By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The driver killed in an officer-involved shooting north of Hays on Tuesday has been identified as an 18-year-old Fort Hays State University student-athlete from Nebraska.

The Lincoln Journal Star reported Wednesday that Kenton Kobza, David City, Neb., was identified as the person killed in an officer-involved shooting following a high-speed chase Tuesday morning north of Hays. Kobza was a student at Fort Hays State University.

The Lincoln Journal Star reported Superintendent Rev. Sean Timmerman of Aquinas High School in David City said Kobza’s family confirmed he was shot by an Ellis County Sheriff’s deputy Tuesday.

Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees would not confirm the victim’s identity Thursday and said, after speaking with the family, they did not want the victim’s name made public.

Officers with the Hays Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle for driving left of center on north Vine at approximately 3 a.m. Nov. 8. The driver, according to the Ellis County Attorney’s Office, initially complied with the traffic stop before fleeing at a high-rate of speed north of U.S. 183. The driver was clocked by radar at more than 100 mph and was driving erratic, according to reports.

During the chase a sheriff’s deputy attempted to intercept the vehicle northbound on U.S. 183. The vehicle continued northbound and when it attempted to pass a northbound vehicle the driver lost control and entered a ditch and came to rest in a field approximately 1/3 of a mile south of the Ellis County/Rooks County line.

The county attorney’s office said the driver exited the vehicle and approached the sheriff’s deputy. The driver was ordered to the ground and initially complied but then got up and attacked the officer knocking him to the ground, according to officials. The officer then tased the driver twice, but the driver continued attacking the officer.

The driver allegedly attempted to take the deputy’s gun and while the two wrestled on the ground the deputy fire multiple shots striking the driver. The driver died at the scene. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy was treated at Hays Medical Center for injuries and was released.

Drees said the coroner and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating the incident.

FHSU said in a statement it is unable to confirm the identity of the victim until the coroner’s report is released.

By GARRETT SAGER
Hays Post

Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural history soon will offer a bucket-list type experience — a chance to travel to the Galapagos Islands and the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest in the summer of 2017 and learn about natural history.

“The trip really fits well with the theme of the museum, the mission of the museum,” said Dr. Reese Barrick, museum director. “It will be educational, but it will be unique.”

Last Spring, FHSU and Sternberg led a student trip to the Galapagos and Barrick wanted to organize one and open it up to the public.

“They really enjoyed themselves, so we thought we’d follow it up and leave it open to the general public,” Barrick said.

The trip is planned for June 3 to 14 and costs $5,000 per person.

The money paid will cover hotels, guides, most meals and transportation. The trip costs excludes the cost of airfare to and from Quito, Ecuador.

Barrick notes they need at least eight people for the trip to happen and deadline to sign up is the end of January. If the eight-person minimum is not reached, the trip won’t happen, Barrick said.

“The trip gives you a chance to see things you’ve never seen before and see nowhere else in the world,” he said.

According to Barrick, three people have already signed up, along with two Sternberg staff members making the trip .

Dr. Laura Wilson, Sternberg’s chief curator and paleontologist, will join Barrick to lead the trip.

Those taking part in the 10-day adventure will spend the first three days exploring the cloud forests of Mindo and Alambi — on top of the Amazon basin in Ecuador.

“In the cloud forest, there is one of the highest diversity of birds in the world,” said David Levering, Sternberg education director.

While in the cloud forest, participants will be able to explore the gorgeous forest, check out a butterfly farm, an orchid garden, and go tubing down the Mindo River.

“You get to see a different culture in Ecuador and see a different part of the world,” Barrick said.” It’s going to be different than just sitting at home and watching it on the Discovery Channel or National Geographic.”

He said the accommodations are nice in Ecuador and good meals will be provided each day.

“It’s not going to be like roughing it while camping at all, the accommodations are very nice,” Barrick said.

After the cloud forests, the trip will head to the Galapagos Islands, which are about 621 miles off the coast of Ecuador.

The Galapagos portion of the trip will last six days and will consist of snorkeling, beach combing and sightseeing.

The Galapagos land tour will be busy, but Sternberg and the tour guides are not trying to run the patrons into the ground.

