Becky Kiser – Page 194 – Hays Post Archive

Polar Plunge is “All Wet”

Posted on January 30, 2013

The air temperature was about 40 degrees Saturday morning in Hays for the fourth annual Polar Plunge Special Olympics fundraiser. The high hit 56 degrees, but at 11 o’clock, the crowd surrounding the fence at America’s Value Inn motel, was bundled up, unlike the participants.

This was the first year Ellis County Sheriff’s detective Scott Braun “took the plunge” with team “Chill Seekers.”

“It was cold, not quite as cold as I expected, but I didn’t stay in the water very long,” said Braun, “and then I headed right for the hot tub.”

Prizes are awarded for teams and individuals raising the most money; teams are also judged on plunging technique, and their costumes. The Carrico Implement “Polar Plungers” team, of course, wore plungers on their heads.

Polar Plunges are the largest and most popular fundraising event for Special Olympics Kansas. Some of the money comes back to Hays which hosts the annual Special Olympics Kansas basketball tournament.

Would first-time polar plunger Scott Braun do it again? “Oh, yes, you’ll see me again next year,” he vows.

Hammond Receives 2013 NASPA President’s Award

Posted on January 29, 2013January 29, 2013

Dr. Edward H. Hammond, president of Fort Hays State University, was selected by the NASPA Board of Directors as the recipient of the 2013 NASPA President’s Award for his ability to advance the quality of student life on campus and his exemplary support of student affairs professionals at his university.

Dr. Hammond will receive the award in March during the 2013 NASPA Annual Conference awards ceremony in Orlando.

During his 25-plus years as FHSU president, Dr. Hammond has:
· Increased enrollment to more than 13,200 students in three modalities — on-campus, Virtual College and China — despite a decreasing population in the university’s primary service area;
· Launched annual Student Recognition Programs to award scholarships to academically outstanding high school seniors in Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska;
· Established private scholarships for African-American, Hispanic and Asian-American students;
· Developed a mobile learning and living environment that includes wireless connectivity throughout the FHSU campus;
· Created the Western Kansas Policy Development Board and the Western Kansas Educational Compact; and
· Increased the FHSU Foundation’s assets from $8.2 million to more than $50 million in the past 20 years.

About NASPA
Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (www.naspa.org) is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Founded in 1919, NASPA comprises more than 13,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries and 8 U.S. Territories. T

Bright Days Ahead for Kansas

Posted on January 29, 2013

Moran’s Memo

On January 29, 1861, our state was founded on the ideals of personal freedom and individual liberty. The 152nd anniversary serves as a time to challenge all Kansans to carry on the enduring legacy of our founders.

In Washington, I often tell folks that Kansans live a special way of life. The pioneering spirit of those who settled our state more than 150 years ago and tamed the West lives on in us today. We fully embrace the words of our state’s motto: “Ad astra per aspera,” … “To the stars through difficulties.”

Growing up in Kansas, we learn that our family’s joys are increased and our sorrows diminished when they are shared with neighbors and friends. We teach our children that there is good in every person and that satisfaction in life comes from what you do for others rather than what you do for yourself.

Kansans work hard to make a difference in our communities, state and nation. Throughout the years, Kansas has raised many talented leaders – from Eisenhower to Earhart – who have helped shape our state and nation and overcome challenging obstacles. But the story of Kansas is also one about the farmers, factory workers, teachers, business owners, parents and all the unsung heroes whose hard work has built our state’s economy and reputation around the globe. We have much in our history to be proud of, and even more to look forward to.

Today, Kansas continues to set itself apart as an industry leader in many fields, some well-established in our state like aviation, and some burgeoning like research and entrepreneurship.

Aviation contributes more than $7 billion to our state’s economy each year, and Kansas’ reputation as the national leader in aviation manufacturing and job creation was recently solidified when Airbus Americas announced it will continue its partnership with Kansas and double its investment over the next 10 years. I was proud to co-host the first-ever Air Capital Supplier Summit in Wichita in August 2012, which gave more than 200 representatives from 115 companies the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from Airbus with the goal of facilitating more business for Kansas companies. I look forward to hosting a second successful summit elsewhere in Kansas this year.

