The Allied Health program at NCK Tech, Hays, will hold its graduation ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Ascension-Via Christi Village, 2225 Canterbury.
The Allied Health program consists of area high school students who attend NCK Tech part-time and continue with their high school studies. The program focuses on CNA/CMA licensure. Jana Donnelly, RN, BSN is the instructor for the Allied Health program.
For more information visit www.ncktc.edu .
— NCK Tech
HFD
The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Thu., May 2, 2019 in the area of Willow St. to Thunderbird between 27th St. and 33rd 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.
FHSU University Relations
Promotions and granting of tenure for faculty at Fort Hays State University will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 2, in the Memorial Union’s Black and Gold Room.
Six faculty members were granted tenure and promoted to the listed academic rank. The changes will take affect during the next academic year.
Tenured and Promoted
Dr. Soumya Bhoumik, associate professor of mathematics.
Eric Deneault, associate professor of applied technology.
Dr. Mitchell Greer, associate professor of biological sciences.
Dr. Elodie Jones, associate professor of advanced education programs.
Dr. Tamara Lynn, associate professor of criminal justice.
Dr. Judith Ofcarcik, associate professor of music and theatre.
Four faculty members were promoted to the listed academic rank:
Promoted
Dr. Jill Arensdorf, professor of leadership studies.
Dr. John Raacke, professor of criminal justice.
Dr. Melissa Hunsicker Walburn, associate professor of informatics.
Dr. Roberta Martine, senior lecturer of sociology.
Three faculty members were granted tenure:
Tenured
Dr. Cole Engel, assistant professor of economics, finance, and accounting.
Dr. Glenn Growe, assistant professor of economics, finance, and accounting.
Kris Munsch, assistant professor of applied technology.
What is inflammation? Inflammation comes from the Latin words “into the flame” like how moths are drawn to sustaining warmth of a springtime campfire and harmful self-destruction if they get too close. Inflammation is a natural phenomenon that can encourage sustaining healing but also harmful destruction, like a moth into the flame.
During my first years of medical school, I was honored to spend my summers with multiple doctors practicing in Watertown, South Dakota. There, pediatrician Ebehardt Heinrichs, M.D., taught me about inflammation while we were examining a young child with acute juvenile arthritis. He pointed out how her hands showed four characteristics of inflammation famously described by Celsus, a Roman who lived at the time of Jesus. Dr. Heinrichs explained, “These are the cardinal signs of inflammation: rubor (redness), tumor (swelling), calor (heat) and dolor (pain).”
That summer, a red, swollen, hot, and painful joint found with juvenile arthritis was not the only medical condition I saw resulting from inflammation run amok. Other destructive examples included asthma, poison ivy, psoriasis, Lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Those years ago, I learned that we had anti-inflammatory medications to help patients with such unfortunate conditions, although side effects were considerable. In contrast, I also saw examples of how inflammation can be beneficial in fighting off invading infections such as skin abscesses, appendicitis, tonsillitis, meningitis and sinusitis.
Beyond this older and established knowledge, researchers have recently learned that beneficial muscle growth comes as a response to localized mild inflammation that follows exercise. Other studies show that low-intensity training, like walking, can reduce harmful chronic inflammation. All-in-all not only can our bodies be harmed when self-destructive inflammation turns against our own cells, but our bodies can be protected and even sculpted by the yin and yang of balanced and healthy inflammation.
Recently, researchers have learned of another yin and yang. We know that our bodies can recognize and remove, by inflammation, tiny cancers that pop up periodically. On the other hand, certain cancers can grow because of inflammation. This later finding has allowed for even more new therapies.
There have been great improvements in medicines relating to inflammation, compared to what we had during those early years in med school. We can now, more effectively and with fewer side-effects, turn off harmful targets of inflammation, cool crippling arthritis, sooth devastating rashes and even, when used correctly, shrink certain cancers.
Rubor, tumor, calor, dolor . . . like a moth attracted to a sustaining or harmful springtime campfire.
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.
WPAA
SHARON SPRINGS — Western Plains Arts Association will end its 2018-19 season with a concert Sunday, May 5, by Pride of the Prairie Orchestra, “A Salute to Cinco de Mayo.”
