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FHSU Depts. of Leadership Studies, Teacher Ed shine in February rankings

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FHSU University Relations

Programs offered through the Fort Hays State University Virtual College received nine recognitions in February from various agencies as among the best and most affordable online programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities. The Department of Leadership Studies earned two recognitions, and the Department of Teacher Education earned three.

BestCollegeReviews.org
No. 2, The 47 Best Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs Online for 2018
FHSU earned the No 2 spot on BestCollegeReviews list of the best online organizational leadership programs based on its affordability, prestige and customization options.

Through the Virtual College, FHSU offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership. Both degrees require 124 credit hours and core leadership courses including introduction to leadership concepts, advanced leadership behaviors, principles of civic leadership, leadership and personal development and leadership and team dynamics.

“The innovative curriculum focuses on the study of leadership in the context of the modern organization,” says the FHSU website. “Standard classroom practices do not apply here. Whether in the classroom or in the field, students will constantly be challenged to adapt and overcome.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2pandC7.

No. 4, The 25 Best Master’s in Organizational Leadership Programs Online 2018
BestCollegeReviews also recognized FHSU’s Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in organizational leadership. The program earned praise for its affordability, flexibility and academic reputation.

Students enrolled in the 31-credit-hour program can complete the degree on their own schedule and have multiple options to customize their degree.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2FwVBSY.

BestEducationDegrees.com
No. 11, Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
FHSU’s Bachelor of Science in elementary education earned the No. 11 spot on BestEducationDegrees’ list based on its student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rate, affordability and financial aid accessibility.

The 127-credit-hour program provides candidates opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills with measurable outcomes and feedback from university faculty. Courses include foundations of education, classroom management, educational psychology, concepts of elementary mathematics and instructional technology for elementary teachers.

“The program of study helps future teachers discover the links between general education courses, professional education curriculum, pedagogical theory and clinical experience,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2FKiDF3.

EducationWeek.org
No. 5, 2018 Top Teacher-Preparation Programs in the United States
EducationWeek named FHSU one of the top five colleges in the nation for teacher education, noting the program’s prestige and hands-on application.

FHSU Virtual College programs include, among others, a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, a Bachelor of Science in education (early childhood unified) and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a minor in special education.

These programs help future teachers discover the links between general education courses, professional education curriculums, pedagogical theory and clinical experience. Students can add a certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

“Fort Hays State gives students the hands-on experience they need to be immediately successful in their classrooms,” says EducationWeek. “Without practical application, theory is useless, so these professors make sure students get plenty of both at Fort Hays State.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Dlpe3J.

TopMastersInEducation.com
No. 6, Best Online Master’s in Special Education Degrees
TopMastersInEducation praised FHSU’s program for its flexibility, accessibility and use of instructional technology.

FHSU’s Master of Science in high-incidence special education is a 36-credit-hour program available entirely online. Courses focus on the practical needs and challenges faced by educators of special education students.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Ii5AZY.

CollegeChoice.net
No. 26, 50 Best Online Colleges and Universities
CollegeChoice named FHSU one of the 50 best colleges in the nation for online education. The website praised FHSU for its degree options, affordability, accessibility and student support services.

Through the Virtual College, FHSU offers more than 50 programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor and master levels.

“Our online degree programs are fully accredited, affordable, and utilize the latest in learning technology for what we think is one of the best values in higher education today,” says the FHSU website.

“FHSU takes the accessibility of their programs so seriously that they keep their programs among the most affordable in the country,” says CollegeChoice.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2IhvPj7.

No. 39, 50 Most Affordable Online Colleges
CollegeChoice also named FHSU as among the 50 most affordable online colleges in the nation. The website specifically noted the value of FHSU’s Bachelor of General Studies, which allows students to customize a degree program to their interests and career goals.

“The Virtual College at Fort Hays utilizes the most advanced learning technology to help students learn in a flexible, affordable setting,” says CollegeChoice.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2FwD2hy.

GreatValueColleges.net
No. 6, Top 50 Affordable Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Online 2018
GreatValueColleges analyzed FHSU’s student-to-faculty ratio, affordability and prestige to award it the No. 6 spot on its list of the most affordable criminal justice bachelor programs in the nation.

The Virtual College offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. In addition to taking courses including criminology, justice in the information age and comparative justice systems, students can complete certificates specializing in corrections, justice networking and victim advocacy.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2tGQ0nm.

