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KRUG: Food recalls are in the news

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Donna Krug

A couple of food recalls caught my attention in a newsletter I received this week from K-State Research and Extension. One deals with frozen blackberries while the other recall is for all purpose flour sold at Aldi stores. Read on for more details.

Frozen blackberries have been linked to possible Hepatitis A contamination. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the Hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool. Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.

Persons who may have consumed affected product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate, and consumers with symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their health care professional. You can learn more about this recall at the following website. https://bit.ly/2F1J9bB

The second recall I want to call your attention to has been issued by ALDI grocery stores. They have recalled all purpose flour due to a multistate outbreak of E.coli 026 infections. As of May 24, 2019, 17 people have been infected across eight states. No deaths have been reported.

Investigation results have shown that of those interviewed, they reported eating, licking, or tasting raw dough or batter. DNA fingerprinting identified the flour as the source of the infection.

Symptoms of E.coli infection can appear in one to three days. But the time it takes to confirm that a person is a part of an outbreak can take two to three weeks. Lear more at the following website. www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2019/flour-05-19/index.html

I checked out both web sites and printed off the recall information. The states affected with the flour recall were primarily from Ohio and the east coast. However, the blackberry recall is from certain lots sold through Kroger stores.

If you have any questions about these recalls don’t hesitate to give me a call.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family & Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or [email protected]

FHSU earns seven national top-10 rankings in May

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FHSU University Relations

Degree programs offered by Fort Hays State University through its FHSU Virtual College received seven top-10 national recognitions along with several other rankings in May for being among the best and most affordable programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities.

OnlineMasters.com gave the Virtual College 14 national rankings in 2019 for various degree programs. The Virtual College was just one of a few schools that earned multiple “best” rankings for 2019 awards.

OnlineMasters bases its rankings on academic quality (graduation rate, retention rate, enrollment rate and number of graduates); the number of online programs offered; faculty credentials; graduation reputation (polling and surveying current students and alumni); quality of instructor accessibility and responsiveness; student services and technology; and affordability.

“Because we believe education is the first step to achieving big dreams, we’ve created proprietary research and data-analysis methods to find the premier online masters programs,” according to Online Master’s website.

OnlineMasters.com
No. 1, Best Online Masters in Web Development Programs
OnlineMasters.com gave FHSU’s online Web development program the best value award for affordability, course selection and flexibility for distance learners.

“FHSU’s program is fully accredited and uses the latest in Web development technologies to deliver exceptional online education to students looking to enter the field of application development, Web design and database development,” says OnlineMasters.com.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2t6VSU2.

No. 4, The Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs
Healthcare management has been one of the most popular specializations for MBA students in the last several years. “This is a thriving field and positions are expected to grow by 17 percent within the next six years,” says OnlineMasters.com.

“If you are devoted to healthcare and want to advance your career into management, an MBA may be a perfect fit.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2WFkoNi.

No. 5, The Best Online Master’s in Art and Art History Programs
Within this ranking, FHSU’s online master’s in art and art history received the best individualized education award from OnlineMasters.com.

“FHSU believes in working closely with students to give them the most support and the best experience possible in the master’s in art and art history program,” says OnlineMasters.com. “Students collaborate with advising faculty not only to modify their degree but also to get insight and help on research projects and more.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2ZfquR1.

No. 6, The Best Online MBA in Finance Degree Programs
In addition to the No. 6 overall ranking in this category, FHSU’s online Master of Business Administration in finance earned the most value award for its affordability, flexibility and small class size.

“The Master of Business Administration program at FHSU offers a competitive, flexible core curriculum that supports the most important pillars and best practices of business,” according the FHSU’s website. “Our best practice is working on transforming you into the business leader you aspire to become.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2KzY0xs.

No. 6, The Best Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs
Rated “best for transfer students” for its credit transfer program, OnlineMasters ranked this program No. 6 overall.

“Qualified students can transfer up to nine credit hours into this 34-credit digital marketing program, helping them to focus more on the necessary courses for early graduation,” says OnlineMasters.com.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2swxNWc.

