a public listening session about substantiated allegations of clergy abuse of minor children in the Salina diocese.
Salina Bishop Jerry Vincke opened and closed the 90-minute session with prayers.
“We (the Catholic Church) messed up,” he said after the first remarks were made by an attendee.
Joining Vincke were Fr. Christopher Popravak, Provincial of the Denver Province of Capuchins, and Fr. Joseph Mary Elder, O.F.M.Cap., Director of Communications, Denver.
The Capuchins are a Catholic religious order with a strong presence within the Salina Diocese, particularly in the Hays and Victoria area.
Popravak opened with an apology.
Capuchins Elder and Popravak, Denver. Popravak previously taught at TMP Catholic School and served the St. Joseph parish in Hays.
“I’d like to offer my deepest apologies to everyone here for the harm some of our brothers have inflicted on the community. We Capuchins have always treasured people here in Ellis County.”
Popravak said he served in Hays at the then-Thomas More Prep Catholic high school for boys and the St. Joseph parish “many, many years ago.”
“This is very distressing for all of us about the abuse that occurred,” Popravak continued, “and I’m here to publicly ask for your forgiveness, and for your prayers, especially for those that suffered the abuse and the after-effects of the abuse.”
Late last week the Capuchins and the Salina Diocese released separate lists of clergy who have been investigated for “substantial” or “credible allegations” of sexual abuse of a minor.
Thirteen Capuchin friars are listed. Of the 13, two are deceased and five have since left the order. None are in active ministry. Twelve of the 13 suspects had ties to Hays or Victoria.
The 13 listed clergy from the Salina Diocese served in more than 16 other northwest Kansas towns in various capacities.
Eleven of the clergy are deceased; two have been laicized – removed from the status of being a clergy member. The alleged abuses took place between 1907 and 2002, with most occurring in the 1960s and 1970s.
Bishop Vincke listens as Elmer tells his story of abuse by a Salina Diocese clergy member.
More than 20 people talked about the abuse allegations, including one gray-haired man who identified himself as Elmer saying he had been molested many years ago by one of the named clergy.
Elmer’s family did not believe it happened.
“I was told I was stupid, that I didn’t know what I was talking about, by my own mother,” Elmer recalled. The bishop at the time wrote a letter to Elmer saying “it was none of my business.”
“People are going through suicides. It’s tough,” Elmer said. He asked Bishop Vincke “how to forgive somebody.”
“It’s just incredibly tragic,” Vincke responded. “You’ll never forget.” After a long pause with his eyes cast down, Vincke looked up and thanked Elmer for sharing his story.
“I appreciate your courage for coming forward. I really admire you.” Vincke then offered a prayer for Elmer about his mistreatment. “Lord, fill him with your peace.”
Vincke said he has often heard from victims that they are not believed. “They and their parents are often also so embarrassed about what happened.”
Ellis Co. Attorney Tom Drees
Encouraging children to report abuse and helping families to believe them is paramount to stopping sexual child abuse, Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees told the crowd.
Many times the crimes are reported years after the abuse and the Kansas statute of limitations has changed over time.
“Today, if you have a rape or if you have a aggravated criminal sodomy, that would be unlimited. So that’s within a lifetime, if you find that out, you can prosecute it,” explained Drees.
But that’s a fairly recent change in state law. Previously, the statute of limitations was 10 years.
Other sexual violent crimes against children can be prosecuted until the victim turns age 18, or 28 if a suspect is identified through DNA. There are some exceptions, Drees noted.
Rev. Ron Gilardi, who taught at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in Hays, was charged in 2001 with criminal sodomy, indecent liberties with a child, and other sexual offenses of a male student who left the school in 1994.
A five-year statute of limitations existed at that time.
Although the charges were made beyond the five-year statute of limitations, “we were able to prosecute Gilardi because it was a repressed memory recall situation made with the victim’s psychologist.” The victim recalled the abuse during a counseling session in 1999.
Again, the statute of limitations has changed since then, and charges can only be filed in a repressed memory recall case until the victim turns 28.
