Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Breezy, with a north northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south 16 to 21 mph in the morning.
Friday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 11pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 20 mph.
SaturdaySunny, with a high near 71. Windy, with a north northwest wind 16 to 21 mph increasing to 23 to 28 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 43 mph.
Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 37. North wind 8 to 18 mph becoming east southeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.
SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 68.
Sunday NightA chance of rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Heather Werner with Jeremy Werner, Kylee Shae and Brandon Werner at Craig Hospital. Courtesy photo
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
The Plainville community has rallied around a local family who experience two tragedies in the matter of three months.
Plainville native Brandon Werner, the son of Rick and Karen Werner, was in a car accident near his home in Colorado. He was thrown about 90 feet from the vehicle and received a severe head injury, said family friend Rhonda Wolf. Brandon suffered two strokes, which left him partially paralyzed on his left side. He has also experienced difficulty with his speech.
Brandon, who is in his 30s, had no insurance, so his mother and father moved to Colorado to care for him.
Friends conducted a series of fundraisers for the family, including a soup supper that raised more than $7,700 in two hours.
“The Plainville community has been totally amazing,” Wolf said. “They sure come out like crazy to help their people.”
On March 23, Jeremy — Brandon’s younger brother — was in involved in a multiple motorcycle crash in Atlanta at the American Flat Track Races. He was paralyzed from the chest down. Jeremy is currently in rehab at Craig Hospital in Colorado, about an hour and a half from his brother.
The doctors are unsure of what Jeremy’s final prognosis will be.
He has a bruised spinal cord that has been labeled a “complete” injury. Spinal cord injuries take six months to a year to heal.
“He has regained stable sensation in his right ankle, so time will tell, but the family and community are hopeful,” said Kylee Shae, Jeremy’s girlfriend.
Jeremy works for Stahl Products in Plainville, and Wolf said the company has gone out of its way to help the family during this crisis.
Karen, a nurse, has had to take leave from her job to help care for her sons, Wolf said. Rick Werner works in the oilfield and has someone temporarily filling in for him.
Friends of the Werners are selling T-shirts and other items, proceeds of which are going to help the family. More information on these items can be found on the WernerStrong Facebook page.
On Saturday, the Free Tomorrow Motorcycle Club is sponsoring the Friends of the Werner Family Benefit Run. The poker run will begin at Westins in Stockton. Registration will be from noon to 1 p.m. Start time will be 1 p.m.
The first hand will cost $15. Additional hands will cost $5 each. The run will go from Westins in Stockton to Lucky Lady in Osborne to Roadside Park in Luray to Fossil Station in Russell and will end at the Burgers and Beer in Plainville. The special at the Burgers and Beer Saturday night will be prime rib.
All vehicles are welcome. Last vehicles need to be in by 5 p.m.
To make monetary donations, send them to Jeff Miller, 800 S. Broadway, Plainville, KS 67663. Make checks payable to Rick Werner.
For more information, contact Rusty at 785-302-0070 or Gary at 785-543-1874.
Student finds method to control aphids without pesticides; study finds harassing Hispanic students about language affects self-esteem
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
April’s FHSU Science Cafe focused on undergraduate research, including a study of water conservation by FHSU college students, non-pesticide management of aphids and the effects of language micro-aggressions on Hispanic students’ self-esteem.
The number of FHSU students performing undergraduate research has jumped dramatically in the last seven years, going from 200 in 2011 to 3,300 students in FY18, said Leslie Paige, director, office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects.
Engaging students in undergraduate research increases student retention as well as helps the students prepare for graduate school or careers, Paige said.
The research has conducted pre and post studies of students as well as their mentors on communication, creativity, ethics, content knowledge, as well as other factors, and found increases in both students and and their teachers.
Water Conservation Among FHSU Students
Gini Weisar, 17, second-year KAMS student, conducted a study on water conservation values among FHSU college students.
Gini Weisar, 17, second-year KAMS student, conducted a study and found parental education was a significant factor that affected water conservation values among college students.
This was an expansion of a water conservation survey of Hays residents. Both off-campus and on-campus students were included in Weisar’s study.
“Parents put their input into their students’ water conservation education, such as saying, ‘Why are you brushing your teeth with the water on? You always take so much water. Why are you in the shower for two hours? Why do you need to use that much water?’ ”
School or community education efforts were also found to be significant factors for pro-conservation values. However, parental education showed more influence than school or community education.
“A lot of students did use some things as turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth, but most students, as you can probably expect, did not want to take shorter showers,” Weisar said.
