One of the most important programs I give is a hazardous occupation course for teenagers. Agriculture is a family- based business, and children are around dangerous situations from a very young age.
One way to make a situation less dangerous is education, learning what the dangers may be and how to avoid putting yourself in a position that has a greater likelihood of getting hurt.
On May 16th from 6-8:30 pm and also May 18th from 8 am-5pm, Cottonwood Extension District in Great Bend will hold its annual Tractor Safety class for youth ages 13-18. This class is required for teens ages 14-16 that are planning to work on a farm other than their immediate relatives.
It is encouraged for any youth that are going to be working around the farm or large machinery to also complete a tractor safety course. Farm accidents are the cause of 120,000 injuries a year and children are at a high danger when working on a farm or ranch. The 2-day course will cover the various risks that are on a farm as well as give young people the information they need to be safe when working. Cost is 15.00 and that covers the book, snacks and lunch on Saturday. Call the Extension office at 620-793-1910 to register for the class.
If you would like any more information about this opportunity for learning, please contact the Extension office for more information by calling 620-793-1910 or email me at [email protected].
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.
Mr. S had gained some weight. His wife noted his snoring was getting worse and he was having spells when he would stop breathing during sleep. She informed his doctor who prescribed a home overnight oximetry test. This home test showed Mr. S’s oxygen levels were dropping dangerously low during much of night. The subsequent full sleep study indicated he would benefit from a continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP device. Five years later, the patient died from a heart attack, and the doctor found out that the CPAP machine stayed under his bed and was rarely, if ever, used. One study showed, despite its benefits, only 30 percent of those prescribed CPAP will actually use it.
An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and the majority don’t know they have it. Their sleep is interrupted by snoring, choking and prolonged spells of low oxygen levels. Their days are troubled by fatigue, sleepiness, often abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure. Their risk of stroke over five years is two to three times higher than usual and risk of all-cause premature death three to five times higher. One estimate is that 38,000 annual deaths in the U.S. will occur from heart disease due to untreated sleep apnea.
Making the diagnosis is challenging. In 2016, we gave a standardized questionnaire to screen for sleep apnea to 67 people who were 70-years-old or older. Following that, we tested all 67 with home overnight oximetry. Of the 67 tested, 42 percent were normal, 31 percent had mild sleep apnea and 26 percent had moderate to severe sleep apnea. Conclusions from my study were that in this older age group, the commonly used screening questionnaires for sleep apnea misses the diagnosis half the time, about one out of four have life-threatening sleep apnea and, in this older population, women and men are equally burdened by this condition.
Anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, a history of heavy snoring or observed spells of apnea (and maybe anyone reaching 70) would benefit from a home overnight oximetry test and, if this test is abnormal, from a full sleep study. If CPAP is prescribed, it would be wise for that individual to make every effort to use the CPAP device, knowing that this non-medicinal therapy reduces death rate by three to five times.
Many premature deaths, especially from heart disease, could be prevented by first discovering the diagnosis of sleep apnea and then, when apropos, by taking the CPAP cure.
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.
Brenda Meder, HAC executive director, said the walk has no boundaries in the types of art that will be displayed or performed and no boundaries of the types of people expressing themselves through their art. The Spring Art Walk will be 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday.
The Spring Art Walk again will be anchored by the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition, which is celebrating its 50th year. The Smoky Hill is the longest, continuously running juried art show in the state of Kansas and is set annually at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th.
In honor of the 50th year, the show awarded more prize money than in any time in the past — $3,330, including a $750 prize given in honor of former Fort Hays State University art professor Skip Harwick to Mic Jilg, also a former FHSU art professor.
The show, which is open to any Kansas artist, is as diverse as ever, featuring photography, paintings, collage, block printing, ceramics, sculpture, stained glass and assemblages. The juror choose 73 pieces from more than 300 entries.
“It really sets a tone for how broad the scope of art is and how many different ways there are to be personally expressive and celebrate that creative voice and expression that you need to speak,” Meder said.
Mike Michaelis, CEO of Emprise Financial Corporation, juried the Smoky Hill Exhibition this year. He has assembled the largest collection of art by Kansas artists.