OEDB.org
No. 18, The Best Online Computer Science Programs
FHSU earned a spot on OpenEducationDatabase’s list based on its graduation rate, retention rate, acceptance rate and enrollment rate.

The 120 credit-hour program requires 39 hours in computer science major courses and 24 hours in emphasis-track courses in business or networking. Students must also complete 55 credit hours of general education requirements.

“Fort Hays State University’s Virtual College offers students a low-cost alternative to in-classroom learning from a reputable institution of higher education,” says OEDB.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2tE24Wz.

About the FHSU Virtual College
Distance education at 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.

Servsafe Manager National Certification Course will be April 11

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K-State Research and Extension will host a regional Servsafe Manager Certification Course on April 11th in Russell for food handlers in northwest Kansas.

The ServSafe program is a national certification program designed to teach safe food handling practices to those who serve food to the public. ServSafe in Kansas is provided by K-State Research & Extension in partnership with the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association (KRHA).

The regional course will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Russell County Fair Building, 702 Fairway Drive in Russell. Neeley Carlson, KRHA, will be the course instructor.

The cost for the course is $113 for KRHA members or $133 for non-KRHA members and includes the Servsafe 7th edition textbook, national certification exam, training materials and refreshments. The course is taught in English, however exams in other languages are available. Please note language preference in registration.
Pre-registration is requested by March 28 to allow for ordering books and materials. Mail registration and payment to the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association or register online with a credit card at www.krha.org. A minimum attendance is required to hold this class.

Print a registration brochure at www.cottonwood.ksu.edu or call the Extension Office in Hays at 785-628-9430 or Great Bend at 620-793-1910 for more information.

— Submitted

FHSU Criminal Justice Club to host third annual Cookies with Cops

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FHSU University Relations

The Criminal Justice Club at Fort Hays State University is holding its third Cookies with Cops event Thursday, March 29, in the Sunset Lounge of the Memorial Union.

The goal is to get the campus and community involved with law enforcement agencies.

Many officers will be on site to answer questions. Activities will also be offered for children.

The event will be from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Hays Police Department will train on Volga Drive

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The Hays Police Department will be conducting training on Monday, March 26, between the hours of 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm at 1711 Volga Drive.

Police officers will be training with special tactical equipment. This training is being done with great care and safety.

As a homeowner, you may see law enforcement officers move through your area. There is no need to be alarmed. The officers are merely conducting a realistic training exercise and there is no danger to the community.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the on-site supervisor (Team Commander Tim Greenwood or Team Leader Aaron Larson), or Chief Scheibler at 785-625-1030.

Kan. man in deportation fight freed after 56 days in jail

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By DAN MARGOLIES

Syed Jamal, the Bangladeshi-born scientist whom the federal government is trying to deport, must be released from jail, a judge ruled Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark said that though the government was entitled to detain Jamal for a reasonable period of time, his lack of a criminal history and his strong ties to Lawrence favored his release.

Jamal, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years and taught chemistry at the college level, had overstayed his visa and was detained by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in front of his home on Jan. 24 as he was preparing to take his daughter to school.

Jamal is still waiting to hear whether he’ll be deported, as ICE officials had sought to do on Feb. 13, when he was flown as far as Hawaii. The Board of Immigration Appeals in Virginia halted his deportation after his lawyers appealed, and it isn’t expected to rule on his case before May.

If the board upholds the deportation order, Jamal still may be able to stay in the country. A private bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kansas, would grant him lawful permanent residence in the U.S.

Syed Jamal’s wife, Angela Zaynaub Chowdhury (center), and daughter (right) stand outside of the federal courthouse in Kansas City on Tuesday after a judge ordered Jamal’s release from detention.
CREDIT DAN MARGOLIES

Alan Claus Anderson, Jamal’s neighbor in Lawrence and an attorney with the Polsinelli firm who recently was retained by Jamal’s family, said the legislation has been submitted to the House Judiciary Committee. He said there’s an extensive information gathering process, “but then we hope it can move fairly quickly, swiftly.”

“There’s a matter of making sure they have what they need or questions are answered in that process,” Anderson said.

The courthouse in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, was packed with family, friends and supporters of Jamal, who applauded after the 90-minute hearing ended.

Jamal previously was allowed to stay in the United States under orders of supervision, which enabled him to get temporary work permits. He was previously detained in 2012 for 57 days.

For now, Ketchmark said, Jamal will need to check in periodically with immigration authorities as he had under his previous order of supervision.