Kansas has also become a leader in advancing biomedical and bioscience research. In fact, our bioscience industry has grown at a faster rate than the national sector since 2001. This growth opens the doors for new medical and technological advancements. Last summer, the University of Kansas Cancer Center achieved designation as a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center. This exclusive designation will have a lasting impact on our state’s economy and a life-changing impact on Kansans for generations to come. And just last month, Kansans received good news from the Department of Homeland Security: the land transfer agreement has been signed, and the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan is moving forward. This state-of-the-art biosecurity lab will replace our country’s antiquated foreign animal research facility at Plum Island, NY, and protect us from foreign animal disease threats.

And at a time when national new business formation is near historic lows, Kansas had a record 15,008 new-business filings in 2012 according to the state’s Annual Business Formation Report. These numbers suggest that entrepreneurs have discovered something I’ve known for a long time: Kansas is a great place to start a business. This uptick in entrepreneurship bodes well for future job growth in our state. And with Southwest Airlines set to start operating five routes out of Mid-Continent Airport in Wichita starting on June 2, 2013, Kansas entrepreneurs will now have new options to connect them and their businesses to the rest of the country and the world.

Our state’s leadership in these pioneering industries is forming a legacy of opportunity for the next generation. We want our children and grandchildren to have the chance to return home, put down roots and raise their own families in the communities we love.

After 152 years, Kansas has much to celebrate – from our rich heritage to our diverse industries. Bright days lie ahead for our state and I will do all I can to make certain we leave behind a stronger, freer and more prosperous place to call home.

May God bless the great State of Kansas.

Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kansas

“Home on the Range” in Russell Celebrates Kansas Day

Posted on January 29, 2013

Elementary school students from Russell, Wilson and Natoma are celebrating Kansas Day at the Deines Cultural Center in Russell today and Wednesday.

“Home on the Range” is sponsored by the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma with grants from the Russell County Area Community Foundation and Russell Drug Fund.

Retired teachers and organizers Susan Krug and Anne Coady say the 40 or so volunteers are having just as much fun as the children.

“Most of our demonstrations are hands-on, ” says Krug. ” The children get to grind wheat and sift the flour, find out how bread is made, and even get to make the butter for it.”

And then, there’s a stop at the sampling table, filled with homemade wheat and white breads, homemade butter, and grape jelly.

“We really hope to instill a love and understanding of our Kansas heritage in our youth, ” says Coady.

Other event stations include “Wash Day,” where participants labor by hand to clean the laundry, and fish ecology and identification.

“Skins and Skulls,” is a hands-on display of native Kansas mammal pelts and skulls provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

Western Kansas Dairy Honored by International Dairy Foods Association

Posted on January 28, 2013January 28, 2013

The McCarty Family Farms, a family-owned dairy farm in western Kansas, was recognized as the 2013 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year, an award co-sponsored by the International Dairy Foods Association and Dairy Today magazine.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture nominated the McCarty Family Farms for the award, which honors active dairy farms in the United States that are improving efficiency through forward-thinking management practices, production technologies or marketing programs.

“Tom and Judy McCarty took a risk and moved from rural Pennsylvania to the plains of Kansas in 1999 to give their four sons the opportunity to fulfill their goals of being dairy farmers,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Dale Rodman. “Thirteen years later, the McCarty Family Farms has become an innovative leader in the Kansas dairy sector and a key component in three western Kansas communities–Bird City, Rexford and Scott City–creating more than 100 steady jobs and a boost to the rural economies.”

In 2010, the McCarty family began discussions with the Dannon Company, the top selling yogurt maker in the United States, which resulted in a multi-year agreement for the McCarty’s to become the sole supplier for fresh milk at Dannon’s yogurt plant in Fort Worth, Texas. As a result of the agreement, the McCarty’s built a milk processing plant at the Rexford dairy in 2011 that will enable them to exclusively and directly supply Dannon with condensed skim milk and pasteurized cream.

Condensing milk at the processing plant allows the McCarty’s to reclaim 39,000 gallons of water daily and has reduced the number of trucks needed to ship milk by 75 percent.

The McCarty dairies are among the fewer than 20 dairies in the country that have completed the Validus Animal Welfare Review Certification, an intensive animal welfare training program that was developed by dairy experts and is regularly reviewed by world renowned animal welfare expert Temple Grandin.