Wallace County High School Auditorium, Sharon Springs, is the venue. The concert begins at 2 p.m. MDT (3 p.m. CDT). The concert will be one of the final events of The Big Kansas Road Trip, May 2 to 5, showcasing the communities in Cheyenne, Sherman and Wallace counties.
Admission is by WPAA season ticket, by Pride of the Prairie season ticket, or at the door, $10 adults and $5 students. The WPAA season has been made possible by numerous business and individual donors throughout the area, including a special grant from The Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan.
Conductor is Andrew Salvador from Burlington, Colo. Mary Shoaff is orchestra president. Rehearsals are every Monday night from September to May at 7:30 p.m. Central in the Colby Community College band room in Colby. The website is https://www.prairieorchestra.com and Facebook page is “Pride of the Prairie Orchestra.”
HACC
Business, industry and organizational leaders in the Ellis County area will have the opportunity to participate in an eight-week Dale Carnegie Course thanks to a partnership the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce (HACC) has established with the global training organization.
According to Chamber CEO/President Tammy Wellbrock, this summer’s event marks the first time in several years since the course has been made available in north central Kansas.
“We are excited for this opportunity because it aligns with the Chamber’s vision and will provide a world-class professional development opportunity for area business leaders and their staff members,” Wellbrock said.
The Dale Carnegie Course is based on five drivers of success: communications, relationships, attitudes, confidence and leadership. Participants will learn how to strengthen interpersonal relationships, improve communications with others, manage stress and elevate their self-confidence and leadership to handle fast-changing workplace conditions.
The leadership course begins June 4 and runs eight consecutive Tuesday afternoons through July 23. The sessions will run from 1 – 4:30 p.m. and will be held at the Welcome Center Conference Room, 2700 Vine St.
Topics covered during the eight-week course include recalling names and facts, communicating more effectively, building trust and persuading people to take action, projecting an enthusiastic attitude, energizing and engaging listeners, managing stress and worry, strengthening relationships and giving constructive feedback that empowers others.
While the program is open to the public, members of the Hays Area Chamber can receive a 15% discount when they enroll. For more information on how to join the chamber or to access the member benefit, please contact the Chamber office by calling 785.628.8201 or emailing [email protected].
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Ted Foster, Hays Middle School social science teacher, was nominated by HMS student Eli Rohr for the April USD 489 staff Best of the Best Award.
“I nominated Mr. Foster for Best of the Best because he is always an encouraging teacher,” Rohr said, “and he is really there for you when you need him.”
Rohr said Foster encouraged him to go out for track and now track is one of his favorite sports.
“When you need to just sit there and talk to someone, he will be there,” Rohr said.
He said he comes in before or after school to talk to Foster, and they share notes on “The Flash.”
“He helps a bunch of students,” Rohr said. “He knows what teaching they need and how to get to them. … He is a really good teacher. He doesn’t put anybody aside. He helps everyone who needs the help.”
Savannah Clingan, Wilson student, was nominated for the Best of the Best Award by Leslie Karlin, Wilson fifth-grade teacher.
Karlin described Clingan as an outstanding student leader.
“As a member of our Wilson role models, she serves her fellow students and the school community,” Karlin said. “Some responsibilities she has carried out in an exceptional manner are greeting students at the front door, monitoring the hallway, cleaning up playground equipment and organizing the school’s lost and found.
“In addition to serving others, she is kind, she is respectful, and she is very diligent in her school work. She also helps her classmates by encouraging them to follow the rules and by helping students who may be struggling with an assignment. She continuously demonstrates concern for others, and she finds ways to make a difference.”
Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Northeast wind 7 to 11 mph.
Thursday NightA 30 percent chance of showers after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 44. East southeast wind 5 to 11 mph becoming west northwest after midnight.
FridayA 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 44. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south southwest after midnight.
SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 73.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Six of the 37 wells that produce water for the city of Hays need to be rehabilitated.
Groundwater contains bacteria and minerals which cause well plugging. Screens, gravel pack and formations may become blocked, reducing the amount of water that can be pumped to the surface.