Students also indicated they only washed full loads of laundry, but those who did not pay for water indicated they were less inclined to take water conservation efforts compared to off-campus students who paid their own water bills.
Democrats had higher water conservation values than Republicans.
The number of years the students had lived in Hays was also a factor that showed higher water conservation values.
“People coming into Hays might not know the water needs of Hays,” Weisar said. “They might not know that we are not on the Ogallala Aquifer or that we might not have as many resources as other parts of Kansas. They also might not be as financially or emotionally invested in the city.”
Weisar advocated for incentive programs that targeted landlords and encouraged parents to talk more to their children about water conservation.
Aphid Management Without Pesticides
Jacob Lutgen, FHSU senior, conducted a study of non-pesticide management of pea aphids.
Jacob Lutgen is a graduate of the KAMS program, which allowed him early entry to FHSU. He is applying to medical school this summer and will graduate FHSU in December. He investigated RNA interference of the xbox binding protein in aphids.
Pea aphids caused $14 billion in damage to crops in 2018 in the United States.
The aphids are managed primarily through insecticides and the introduction of predators, such as lady bugs.
“Insecticides obviously cause more harm than just the pea aphid, so we are looking at wether we can manage pea aphids without affecting other organisms to the extent they are currently affected,” he said.
The research looked at proteins that could result in the death of the aphids. The research hypothesis was that if you could inhibit a protein that affect the aphids response to stress that it could result in the death of the aphids.
In practice, a crop would be engineered that would express the double-stranded RNA needed to inhibit the protein in the aphids. The crop itself would be resistant to the pea aphid without having to spray it. The treatment should not have affects on the aphids’ predators, such as lady bugs, or to humans, Lutgen said.
Lutgen fed the double-stranded RNA to the aphids. At the highest concentration, the off spring were reduced by half. The treatment reduced the original aphid population by 30 percent.
“This to me confirmed that we are seeing a change in survival and we are affecting physiology in some way,” he said.
Lutgen recently received funding to continue research combining his treatment with that of a FSHU grad student’s to try to further reduce aphid survival.
Non-Spanish Speaking Hispanic Self-Esteem
Ginger Garcia, FHSU senior, presented “No Hablo Español: Do Language-related Micro-aggressions Negatively Influence Self-esteem Among Non-Spanish Speaking Hispanics and Latinos Individuals?”
Ginger Garcia presented “No Hablo Español: Do Language-related Micro-aggressions Negatively Influence Self-esteem Among Non-Spanish Speaking Hispanics and Latinos Individuals?”
Garcia, 20, also was in the KAMS program and is currently in the accelerated school psychologist program at FHSU. She will graduate with her B.S. in psychology in May.
When she was a child, Garcia was often asked if she spoke Spanish. She does not. She also was accused of not being Hispanic because she did not speak Spanish. She met a fellow Hispanic student at a conference and learned he had similar experiences.
In second- and third-generation Hispanic households, there is often less knowledge of the Spanish language.
Garcia initiated a nationwide online survey that looked at language micro-aggressions, self-esteem as well as the strength of ethnic identity.
The study found the more language micro-aggressions the survey respondents experienced, the lower their self esteem. They did not find stronger ethnic identities meant stronger self-esteem, which was contrary to prior studies.
The non-speaking Hispanics reported three micro-aggression within the last six months. This was consistent regardless of region of the United States.
Garcia said she hoped future research will address why these micro-aggressions are happening and search for ways to help the non-Spanish speaking Hispanic population.
The next Science Cafe will be at 7 p.m. July 22 at the Venue at Thirsty’s. The lecture is titled “Footprints on the Moon: A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11” presented by Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education.
Tammy Wellbrock, outgoing president/CEO of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, filed Thursday to run for the Hays USD 489 school board.
Wellbrock, 48, is leaving the Chamber this summer after eight years to start her own consulting business, Twin Girls Solutions LLC, in which she will serve as a professional trainer and presenter, targeting chambers, associations and the nonprofit sector.
Wellbrock said her position at the chamber prohibited her from holding public office, but she felt now she could take on an elected leadership role in the community.
“My son is a freshman, and this is a time I can impact his experience,” she said. “I want to be a role model, a good civic servant and I hope to make a positive impact on tomorrow’s students.”
Wellbrock served on the facilities committee for the school district prior to its first of two failed bond issues in 2016.
“Our purpose was to determine the difference between needs and wants,” she said. “I was able to visit every school and every boiler and got to see definite needs. … I realized our recommendations were going to impact the lives of many people.”
