By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“Come rain or shine, wind or hail, Friday evening’s Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk will go on!”

HAC Executive Director Brenda Meder has her fingers crossed.  The National Weather Service in Dodge City is forecasting an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms Friday night.

“If the weather cooperates, it will be an amazing night,” Meder promises. “There are 31 individual sites featuring a diverse array of visual art and music. K-12 art work, BFA and MFA exhibitions, professional area artists, interactive projects and live music.”

The opening reception for Kansas’ oldest state-wide juried art competition, the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition will be hosted at the Hays Arts Center. “The competition really attracted a broad audience this year, so we have a wonderful body of work from artists across the state – in addition to the great pieces from in our own area,” said Meder.

Juror Mark Hartman selected 72 of the 262 submitted entries for the exhibition. “First, selections were made from photographs submitted by the artists. Then I visited the Hays Arts Center and reviewed the work first-hand to confirm the decisions and to determine the recipients of the cash awards and Juror’s Merit recognition,” said Hartman.

“I try to recognize pieces that I perceive to be significant achievements. This may be in technique or innovation, in concept or meaning. Practical constraints are always looming, however, and inevitably, one may omit work that deserves recognition,” he lamented.

“I’m hopeful that the exhibition will connect viewers with something significant in thought or inspiration, emotion or spirit.”

Hartman is an artist and faculty member at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He maintains a practice in freelance design, produces artwork in a variety of media, and is currently featured in a solo exhibition of paintings and installations at MONA–the Museum of Nebraska Art.

Many of the art walk venues are in downtown Hays; others are located throughout the town. Some art displays will open early and some will open again Saturday.

The complete list is below.

2016 Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk ~ Friday, April 29 – 6:30-9:30pm

Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th
47th Annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition

Hays Public Library, 1205 Main
K-12 Spring Student Showcase (Children & Young Adult Departments)
“The Mindful Drawing Project: No Judgement” FHSU students, faculty, staff under Professor Amy Schmierbach

Couture for Men & Women, 1109 Main
Downtown Grain Elevator Mural Design Preview by Dennis Schiel
Artwork Inspired Apparel

Tri-Central Office Supply, 1101 Main
“Carnival of Metal” by Lance Wadlow & Nicole Thibodeau
Prairie Garden Club Youth Environmental Poster Display (window display)

Hays Community Theatre, 116 E. 11th
“H&H Heartfelt Creations” by Holly and Heidi Rupp
“D.K. Finding the beauty in a decaying world of education” Angie Pahls & TMP-Marian students

Platinum Group, 116 E. 11th
“Document Your Days” Documentary Portraiture by Rebekah Baier
“Temporum” paintings by Madyson Suskey, Karissa Gonzalez-Othon, Candace Staab, and Cadie Long

Madd Matter Frame Shop & Gallery, 112 E. 11th
“Local Flavor”

Downtown Hays Development Corp., 109 E. 11th
“Life in Portrait: Photography by Christophe Cheroret”

Bella Luna, 1013 Main
Sculpture by Omer Knoll

Simply Charmed, 1011 Main
St. Justa Pottery Guild

Art Walk Gallery, 1012 Main
“Express Love Over Violence” a Jana’s Campaign Project

Hays Arts Center Annex, 1010 Main
Jared Tadlock BFA Exhibition
“Merging Perspectives” by Hannah Werth, Jared Tadlock, and Kaitlyn Lammers
Paintings & Photographs by Bruce Burkholder

Art in the Alley, Main between 10th & 11th
“Patterned Paradox” by Schyler Edgren, Carson Kaiser, Melissa Williams

Salon 1007, 1007 Main
“Ceramic Infusion” by Linda Ganstrom & FHSU Advanced Ceramics Students
Buckner Creek Boys featuring Mike Benisch

Art Walk Gallery, 1008 Main
“Pinnacle Past” by Julia Kent, Hannah Lindo, Valeria Terrazza
FHSU Student Exhibition

The Furniture Look, 1000 Main
Live Creatively Studio: Zentangle Art by Kari Haas & Photography by Raymond Haas

Union Pacific Park, 10th & Main
Open Community Acoustic Jam Session (all welcome to sit in & play or just listen!)