More WaKeeney Hospital Meetings This Week

Posted on January 28, 2013

There are two more community meetings this week in WaKeeney to discuss the financial situation facing Trego County’s Lemke Memorial Hospital.

The meetings are Monday and Thursday nights at 7 o’clock at Western Electric Cooperative.

Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital is asking for $1.8 million in no-fund warrants issued by the Trego County Commission. Repayment would require a county mill levy of about eight mills for four years.

The hospital will get a larger allocation from Trego County this year, a boost from $135,000 to more than$200,000.

Hospital Administrator Harold Courtois is also asking the county to move ahead with a ballot election for a 1% sales tax.

The hospital’s budget has a shortfall of about $600,000, due to an unexpected reduction in Medicare reimbursements.

Seventeen Residents Join 2013 Leadership Hays Class

Posted on January 28, 2013February 1, 2013

Seventeen area residents have committed to improving themselves and their community through additional leadership training from the Leadership Hays program.

These individuals will spend seven sessions together from February to May exploring 21^st Century Leadership subjects including communication, collaboration, group dynamics, creativity, visioning, learning styles and servant leadership skills.

Leadership Hays is a program of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated with the Kansas Leadership Center.

This year’s participants and the organizations they represent are:

Schamra Detherage, Hays Med

Shanna Dinkel, Hays Middle School

Michael Drees, Commerce Bank

Beth Dreher, First Care Clinic

Carly Evans, Eagle Communications

Sara Evans, Wal-Mart

Kris Fair, Nex-Tech, Inc.

Deb King, Emprise Bank

Suzanne Klaus, FHSU-University Relations

Traci Konrade, Downtown Hays Development Corp.

Rhiannon Maier, First Care Clinic

Dru Miller, Nex-Tech, Inc.

Tasha Richmeier, Nex-Tech Wireless

Don Scheibler, City of Hays

Lisa Scheve, Sunflower Bank

Jake Schulte, Eagle Communications

Marty Straub, USD 489

Participants will also be working together on a project that will benefit local children.

Traci Konrade

Hays Opera House Removed, Colby Hospital Added to National Register of Historic Places

Posted on January 28, 2013

Two western Kansas buildings have been removed and one has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Kansas Historical Society announced the newest National Register of Historic Places listings, which include two former hospital buildings, an early 20^th century photography studio, a public school complex, a former railroad depot, and a Jewish cemetery.

St. Thomas Hospital – 210 S Range Avenue, Colby, Thomas County

St. Thomas Hospital was constructed in 1941 through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a federal program that funded the construction of 130 new hospitals nationwide and improvements to 1,670 more. There were only two new hospitals in Kansas constructed with WPA funds, one in Colby and the other in Oswego. The three-story Colby hospital was designed by Kansas City architect Joseph Radotinsky in the Georgian Revival style utilizing brick salvaged from the old high school on the same site. The facility was expanded in 1948, under the supervision of Wichita architects Overend and Boucher, to include a four-story addition housing a new polio ward and emergency facilities and a two-story chapel.

National Register of Historic Places – REMOVALS

Brookville Hotel – 204 N Perry Street, Brookville, Saline County

The Brookville Hotel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 for its local significance in the area of commerce. The building was built in 1870 during a local boom period when Brookville served as a railroad division point on the Kansas Pacific Railroad and one of the terminals for the cattle drives from Texas. The hotel was famous for many years for its family-style fried chicken dinners. The building has been vacant for several years and an attempt was made to renovate it. These renovations have negatively affected the historic integrity of the building, and it no longer qualifies for listing in the register.

Krueger Building (Opera House) – 811 Fort Street, Hays, Ellis County

The Krueger Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2006 for its local significance in the areas of architecture and entertainment history. The building was built in 1878-79 by William Bryon for pioneer merchants Henry Krueger and his brother Fred. They wanted a building in which they could operate a general store on the first floor and host performances and community events on the second floor. The building had been vacant for many years and attempts by the owner to rehabilitate it were unsuccessful. It was demolished in August 2012.

No Decline in Food/Liquor Sales Since 2010 Smoking Ban

Posted on January 25, 2013January 25, 2013

The statewide smoking ban enacted in 2010 to lower Kansans’ exposure to secondhand smoke does not appear to have had a negative effect on food and liquor sales in Kansas restaurants and bars, according to an analysis featured in a new issue brief from the Kansas Health Institute.

