Please be advised that beginning Monday, October 8, 2018, the reconstruction of the intersection of 22nd Street and Donald Drive in Hays will begin.
Construction will occur in various phases over the next several weeks.
During Phase 1, 22nd Street will carry traffic in both directions; however, traffic will only be allowed to travel one-way southbound on Donald Drive. See below.
Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. Motorists should use caution in these areas.
The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 or the contractor, Morgan Brothers Construction, at 785-432-3104 or 785-394-1777.
Beginning Monday, October 8, 2018, southbound General Custer Road in Hays will be closed at Downing Ave. for pavement repairs. This work is expected to be completed by Friday, October 12 at 4:00 pm.
Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. The traveling public should use caution and if at all possible avoid this area.
The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Service Division at 785-628-7350.
Fresh off a victory that cemented his latest, controversial, pick for the nation’s high court, President Donald Trump came to Kansas Saturday night hoping to transfer his popularity in the state to two fellow Republicans.
Supporters lined up early in a chilly rain to see President Donald Trump at a Topeka rally on Saturday. NOMIN UJIYEDIIN / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
Trump arrived just hours after Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court — the most controversial appointment to the court in generations. He was in regular rally form, playing to an adoring crowd of some 10,000 thrilled supporters at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka.
He peppered his speech with the usual condemnation of Democrats, dismissal of media for cranking out critical coverage he sees as “fake news,” and talk of the political victories that have marked his first year and a half as president.
Trump trounced Hillary Clinton in Kansas two years ago. On Saturday, he championed the campaigns of two candidates locked in far tighter races.
Republican Secretary of State Kris Kobach finds himself in a dead heat with Democratic state Sen. Laura Kelly. Political newcomer Steve Watkins is struggling to keep an eastern Kansas congressional seat in Republican hands, a job made all the harder after reporting showed he exaggerated key parts of his biography.
Kobach and Trump have been kindred souls from the start. Both have shared often-unsubstantiated claims about crime waves by people immigrating to the U.S. illegally. They’ve both also trafficked in debunked theories about those immigrants voting illegally by the millions.
When Trump launched a commission last year aimed at exposing what he contended was widespread vote cheating in the 2016 election, he turned to Kobach as his key adviser on the issue. That panel dissolved prematurely without any findings.
On Saturday night, Trump lauded Kobach. He portrayed Kelly as someone unconcerned about illegal immigration and eager to lavish those who come to the country illicitly with welfare benefits.
“(Kobach) is a tireless champion for border security,” the president told the crowd. “He’ll protect your family. … Laura Kelly … supports giving welfare benefits to the illegal aliens.”
Earlier, Kobach had taken the stage and repeated a line he’s used repeatedly in the campaign in praise of Republican-authored federal tax cuts.
The president’s visit to Topeka drew supporters for him — and other Republicans.
CREDIT NOMIN UJIYEDIIN / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
“I want to do for Kansas, what President Trump has done for America,” he said.
That prompted the crowd to chant: “Kobach! Kobach! Kobach! …”
He also hit on themes that have come to define his political career — an aggressive stance toward immigration that paints immigrants as an existential threat to the country’s well-being.
“I’m so glad that America gets it and knows that illegal means illegal,” he said to cheers. “It’s time to put Kansans first, not illegal aliens.”
He touted a law he pushed through the Kansas Legislature requiring voters to produce proof of citizenship to register.
“It’s time,” he said, “for other states to care about proof of citizenship, too, just like Kansas.”
Kobach did not note that a federal court rejected the law, and he was held in contempt for failing to follow court orders on the issue.
The president used the Watkins race to warn the Republican audience that if GOP candidates such as Watkins lost, Congress would be lost to Democrats’ “radical agenda … a socialist takeover of healthcare.”
Watkins once again reminded the audience of his military record — graduating from West Point and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He did not bring up the issues that have gotten him into trouble — claims he built a large business that wasn’t hisand supposed heroics after a Nepal earthquake that his companions have said simply weren’t possible.
Instead, he gloried in the moment of sharing a stage with Trump.
“Kansans can do anything. I’m proof of that. I grew up a few miles away, and here I am standing up next to the leader of the free world,” Watkins told the crowd.