“I was certainly honored to have him lend his eye and his background and his appreciation for the arts to this show.
“There was a lot of amazing work,” Meder said. “The juror could go so many different ways. He acknowledged that when he came to look at the work in its actuality after he had selected it from photos.”
The Spring Art Walk has 30 participating locations, many with more than one artist or visual art and performance art or music.
“I love the fact that our art walk really does truly represent this cross section of arts and artists in our community,” Meder said.
Styles Dance Centre will host Jana’s Campaign.
“People are using the power of the arts to give a voice to something else, to activate people for a cause and to create awareness,” Meder said. “Those are some of the ways that the arts are celebrated or utilized to bring voice, to bring awareness, to bring a visual presence to things that they are committed to working on through that project.”
The Hays Pubic Library is hosting The Collaborative Art Project with art made by FHSU students and DSNWK clients. FHSU professor Amy Schmierbach recently won an award for her work with the program.
“It’s fabulous. It is another one of these collaborative projects that she has been partnering with DSNWK for a long time with some of her students and getting them acclimated and connected to a world where it is both creative and artistic but also service-oriented,” Meder said.
“It also facilitates others to bring whatever form of expression they are capable of, they are interested in pursuing to their lives whether they are adults with some sort of disabilities or the most professional of artists,” she added.
Meder also noted on the second floor of the library, the young adults department will display the costumes created from recycled material for their Trashion Show.
“The way the creative mind works is fabulous,” she said. “So many people have different ways in which they express that creative mind.
“When you can see how that diversity is represented in a community like ours, that is when you can really, truly appreciate the role of the arts in our community — the diversity of the ages bringing that expression, the diversity of backgrounds, ability whether that is physical or intellectual to their art creation. There are no boundaries, and I hope people will see that Friday night.”
Meder noted a number of locations on the art walk will be open early or late, especially some of those on campus or outside of the downtown core.
The Sternberg Museum of Natural History will have free admission between 4 and 6 p.m. to see “Art & the Animal,” the 58th Annual Exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists.
BriefSpace and Grow Hays have invited the community to their new space and will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“They are featuring the beautiful Kansas photography of Jessi Jacobs,” Meder said. “She is a very good photographer, and this is basically celebrating the visual majesty of Kansas.”
Three FHSU exhibits will also be opening early — “Introspective,” by BFA student Ashley Smith at the C.A.T.S. Gallery, Fatimah Alhazmy’s MFA exhibition at the Moss Thorns Gallery and the open studio exhibit at the FHSU Painting Lab in Rarick Hall.
Meder also wanted guests to enjoy the art walk’s music Friday, including the FHSU Jazz Ensemble from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Pavilion; jazz by Jim Pisano and William Flynn from 6:30 to 8:15 at Salon 1007 and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Gella’s Diner; 80 Proof Alice from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Paisley Pear, Sunrise Biscuit at Breathe Coffee House; music by 809 Studio students at the 809 Studio; and the Community Acoustic Jam Session outside of the Ellis County Historical Society.
Meder encouraged street musicians to join the festivities. She said they could play outdoors as long as they don’t block the sidewalks.
Meder also encourages art lovers to come downtown and enjoy one of the Brick’s many restaurants or bars the night of the art walk.
“There are so many places in and around this downtown area that it can be truly an entire evening for you,” she said. “It is just such a wonderful celebration of who and what our community is whether you are a culinary artists at one of our restaurants or a visual artist or a performing artist or a poet and all of it you will find featured on the art walk.”
Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 79. Light and variable wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Quiet weather expected through Thursday, but south winds pick up in speed Friday 15-30 mph. North winds will follow on Saturday #kswxpic.twitter.com/esHoj2HUcc
A new high priority item on the proposed Hays Parks Improvement Plan is a shade structure for the bison herd in Frontier Park West.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
At the suggestion of Hays city commissioners, a policy has been drafted for determining priorities in park improvements as well as how matching funds from outside entities are considered.
The draft includes a new park amenities schedule created with the assistance of Jeff Boyle, director of parks. The total cost is approximately $3.35 million.