Diamond R Jewelry, 807 Main
Photograhy Exhibition by Kirstan Hanson
Sculpture & Paintings by Carson Norton

Turquoise Ranch, 719 Main
A collection of works by Sierra Gwin

Artists @ Work Studio, 717 Main
Works by Karissa Gonzalez-Othon

Breathe Coffee House, 703 Main
“Tall Tales and Small Scales” Illustration Exhibit by Emily Hendricks, Yi Min, and Amy Smarsh

Ellis County Historical Society, 100 W. 7th
“Art & Artifacts” from the ECHS Collections

Moss Thorns Gallery, FHSU Rarick Hall
Kathryn Jones MFA Ceramics Thesis Exhibition

2016 Spring Art Walk ~ Early or Extended Hours ~ Friday, April 29

Sternberg Museum, 3000 Sternberg Dr. – 4:00-6:00pm
“Exquisite Miniatures: Miniature Paintings by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist”

James Motor Company, 108 E. 13th – 5:00-8:00pm
“Art and the Automobile” paintings by Larry Zvalonek

Catholic Charities, 122 E. 12th – 5:00-8:00pm
“Mistaken Identity” and Photography by Jeanne Riedel

L&M, 113 W. 11th – 5:00-9:00pm
“Reflecting Tranquility” Ceramics by Herrick H. Smith

Sweet Zoo, 115 W. 8th – 5:00-8:00pm
Photography Exhibition by Paige Thompson
Photo Shoot Fundraiser by FHSU Public Relations Student Society of America

Northwest Signs & Awards, 131 W. 8th – 6:00-9:00pm
“FeBrAl Castings” Cast Sculpture Exhibition, FHSU Students and Faculty

Thirsty’s Grill & Pub, 2704 Vine – 5:00-10:00pm
“Forceful Substance” Paintings by Tristian Lindo

2016 Spring Art Walk Continues ~ Saturday, April 30

The following locations welcome visitors to the extended Spring Art Walk during these designated times on Saturday:

Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th 10am ~ 2pm
Chestnut Street Kitchens, 1310 Main 10am ~ 4pm
James Motor Company, 108 E. 13th 9am ~ 3pm
Hays Public Library, 1205 Main 9am ~ 5pm
Tri-Central Office Supply (windows) 10am ~ 5pm
L&M, 113 W. 11th 1pm ~ 5pm
Madd Matter, 112 E. 11th 10am ~ 5pm
Hays Arts Center Annex, 1010 Main 11am ~ 2pm
Art Walk Gallery, 1008 Main 10am ~ Noon
Art in the Alley, Main between 10th & 11th 10am ~ 5pm
Diamond R Jewelry, 807 Main 10am ~ 5pm
Turquoise Ranch, 719 Main 10am – 4pm
Salon 1007, 1007 Main 9am ~ 1pm
Breathe Coffee House, 703 Main 10am ~ Noon
Ellis County Historical Society, 100 W. 7th 9am ~ 6pm
Moss Thorns Gallery, FHSU 10am ~ Noon
Thirsty’s Grill & Pub, 2704 Vine 11am ~ 10pm

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 team called “Express Love Over Violence” is collaborating with Hays-based “Jana’s Campaign” in an exhibit that will be featured during Friday’s Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk.

Team members Jessie Carmichael, Matthew Eikelberger, Adara Erickson, Noël Servais Leach, Taylor Hanus and Rebecca Stegman are currently doing their Fieldwork in Leadership with Dr. Christie Brungardt.

Twenty-five year old Jana Mackey, Brungardt’s daughter, was killed by her ex-boyfriend in Lawrence in 2008. Jana’s Campaign, now a national effort, was created by Christie and Dr. Curt Brungardt, Jana’s stepfather, as an education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence.

The Express Love Over Violence art event will be in the corner storefront at 11th and Main Friday, April 29, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“Our mission is to align with the goals of Jana’s Campaign, working to raise awareness and educate our community on the topic of dating and relationship violence,” said Stegman in a news release.

She talked about the incidence of such violence in the United States, with statistics compiled by Jana’s Campaign and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NACDV).

“Domestic and relationship violence is a major issue in the United States. Statistics show that 70 percent of all women, and 30 percent of all men will experience violence in their lifetime (janascampaign.org).    In the U.S., an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute (ncadv.org). These acts of violence not only impact the victims, but also their employers, families, and sometimes pets.