Water Resources employees maintain productivity of the wells by acidizing them, but as City Manager Toby Dougherty explains, periodic professional rehabilitation is necessary to maintain peak efficiency.
“Maintenance only goes so far and there are times you have to do a complete rehabilitation on those wells,” Dougherty explains. “This keeps them operating as efficiently as possible which is especially important when we get into times of drought.”
The Hays city commission will review bids Thursday for the rehab project. The low bid is from Layne Christensen Company of Kearney, Neb. for $67,230.
The city of Hays has the ability to withdraw groundwater from three different aquifers through 37 wells. The three aquifers are the Smoky Hill River, Dakota and Big Creek.
Also on the May 2 work session agenda is a report from the Fort Hays State University Water Wise Tigers. The student group conducted a research project involving water conservation in Hays.
Sidewalk project work for 2019 will be presented by Project Manager John Braun.
Commissioners will consider bids for installation of sidewalks at Rolling Hills Park and several locations at 13th and Canterbury and adjacent to the Hays Recreation Commission.
The two low bids are both from DHC, Hays, with Rolling Hills at $26,841.90 and 13th & Canterbury at $35,135.53.
The complete May 2 agenda is available here.
The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.
Preceding the meeting at 6:15 p.m., Mayor Henry Schwaller will sign a local proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
KDWPT
TOPEKA – Brad Loveless, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, announced today that Bridgette Jobe has been selected to become Director of the Division of Tourism. Jobe’s appointment will be effective in July 2019. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Kansas City Kansas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc. (KCKCVB) and will use the next couple of months to complete some important projects for the KCKCVB.
“We are very excited that Bridgette will be joining our team,” Loveless said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm to promote statewide travel and tourism to our residents and to people around the nation and the world who are looking for an authentic Kansas experience.”
“I am thrilled to become a new member of the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism team. I look forward to being a part of the continued growth and economic impact that travel and tourism brings to Kansas,” Jobe said. “My goal is to take the experiences and relationship skills that I have built in Kansas City, KS and use them to move tourism forward for our entire state.”
Jobe attended Tennessee Temple University and Fort Hays State University. She has been with the KCKCVB since 1998, when she started as the Tourism Manager. She was appointed Executive Director in 2005. During her tenure as the Executive Director, she led the KCKCVB through significant organizational transformation, spurred by the phenomenal growth of tourism in Kansas City, KS.
Jobe serves on several tourism-related boards. She is the Chair of the Governor’s Council on Travel and Tourism and was recently reappointed by the third consecutive Kansas Governor. She was the 2017 President of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas and continues to serve on the board for that organization. Bridgette was recently awarded the 2019 Hospitality Leadership Award from the Kansas City Hotel & Lodging Association.
Hays Post
The annual National Day of Prayer will be celebrated at noon Thursday at the Ellis County Veteran’s Memorial at 13th and Fort streets.
The event is free and open to the public. No reservation is needed to attend.
President Ronald Regan made the National Day of Prayer an annual event in 1980 and set it on the first Thursday in May.
“This is a moment to stop and pray for our country,” Pastor Steve Dinkel said. “This is not a Democrat thing or a Republican thing. It is a day to pray for our country.”
The ceremony will include local leaders and pastors leading prayer on seven aspects of American life.
The program is as follows:
Welcome: Normadine Noone
Pledge of Allegiance Kathy Schupman of Kat’s Hallmark Shop and U.S. Veteran
Emcee: Pastor Steve Dinkel of Liberty Foursquare Church and E.C.M.A. Treasurer
Prayer Focuses:
Government: Pastor Wes Oakley of Westview Church
Military: Pastor Tim Nunnery of Westview Church
Media and Arts: Pastor Micah Sanderson of Crosspoint Church
Business: Pastor Jason Murray of Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church
Education: Chad Meitner, principal Thomas More Prep-Marian
Church: Pastor Ken and Rachel Ediger of North Oak Community Church
Family: Pastor Dave Buller of North Oak Community Church
Community Prayer: Patrick McGinnis of Breathe Coffee House/Dialogue Ministries
Benediction: Dave Kumar of KPRD Radio
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The final results of Saturday’s Thomas More Prep Marian 2019 Auction for Christian Education (ACE) fundraiser are still being tallied, but it was “very, very successful” according to Troy Ruda, advancement director.