The school district had another bond fail in 2017, and the board has since debated a third try for bond to address facility needs.
Wellbrock said she personally supported both of the failed bond attempts. However, she acknowledged the facility needs of the district have changed since she was a part of the facilities committee and she would need to get herself up to date on current needs.
Wellbrock also said she would like to see a change in culture on the board.
“I would like less micromanaging by the board and to build a culture of positivity that would trickle down to the administration and staff so they enjoy their jobs and are proud of their jobs,” she said. “In turn, students and families can be proud of the work being accomplished and the education achieved through USD 489.”
Prior to her work at the chamber, Wellbrock served a variety of roles at Nex-Tech, was the assistant alumni director at FHSU, and sold advertising for the Hays Daily News and Wichita Eagle.
She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications from FHSU, has her Institute of Organization Management certification, and is a Certified Association Executive.
Four positions on the USD 489 school board will be up for election in November. They include the seats held by Luke Oborny, Mandy Fox, Paul Adams and Greg Schwartz. Luke Oborny has filed for re-election.
DISCLOSURE: Tammy Wellbrock is married to Gerard Wellbrock, Eagle Radio sports director. He is employed by Eagle Communications, which owns and operates Hays Post.
Thomas More Prep-Marian High School has announced 2019 Prom candidates.
The 2019 Prom cndidates are Zachary Braun, son of Glenn and Amy Braun. Braun will be escorting Paris Wolf, daughter of Preston and Julianne Wolf. Kade Urban, son of Steve and Brenda Urban. He will be escorting Lexi Gottschalk, daughter of Ryan and Tia Gottschalk. Carlos Schwindt, son of Phil and Laura Schwindt. Schwindt will be escorting Madison Foss, daughter of Kendall and Laura Foss. Braden Manhart, son of Scott and Dyane Manhart. He will be escorting Kayle Casper, daughter of Scott and Amy Casper. Alex Schwartz, son of Greg and Christy Schwartz. Schwartz will be escorting Gracie Loftus, daughter of Dan and Katie Loftus.
Prom, which will have a casino theme, will take place on May 4 at The Press, from 8 to 11 p.m.
Politics and poker, politics and poker
Shuffle up the cards and find the joker
Neither game’s for children; either game is rough
Decisions, decisions, like
Who to pick, how to play, what to bet, when to call a bluff. Fiorello, 1959
Sixty years ago, Fiorello, the musical based on the career of New York city’s feisty Mayor, Fiorello LaGuardia, premiered on Broadway. It was a smash hit, and six decades later, “Politics and Poker” remains its most memorable tune, catchy and true.
Burdett Loomis, Professor, Political Science, College of Liberal Arts and Science, University of Kansas
Kansans can watch a classic poker game over the next couple weeks, a “Texas Hold’em” showdown between Gov. Laura Kelly and Sen. President Susan Wagle. The results of this high-stakes game will determine, at least for 2019, whether Kansas will expand Medicaid or continue to reject the financial benefits that come with it.
The governor and the senate president are worthy, veteran adversaries, with contrasting policy worldviews and very different political situations. Kelly, less than eleven months after announcing her candidacy for governor, won a clear victory over Kris Kobach, even though an independent siphoned off six percent of the vote.
Wagle observed that Kelly had not received more than half the vote, and thus had no mandate. Kelly smiled a knowing smile from Cedar Crest.
Wagle’s political imperative derives from her desire to become a U.S. senator, replacing the retiring Pat Roberts. With her Wichita base and conservative record, she may be viable, but no shoo-in. And here’s the rub. Medicaid expansion — in various polls, in a host of editorials from around the state, and given the results of a solid favorable vote in the Kansas House – is downright popular. Moreover, it’s likely that there are at least 21 votes, a constitutional majority, to pass expansion in the Kansas Senate. And its chances increased this past week when the governor allowed a Farm Bureau “non-insurance bill” to become law, thus potentially winning additional backing.
This is where another player comes into the game. Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley has essentially said, “let’s see what you’ve got,” by filing a motion to move the Medicaid bill out of committee. That takes 24 votes. No one knows if the votes are there, but governor Kelly, Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers, and outside groups have pushed hard over the legislative recess to build support.
While Wagle seems a clear “no,” other Republican senators understand that, per Kelly’s win and Sharice Davids’ victory in the KS-3 House race, the context of the 2020 election is changing, especially in Johnson County. And other highly conservative states, such as Indiana and Arkansas, have expanded Medicaid. So perhaps some senators might hedge their bets, explaining how small-town hospitals and rural areas will benefit.
