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 warnings for some Kansas lakes for the upcoming weekend and week.

If a lake is under a public health warning for blue-green algae, activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. The lakes currently under a public health advisory:

• Warning: Carbondale West Lake, Osage County
• Warning: Frazier Lake, Grant County 
• Warning: Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn County
• Warning: Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County
• Warning: Rock Garden Pond, Gage Park, Shawnee County 
• Warning: South Lake Park, Johnson County

• Watch: Hodgeman County SFL, Hodgeman County 
• Watch: Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County
• Watch: Webster Lake, Rooks County

The following have had their watch or warning lifted:

• Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
• Mary’s Lake, Douglas County
• Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County
• Overbrook City Lake, Osage County
• Overbrook City Kids Pond, Osage County
• Pomona Lake, Osage County
• Tomahawk Parkway North Pond, Johnson County

A closed or closure status indicates that conditions are extremely dangerous for humans and pets.  Harmful algal toxins and cell counts are at dangerously high levels.  Any kind of contact with the waterbody is prohibited.

Lakes under a warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be specifically noted. Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms. Boating and fishing are safe on lakes under a warning but contact with the water should be avoided. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake. Zoned lakes may have portions fully open for all recreation even if other portions are under a warning.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 20 traffic stops Wed., Oct. 17, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–200 block W 8th St, Hays;  12:57 AM
Drug Offenses–500 block E 11th St, Hays; 4:20 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–2100 block Elm St, Hays; 10:03 AM
Criminal Threat–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:11 AM
Drug Offenses–700 block 6th St, Hays; 11:10 AM
Domestic Disturbance–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 3 PM; 3:09 PM
Theft (general)–400 block W 37th St, Hays; 3 AM; 6 AM
Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:29 PM; 5:33 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–300 block E 13th St, Hays; 7:42 PM
Disturbance – General–500 block Mission Mt, Hays; 10:30 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and conducted 36 traffic stops Thu., Oct. 18, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–2800 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 12:53 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:17 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–200 block W 8th St, Hays; 2:10 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:43 AM
Mental Health Call–1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 5:03 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–300 block E 13th St, Hays; 6:07 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:43 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1/1 12:010 AM;  10/17 11:59 PM
Animal At Large–US 183 Alt Hwy and Vine St, Hays; 10:38 AM
Welfare Check–300 block E 14th St, Hays; 10/17 8 PM; 10/18 11:37 PM
Suspicious Activity–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9 AM; 10:30 AM
Animal At Large–300 block W 23rd St, Hays; 12:33 PM
Animal At Large–2500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 1:32 PM
Trash Dumping–1000 block Downing Ave, Hays; 10/17 5 PM; 10/18 5:14 PM
Disorderly Conduct–1400 block Ash St, Hays; 6:19 PM
Theft (general)–1700 block Felten Dr, Hays; 7:41 PM
Liquor Offense, sell, furnish, transport–100 block E 7th St, Hays; 10:50 PM

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Republican Party hosted several local leaders, state lawmakers and candidates for office Thursday as part of the inaugural Red Wave Gala fundraiser in Hays.

The event brought Ellis County residents together to hear from officials including Congressman Roger Marshall, State Sen. Rick Billinger, state Rep. Ken Rahjes and candidate for state representative Barb Wasinger.

Dustin Roths recently took over as the Ellis County Republican Party chairman and said he was pleased with Thursday’s turnout.

“When you do these things you never know how things are going to work out, especially when you’re asking for a $20 ticket,” Roths said. “Right now, it’s all about volunteers, it’s all about people getting out (and) talking to people.

“It’s just so amazing how many more people vote for you if they know who you are and get a chance to talk to you.”

Rahjes, R-Agra, said he is excited to see a revitalized Republican party in Ellis County.

“What’s great is a wide range of ages of folks that are here,” said Rahjes, who represents the 110th District. “We have a lot of young people that are excited and that’s one of the things that really makes us feel good is that young people want to be involved and involved in the party.”

Rahjes and the rest of the lawmakers used Thursday’s event to express their support for Wasinger in her race for 111th Kansas Representative against incumbent Eber Phelps, D-Hays.

“Barb’s principled, Barb’s conservative, Barb has a tremendous track record as a city commissioner and a county commissioner,” Rahjes said. “She is consistent, what she tells you is what you get.”

Wasinger said she has received a lot of support along the way.

“It was a great turnout, and I can’t thank Congressman Marshall for coming here with his wife and spending the evening with us, when he has his own campaign,” said Wasinger. “We had a great turnout with wonderful people.”

Marshall was the main speaker of the evening, and echoed the praise for Wasinger and told a jubilant crowd, “I know I have just complete confidence you’re going to win.”

“We’ve got to get people out to vote and everything else is going to take care of itself,” Marshall said.

Marshall also said he feels like the energy for the Republican party has rebounded.

“Starting back in August, Trump’s base has become engaged,” Marshall said. “I just feel the fervor as we get closer to election day.”

Marshall touted his relationship with the president the energy he has brought to the mid-term election.

“People are engaged, they’re ready to rock and roll. They’re excited about Kris Kobach, they’re excited about Barb Wasinger (and) they’re excited to take this Trump economy and keep running with it.”