The group is soliciting artwork from area high schools  and other FHSU students that will be featured in their exhibit.

“As of now, we have five high schools participating: Hays, TMP, Ellis, Palco and LaCrosse. There were no limits put on the students; all we asked is that they reflect what they think domestic violence is to them through their art work–anything from paintings, drawings, poems, creative writing, and forensics, to music.

“Before the students started on their art pieces, the teachers were given the option to either have Dr. Brungardt come and speak with the class to tell them what domestic violence is or watch a video that we sent them about domestic and relationship violence.

“We are excited to see how they express themselves through their artwork,” Stegman said.

“We will also have some Namibian art work that was donated to Jana’s Campaign at the exhibit.  You can see a sneak peek on our Facebook page “Express Love Over Violence.”

The Leadership team is also sponsoring “Purple Friday” on April 29.

“We ask the students at Fort Hays State University and the people of the community to wear purple to show support and raise awareness of domestic and relationship violence,” Stegman added.

ELLIS–Good news for Ellis as it searches for additional water sources. City council members heard an update on the special project at their April 4 meeting.

Brad Vincent, Ground Water Associates, told the council Ellis has received permits from the Kansas Department of Agriculture for two approved well sites. The city has until December 2017 to complete waterworks installation at those sites. Vincent also reported an additional test hole was drilled in the vicinity and preliminary results are very good.

The complete April 4 meeting minutes follow.

DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes April 4, 2016

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Bob Redger was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
By consensus, Council approved adding discussion regarding a hydrant purchase, an update from Ground Water Associates, and consideration of the Public Works Director’s attendance at training in Salina.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Terri Fischer, Brad Vincent, and Glen Keller.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on March 21, 2016, with the correction noted, Minutes from the Special Meeting on March 22, 2016, Minutes from the Special Meeting on March 24, 2016, and Bills Ordinance #1994. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented cost estimates for the various 2016 street projects. Council member John Walz moved to approve the 2016 street projects as presented at a cost of $61,935, contingent upon approval of the City’s request for assistance from Ellis County. Council member Gary Luea seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Petition
At the Council meeting on March 21st, Council directed City Clerk Amy Burton to check with the City’s auditors regarding the Ellis Golf Club’s request to use the City’s tax exemption status to purchase equipment. Ms. Burton reported that the auditors advised the City against that practice.
General Government: Financial
Council considered engagement letters with Gilmore & Bell for bond counsel services and disclosure compliance services. Ms. Burton reported the City is not currently engaged with any other firm for these services. The professional services would include the refunding and annual disclosure requirements for the 2006 General Obligation and Revenue bond issues. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the engagement letters with Gilmore & Bell for bond counsel and disclosure compliance services. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Financial
Council member John Walz moved to approve Resolution No. 524 authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Refunding bonds to refund the 2006 Water System Revenue Bonds. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Council member John Walz moved to approve Resolution No. 525 offering for sale the 2016 General Obligation Refunding Bonds. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign the required refunding bond documents. The motion carried 5-0.
Personnel: Policy
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the amendments to the Personnel Policy and Guidelines Manual regarding provisions for employee certifications. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner questioned if Council should consider individual certifications to be included in the Manual, rather than give the Department Heads full authority. Council discussed that the maximum additional pay regardless of the number of certifications achieved is $.50 per hour more. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 5-0.
Public Works: City Code
Council reviewed additional amendments to the various proposed ordinances providing for contractor licensing. After further discussion on each of the ordinances, Council member Gary Luea moved to approve Ordinance No. 1398 amending provisions for building contractors. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Public Works: City Code
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1399 amending provisions for electrical contractors. The motion carried 5-0.
Public Works: City Code
Council member John Walz moved to approve Ordinance No. 1400 amending the provisions for plumbing and gas-fitting contractors. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Public Works: City Code
Council member John Walz moved to approve Ordinance No. 1401 amending the provisions for lawn sprinkler contractors. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Public Works: City Code
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner requested that consideration of amendments to the proposed ordinance providing for work by property owners be tabled until the next Council meeting.
Public Works: Licenses/Permits
At the March 24th Special Council Meeting, Council discussed FEMA’s “50% Rule”. Essentially, a property owner may not make improvements to a structure in excess of 50% of the structure’s value within the same year. Council questioned if that meant a calendar year, or twelve months from the building permit date. At that meeting, both the Public Works Director and the City Attorney recommended the City adopt a policy defining a year as one year from the date of issuance of the building permit. FEMA representative Steve Samuelson concurred with the City. Therefore, Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adopt the recommended timeframe of one year from the date of issuance of the building permit for those structures that fall under FEMA floodplain regulations.
Sewer: Special Project
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented cost estimates to construct a sewer sludge containment site at the current wastewater treatment facility. Council member Gary Luea moved to approve the construction of the sewer sludge containment site at a cost not to exceed $5,000 with funds to come from the Sewer Depreciation fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Scheuerman then informed Council that he is having difficulty finding a replacement tube to the sludge auger due to its uncommon size. He also noted that the sludge belt press is not working properly and needs to be repaired.
Cemetery: City Code
City Attorney Olavee Raub presented revisions to the proposed ordinance amending provisions for decoration of grave spaces at Mount Hope Cemetery. A provision has been added for veteran’s emblems and shepherd’s hooks. Also, the allowed timeframe for decorations to be displayed has been extended to seven days before through seven days after the stated holiday. It was the consensus of Council to table consideration until the next Council meeting in order for the Cemetery Committee to review the proposed ordinance at their upcoming meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Water Exploration: Special Project
Brad Vincent, Ground Water Associates, provided an update on the City’s search for an additional water source. The City has received permits from the Kansas Department of Agriculture for the two approved well sites. The City has until December 2017 to complete the waterworks installation at those sites. An additional test hole was drilled in the vicinity and preliminary results are very good. Mr. Vincent will complete the water right application with the Division of Water Resources to further explore that site.
General Government: Financial
Council member John Walz moved to approve Resolution No. 526 authorizing employees to use the City credit card. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Gary Luea opposed.
Parks: Event Request
Council member John Walz moved to approve the Event Request for Traffic Control and the Public Property Permit Application for the Walter P. Chrysler Car Show to be held on June 4th at North Chrysler Park. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Parks: Event Request
Council member John Walz moved to approve the Noise Permit Application, Event Request for Traffic Control, and the Public Property Permit Application for the use of Chrysler Park, contingent on approval of a Cereal Malt Beverage license application, for the annual Riverfest event to be held on June 11th at Chrysler Park. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Swimming Pool: Acquisition
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented two bids for chlorine briquettes for the swimming pool. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the low bid from D. Gerber Commercial Pool Products for 3,600 lbs. of chlorine briquettes in the amount of $8,496, with funds to come from the General Fund – Swimming Pool. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Campground: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman proposed adding more rock to the campground sites as it had not been done for four to six years. Council discussed possibly replacing the rock with millings or crushed concrete, as it would be less expensive. After further discussion, Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to add more rock to the campground sites at a cost of $4,826.25, with funds to come from the Campground Fund. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner opposed.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman reported that every two years the interior of the water tower should be inspected. The City could choose to drain the water tower to have it inspected and painted, or choose to undergo an underwater inspection, as it did two years ago. It is recommended that the water tower be drained and fully inspected and painted every four years. Council member John Walz moved to continue with the underwater inspection of the water tower for the current inspection period. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Emergency Preparedness: Meeting
Council member John Walz suggested Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Ring visit with City personnel to review and update the City’s Disaster Response Plan. Once the Mayor finalizes annual Committee appointments, the Disaster Recovery Team will set up a meeting with Mr. Ring to review the plan.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented two bids for a new hydrant by Love’s Travel Plaza. Council member Bret Andries moved to approve the low bid from Municipal Supply for a new hydrant and adaptors in the amount of $1,625.24 with funds to come from the Water Depreciation Fund. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works: Training
Mr. Scheuerman requested approval to attend mechanical code enforcement training. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve Mr. Scheuerman’s attendance at code enforcement training in Salina on April 9th. The motion carried 5-0.
Water
Mr. Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period February 10th – March 10th. The percentage of water accounted for is down, indicating possible underground leaks. Mr. Scheuerman will continue to monitor and is hopeful the Waterline Improvement Project will increase the percentage accounted for once completed.
Mr. Scheuerman reported that Water Operator John Leiker has successfully completed his Water certification test. Brad Leiker will act as Operator in Training.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the April Staff Calendar and the Monthly Report of Activity for March. The Department will partake in radar training and certification in April. The annual Girls with Guns and Fathers, Sons, and Daughters with Guns will take place April 23rd and April 30th, respectively. Also on April 30th Ellis County will hold its annual drug take-back event.
Personnel: Entry
Chief Yates announced the hiring of Avery Smith to fill the vacancy in the Police Department. Mr. Smith will begin employment on April 11th at a probationary wage of $15.58 per hour.
City Clerk: Disposal
City Clerk Amy Burton requested approval to sell the HP printer and print cartridges replaced by the new copier. Council member John Walz moved to approve the sale of the Clerk’s HP 4100 printer and two printer cartridges through an auction site. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Swimming Pool: Entry
Ms. Burton noted that she will be extending the deadline for summer pool applications. Currently, there have not been enough applications turned in to open the pool.
General Government: Insurance
Ms. Burton reported that she has received the estimated renewal notice from Romme Insurance on the City’s insurance policy. It appears the City’s premiums have increased approximately 4 ½%.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel reminded everyone to vote on April 5th. The polls will be open at the VFW from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Committee appointments are usually made in April. Mayor McDaniel encouraged Council members to offer suggestions for the appointments.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The annual Hays High School FFA chapter plant sale is being held on April 19 and 22 from 3:30 to 6 p.m., and April 23 from 8 to 11 a.m.

