The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants (weather permitting) on Wed., March 6 in the area of north of 41st St. and west of Hall St.
This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.
Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes.
The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains.
Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public. Drivers are asked to avoid driving through water discharging from a fire hydrant during the short flushing period.
For more information please contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330.
The Student Government Association of Fort Hays State University, in partnership with the FHSU Foundation, is gearing up for its ninth annual Big Event, scheduled for Saturday, April 13, as part of I Love FHSU Week.
The purpose of the Big Event is to give back to the community that so greatly supports its students throughout the year. Last year, Fort Hays State University students participated in a multitude of service projects all over Hays. The projects included painting, gardening, community clean up, sorting clothes, etc. This year SGA hopes to reach more people and increase the amount of projects around the Hays community.
The group is now accepting project proposals. Submissions for projects will be accepted until April 1. Projects will be performed by teams comprised of student and staff volunteers, with shifts available in the morning and/or afternoon. Project proposal submission can be done HERE.
The Hays Public Library is introducing a new checkout system. Using RFID technology, radio frequency identification, patrons are now able to check items out at checkout kiosks available on each floor.
The kiosks, which were installed last week, will make the checkout process quick and easy. After scanning a library card, approximately six to eight books or three CDs or DVDs can be placed on a pad at the same time. The pad will check out the items and turn off the security. The entire process is incredibly fast and easy. Patrons can also access their accounts to see the items they have checked out and renew items at the kiosk.
While the checkout kiosks will be the most notable and visual change for patrons, the RFID conversion was driven by the need to update security as well as the capability of RFID technology to revolutionize collection management of the 140,000 items at the library. The old security system was outdated and no longer effective. New security gates have been installed that can immediately notify staff of an item passing through the gates that isn’t checked out.
Some library patrons have expressed concern that staff members will lose their jobs and many say they value interaction with the staff during library visits.
“The new system will not result in staff layoffs or negatively impact service,” said Library Director Brandon Hines. “An exceptional patron experience is very important to the Hays Public Library Board and Staff. The efficiency of RFID will allow us to improve and extend the services we offer the community.”
“We know some people are skeptical and uncomfortable with new technology,” he added. “Library staff will always be available to walk patrons through the checkout process or do it for them if needed.”
More information about the checkout system, including an RFID Frequently Asked Questions document, is available at https://hayslibrary.org or by calling (785) 625-9014.
Ponds can provide water for livestock but, if managed properly, they can also provide outdoor recreation for the family and friends by stocking them with fish.
There are challenges in taking care of ponds to ensure that the fish thrive and that aquatic weeds don’t take over.
The Cottonwood Extension District is offering a “Fish Pond Management” program from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays.
Charlie Lee, K-State Extension Wildlife specialist, will present information and tips on managing fish ponds–including aquatic weed control, pond problems and solutions and as always there will be time for Q&A.
There is no cost to attend this program and all interested people are invited. Snacks & refreshments will be provided so RSVP is not necessary but appreciated by calling the Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430.
Thanks to a $95,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Fort Hays State University’s social work cohort program is expanding into Northwest Kansas.
The cohort program provides an opportunity for individuals in Northwest Kansas to complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree after earning an associate’s degree through Colby Community College.
With support from Valley Hope Inc. and Colby Community College’s outreach center, the program will also be available in Norton.
“This provides an option for western Kansans to earn an FHSU Bachelor of Social Work degree, fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, in their local communities,” said Dr. Tim Davis, chair of the department.
Classes, evening at the community college and online, are completed over a three-year period. Students take courses from both core faculty members at FHSU and local professional social workers serving as adjuncts. A full-time cohort coordinator is hired to provide for student recruitment, advisement, and to coordinate the ongoing needs of an offsite location.
Students in a cohort start and go through the three-year cycle together. FHSU commits to provide all three years of cohort education on site so that students who start can also finish in the same location.
FHSU’s Department of Social Work offers the development of skills and knowledge that enables individuals to help others. The department offers significant resources for students including various student organizations and research support. Hands-on experiences through service and internship opportunities are also available.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY – A Kansas sheriff is under investigation in connection with a DUI arrest.
Sheriff Dierks -photo courtesy Montgomery Co.
According to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, on March 1, Montgomery County Sheriff Robert W. Dierks, 55, was served a summons to appear in Montgomery County District Court following an investigation by KBI agents.
Dierks is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, March 6, on one count of Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer; Obstruction, or in the alternative, Attempted Obstruction; and one count of Intimidation of a Witness; Attempt to Prevent or Dissuade. According to the summons, the alleged crimes occurred on Jan. 27, 2018, in Montgomery County related to a DUI arrest.
The Fourteenth Judicial District entered an order appointing Todd Hiatt, an attorney from Shawnee County, to serve as special assistant county attorney for the case.
Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 35. Wind chill values as low as -9. South southeast wind 7 to 11 mph.
Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 20. East wind around 10 mph.
ThursdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 32. North wind 8 to 10 mph.
Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.
FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 36.
Friday NightA chance of rain between 7pm and 1am, then snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
SaturdaySnow likely before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 45. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
RENO COUNTY—An attempt to thaw frozen water pipes led to a second Kansas house fire this week in Hutchinson.