“We are not trying to train junior scientists on this trip. It’s more about showing people some cool stuff and neat things to get them excited about biology and natural history,” Levering said.

The snorkeling will take place at Kicker Rock, home to sea lions, rays, sea turtles and many different types of tropical fish.

Following snorkeling, hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano and kayaking off the coast of Isabela Island are a part of the land tour to start of the Galapagos portion of the trip.

Barrick said participants can expect to be immersed in wildlife every day while in the Galapagos, but will be offered the chance to explore towns such as Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil.

On the trip, time will be spent  on three different islands in the Galapagos, starting with San Cristobal before flying to Isabela, then a boat ride to Santa Cruz to enjoy the highlands of the Galapagos.

On the final day, the opportunity is open to spend most of the day exploring Quito before flying back to the United States.

For those with health concerns, Levering said participants should be caught up on regular vaccinations.

“We are at altitude, so things such as yellow fever are not a concern for us,” he said.

Hepatitis is the biggest vaccination to be caught up on, according to the Centers for Disease Control, but Levering suggested having a flu shot beforehand.

“I recommend getting a flu shot as well, mostly just so you do not get the flu while over there or while you are traveling and it also will protect those who do not get a flu shot,” Levering said.

The zika virus is not a concern as the trip will not venture down to the Amazon, added Barrick.

For more information on the trip and to check out the itinerary, visit the Sternberg website.

Ellis County Attorney’s Office

On Nov. 8, at approximately 3 a.m., a motorist was stopped by Hays Police officers in the 1800 block of Vine Street (U.S. 183) in Hays for driving left of center.

The driver initially complied with the traffic stop, then unexpectedly fled north. The vehicle reached speeds in excess of 70 mph in the city of Hays (35 mph zone) on North Vine Street.

The vehicle continued to drive erratic and at a high rate of speed as it left Hays northbound on U.S. 183. An Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to intercept the vehicle at the Interstate 70/U.S. 183 intersection. The sheriff’s deputy and the Hays Police officers continued to pursue the vehicle northbound on U.S. 183.

The vehicle continued to drive erratic, and at one point left the roadway entering the west ditch (driving left of center). The speed of the vehicle was checked by radar to be in excess of 100 mph. The vehicle continued northbound on U.S. 183 when it attempted to pass a northbound vehicle. The fleeing driver lost control of the vehicle and entered the west ditch. The vehicle came to rest in a field approximately 1/3 of a mile south of the Ellis County/Rooks County line.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation statement on officer-involved shooting

The driver of the vehicle got out of the vehicle. The driver then approached the Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy. The driver was ordered to the ground. The driver initially complied with the Officer’s command and lied on the ground. The driver then stood up in a confrontational manner, refused the officer’s commands and attacked the officer. The driver was tased twice but continued to attack the officer. The driver knocked the officer to the ground.

The officer pulled his weapon and ordered the driver to get back. The driver again attacked the Officer and attempted to take the officer’s gun from the officer. The physical confrontation continued to occur on the ground. As the driver continued trying to take the officers’ gun from the officer, the officer fired multiple shots striking the driver. The driver died at the scene. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy was treated at Hays Medical Center for injuries he received during the altercation and has been released.

Ellis County Sheriff’s Office immediately contacted Ellis County Coroner Dr. Lyle Noordhoek and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and asked them to investigate the fatality officer involved shooting. The incident remains under investigation by the Coroner and the KBI. At this time, the decedent has not been positivity identified and, therefore, no next of kin notification has occurred.

The deputy, pursuant to Ellis County Sheriff’s Department policy, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation.

The names of the decedent and the Deputy involved will not be released while the investigation is pending because it is an ongoing criminal investigation [K.S.A. 45-221(a)(10)] and because it would be a disclosure of a personal nature that constitutes a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [K.S.A. 45-221(a)(30)]. The Coroner and the KBI ask for the public’s patience while the investigation continues.

Check Hays Post for more information as details become available.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The polls are open in Hays and across Kansas. Election Day 2016 is finally here.

The parking lot at the Hays American Legion, 1305 Canterbury, was nearly full just before 7 a.m. Tuesday morning with a line of voters extending down the hallway and out the door.