The sale is located in the HHS E-Building Greenhouse located at the back of the entrance to the east parking lot.  A sign will be posted on 13th Street directing traffic to the greenhouse.

“We grow the plants we sell and they are cared for by all FFA members and Mr. (Curt) Vajnar’s student aide, Jarett Pfannenstiel,” said Laura Montgomery, a junior and FFA officer.

Local gardeners will have plenty of stock to choose from.  “There are approximately 400 trays of flowers and 50 trays of vegetables. We also have about 100 hanging pots,” Montgomery added.

The plant sale benefits scholarships for seniors, and also to send FFA members to contests, conventions and the Denver Stock Show.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil is feeling frustrated today as he reads numerous social media comments that incorrectly state the city of Hays is funding improvements at Big Creek Crossing, formerly known as “The Mall.”

The shopping center, 2918 Vine, is temporarily closed for 24 to 48 hours because of roof damage, most likely caused by rain the past two days.

Many of the posted comments are critical of the Big Creek Crossing renovation project.  Other posts are from employees at businesses in the facility, unhappy they are unable to work for a day or so.

Improvements and upgrades began about a year ago shortly after a Community Improvement District (CID) implemented for the Hays Mall.  The CID created a one percent additional sales tax on sales generated on mall property to be used to fund approximately $3.1 million in interior and exterior improvements.

Hays city commissioners–Musil was one of the three “Yes” votes–approved DP Management’s request for a CID at the Hays Mall in November, 2014.

Early Sunday afternoon, Musil wrote the following on his Facebook page and it is used here with his permission:

“Seeing a lot of post today talking about the roof collapse at Big Creek Crossing “the mall”.

“People are saying the city was stupid for giving them money.
City didn’t give them a dime. Yes I was 1 of 3 that made a decision to allow them to charge an extra sales tax. I will agree they have done a terrible job doing what they said they would do.

“That being said I’m very thankful no one was hurt. Also I’m very concerned for the people that make there living working there. Ok done with my rant. Thank you lord for the beautiful rain.”

“It’s horrible for the community, no matter what,” Musil reflected about the roof collapse.

 

 

 

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It was standing-room only in the Hays city commission chambers Thursday night for the first agenda item.

No controversy to debate.

Instead, the room was filled with the excited winners of the city’s second annual student poster contest promoting water quality and water conservation. The event is organized in partnership with Kansas State University Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds.

“Under the requirements of the city of Hays’ Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, the city must provide public education and outreach on the value of improving water quality,” explained Stormwater Specialist Steven Walters.

He acknowledged the teachers’ supporting role in promoting the water awareness activity.