In his time in war zones, he said, “I have seen the devil. But I have also seen fighters. Donald Trump is a fighter.”
Much of the rest of Trump’s speech was a combination of throw-out-the-bums lines he’s been using since his presidential campaign began in 2015. (“This is your time to choose … whether we turn backward to the failure and frustration of the past or continue to an American greatness of the future.”)
Saul Cervantes was among the protesters who gathered outside the Topeka arena where the president spoke.
CREDIT NOMIN UJIYEDIIN / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
He also took credit for a booming economy that’s produced record-low unemployment rates and a bullish stock market, for dumping a nuclear arms deal with Iran, and for recrafting the NAFTA trade deal with Canada and Mexico.
“The only reason to vote Democrat,” he said, “is if you’re getting tired of winning.”
It was just the sort of stick-it-to-’em rhetoric the crowd was eager to hear. Hundreds began lining up on a chilly morning outside the hall where Trump would come in the evening. Many were drawn by the success he represents to them.
“He’s not one who’s going to be swayed by political money,” said Nathalie Higerd of Gem, Kansas. “And he’s working to improve our economy.”
Trump had many good things to say about his presidency, much of which partisans would challenge. But they’d be hard-pressed to deny he already has a legacy on the federal bench. Within hours of his Topeka speech, he added another monumental win when the Senate voted to approve Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and the new justice was sworn in.
Yet that choice split the country, partly because Kavanaugh is so conservative. It also marked a loss for the #MeToo movement that’s risen in the last year in response to celebrated cases of powerful men assaulting and harassing women.
A high school acquaintance of Kavanaugh’s, Christine Blasey Ford, testified to the U.S. Senate that she was “100 percent” certain the future judge had tried to rape her at a teen drinking party decades before.
The Republican majority in the Senate ultimately chose to believe Kavanaugh’s angry denials. A week ago, Trump had mocked Ford. On Saturday, he criticized Democrats for delaying the appointment and challenging Kavanugh’s version of events.
“He’s, like, a perfect person. … The finest legal mind, one of the finest human beings,” Trump said. “That extra week was a great thing because it showed no corroboration (of Ford’s account). … His family … what they had to take was disgraceful.”
WICHITA – The Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) is adding another book to its library with the release of “What’s Right with Kansas: Everyday Citizens Transforming Their State” on Oct. 8 by the organization’s president and CEO, Ed O’Malley.
“At a time when so much in civic life is disheartening, ‘What’s Right with Kansas’ gives hope for a better tomorrow, created not by civic elites but by committed citizens,” said O’Malley.
This new book from the KLC tells the real-life stories of Kansans who demonstrate civic leadership principles anyone can use to make progress on what they care most about in Kansas and all communities.
“The book was originally planned to recognize the tenth anniversary of the Kansas Leadership in 2017 but evolved into a more substantial piece that illustrates how KLC principles are impacting businesses, communities, schools and faith-based organizations all across this state,” said O’Malley.
Hays is represented in the book through stories told about Clare Gustin, Nikki Pfannenstiel, Carol Haberman and Jana Horsfall with Sunflower Electric Power Corporation.
“‘What’s Right with Kansas’ is meant to inspire Kansans of all backgrounds. In fact, we’re hoping Kansans will read this and be inclined to share what they think is right with Kansas as part of a social media campaign we are launching this week, too,” said O’Malley.
To coincide with the launch of the book, people are encouraged to share what they think is right with Kansas at https://whatsrightwithkansas.com or on their Facebook or Twitter accounts using #whatsrightwithkansas and tagging the Kansas Leadership Center. The deadline for submissions is January 21, 2019. The top three entries will be recognized on Kansas Day — Jan. 29, 2019.
“What’s Right with Kansas” sells for $14.95 and is available to purchase at Watermark Books & Cafe in Wichita or online at WatermarkBooks.com and Amazon.com.
All proceeds from the book sales will go to scholarships for Kansans to attend KLC training. To learn more about the book, visit https://whatsrightwithkansas.com.
About the Kansas Leadership Center The Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) is a first-of-its-kind educational organization, based in Wichita but with a statewide focus and global reach. Founded in 2007 to foster civic leadership for healthier Kansas communities, KLC provided training to more than 9,000 participants during its first decade of existence. It receives core funding from the Kansas Health Foundation in Wichita. Learn more at www.kansasleadershipcenter.org.