Moreover, Kelly is the state’s chief executive, with the ability to offer legislators inducements unrelated to Medicaid expansion. Overall, she holds better cards than does Sen. Wagle, whose only action is to obstruct.
As the last cards flop on the table, both leaders have a lot at stake, but not everything. Gov. Kelly can live to fight another day, given that she is just in the first few months of her tenure. More importantly, Sen. Wagle does not actually need to win on this issue. What’s central is the position she takes in the fight. She needs the support of far-right Republicans to win the nomination for the Senate. Win or lose, if she holds tight to her opposing position, she likely maintains this base.
Thus, there could be two winners: the governor on policy and the Senate president on politics. So, let’s see the cards.
Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.
The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on April 25, 2019 in the area of Elm St. to Walnut St. between 1st and 6th St., Vine St. to Canterbury between 13th St. and 8th St., Countryside Mobile Home Park and KSU Ag Research Station.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.
Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency.Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains.
Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer.All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public.Drivers are asked to avoid driving through water discharging from a fire hydrant during the short flushing period.
For more information, please contact the Hays Fire Department at 628-7330.
Enter for a chance to shop at 8th St. Liquor before anyone else on Customer Appreciation Day — and make sure that you get what you need before they run out.
TOPEKA — An Ellis County case will be heard before the Kansas Supreme Court during its April 29 to May 1 session.
Cases are heard in the Supreme Court courtroom on the third floor of the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka.
All Supreme Court oral arguments are broadcast live over the internet. To watch proceedings live online, follow the Watch Supreme Court Live! link from the court’s website at www.kscourts.org.
The case is summarized below:
Appeal No. 112,449: State of Kansas v. Dustin Dean Perkins April 29
Ellis County: (Petition for Review) In 2012, Perkins was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and a breath test was administered. Upon arrest, he was transported to the law enforcement center for testing. The parties stipulated to the facts and the district court held a bench trial. The court denied Perkins’ motion to suppress the evidence finding the consent exception to the search warrant requirement applied.
The court found Perkins guilty of driving under the influence. The Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of the suppression motion finding that although the consent exception was no longer available, the officer was permitted to conduct the breath test as a lawful search incident to arrest. The Court of Appeals also held the breath test was admissible because the officer, in good faith, acted in reliance on the implied consent statute before the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. The concurring judge would hold the search was admissible under the good faith exception and it was not necessary for the Court of Appeals to address the search incident to arrest.
Issues on review are whether: 1) the Court of Appeals ignored Nece and Ryce by applying the search incident to arrest exception to a warrantless search; 2) the Supreme Court has rejected the application of the good faith exception to the unlawfully obtained test results; 3) the State can raise the search incident to arrest for the first time on appeal; 4) the good faith exception applies to the decisions of Nece and Ryce; and 5) the implied consent law and K.S.A. 8-1025 are unconstitutional.
Other cases with local ties are summarized below:
Case No. 120,744: In the Matter of Thomas Caleb Boone, Respondent April 29
Original Proceeding Related to Attorney Discipline: (Indefinite suspension) The ethical complaint in this case involves Boone’s representation of C.Z. against the Osawatomie State Hospital ending in the complaint being dismissed as a sanction against Boone. It also involves representation of a roofing company in a mechanic’s lien action resulting in a counterclaim award against the roofing company based on Boone’s actions.
The hearing panel recommends Boone’s license to practice law be indefinitely suspended. The panel acknowledged Boone had developed a workable, substantial, and detailed plan of probation. However, the panel believed placing Boone on probation is not in the best interests of the legal profession and Kansans. Boone has an extensive disciplinary record and spent nine years on probation for having violated many of the same rules he violated in this case. The panel stated any benefits to be gained by supervision have already been realized.
The disciplinary administrator recommends indefinite suspension. Boone recommended he be indefinitely suspended but that the suspension be suspended and he be placed on probation.
Appeal No. 118,914: In the Matter of the Care and Treatment of Robert J. Sigler April 29
Barton County: (Petition for Review) In 2007, Sigler was convicted of multiple sex crimes against a minor. He was sentenced to 84 months in prison. Just before he was scheduled to be released from prison, the State filed an action to have Sigler committed as a sexually violent predator. In July 2015, the district court found the evidence was insufficient to prove Sigler was likely to act out on his mental abnormality or personality disorder or had serious difficulty controlling his dangerous behavior. The district court released Sigler on parole.