“We would anticipate updating that every year with high, medium and low priority projects,” City Manager Toby Dougherty told the commission last week. It would be adopted as part of the annual budget of the Parks Department after review by the commission.
Civic groups or other donors wishing to help fund a project would be steered to the high-priority replacement projects, according to Dougherty. Those items are what city staff believes to be the most pressing issues. Some are replacements, others are new pieces.
“I don’t want someone coming in and saying I want that shelter house and we expect you to do it this year,” said Commissioner Ron Mellick, “but that will be all in the schedule.”
Sandy Jacobs wondered what would happen if a group wanted to provide a 50% match for a project that is not on the high priority list comprised by the city. “Would you consider moving it up if they wanted to spend their money that year?” she asked Dougherty.
“It’s up to the commission,” Dougherty replied.Aubel Bickle Park (Photo courtesy city of Hays)
A separate process would prioritize the projects in the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
If an entity wants to accelerate the creation of a high-priority project, there will be a 15% funding match required.
For medium-priority items, there is a 50% match required while low-priority items will required a 75% funding match.
If a proposed improvement is not on the Parks Amenities Schedule, a 100% funding match is required plus additional monies for a 10-year minimum of maintenance, operation, and depreciation costs.
Shaun Musil noted the high priority list included items noted as broken, portions needing replacement, washed out or in poor condition. There were also several new requests.
“I thought the whole object of this was to limit new requests,” Musil said. “Why would you have something like that at the very top?” he questioned Dougherty.
“More recently the commission said ‘we want to focus our efforts and new stuff on multi-use paths,'” Dougherty reminded commissioners. “So that’s a new request. That’s your priority, your request.
“Right now what we’re trying to stay away from is any more restrooms and $70,000 pieces of play equipment and things like that. You are going to see some new requests in here that we (city staff) that we think are valid.”
Dougherty pointed to the Parks Dept. parking lot as one example. Installing a paved lot to replace the dirt lot is listed as one high priority. Drainage mitigation and concrete parking in Frontier Park East is “also a new request but it’s solving a problem we’ve been dealing with for a lot of years.”
A shade structure for the city’s bison herd in Frontier Park West is also a new request on the high priority list.
“We have bison in the pen with relatively no shade and it’s hot and sunny here,” said Dougherty.
“It’s a new construction but it’s relatively cheap.”
Funding sources would vary. Some of the amenities are for parks sponsored by Hays civic groups. The Hays Aquatic Park has its own fund and budget as does the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, as well as the Parks Department.
Civic groups or other donors often come to Boyle and ask what is needed in the city’s parks.
“The whole intent is if somebody comes along with money we can try to steer them to the high priority items,” Dougherty added. “If somebody comes along with an idea that is not on the list, the commission can say ‘we appreciate it but it’s not on our priority list – either high, medium, or low – so therefore the burden is on you to come up with the money, and some money to take care of it.'”
Last year, a restroom was installed in Ekey Park, 19th and Holmes Road. The Sunrise Rotary Club requested the city commission authorize the installation be moved up from 2020 to take advantage of a $10,000 grant the club received from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan.
“This looks great,” said Mayor Henry Schwaller. “It’s a huge step forward.”
The commission will consider adopting the Parks Improvement Policy at its April 25 meeting.
On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, the KSU Watersheds and city of Hays Water Conservation Department, along with Hays City Commissioners, celebrated and recognized the 2019 Water Poster Contest at Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Over 140 entries were submitted this year using “Do Your Part…Be Water Smart” as the theme.
A total of 35 individuals were recognized for their creativity and talent in sharing the message of water conservation or water quality on posters.
Students drew images depicting how to conserve water by using rain barrels to water outside plants, fixing leaky faucets, taking short showers, replacing showerheads and toilets with high efficiency models, and turning off the water while brushing your teeth.
Students also used their artistic abilities to showcase the importance protecting our water supplies by picking up pet waste, reducing the use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, and checking vehicles for leaks and then making the appropriate repairs and finally recycling or putting trash in its proper place.
First through third place poster winners in each age division (Pre-school thru Adult) received local Hays Chamber of Commerce Chamber Cheques during the awards presentation.