After the hearing, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver released a statement saying that he was pleased Jamal, “will be able to spend some much needed time with his wife and children but this is far from over.”

“The current immigration system is broken and affects families who have responsibilities and deep ties to their communities,” the Kansas City Democrat said. “We must fix these laws that criminalize hard-working, contributing members of society like Mr. Syed Jamal and that’s what I plan to push for in Congress.”

Dan Margolies is a senior reporter and editor for KCUR, a partner in the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter @DanMargolies.

————

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday freed a Kansas father fighting efforts by the U.S. to deport him to Bangladesh pending the outcome of his case.

Jamal-photo courtesy the online petition

U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark ordered the release of Syed Ahmed Jamal, 55, after a hearing in Kansas City, Missouri. He was being held in the jail in Platte County, Missouri, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Kansas City, and did not attend the hearing.

The ruling does not keep Jamal from being deported, and The Kansas City Star reported that his attorney, Rehka Sharma-Crawford, acknowledged that he faces difficulties in staying in the U.S. But she said she was thankful for the judge’s ruling.

Jamal and his supporters have been battling his deportation since Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested him in January at his family’s home in Lawrence, about 40 miles west (64 kilometers) of Kansas City. His three children are U.S. citizens.

“I made a promise to those kids to bring their dad home,” Sharma-Crawford said.

Jamal entered the U.S. legally in 1987 to attend the University of Kansas but twice overstayed his visa. He was ordered deported in 2011 but had been allowed to stay in the U.S. and check in regularly with immigration authorities. He has worked as an adjunct professor and researcher at Kansas City-area colleges.

U.S. immigration officials put Jamal on a plane bound for his native country last month before an immigration panel granted a temporary stay in the case. Jamal was taken off the flight when it stopped to refuel in Honolulu.

At the Platte County jail, Jamal has been cut off from his family except for Sunday visits behind glass. His possible deportation had prompted a backlash, with a protest march in Lawrence and more than 90,000 people signing a petition supporting him.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat from Missouri whose office was flooded with calls about the case, took up Jamal’s cause. And Rep. Lynn Jenkins, a Republican whose eastern Kansas district includes Lawrence, backed Jamal’s efforts to have his immigration case reopened, and filed legislation to allow Jamal and his wife to stay in the U.S.

“With limited resources and violent, criminal illegal immigrants still in our country, the fact that our government would prioritize resources to attempt to deport Syed is offensive to our common sense and a fiscally reckless use of taxpayer dollars,” Jenkins said in a statement issued after Tuesday’s hearing.

Shortly after taking office last year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that widened the categories of immigrants in the U.S. illegally who could face deportation. ICE has detained or deported people who had received reprieves from the agency during the Obama administration, which prioritized deporting violent, criminal immigrants.

The government argued unsuccessfully Tuesday that the federal court had no jurisdiction over Jamal’s detention.

More than 100 supporters packed Ketchmark’s courtroom, overflowing into a nearby one where a video feed of the proceedings was shown. Her courtroom erupted in applause shortly after she left the bench.

“I have so many people to thank, the whole community,” Jamal’s wife, Angela Zaynaub Chowdhury, said after the hearing.

Kansas man jailed for alleged kitchen knife attack

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RENO COUNTY — A Kansas man arrested in a domestic case early Saturday made a first appearance Monday.

Mendoza-Wells-photo Reno Co.

Zaide Mendoza-Wells, 20, Hutchinson faces potential charges of aggravated battery, aggravated child endangerment, two counts of criminal damage, felony interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Just before 6 a.m. Saturday, police were called to a residence Lyman Street in Hutchinson on the report of a disturbance. A resident apparently heard loud bangs and a woman screaming.

Officers made contact with the victim who told them the suspect attacked her with a kitchen knife and punched her multiple times during the incident, according to court testimony. She had lacerations that needed medical treatment. 

Police found blood near the couch, in a bathroom, and around other parts of the home. They arrested Mendoza-Wells at the scene. During the court appearance, he managed to get the $14,000 bond lowered to $12,500.

Prospective jurors warned as Kan. bomb plot trial begins

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The explosive issues of race, immigration and guns emerged during jury selection at the trial of three militia members accused of conspiring to bomb a mosque and apartment complex housing Somalis in southwest Kansas.

Patrick Stein, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen are charged with conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and conspiracy against civil rights. Stein also faces a weapons-related charge and Wright has an additional charge of lying to the FBI.

