UWEC

The United Way of Ellis County announces that Erica Berges, administrative assistant for the past five years, will serve as interim executive director beginning Sept. 6, as Executive Director Sherry Dryden has received opportunity for new work challenges outside of the United Way and will be stepping down.

“I am honored to have been a part of the United Way community and so proud of the direction it is going – and look forward to continuing my support from a different capacity,” Dryden said.

During these past four years, the United Way of Ellis County has grown through community impact programs such as, the Community Resource Directory and phone app, Northwest Kansas Volunteers website, and most recently, RealityU. A major impact has been the formation of the Wonder Women League that has established the following community impact projects: Matthew’s Gift, Born Learning Trail, Women’s Self-Defense Class, and their major fundraiser – The Power of the Purse.

Additionally, the United Way facilitates the CARE Council process for partner agency funding by three funding streams. This process has developed into an online application process.

“We are so thankful for Sherry’s service. She has really positioned us well for continued success,” said UWEC Board Vice-President and 2019 Campaign Chair Kelly Lewis. “We will rely on Erica’s extensive background with the organization and our partner agencies to help us through the transition period. We do not expect this change to impact our mission of service and we are excited about the upcoming campaign.”

The United Way of Ellis County completed their newest strategic plan last fall with a fresh new direction that is proving growth and sustainability. They created a new branding theme of “United Today, United Forever” which will take them to and through the future. Additionally, the development of a Planned Giving and Endowed program has already netted their first commitment. The purpose of the program is to fund the organization’s administrative expenses so 100% of campaign funds goes towards partner agency allocations. There are currently 17 partner agencies with the United Way.

The 2019 Campaign of the United Way is “Give Where You Live”. The Board of Directors have launched the Business Campaign, using a Donor Centered model in partnering with companies for the payroll deduction portion of the campaign. The United Way has their Chamber Kickoff on August 23rd at noon and their community kickoff on August 23rd at 4p.m. with the Hays Public Library.

Erica coordinates the CARE Council process, manages the financial processes, the campaign marketing and is the liaison for the Wonder Women League. Her diverse experience with the United Way will ensure a smooth transition. She has resided in Hays since 2009 and is a FHSU graduate. Erica and her husband Michael, who are both very active in the Hays community, have three sons and she is looking forward to the continued new direction of the United Way. Meanwhile the Board of Directors will begin the search process for the new Executive Director with future announcements.

For updated information, go to facebook – United Way of Ellis County, or www.liveunited.us

KDHE

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health advisories for Kansas lakes.

Warnings:

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)

Camp Hawk Lake, Harvey County (upgraded from 8/1)

Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (unchanged)

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)

Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (upgraded from 8/1)

Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County (new)

Lebo Kids’ Pond, Coffee County (unchanged))

Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area (new)

Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (unchanged))

Melvern Swim Pond, Osage County (unchanged))

Neosho State Fishing Lake, Neosho (new)

South Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)

Westlake in Gage Park, Shawnee County (unchanged)

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation. 

   Watches:

Carousel Lake (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)

Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County (unchanged)

Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County (unchanged)

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (unchanged)

Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County  (unchanged)

Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County (unchanged)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (unchanged)

Rock Garden Pond (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)

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

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

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

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

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