No. 8, The Best Online MBA in Information Systems Management Programs
OnlineMasters.com gave FHSU’s online MBA in information systems management programs the “most unique” award for addressing topics rarely covered, such as the law of cyberspace.

“FHSU students receive a comprehensive overview of information systems design and development, increasing their knowledge to advance their careers in the field,” says OnlineMasters.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2R1Vils.

No. 11, The Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs
The “best experiential learning” award was received by FHSU’s online MBA in higher education programs.

“Students discover learning experiences through real-world application and use those skills to succeed as administrators, recruiters, directors and more in their careers,” says OnlineMasters.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2qmbuBo.

No. 13, The Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs
Students in FHSU’s online MBA in criminal justice programs benefit from a flexible online format that allows them to earn their masters’ in criminal justice degrees while meeting their career and family obligations. In addition to the overall ranking, FHSU criminal justice programs were given the “most flexible” award.

“We challenge students to learn the theory behind criminal justice practices that must adapt to rapidly accelerating change – at the local, state, national and global level,” says FHSU’s website. “The Department of Criminal Justice at FHSU will prepare you for a rewarding career in law enforcement, corrections or the legal system.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2I6rYas.

No. 14, The Best Online Master’s in Sports Management Programs
“Students who graduate from the master’s in sports management degree program at FHSU advance their careers and become leaders as corporate partnership managers for sports organizations,” according to OnlineMasters.

OnlineMasters gave these programs the “best for corporate partnerships managers” award because students will learn critical skills to oversee relations and develop agreements with corporate partners.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2ATCjmR.

No. 15, The Best Online MBA in Human Resources Programs
The “best in management training” award was given to FHSU’s MBA in human resources management program for its numerous courses in management theory and practice, giving students all the required skills to succeed as managers.

“Students who want to excel in human resources management should consider FHSU’s MBA in HR management program,” says OnlineMasters.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2SIVhGe.

No. 20, The Best Online Master’s in Online Teaching Programs
“Fort Hays State University’s faculty delivers a quality education to its distance learners and caters to their personal development needs,” says OnlineMasters.

Earning the “best faculty” award from OnlineMasters, the site says, “many of the faculty members are Google for Education Certified Trainers and assist their students on the path to a brighter career in online teaching.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2UEJneu.

No. 22, Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs
“With more than 20 combined online and hybrid graduate degree programs available, FHSU provides a quality education at affordable tuition rates for distance learners,” says OnlineMasters.

“From an MBA in international business to a master’s in school psychology, graduate students receive low costs per credit to further their education for career advancement.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Ww7TU5.

No. 24, The Best Online MBA in International Business Programs
Students in FHSU’s online MBA in international business programs not only benefit from a focused curriculum, but they also benefit from exceptional career services, according to OnlineMasters. FHSU’s programs also won the ranking’s “best career support” award.

“Whether it’s receiving resume assistance, interview practice or help finding information on employers, the faculty members assist students every step of the way on the road to career advancement.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Nf9V3b.

No. 24, The Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
FHSU’s online Master’s in Education Programs received this top ranking based on affordability.

“Students who want to save costs but still want to earn a highly respected master’s degree in education should consider FHSU,” says OnlineMasters.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2SDDcqn.

OnlineSchoolsReport.com
No. 6, 35 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice        
OnlineSchoolsReport.com bases its rankings on program quality, earnings potential, student satisfaction, online presence, affordability, acceptance and retention.

“Our criminal justice program is multidisciplinary; faculty merge knowledge and experience from sociology, political science, psychology and law with experiential learning in the field,” says FHSU’s website.

“Graduates from our program stand out in the fields of criminal justice research, law enforcement, courts, corrections and private enterprise.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2MeRte6.

BestColleges.com
No. 13, The Best Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs
BestColleges.com ranked FHSU’s online bachelor’s in general studies programs for their flexible scheduling and customizable curriculum.

“The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at FHSU offers a Bachelor of General Students through a diverse, supportive liberal arts program,” says FHSU’s website. “It is a degree-completion option for students who have well-defined career objectives and do not require a course-specific or career-specific degree.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2IgrNbR.

OnlineColleges.com
No. 16, 20 Best Online Colleges for Adults Going back to School in 2019-2020
OnlineColleges.com bases its rankings on accreditation, affordability, online growth, accessibility, online resources, multiple campuses and student satisfaction.