Wright, Allen and Stein-photos Sedgwick Co.

The three men, who were indicted in October 2016, have pleaded not guilty.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mattivi probed prospective jurors about their views on whether the federal government should protect civil rights and whether anyone believes the U.S. should limit the number of refugees into the country.

Defense attorney Jim Pratt, who represents Stein, warned jurors about the profanity they will hear in the case: “The language is horrible. You are going to hear unquestionably offensive and racist language in this case. Is there anyone here who is not offended by defining another human being as a cockroach? How about defining a group of people as an infestation?”

One prospective juror replied, “It’s just a word. What’s the big deal?”

Pratt pressed further, telling the group they would hear racist language which refers to then President Barack Obama as a “n—– in the White House” and he asked whether anyone finds that offensive.

The sole black woman who was left in the first group of prospective jurors responded that was offensive to her, and agreed she probably couldn’t judge the men fairly. She was dismissed from the pool.

Defense attorney Kari Schmidt, who represents Wright, questioned the jury pool about their familiarity with survivalist shows such as Doomsday Preppers and whether they could be impartial about a person who has a lot of guns.

The government said in court filings that a militia member tipped off federal authorities after becoming alarmed by the heightening talk of violence, and later agreed to wear a wire as a paid informant. The government’s case features months of investigation captured on profanity-laced recordings that referred to the Somalis as “cockroaches.”

Earlier in the case, a judge denied a defense motion to expand the prospective jury pool to encompass more rural western Kansas counties where the defense believed residents would be more conservative.

Defense attorneys argued the case is “uniquely political” because much of the anticipated evidence is in reaction to the 2016 presidential election. They contended the case will require jurors to weigh evidence regarding whether the alleged conduct constitutes the crimes charged, or whether it is constitutionally protected speech and assembly and implicates the right to bear arms.

The federal trial in Wichita is expected to last six weeks, with opening statements expected Thursday before U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren.

Sunny, mild Wednesday

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Today Sunny, with a high near 64. Light southwest wind becoming south 9 to 14 mph in the morning.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind 8 to 11 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 71. South wind 5 to 8 mph.

Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 44. East southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Breezy, with an east southeast wind 8 to 13 mph becoming south southwest 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 69.

Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 39.

SundayPartly sunny, with a high near 65.

Sheriff: Suspect in custody following NW Kansas chase

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THOMAS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high-speed chase in Thomas County.

On Tuesday, deputies received a report to watch for a wanted and potentially dangerous person, according to a media release from the sheriff’s department.

Just after 2p.m. authorities spotted the vehicle parked by in the 900 Block of East 4th Street.

At 2:15 p.m., the vehicle fled from Colby Police, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Thomas County Sheriff’s units.

The vehicle left Colby by traveling east on Highway 24 before taking county roads and returning to Colby on College Drive.

The vehicle then traveled south on Range before traveling west on Interstate 70 and exiting at Levant and traveling on county roads and fields before stopping near County Road V and Road 15 where the driver was arrested.

During the chase, schools and area hospitals were placed on lockdown as a precaution.

Authorities did not release the suspect’s name or possible charges.

KBI: 2-year-old Hoisington girl found dead in rural Barton Co., arrest made

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BARTON COUNTY – The Hoisington Police Department, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation have found the missing girl, Iviona Lewis, age 2 of Hoisington. She has been located deceased in rural Barton county.

Agents and local law enforcement worked through the night and made an arrest at approximately 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. Chaz Stephens, age 25, of Hoisington, acquaintance of Lewis, was arrested and booked into Barton County Jail on second degree murder. Once the autopsy is complete formal charges will be filed by the Barton County Attorney’s office.

Law enforcement agencies who assisted with the investigation included: the Hoisington Police Department, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the Hoisington Fire Department, and the Hoisington EMS.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

KBI: Plainville man arrested for alleged murder of his wife

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ROOKS COUNTY– The investigation conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Plainville Police Department, and the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office has led to an arrest in connection to the death of Alexis Garcia, age 24, of Plainville.

Alifonso Eduardo Garcia, age 35, husband of Alexis Garcia was arrested at 5 a.m. on Mar. 19 by Plainville Police Department for first degree murder. Formal charges will be determined by the Kansas Attorney General’s office.

Garcia is currently hospitalized and is being held on a million dollar bond.

This investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

 

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