A lot of Ellis County residents cast their ballots early–20 percent–according to Ellis County Clerk/Election Officer Donna Maskus.  Advance voting was available at the county clerk’s office in Hays until noon Monday.   At 10:30 a.m.,  about 25 people were waiting in and just outside the office to vote at the Ellis Co. Administration Center, 718 Main.

Statewide, more than 468,000 Kansans voted early according to Secretary of State Kris Kobach. There are 1.8 million registered voters in Kansas. Kobach is predicting 1.3 Kansans will vote in the election for a 72 percent turnout.

In Ellis County, Democrat incumbent Ann Pfeifer faces Republican challenger Lisa Schlegel in the race for Ellis Co. Treasurer. In Ellis, there are seven candidates vying for three open seats on the city council.

In the 111th House district which covers most of Ellis County, incumbent Republican Sue Boldra is being challenged by Democrat Eber Phelps. Both are Hays residents.

For a preview of the races Ellis County residents will vote in, check out this interview with Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Donna Maskus.

The polls remain open in Ellis County until 7 p.m. Be sure to check back with Hays Post for local election results tonight.

KDWPT

PRATT – On Nov. 11, sleepy little towns in western Kansas will transform into centers with crowded motel parking lots, busy streets and packed cafes. If you’re up before dawn on Nov. 12, you’ll see men and women dressed in khaki and orange looking happy, despite the hour, while feeding and watering hunting dogs or grabbing breakfast at the local “Hunters’ Pancake Feed.” Everyone is upbeat because opening day is finally here.

This year’s positive bird forecast has hunters raring to go. But there are others who anticipate this day almost as much: the business owners in these small rural communities. Hunters are good for the Kansas economy.

On the second Saturday in November, 40,000 to 50,000 hunters will be in the field pursuing pheasants and quail in Kansas. Many hunters will have traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to get here and those hunters will spend a minimum of $150 per day on lodging, food and fuel. Most will stay three or four days, and when bird populations are good, the second weekend can be just as busy. When all the revenue generated by hunters in Kansas during the year is added up, it will top $400,000,000.

The pheasant hunting is expected to be best in northwest and southwest Kansas.

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, hunting is responsible for nearly 8,000 jobs in Kansas, generating $2.9 million in salaries and wages and $60 million in state and local taxes. Through the purchase of annual hunting licenses and permits, hunters generate more than $20 million and qualify Kansas to receive nearly $10 million in federal aid that is derived from excise taxes on hunting and shooting equipment. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s wildlife programs receive no general tax funding, so hunters pay for all wildlife conservation and law enforcement efforts.

FHSU University Relations

The Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University conducted a poll from Nov. 1 through Nov. 3 to measure respondents’ preferences in the upcoming election on Tuesday.

Results for this poll showed Donald Trump (58%) holds a 24-point lead over Hillary Clinton (34%), up from the 8-point lead showed in the Kansas Speaks survey released on Oct. 30, which had a data collection period of Sept. 1 to Oct. 13.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (77%) is up 64 points from challengers Patrick Wiesner (13%) and Robert Garrard (10%) and appears to be comfortably on track to secure his seat for another six years.

The retention vote for five justices of the Kansas Supreme Court seems close with 40 percent of likely voters saying they will “Retain All” justices, while 25 percent say they will “Retain Some” and 24 percent saying they will “Retain None” of the Kansas Supreme Court justices up for retention.

When broken down by each justice, the numbers show:

• Chief Justice Lawton Nuss – 46 percent of likely voters said they would retain, while 35 percent said they would not retain, and 19 percent said they don’t know.

• Justice Marla Luckert – 46 percent of likely voters said they would retain, while 35 percent said they would not retain, and 19 percent said they don’t know.

• Justice Carol Beier– 46 percent of likely voters said they would retain, while 35 percent said they would not retain, and 19 percent said they don’t know.

• Justice Daniel Biles– 46 percent of likely voters said they would retain, while 35 percent said they would not retain, and 19 percent said they don’t know.

• Justice Caleb Stegall – 52 percent of likely voters said they would retain, while 29 percent said they would not retain, and 19 percent said they don’t know.