“An institution dedicated to innovation,” FHSU has developed its Virtual College to support dozens of degree programs and over 100 specializations,” says OnlineColleges.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2Qvb5ZC.

TheBestSchools.org
Leader of Online Education
TheBestSchools.org recognized FHSU’s Virtual College as a Leader of Online Education in the areas of business and management, computers and technology, education and teaching and liberal arts and humanities for having several ranking online programs.

Criteria include academic excellence, strength of faculty scholarship, reputation, available financial aid, the range of degree programs available, and the strength of online instruction methodology.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2XaBJd2.

About the FHSU Virtual College
Education at distance from Fort Hays State began in 1911 when faculty voted to offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to gain the continuing education required to teach. The distance education department created then evolved continuously with changing technology and culture until, in 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College.

Sunny, mild Monday

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Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming east southeast 5 to 8 mph in the morning.

Monday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

TuesdayShowers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday NightA 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

WednesdayA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79.

Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 59.

BOOR: Thatch control for your lawn

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Alicia Boor

Thatch control for cool-season lawn grasses such as 
bluegrass and tall fescue is usually done in the fall but now is the 
time we should perform this operation for warm-season turfgrasses such 
as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. Because these operations thin the lawn, 
they should be performed when the lawn is in the best position to 
recover. For warm-season grasses that time is June through July. 
Buffalograss, our other common warm-season grass, normally does not need 
to be dethatched.

When thatch is less than one-half inch thick, there is 
little cause for concern; on the contrary, it may provide some 
protection to the crown (growing point) of the turfgrass. However, when 
thatch exceeds one-half inch in thickness, the lawn may start to 
deteriorate. Thatch is best kept in check by power-raking and/or 
core-aerating. If thatch is more than 3/4 inch thick, the lawn should be 
power-raked. Set the blades just deep enough to pull out the thatch. The 
lawn can be severely damaged by power-raking too deeply. In some cases, 
it may be easier to use a sod cutter to remove the existing sod and 
start over with seed, sprigs or plugs.

If thatch is between one-half and a 3/4- inch, thick, 
core-aeration is a better choice. The soil-moisture level is important 
to do a good job of core-aerating. It should be neither too wet nor too 
dry, and the soil should crumble fairly easily when worked between your 
fingers. Go over the lawn enough times so that the aeration holes are 
about 2 inches apart.

Excessive thatch accumulation can be prevented by not 
over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Frequent, light watering also encourages 
thatch. Water only when needed, and attempt to wet the entire root zone 
of the turf with each irrigation.

Finally, where thatch is excessive, control should be 
viewed as a long-term, integrated process (i.e., to include proper 
mowing, watering, and fertilizing) rather than a one-shot cure. One 
power-raking or core-aeration will seldom solve the problem.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or calling 620-793-1910.

AAA: Tips to keep your home safe while you’re on vacation

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AAA

TOPEKA —Whether your vacation takes you near or far, AAA Kansas offers travelers peace of mind with tips to keep your home safe while you’re away.
Home burglaries increase in the summer months, according to the Insurance Information Institute, since burglars see vacations as an opportunity to target empty homes. July and August have the highest rates of residential burglaries.
“Vacations require preparation and planning,” said Gary Tomes, Insurance Sales Manager for AAA Kansas. “Before you head out for vacation, take a few moments to safeguard your home and keep your possessions safe. Don’t risk leaving your home unprotected.”
Ways to protect your home and belongings while you’re away:
  • Make it time-consuming to break into your home. Research suggests that if burglars think it will take more than four or five minutes to break into a home, they will move on. Check outside doors and frames to ensure they are strong and made of metal or thick hardwood. Use dead-bolts on windows and doors, which can slow burglars down or deter them entirely.
  • Invest in an effective burglar alarm that, when triggered, alerts the police and other emergency services. Check with your insurance agent about possible alarm system discounts.
  • Disconnect computers and other electronic devices from the internet to prevent hackers from gaining access to your information. Make sure personal information on your computer is difficult to access and backed up on the cloud or other off-site location.
  • Keep valuables locked up and out of sight. Expensive jewelry, electronic devices and other high value items should be hidden from plain view and placed in lock boxes.
  • Make your home look inhabited. Use timers to turn lights on and off, temporarily stop newspaper deliveries, and arrange to have your mail picked up or held by the post office. An unkempt lawn is also an indicator to burglars that you are away. Hire a lawn service to maintain your yard if you will be gone for an extended period of time.
  • Ask a dependable neighbor, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
  • Avoid discussing your vacation plans in public places such as at the grocery store or at your local café. Although vacations are exciting, try not to post about them on social media; someone may see your posts and target your home while you’re away.
  • Create a home inventory. In the event that you do need to file a claim, preparing a home inventory of your possessions beforehand will make the process easier.
  • Check your insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need in case you experience theft or damage to your property.
To find out more about homeowners or renters insurance and what types of coverage you need to be properly protected, contact your local AAA Kansas insurance agent, call 866-AAA-4YOU or visit www.aaa.com/insurance.
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 59 million members nationwide and nearly 347,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.