The 2010 Kansas Legislature passed the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act, which since July 1, 2010, has prohibited smoking in most public areas, including places of employment, restaurants, bars and the lobbies and hallways of apartments and motels. Outdoor smoking close to doorways and windows of nonsmoking buildings also is prohibited.

To examine the smoking ban’s effect on restaurant and bar sales, KHI gathered sales and liquor license information for eight years before and the two years after the statewide ban was implemented. KHI examined information from the Kansas Department of Revenue in three categories:

Sales of food and other non-liquor items subject to state sales tax at full-service restaurants, limited-service eating places, special food services establishments and drinking places.
Sales of liquor subject to the state liquor excise tax, including all liquor-by-the-drink sales in restaurants and bars.
The number of alcoholic beverage licenses issued for drinking establishments, including private clubs, hotels, caterers, microbreweries and bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.

“Our analysis indicates that bar and restaurant sales in Kansas did not go down after the statewide smoking ban was enacted,” said Duane Goossen, KHI vice president for fiscal and health policy.

The KHI analysis found that sales of non-liquor items at restaurants and bars increased steadily each year except for a slight drop in fiscal year 2010, but that sales drop occurred before the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act was enacted. Sales increased again each year after the statewide ban took effect. Similarly, liquor sales also increased each year until fiscal year 2010, then dipped slightly for a year before increasing again in the two years after the statewide ban was enacted.

The 10-year pattern for restaurant and bar sales follows the larger Kansas economic pattern and does not indicate that smoking bans, either local or statewide, had any measureable effect.

Romney “Inaugural” Held in Norton

Posted on January 25, 2013

Former Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney did not attend the festivities in Washington, D-C Monday. But Romney can take some small consolation knowing he had his own inauguration of sorts, Tuesday morning in northwest Kansas.

First State Bank in Norton houses a second-floor gallery full of those, like Romney, who have tried, but failed to become president.

Director Lee Ann Shearer welcomed guests to “They Also Ran Gallery,” read a short tribute to Romney and then formally inducted him into the gallery by placing his picture on the wall, right next to John McCain.

Romney’s portrait joins those of 59 other presidential losers, including Kansans Bob Dole and Alf Landon.

The gallery was opened in 1965 by First State Bank owner and president William Walter Rouse after he read Irving Stone’s book, “They Also Ran.”

New Russell City Manager Named

Posted on January 25, 2013

Interim Russell City Manager Jon Quinday is no longer interim. Russell City Council members voted last week to offer Quinday a two-year contract as Russell City Manager,

Quinday, the Russell Police Chief, was named interim city manager last September after previous Russell City Manager Ralph Wise resigned in August. Quinday has resigned as police chief, a position he’s held since July 2009.

Captain Dale Weimaster has been appointed Interim Russell Police Chief.

CDBG Funds Awarded to 27 Kansas Communities

Posted on January 25, 2013January 25, 2013

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced this week that 27 Kansas communities will share a total of $9,732,596 in federal grants through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

“We are happy to announce the awarding of these funds to some very deserving Kansas communities,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George. “These grants allow Commerce to assist the small and rural communities that are so important to the livelihood of our state.”

The CDBG program provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities, and economic development needs. To be awarded funds, local government units must meet at least one of three program objectives: benefit low and moderate-income persons, prevent or eliminate slums and blight, or resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available to do so.

The recipients of grants are as follows:

City of Argonia, $500,000
This project will consist of construction of an ion exchange/absorption water treatment plant. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will provide $1,614,226 in matching funds.

City of Cawker City, $384,700
This grant will rehabilitate 11 homes for low-to-moderate income families and demolish five unoccupied housing unit. Other funds will match this grant with $11,000.

City of Colony, $500,000
This project involves rehabilitation of approximately 13,250 linear feet of sewer line and service taps. Other funds will provide $502,325 in matching funds.

City of Cottonwood Falls, $500,000
The city proposes to replace water lines throughout the city. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will provide funds of $1,110,000 to this project.