The Docking Institute contacted a total of 753 Kansas residents by cellular and landline telephone, with 346 of them completing the survey. With a cooperation rate of 46 percent, and with 313 of the respondents identified as likely voters, the result is a margin of error of plus or minus 5.5 percent at the 95-percent confidence level.

A margin of error of 5.5 percent means a 95-percent probability that findings among the sample vary no more than plus or minus 5.5 percent from the value that would be found if all adult Kansas residents were surveyed.

FHSU University Relations

Peter Werth admits he is a man of few words. However, his gift to Fort Hays State University speaks volumes.

Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation, announced a pledge of $5 million from Peter and Pamela Werth at Thursday’s dedication at the Memorial Union’s Sunset Atrium. The Kansas Board of Regents in their October meeting approved naming FHSU’s College of Science, Technology and Mathematics the Peter and Pamela Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics.

“Peter and Pamela Werth embody the pioneer spirit of western Kansas and the essence of Fort Hays State University,” Williby said. “They have made a significant pledge to FHSU’s Journey campaign, and we could not be more excited about the impact that this will have on our campus for many years to come.”

Peter and Pamela Werth began supporting Fort Hays State in 1981 with a modest gift of $25. In the years thereafter, the couple continued to significantly increase their level of support to the university. In 2013, the Werths committed a $1.6 million gift to support FHSU.

“I believe in my hometown of Hays and in Fort Hays State University,” Werth said in a 2013 news conference to celebrate that gift. “I hope this gift will help to further the education of students from northwest Kansas. I have enjoyed professional success, and nothing could be more appropriate than sharing with Fort Hays State University, which gave me the tools for my career.”

Peter Werth is a Hays native, a 1959 alumnus of FHSU with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and a 2013 recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award from Fort Hays State. Following his time at FHSU, Werth earned a master’s degree in organic chemistry from Stanford University. In 1982, he founded ChemWerth, Inc. in Woodbridge, Conn., to develop active pharmaceutical ingredients to produce generic drugs. In addition to serving as president and CEO of ChemWerth, he serves on the board of directors for various pharmaceutical research and development initiatives.

Dr. Greg Farley, dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, said this gift will benefit students and various departments.

“This generous donation reflects a great investment in science education at Fort Hays State,” Farley said. “We can now add improved equipment to our teaching and research labs, initiate novel interdisciplinary efforts, provide student internships for professional development and enhance myriad student-centered activities.”

President Mirta M. Martin said FHSU was thankful for the Werths’ gift.

“What you have done here is transformational for our university,” Martin said. “We are thankful for your generosity. We are thankful for your confidence in the direction of the university.”

Werth said with state budgets tight, it is important for others to do what they can to support schools.

“I feel that state schools are under a lot of pressure,” Werth said. “If you want something great, people are going to have to step up, give the money. And I want Fort Hays State to be great.

“I hope you really make great progress with what we’re giving here, change the world,” he added. “I have a simple motto: Do good. Make a difference. Change the world.”

To learn how you can support the area of Fort Hays State University that means the most to you, contact the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or by email at [email protected].

Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty on Wednesday announced the appointment of Ovid Seifers as the new airport manager for the Hays Regional Airport.  Seifers was selected for the position after a national search.  He will assume his duties Nov. 7.

Seifers, a Wilson native, has more than 35 years of experience in airport management including Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City Downtown Airport, Richards Gebaur Air Force Base and, most recently, Eagle County Regional Airport near Vail, Colo.  Seifers is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

“Mr. Seifers provides a level experience and technical ability previously unseen at the Hays Regional Airport. He will be a valuable asset,” Dougherty said.

Seifers replaces Nathan Marcucci, who resigned his position with the city in September. He had managed the Hays airport since November 2014.

Trick-or-treaters took to the streets of downtown Hays on Monday afternoon, collecting candy from businesses along Main Street.

Video by Cooper Slough

KSDOT

Phillipsburg Middle School student Makenzie Storz was recently named as one of three northwest Kansas winners in the 2016 Put the Brakes on Fatalities poster contest.

Storz was selected as the winner of the 11- to 13-year-old age division and was awarded a bicycle and helmet from Safe Kids Kansas during an assembly held on Oct. 31 at Phillipsburg Middle School.