Crews on the scene of Tuesday’s fire in Hutchinson
Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched to 222 East Avenue G in Hutchinson, according to Fire Battalion Chief Wiliam Lang.
Initial arriving crews found smoke showing from the attic and crawl space of a two-story residential home. Crews made an interior attack and controlled the fire within minutes of arrival. The fire was located in the crawl space of the structure. There is minor smoke damage to the main floor of the house and moderate damage to the crawl space.
The home was occupied at the time of call. The home owner advised that he was attempting to thaw frozen pipes in the crawl space with a heat source. The occupant exited the building but did suffer minor smoke inhalation. Reno County EMS examined him on scene, but he refused to be transported to the hospital.
This is the second fire in two days in which someone has attempted to thaw their frozen pipes. The Hutchinson Fire Department reminded residents to never use an open flame or high heat source (blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove) to thaw frozen pipes. If using an electric hair dryer or portable space heater to thaw pipes, keep away from flammable materials and never leave space heaters unattended. If you are unable to thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
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RENO COUNTY — An attempt to thaw frozen water pipes led to a Kansas house fire.
photo Hutchinson fire department
Just before 5p.m. Monday, fire crews were dispatched to a home in the 1500 Block of East 4th Street in Hutchinson for a structure fire, according to Battalion Chief Jeremy Unruh.
Initial arriving crews found heavy smoke showing from the attic of a single-story residential home. Crews made an aggressive interior attack and controlled the fire within minutes of arrival. The fire was located in a bathroom and had traveled to the attic. There was significant damage to both the bathroom and attic.
The home was occupied at the time of call. Maintenance personnel advised that they were thawing frozen pipes in the bathroom with a heat gun when items in their work area ignited. The occupants exited the building without injury.
Parts of East 4th Street were blocked for approximately 2 hours.
Hutchinson Fire would like to remind residents to never use an open flame or high heat source (blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove) to thaw frozen pipes.
If using an electric hair dryer or portable space heater to thaw pipes, keep away from flammable materials and never leave space heaters unattended. If you are unable to thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are a time when large areas of the state’s Flint Hills rangeland are burned. These burns help preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning minimizes risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce impacts.
KDHE activated the Kansas smoke modeling tool on March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke to downwind air quality problems. On average there are approximately 2.3 million acres burned in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.
“We encourage ranchers and land managers to take advantage of this smoke modeling resource to spread out their burns more effectively and mitigate potential air quality impacts,” said Douglas Watson, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air. “For burns to be safe and effective, weather and rangeland conditions must be ideal. Many landowners will burn at the same time when such conditions are met. Air pollutants from the burns can affect persons in the Flint Hills and can be carried long distances to more populated areas,” said Watson.
Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and substances that can form ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly may experience worse symptoms.
Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:
Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
People with respiratory or heart related illnesses should remain indoors.
Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.
For more information about the burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, the April burn restrictions and the smoke modeling tool, please visit https://www.ksfire.org.
SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.
Starbuck -photo Sedgwick County
On February 25, police responded to a suspicious character call at A-Ok Pawnshop, 1525 south Broadway in Wichita, according a social media report.
Upon arrival, officers contacted a 25-year-old male employee who reported a suspect later identified as 41-year-old Patrick Starbuck attempted to pawn stolen items. Officers arrested Starbuck without incident and he was found to be in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
He was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, burglary and theft.
Through the investigation many stolen items were recovered including items taken from a burglary a few days earlier. Starbuck remains in custody on a $25,000 bond, according to the online jail records.
ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a 3-year-old boy has been flown to a hospital with an abdominal wound after an apparent accidental shooting in a northeast Kansas home.
Authorities responded Tuesday after the boy’s mother reported that her son picked up a loose gun, which went off as he was handling it.
Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said further details on how the boy came to find the gun and who it belongs to can’t be discussed at this time pending an investigation. Wilson says the cause of the discharge appears to be accidental.
The boy initially was taken to Atchison Hospital and flown from there to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A man has been sentenced for sex crimes involving a 13-year-old Alabama girl who was brought to him by his mother and grandmother.
Michael Collins -photo MDC
Twenty-two-year-old Michael James Collins was sentenced Monday to 15 years in prison without parole.
Investigators say Collins met the girl on a dating website in July 2017. At the time, Collins was a registered sex offender on probation for a previous conviction for sexual misconduct involving a child.
He admitted in November that he paid his grandmother $400 to bring the girl from Alabama to Missouri. His mother was with his grandmother when they picked up the girl.
Collins says he had sex with the girl in a van while the women were taking him to and from work and the Community Supervision Center in Fulton.
SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged online loan scam.
According to Salina Police Detective Sgt. David Villanueva, a 68-year-old Salina woman on a fixed income needed a loan to help cover expenses.
She received an email from “Mark Lee of Quick Cash Loans” informing her she was eligible for a $10,000 loan. After the funds were deposited into her bank account, she would be required to purchase Google+ cards and provide the card information to loan company, according to Villanueva.
The victim purchased four cards worth a total of $951at two retail locations in Salina.
After providing the card information to the company, the woman’s bank notified her that the deposit from Quick Cash Loans was fraudulent.