“Anytime we can get in the schools and work with young people and bring some of the issues that we face and they will continue to face as they get older and become adults, I think is very important,” Walters said.

Hays students in grades Pre-K through 2nd and 6th through 8th made posters themed “What’s In Your Water?” Students in grades five through eight used the theme “Be Water Wi$e!” High school and Fort Hays State University students could select either topic.

According to KSU Watershed Specialist Stacie Minson, WaKeeney, the contest received 255 entries, up from 159 entries last year–a 60 percent increase.

First through third places in each grade were decided by a panel of local judges who either work within water issues or teach about them.

One by one, Minson called  the winners to the podium with a round of applause from the audience. The students received their awards from Jason Riegel, Water Conservation Specialist,  in the form of Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Checks and a hearty congratulations and handshake from each of the city commissioners. Then the entire group posed as proud family and friends held up their phones, cameras and iPads for pictures to mark the moment.

The first-place winners will also get to host a food party for their respective classes.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The annual Hays High School FFA chapter plant sale is being held on April 19 and 22 from 3:30 to 6 p.m., and April 23 from 8 to 11 a.m.

The sale is located in the HHS E-Building Greenhouse located at the back of the entrance to the east parking lot.  A sign will be posted on 13th Street directing traffic to the greenhouse.

“We grow the plants we sell and they are cared for by all FFA members and Mr. (Curt) Vajnar’s student aide, Jarett Pfannenstiel,” said Laura Montgomery, a junior and FFA officer.

Local gardeners will have plenty of stock to choose from.  “There are approximately 400 trays of flowers and 50 trays of vegetables. We also have about 100 hanging pots,” Montgomery added.

The plant sale benefits scholarships for seniors, and also to send FFA members to contests, conventions and the Denver Stock Show.

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
FHSU University Relations and Marketing

She is comfortable speaking to crowds of any size — and any age.

But Dr. Mirta M. Martin admits she has a soft place in her heart for the young ones, especially the very young ones. It’s easy to see why.

One day last week already had been a long morning for Martin, president of Fort Hays State University, when she walked through the door of the Tiger Tots preschool/daycare center in Rarick Hall at 10 a.m.

She appeared preoccupied as she opened the door, but her expression immediately changed to a big smile as 20 miniature students ages 3 to 5 years old greeted her with hearty hellos and high-fives.

For a half hour at least, Martin could unwind and let down her guard.

“I saw you at the Easter egg hunt,” piped up one youngster, in reference to the Kiwanis Easter egg hunt held annually near the Memorial Union and on the lawn of the university president’s home.

Martin chatted with the students as she sat on the floor among them, then deferred to a chair to read “The Grouchy Ladybug” to the preschoolers.

” ‘Boys and girls, let’s show Dr. Martin how well we can listen; we showed her how well we can talk,’ ” said Sara Stroup, director of Tiger Tots.

And so Martin began the story, which featured several themes and morals, including a grouchy ladybug that tried to bully other animals — to no avail.

Exhibiting patience with a capital P, Martin answered the youngsters’ questions as they interrupted her reading.

Martin interjected her own thoughts into the story as illustrations of various animals appeared at the turn of each page.

She talked about baby bunnies running through her back yard and pinched her nose shut while asking the children if they had ever seen a skunk.

“Have you seen a possum?” one little boy asked enthusiastically.

It was hard to tell who was enjoying the activity more. Martin totally got involved with the story, using hand motions to enhance the narration.

“Wasn’t that a fun story?” Martin asked the youngsters after she finished the story. “Thank you for letting me share it with you.”

The children’s excitement was invigorating, especially after the serious business a university president faces daily.

“I really enjoy their energy and their incredibly positive outlook on life,” Martin said. “They think they can do anything. It’s a good reminder to all of us what we can accomplish.”

Martin’s visit was one of several in a new reading program implemented by Tiger Tots and was a good lead-in to this week, which is National Library Week.

“We’re hoping to do this at least once a month,” Stroup said, “reaching out into the community of Fort Hays State to come visit and read in our classroom. I think it’s really good for the children.”

Ditto for Martin.

“What’s the old adage about how everything you need to know you learned in kindergarten?” she asked. “Share, be polite, say please and thank you, show empathy. These children aren’t even in kindergarten yet, but you can still learn a lot from them.”