Ruda said Wednesday morning he does know the popular ACE Live Auction Item #60 reached and exceeded its goal.
“With $222,000 raised, the Leo J. and Albina Dreiling Trust matching funds were added, earning a total of $422,000,” Ruda reported.
ACE Live Auction Item #60 targets different needs each year.
In 2019, the funds will be used in two areas.
First up is the replacement of the student activity bus for TMP-Marian Sr./Jr. High School and Holy Family Elementary.
“The bus was donated to us in 2011 with 900,000 miles on it and today has more than 1.5 million miles,” said Ruda. “These buses are designed to be driven for many more miles than a passenger vehicle, but it needs to be replaced. There may be some safety concerns develop and it’s not very economical (on gas.)”
Ruda says a volunteer committee is looking at a new Executive Liner coach similar to those at Fort Hays State University which can be serviced in Hays. The current bus has to be taken out of town for maintenance. He’s hoping the new bus will be on campus by the end of 2019.
Other monies are going to the junior high renovation project.
It currently operates in the northeast wing of the second and third floors.
The goal is to relocate all the junior high classrooms and junior high administration to the third floor and allow the high school to completely occupy the first and second floors.
Construction of the new library, known as the Learning Commons, is expected to get underway this summer Ruda says, and the third-floor Center for Research will be vacated.
ACE was streamed live on Hays Post. Click here to review the auction.
By DENA WEIGEL BELL
WaKeeney Travel Blog
The History of the Museum
The Trego County Historical Society, the governing body of the museum, was established on April 23rd, 1969. The first official meeting occurred on May 5th when the Articles of Incorporation were written and nine directors were elected. The leadership team was made up of President S.W. Gibson, Vice President Ray Purinton, Secretary Alveda Adams, and Treasurer C.S. Kolacny. Other board members were Walter Tawney, Warren Hardin, Rudy Spitsnaugle, Newt Tidball and Hilda Halbleib.
With a mission to bring together people interested in the county’s history, Historical Society members vowed to discover, collect, and preserve the history of the area through articles, books, pictures, letters and artifacts.
Today’s Collections
This year, the museum will be hosting many special events and programs that will highlight the best of the Trego County Historical Society’s work. To start this anniversary year, an open house is scheduled for Sunday, May 5th, the same day the Historical Society was created fifty years ago.
During the open house you can tour the museum and see the many artifacts collected over the past five decades, including the Purinton collections in the new Kenny Hacker Gallery. Donated by Leonard & Irene Purinton and Ray & Leona Purinton, the two exhibits contain prehistoric fossils, a western tack and gun collection, tools, pottery from the Purinton Pottery Company, and an array of other artifacts.
The Trego County Mural
Also found in the gallery is a beautiful floor-to-ceiling mural that encompasses the 141 year history of Trego County. Created by local artists, the big, beautiful Western Kansas sky is the backdrop for images of our founding fathers, a steam locomotive, buffalo, and the Cheyenne tribes who roamed the land.
More Events to Come
Today’s board has planned a year-long celebration with events that will present Trego County’s history from many different perspectives.
On Sunday, June 9th, Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation will be presenting a fun, interactive program called “Exploring in Kansas” to tell the tales of their four years of touring 626 Kansas communities. Learn about the architecture, art, commerce, cuisine, customs, geography, history, and people they found along the thousands of miles they traveled through our state. Their recent book “Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers” is a guide to preserving and sustaining the rural culture of Kansas.” You can pick up a signed copy at the event.
The presentation is co-sponsored by WaKeeney Travel & Tourism and the Trego County Historical Society & Museum. Information about more events to come will be available in May.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Trego County Historical Society on Sunday, May 5, 1-4:30 p.m. It’s a chance to step back in time to the days when our rural communities were just beginning to make their mark on this great land.