A total of 824 kids across Kansas ages 5 to 13 took the time to think about safety and participated in the contest. Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide effort to increase roadway safety and reduce all traffic fatalities and is recognized annually on Oct. 10.

For more information, visit www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners voted Thursday 4-1 to move forward with another CID (Community Improvement District) request for economic development north of I-70, although this CID petition is somewhat different than previous ones. The petition requests the district be created prior to the identification of a specific project. The CID would allow the developer to more aggressively market the property.

Developer Dave Christie of Hays Investors, LLC, Stillwell, Kan., wants to construct a building with approximately 73,000 square feet of retail space directly north of the Home Depot.  The development would consist of a 50,000 square foot building to be used by a national retailer and another 23,000  square feet of retail space. Estimated cost of the retail project is $13.67 million.

Hays Investors requests a 22-year, 1% CID sales tax to reimburse the developer on a pay‐as‐you‐go basis for $3.6 million of CID‐eligible expenses. The CID sales tax is estimated to generate approximately $3.7 million for CID‐eligible expenses over the 22 years.

Christie told city commissioners he “currently has two signed letters of intent on this property for about 35,000 feet and I’m working on one other anchor and then I can start the project. I’m really excited about this.”

There will be a restriction in the development agreement that would dissolve the district if certificates of occupancy for 73,000 square feet of retail space are not issued within 36 months of approval of the CID. That restriction is somewhat reassuring to the commission.

“I hope we don’t have to wait three years before we know what’s coming,” Mayor Shaun Musil said. “We did this (approved a CID) and haven’t really seen a lot even though it’s starting to look nice but we haven’t really heard a lot from them.

“My whole goal is we would bring some retail (shops) to our community and get our city sales tax revenues to where they need to be,” Musil added. “Hopefully, you’ll let us know as soon as possible.”

Sales tax collections for Hays have been down ten of the past 12 months, as reported by City Finance Director Kim Rupp during his September Financial Statement review earlier in the meeting.  Rupp called it “a notable decrease” of $365,156 or 4.85 %.

Commissioner Henry Schwaller voted against the CID request. “This is the second time at the well. We were promised this development when the Home Depot was built. When Home Depot was built, the commission asked and received a letter of intent from the retailer that they would occupy the building. We have no letters of intent tonight.

“Most troubling is we have a lot of commercial vacancies….It’s really a renter’s market, not an owner’s market. Even with the incentive, this is going to be tough,” Schwaller believes.

“In my opinion, if nothing happens within 36 months and nothing is built, the city is really out nothing. Unfortunately, moving into the future, if that would be the case, that makes it a bad situation to talk about this type of incentive,” said Commissioner James Meier, who voted in favor of the CID request.

The public hearing for the retail development CID request is Tue., Nov. 22, during the city commission meeting. Commissioners will not meet Thursday of that week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Halloween is nearly here and the Hays Police Department wants you to help make it safe for children.

“Welcome trick-or-treaters approaching your residence with the porch light and other exterior lighting turned on,” recommends HPD Asst. Chief Brian Dawson.

Motorists should be extra cautious.

“Slow down and be careful during trick-or-treating hours. Little kids sometimes get anxious and might want to jot across the roadway without paying attention to traffic if they’re excited.”

There are also safety tips for the trick-or-treaters themselves.

“Make sure they go trick-or-treating with a grownup or older sibling. Visit only people they know and have a route to follow with a designated time they’re expected to be back home.”

Halloween costumes should fit properly.

“Children should be able to see and hear properly while wearing their costume and the length shouldn’t be so long as to cause a tripping hazard. They’re going to be moving in the dark or during lower light.”

Keep Fido in mind during all the fun. “Don’t scare the dog with Halloween costumes. We don’t think about that–it can kind of rile up the family pet.”

Costumes and clothing should be brightly colored and reflective. “Reflective patches can be added,” Dawson suggests, “or kids can wear a glow stick, carry a flashlight to help illuminate the path where they’re walking.”

He also recommends what may be difficult for some.

“Don’t eat the treats until you get home and the adults have a chance to look at what’s in the goody bag.

“The Hays Police Department wants to with everyone a safe and happy Halloween,” Dawson added.