The Birthing Unit at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will host Remembering Together Remembrance Walk on Sunday, Oct. 21. Participants are asked to meet in Hadley Room 2 at HaysMed at 2:00 pm.
The group will be walking on the fitness trail so please dress for appropriate weather conditions.
This special service is for anyone who has experienced a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss.
SHAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities investigating a Kansas felon on new charges.
Wilkins -photo Shawnee County
Just after 1:30 a.m., Sunday police were dispatched to Resers Fine Foods Salad Plant, 3167 SE 10th on a report of a disturbance, according to Lt. John Trimble.
Officers met with employees who stated there was a disturbance involving 24-year-old Daquan D. Wilkins. During the investigation, officers located a firearm in possession of Wilkins who has previous felony convictions.
Wilkins was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Wilkins had been in on parole since December of 2017 following convictions of involuntary manslaughter, burglary, aggravated battery and robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
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.
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: Atchison Co. Park Lake, Atchison County
Warning: Carbondale West Lake, Osage County
Warning: Central Park Lake (Pond), Shawnee County
Warning: Frazier Lake, Grant County
Warning: Hodgeman County SFL, Hodgeman County
Warning: Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
Warning: Lake Scott State Park, Scott County
Warning:Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County
Warning: Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn County
Warning: Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County
Warning: Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County Beach Closure – Visitors can utilize Eisenhower State Park Swim Beach.
Warning: Rock Garden Pond, Gage Park, Shawnee County
Warning: South Lake Park, Johnson County
Warning: Webster Lake, Rooks County – Beach is closed. Webster State Park remains open. Drinking water and bath house facilities are not affected by the algae bloom.
Watch: Atchison Co. SFL, Atchison County
Watch: Mary’s Lake, Douglas County
Watch: Overbrook City Lake, Osage County
Watch: Overbrook City Kids Pond, Osage County
Watch: Pomona Lake, Osage County
Watch: Tomahawk Parkway North Pond, Johnson County
The following have had their watch or warning lifted:
Lake Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County
Melvern Lake, Osage County
West Campus Pond, University of Kansas, Douglas 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.
Monday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Areas of fog before 8am. High near 65. South wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Monday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 49. South southeast wind 10 to 13 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
TuesdayShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 55. North northwest wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tuesday NightShowers likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 56.
Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 37.
BARTON COUNTY — A Kansas man was convicted Friday of possession of methamphetamine and criminal threat in Barton County.
Foster -photo Barton Co.
A Great Bend Police officer began a traffic stop and ended up seizing a quantity of drugs from 30-year-old Michael Charles Foster, according to Barton County Attorney Amy Mellor.
After the officer began investigating the traffic matter, he used a drug dog to find what was later determined to be methamphetamine. The officer arrested Foster on the drug charge and took him to jail.
Foster’s troubles continued while being locked up. When he made a comment to one of the jailers about “what would happen if he found the officer (who arrested him) and beat him.” When advised not to speak like that, Foster responded by saying that it – criminal threat – would be his next charge. County Attorney Mellor said, “He was right.”
KANSAS CITY (AP) — Federal officials say a 52-year-old Kansas City fire captain has been charged with illegally selling several firearms to people he allegedly knew were felons.
Prosecutors say James Samuels sold guns to people who told him they were going to use them to shoot people.
Samuels allegedly bought 77 firearms in the last several years and gave some of them to a co-conspirator, who then reported them stolen.
The charges were filed under seal Monday and made public Friday after Samuels was arrested and appeared in court.
Court records indicate the charges stem from the Sept. 5 sale of an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle to a confidential informant for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Samuels is in custody pending an Oct. 11 court appearance.
Thirsty’s Brew Pub and Grill for United Way Dine Out Day #5
The United Way of Ellis County will be hosting a Dine-Out Day with Thirsty’s Brew Pub and Grill on Monday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 2704 Vine in Hays.
Come join in the social media fun! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the United Way and their 15 partner agencies.
Watch for upcoming Dine-Out Days with participating restaurants online at www.liveunited.us.