Prairie Doc Perspectives: Amazing medicine reverses aging

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Rick Holm

I bet I hear it once a week, “It’s hell to grow old!” Of course, growing old is something we all will do, unless we die first. Alas, the future can look quite sad and depressing, especially if you think about the flab, falls, pain, blues, anxiety, thin bones, loss of libido, weakness, and memory loss that can come with aging.

But wait! Listen to the exciting news. Just out, there is a powerful potion that can prevent the aging process. That’s right … guaranteed to slow aging.

Researchers have observed how shortly after starting this terrific tonic: flab turns to muscle; falls are reduced; chronic pain and fibromyalgia seem magically lessened; depression and anxiety disappears; bones are actually strengthen; sexual function is enhanced and recharged; people experience new strength, energy, and power; and most important memory is clearly improved. What’s more, this special medication has also been shown to reduce diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and breast or colon cancer.

That’s not all. If you take advantage of this fabulous offer today, it will improve your appearance within weeks. Sounds too good to be true. It is scientifically proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt. And no other treatment plan comes even close. Nothing!

You would expect the price for this magnificent medication that brings about all these benefits to be more than the sum of one third of your income, or at least many thousands if not millions of dollars. But no! This medicine is equally available to the rich and poor alike, requiring only an extra effort on your part.

You could expect to work lots of extra hours each day to achieve these wonderful benefits. But no! You don’t have to work an extra two hours at the beginning or end of your workday, you don’t have to work even one extra hour.

Starting today we have a special opportunity. For spending only a half hour every day walking twelve blocks, yes that’s right, just twelve blocks, or whatever distance you can make in 30 minutes, you will receive most of the benefits I mentioned earlier. That’s right, only a half hour!

But wait, this offer only lasts for a short time. The longer you delay, the less you will get. If you start today, the benefits begin sooner and last longer.

That’s right…guaranteed to slow aging. Exercise is the bargain of a lifetime.

For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit www.prairiedoc.org and follow The Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&A show streaming live most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Body + Soul in downtown Hays under new ownership

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Kiley Rupp, new owner of Body + Soul Day and Med Spa, stands in front of the spa’s new blow-dry bar.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Kiley Rupp and her husband, Johnny, are the new owners of the Body + Soul Day and Med Spa, 107 W. 15th.

Rupp was the manager of the spa and took over ownership of the business in May. The spa remains in the same location.

“I have been in the industry for 13 years now, and I come from a long line of business owners, and it just felt natural to me,” she said of taking over the spa. “It just felt like it was what I was meant to do.”

The spa has added several new services and products under Rupp.

Body + Soul Day and Med Spa now offers gel dip nails.

The spa is just finishing a new blow-dry bar and has begun offering a new gel overlay nail service. The spa also has a new shampoo station, which will give the business more options in terms of hair styles.

The spa offers make up and hair styling for special events, including weddings, prom and family photos, among other occasions.

The spa also offers massage, manicures and pedicures, and facials, as well as med spa services, including PRP facials, injectables, permanent makeup and laser hair removal.