In November 2015, the State arrested Sigler after he violated his parole by opening Facebook accounts, giving a car ride to a minor, and having pornography on his computer. Before he was released from a 90-day prison sanction, the State refiled commitment proceedings. A jury found Sigler was a sexually violent predator, and he was involuntarily committed for care and treatment. The Court of Appeals affirmed Sigler’s commitment on appeal.
Issues on review are whether: 1) the Court of Appeals erred in concluding the State, as a matter of law, carried its burden of establishing Sigler’s mental status and risk assessment materially changed between the 2013 and 2016 proceedings; 2) the Court of Appeals erred when it concluded Sigler’s right to due process was not violated when the district court failed to declare a mistrial sua sponte after a witness incorrectly testified Sigler’s previous civil commitment had been overturned on appeal; and 3) Sigler’s viewing of child pornography constitutes a material change in circumstances to justify a new involuntary commitment proceeding.
Thomas More Prep-Marian will have a crisis evacuation drill at the school, 1701 Hall on Friday.
“This is a training drill only with the cooperation of TMP-M and Hays Police Department. You may see students and staff in the area of the TMP-M Campus and the former Kennedy Middle School,” the school said in a news release. “TMP-M appreciates your cooperation and our training in your area should not impede your daily activities. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Chad Meitner, Principal, at (785) 625-6577.”
Tourism and hospitality management students at Fort Hays State University were recently inducted into the Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society.
The society, which recognizes outstanding students, is sponsored by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education. Education.
“The professional benefits of ESD include opportunities for outstanding students to distinguish themselves in the eyes of educators, recruiters and industry executives in an increasingly competitive industry,” said Dr. Stacey Smith, chair of the Department of Applied Business Studies and assistant professor of tourism and hospitality management.
“Educational benefits include opportunities for ESD chapters to provide a stimulus for students to strive for academic excellence,” she said.
There are over 90 active Eta Sigma Delta chapters throughout the world.
“The growth is a testament to the dedication of both students and professionals in hospitality and tourism to the pursuit of academic, professional and personal excellence,” said Smith.
The students who were inducted are listed alphabetically by hometowns.
Richard P. Holm, M.D., author of Prairie Doc Perspectives, a weekly column published in Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, recently received the Nautilus Silver Book Award in the category of Aging Consciously for his recent book “Life’s Final Season: A Guide for Aging and Dying with Grace.”
“My sole purpose for writing this book was to help people…the well, the sick, those who are dying and those caring for elderly persons in the final season of their lives,” said Holm. “The Nautilus program celebrates books that inspire and connect lives and that seems to mesh well with my goal. I am honored to be among the authors to receive this award.”
For two decades, Nautilus has been held in particular high-regard for recognizing books that transcend barriers of culture, gender, race, and class. Dedicated to excellence and high standards of both message and presentation, its mission is to honor books that support the following concepts: conscious living and green values, high-level wellness, positive social change and social justice, and spiritual growth.
Last year, Nautilus received entries from 36 U.S. states and from 12 other nations in its search for Better Books for a Better World. The full roster of 2018 Nautilus Award winners, including Holm, can be found on their website.
Well into the process of writing his book, Holm at age 67, was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. His book tells of surviving his initial battle with the aid of chemotherapy and surgery. However, the cancer returned, and Holm finished a second round of chemo and additional surgery. He continues to confront health issues related to cancer.
Holm explains his book is more about living than dying, “Some chapters are written specifically to reduce the fear of death, but the intent of this book is that it be a guide to help individuals and caregivers in our quest to age and to eventually face dying with courage, grace, dignity and even enthusiasm.”
A native of De Smet, South Dakota, Holm earned his B.S. in medicine in 1973 from the University of South Dakota and his M.D. from Emory University School of Medicine in 1975. Holm retired after practicing medicine for nearly 40 years in Brookings, South Dakota. He and his wife, Joanie Holm, R.N., C.N.P. have four adult children and continue to live in Brookings where they are active members of the community.
In 2018 the University of South Dakota awarded its Alumni Achievement for Professional Service award to Holm. He was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame and cited as “South Dakota’s Voice of Healthcare” in 2017. His state-wide weekly call-in show on South Dakota Public Television, “On Call with the Prairie Doc®,” is entering its 18th season.
“Life’s Final Season: A Guide for Aging and Dying with Grace” is currently available from Amazon.com and various bookstores throughout South Dakota. Holm participates as a Goodreads Author and ongoing updates about his work can be found on the Prairie Doc® Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ThePrairieDoc/ and website https://www.prairiedoc.org/book.html.