City of Englewood, $172,000
The proposed project will purchase approximately 55 reverse osmosis units, install water meters for all connections, water line replacement and automatic reading system for the new meters. Other funds will provide $628,900 in matching funds for the project.

City of Harper, $500,000
The city will install a new water treatment plant with a triplex ion exchange system. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will provide $2,142,500 in matching funds for the project.

City of Independence, $400,000
This project proposes to address approximately 200-250 curb ramps throughout the city in an effort to meet ADA requirements. The city is providing $400,000 in matching funds for the project.

City of Jewell, $332,571
The project consists of removing and replacing concrete curb and gutter in approximately 11 blocks and reconstructing pavement. The Transportation Revolving Fund will provide $272,104 in matching funds.

Lincoln County, $164,000
This project will remove and replace the existing stone drainage structures on a 10-mile stretch. New culverts and place embankment will be done with the project. The Transportation Revolving Fund will provide $340,300 in matching funds.

City of Lincolnville, $245,275
The project will repair the existing sewer lagoons. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will provide $245,275 in matching funds.

City of Lyons, $400,000
This grant will rehabilitate 15 rental properties and two owner occupied homes. It will also demolish two unoccupied units. Other funds will match this grant with $148,558.

City of Mankato, $400,000
The grant funds will rehabilitate nine homes and demolish eight units in the City of Mankato. Other funds will match this grant with $44,500.

City of Marion, $400,000
The proposed project will reconstruct 13 blocks of street as well as curb and gutter. The city will match this project with general obligation bonds of $722,655.

City of Oakley, $400,000
This project proposes renovations to a building that houses the library and museum. The city is providing $1,227,591 in matching funds.

City of Onaga, $400,000
The city will reconstruct Prospect Street. The city will provide $160,085 to this project.

City of Oswego, $300,000
The grant funds will rehabilitate 11 owner occupied homes. The city will purchase two properties and use CDBG funds for rehabilitation. These properties will be sold to low-to-moderate income families. Other funds will match this grant with $121,000.

City of Plainville, $400,000
The project consists of reconstruction of the storm sewer system in several locations within the city. The city is matching this grant with local funds and bonds of $1,585,943.

Rawlins County, $90,000
The project involves ADA improvements at the Good Samaritan Society in Atwood. The county is matching this grant with $97,786.

City of Robinson, $444,000
The project will repair sanitary sewer mains, service taps and manholes. Other funds of $544,579 will be used to match this project.

City of Rush Center, $340,000
The proposed project is construction of a new wastewater treatment facility and pumping station. Other funds of $1,315,562 will be used to match this grant.

City of Stafford, $400,000
The project upgrades the city’s electrical system. The city will match this grant with local funds of $430,500.

City of Troy, $500,000
The city will rehabilitate approximately 42,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer lines. Other funds will match this project with $2,782,838.

City of Uniontown, $500,000
The proposed project will replace the city’s water distribution system and add 16 new hydrants. Other funds will match this project with $596,000.

Washington County, $296,000
The county proposes to demolish and replace six bridges. The county will provide local funds of $318,000 and $134,000 in county labor to the project.

City of Wilson, $389,900
This grant will provide rehabilitation of 12 homes and the demolition of one site. Other funds will match this grant with $7,000.

City of Windom, $260,000
This project will upgrade the city’s water distribution system. Other funds will match this project with $574,470.

City of Woodston, $114,150
The city will make improvements to the sewer lagoon for proper control of the wastewater. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and city will provide a total of $114,150 in matching funds.

Hays Wastewater Employee Certified by KDHE

Posted on January 23, 2013

City of Hays Wastewater Treatment Facility employee Clayton Unruh is one of 52 wastewater treatment operators recently certified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

The KDHE Bureau of Water certifies individuals at the following facility classifications: Kansas Small System Water Operation, Kansas Class I Water Operation, Kansas Class II Water Operation, Kansas Class III & IV Water Operation, Kansas Small System Wastewater Operation, or Kansas Class I – IV Wastewater Operation.

Kansas has more than 1,000 KDHE-permitted public water supply systems and 962 wastewater treatment facilities requiring a certified operator. Wastewater treatment plant operators are trained in a manner that prevents the release of excessive pollutants.

Depending on their level of certification, these operators must attend between five and 10 hours of continued education courses every two years to maintain their certification.