Gilardi was subsequently removed from the ministry and is currently under supervision, according to the abuse report.
Bishop Vincke reads a statement from a Victoria man who said his female cousin was raped in the mid-1970s by one of the Capuchin friars on the abuse list.
Two audience members identified themselves as they talked about sexual abuse of the relatives by men on the list.
One man wanted to know why the identified priests and friars have not apologized for their sexual abuse of children.
“We have tried to contact them but got no response,” Bishop Vincke said. Gilardi is one of the two accused Diocesan clergy still living.
“They have not accepted responsibility for what they’ve done, I’m sorry to say,” added Fr. Popravak about the Capuchins.
“I think people are feeling there’s still a cover-up right now,” Vincke said in an interview after the meeting.
Bishop Vincke hugs a woman after Tuesday’s meeting in Hays’ St. Nicholas of Myra Church.
“There was a major cover-up many years ago,” Vincke acknowledged, “but I think we’ve corrected that and we’re not trying to cover up anything anymore.
“We’re trying to be open about everything that’s happened. All of our sins, we’re laying out for the people.”
Vincke also thinks the Catholic Church needs to do a better job of relating to the public what abuse has happened in the Church, when it happened, and what is now being done about it.
The bishop liked the suggestion from a man in the audience that the laity – people of faith distinct from the church – get more involved in the church.
“We’re doing that but I think we could use more of their incredible resources for the good of our church as well,” Vincke smiled.
One young woman at the meeting talked about the good memories of priests she has from attending Catholic schools.
“We have some great priests,” Vincke agreed, “doing incredible work and service for the people. And we have some great seminarians. They’re excited to get started. They know what happened in the Church but they want to be part of the solution. They really want to help.”
Alley collection of trash and recyclables in Hays will resume April 8.
The city implemented a temporary curbside-only pickup March 18 due to deteriorated conditions in alleys caused by snow, frost and rain.
“We had trash trucks getting stuck and some areas were completely impassible for a period of time,” said Jesse Rohr, public works director. “That forced us to go curbside for a short period of time. However, we’ll get back to normal collections starting Monday.”
Two crews have spent the last two and half weeks improving the alleys. The majority of the work has been completed and Rohr expects it to be done next week. Ongoing alley maintenance will continue for the next couple of months.
A road grader and a tractor with a box plate on the back are being used to smooth out tire ruts, “knocking the ruts down and getting the rock back on the surface of the alleys that has been driven below the surface,” Rohr explained. Rock is also being added to the alleys.
During the temporary change in pickup sites, some blue polycarts were not moved by residents from alley to curbside and the bins are overflowing, with more trash bags on the ground.
Rohr says communicating notice of the temporary change to 7,000 refuse customers was a “big challenge on short notice.”
“People who call who say they weren’t aware of it and their trash is full, we’re going and taking care of it. Just like if they say they need assistance moving their cart, we’re helping with that.”
As workers have seen overflowing polycarts and blue bags for recycling still in alleys the past three weeks, they’ve also taken care of those.
“Our solid waste crews have done a great job,” Rohr added.
ELLIS – Following a 7 p.m. public hearing about funding for a new swimming pool, the Ellis City Council will meet in regular session tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The first three business items on the agenda are related to pool funding and ongoing maintenance.
Council members will also resume discussion on whether to create an emergency street route and talk about the possibility of selling the city’s old outdoor warning sirens which have been replaced.
The complete meeting agenda follows.
AGENDA
April 1, 2019
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – SWIMMING POOL – 7:00 P.M.
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:15 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes from Regular Meeting on March 18, 2019
Bills Ordinance #2066
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
SPECIAL ORDER
Consider Contract with Northwest Kansas Planning & Development for Grant Administrator Services and Authorize Mayor to Sign Related Grant Documents – Justine Benoit
Consider Resolution Certifying Legal Authority to Apply for CDBG Funds
Consider Resolution Assuring Sufficient Funds for Pool Maintenance