PRP facials entails a blood draw and are performed by a doctor. The PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, which is used to stimulate healing with your own cells.

Rupp said it helps stimulate collagen production and is great for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring and pigmentation issues.

Body + Soul Day and Med Spa is located at 107 W. 15th St. Hays. The spa is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

“One of the things that I want to focus on is being able to offer a completely unique guest experience when they come here and just offer them a wonderful service and make people feel welcome and pampered really,” Rupp said.

Rupp said she thinks her customers’ entire guest experience makes the Body + Soul stand out among other spas and salons in Hays.

“Everything from from when they walk in the door to their service to when they leave,” she said. “Having people feel better when they leave than when they walk in is one of the main things we always talk about.”

New product lines include FarmHouse Fresh skincare products, as well as Kevin Murphy haircare products.

Rupp said she has tried to focus on selling products whose companies give back to their communities and are environmentally friendly. Many of the products Rupp carries are also cruelty free or organic.

Rupp, 32, is a licensed cosmetologist and has her international skin therapy license. She has an associate’s degree in business.

Body + Soul has 13 employees and is a member of Downtown Hays Development Corp. The spa is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Learn more by calling (785) 639-1873.

Rupp encouraged anyone who has visited Body + Soul before to visit again.

“I am excited to for us to bring new services to Hays to offer people experience they can’t get every other place here in town becuase I know we are not the only place that offers these services,” Rupp said.

FIRST FIVE: Propaganda on the ballot

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By Kirsti Kenneth and Pierce McManus
Freedom Forum Institute

The 2020 presidential election is still more than 500 days away. But with more than two dozen notable candidates already in the running, campaign season is in full swing and each day brings a new wave of information about the crowd of contenders. However, not everything you hear, see or read should influence what you do in the voting booth. Alongside the policy statements and campaign promises, today’s political landscape is littered with disinformation and deceptive content intended to spread falsehoods and mislead the public. Think you’re equipped to sort out the fact-backed claims from the public relations stunts and propaganda? Well, you might just want to think again.

We all know that political campaigns utilize methods intended to persuade and provoke the public. The time-tested strategies of tightly scripted stump speeches and staged photo ops designed to stir our emotions and garner our support date back to the dawn of modern campaigning. Most of us know to think twice about the slick promises and heart-tugging moments campaigns trot out to win votes, but today’s candidates and other political players are experimenting with new methods to influence the online electorate.

Last month, right-wing internet provocateurs Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman published a fabricated sexual assault allegation against Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg on the blogging platform Medium. The accusation appeared under the name of a man who soon disavowed the claim. There’s also been an increase in apparent “local news” sites that are actually created by party activists. They run articles promoting certain candidates over others without disclosing the authors’ political connections to certain political action committees. And false quotes by President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidates continue to circulate on social media.

Many of these tactics cross the line to become propaganda: emotionally manipulative claims and disinformation designed to hijack voters’ thoughts and actions. And as you can see, it’s not just Russian bots that are to blame. Government and big business are scrambling to find solutions. Twitter is rolling out a new tool for reporting Tweets that are “misleading about voting.” The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have made permanent their task forces focusing on defending against foreign interference in elections, including propaganda and influence campaigns on social media.

But we continue to believe the most direct path to outsmarting propaganda’s manipulative messages lies in educating and empowering the public to spot problematic content and stop its destructive spread. As we voters begin to navigate a seemingly never-ending maze of campaign media and related online information, there are red flags we can all look for to sort politics from propaganda.

Propaganda simplifies the situation. Does the content cite only convenient or helpful facts while glossing over counter-arguments? Red flag. Propaganda exaggerates. Does the content present its candidate as perfect or nearly so? Red flag. Propaganda also uses our emotions against us, exploiting our weaknesses and deepest desires. Does the content you’re looking at make you feel afraid, and then conveniently promise a cure for that fear? Another red flag.

Most corrosively, propaganda seeks to divide us, setting up an “us” versus “them” scenario that broadens divisions between different people, groups and ideas.

Last month, a video of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, slurring her words garnered millions of views and shares online. The video, which was later proven to be a manipulated fake, was the perfect propaganda for a polarized age. It was shared by conservative politicians and party loyalists in effort to raise speculation about Pelosi’s fitness for leadership and to rally their base. Perhaps those who shared it were unaware at the time that the video was fraudulent. Perhaps they didn’t care. Or perhaps they expected their social networks of choice to police the content distributed via those platforms. (YouTube did eventually take the video down; copies are still available via Twitter and Facebook.) But as the presidential election fans the flames of disinformation, fakery and deception, pleading ignorance or waiting for algorithmic salvation isn’t going to cut it. If you think the country is divided now, imagine how fractured we may be in a year’s time if we don’t become a more media-literate electorate, primed to weed out destructive propaganda.

To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, an informed citizenry is vital for a free society to thrive. As we prepare for the 2020 presidential election, let’s all do our part to ensure that the information we consume and share is factually accurate. And then let’s put that knowledge into action at the voting booth.

Contributing to this column were Katharine Kosin, NewseumED museum educator and Barbara McCormack, vice president of education at the Freedom Forum Institute. Pierce McManus, NewseumED’s digital communications and outreach director, and Kirsti Kenneth, NewseumED’s curriculum developer, can be reached for media inquiries at [email protected].

Sunny, warm Sunday

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Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. North wind 6 to 9 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 6 to 9 mph.
Monday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 88.

Driver in 1938 pickup dies in crash with semi on NW Kan. highway

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SHERIDAN COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 8 a.m. Saturday in Sheridan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1938 Ford pickup driven by Daniel J. Rempel, 70, McCook, Nebraska, was southbound on U.S. 83 two miles east of Selden.

The vehicle ran into the side of a southbound 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Dik Pal Tamang, 37, Fargo, North Dakota.

The semi swerved to avoid the accident. The Ford ran into the trailer and was hit by the duals of the trailer.

EMS transported both drivers to the Sheridan County Health Complex where Rempel died. Tamang was wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. The 1938 Ford did not have seat belts.

Harbor Freight construction progressing, hiring process starts

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By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

After only 10 weeks since announcing a new Hays location, Harbor Freight construction is progressing at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, as the retailer prepares to open in Hays on July 31.

Construction is expected to be completed by July 15, giving the retailer time to install interior fixtures and place merchandise, according to James Younger, BCC property manager.

“These guys do not mess around,” he said, adding they arrived to get a jump-start on construction working in empty locations on the property three days earlier than anticipated.

Harbor Freight is also currently accepting applications for employment, which can be found at harborfreightjobs.com.

Younger said they expected to hire 18 people for the store.

While Harbor Freight construction continues, the new bathrooms for the facility are in progress as well.

“We are estimating the end of June or the first part of July for the restrooms to be open,” Younger said, noting they are cautiously optimistic about that time frame.

“Any time you take on a significant amount of construction on your property, there is always small foibles or shipping delays, things of that nature,” Younger said.

Despite the hassles of construction, Younger glad the shopping center is seeing continued development.

“We are definitely excited about that, updating our facilities for our customers is a big deal,” Younger

 

New HPD officers, corporal introduced to city commission

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Left to right: During the Hays City Commission meeting Thursday night, Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler introduces new officers Aaron Ewy and Alex Broadway, as well as David Odle, who was promoted to corporal.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler introduced two new officers and a new corporal to the Hays City Commission at its meeting Thursday night.

The new employees included police officers Aaron Ewy and Alex Broadway.

David Odle was promoted to corporal.

Ewy comes to Hays from Arlington, Kansas, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University in criminal justice. Ewy is also a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Broadway is a former Marine, earning the rank of corporal. He attended Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Kan. He attended Fort Hays State University and worked at Pfeifer Auto Sales as a mechanic before joining the HPD. He lives in Hays with his wife and daughter.

Odle was recently promoted from master police officer to patrol corporal. He was one of five candidates for the position.

“All five could have done the job, but Dave truly stuck out as the most qualified one,” Scheibler said.

Odle served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He has more than 19 years of experience in law enforcement and has served in multiple supervisory roles at the Liberal Police Department. He is a graduate of the national FBI Academy.

“Dave has been a great hire for us, and we are confident he will continue to contribute and do well as a corporal,” Scheibler said.

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