Stacie Minson, KSU Watershed Specialist, Holly Dickman, city of Hays Water Conservation Specialist, and Mayor Henry Schwaller IV, and Ron Mellick, Hays City Commissioner, presented the awards. The evening concluded with participants making ice cream sundaes and enjoying homemade decorated water drop sugar cookies.
Grade
Placing
Name
School
Pre-K
1st
Josiah Conner
Conner Homeschool
2nd
Emma Dickman
Mrs. Sandy Henningson, Learning Lane Preschool
3rd
Avalea Hill
Mrs. Jayna Hill, Ebenezer Road Academy
K
1st
No Entries
2nd
3rd
1st
1st
Jadon Conner
Conner Homeschool
2nd
Niko Tsereteli
Mrs. Kenda Leiker, SPARK
3rd
Colt Raudis
Mrs. Kenda Leiker, SPARK
2nd
1st
Lily Dickman
Mrs. Forinash, Wilson Elementary
2nd
Thomas Schleicher
Mrs. Kenda Leiker, SPARK
3rd
Evie Dietz
Mrs. Kenda Leiker, SPARK
3rd
1st
Lena Smalley
Mrs. Kenda Leiker, SPARK
2nd
Carissa Sun
Mrs. Kenda Leiker, SPARK
3rd
Henry Deyo
Mrs. Kenda Leiker, SPARK
4th
1st
Joshua Conner
Conner Homeschool
2nd
Makayla Lewallen
Mrs. Herl/Mrs. Oborny, O’Loughlin
3rd
Sage Daves
Mrs. Herl/Mrs. Oborny, O’Loughlin
5th
1st
Delia Dixon
Mrs. Angie Cook, SPARK
2nd
Josiah Hill
Mrs. Jayna Hill, Ebenezer Road Academy
3rd
Dawson Ruder
Mrs. Angie Cook, SPARK
6th
1st
Aliyah Conner
Conner Homeschool
2nd
Keira Gray
Mrs. Sherry Nelson, HMS
3rd
Morgan Munsch
Mrs. Sherry Nelson, HMS
7th
1st
Gauge Horlick
Mr. Nathan Purdue, HMS
2nd
Mika Zimmerman
Mrs. Jessica Schwien, HMS
3rd
Hannah Klein
Mrs. Jessica Schwien, HMS
8th
1st
Leah Fletcher
Mr. Nathan Purdue, HMS
2nd
Callie Lane
Mr. Nathan Purdue, HMS
3rd
Taylor Depenbusch
Mr. Nathan Purdue, HMS
More winners on 2nd page
OVERALL JR. HIGH WINNERS
Overall
1st
Gauge Horlick
Mr. Nathan Purdue, HMS
Jr. High
2nd
Hannah Klein
Mrs. Jessica Schwien, HMS
3rd
Mika Zimmerman
Mrs. Jessica Schwien, HMS
OVERALL HIGH SCHOOL WINNERS
1st
Sugju Chai
Sherri Matlock, KAMS
2nd
Seoyun Jeong
Sherri Matlock, KAMS
3rd
None
OVERALL FHSU WINNERS
1st
Baley Doggett
Dr. Brittney Howell, FHSU
2nd
Zoey Wallis
Dr. Greer, FHSU
3rd
Dallas Dixon
Dr. Brittney Howell, FHSU
OVERALL ADULT DIVISION WINNERS
1st
Erin Flax
2nd
Kenda Leiker
3rd
Jayna Hill
Be sure to stop by Tri-Central Office Supply on Friday, April 26 during the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk starting at 6:30 p.m.
Finally, a thank you and congratulations to all students and adults who took the time to share their “Do Your Part…Be Water Smart” message by creating and submitting posters in 2019.
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas plans to begin renovation of its center at 733 9th St., Hoxie, with its first donation to the project being a $2,500 matching grant from the Pete Henry Foundation.
Once this grant has been matched, DSNWK plans to utilize the $5,000 towards Phase 1 of a much needed renovation project of its developmental center in Hoxie.
Phase 1 of this renovation will be to create accessible restrooms and a new utility room. As the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) population ages, the need to address growing accessibility needs has become one of DSNWK’s top priorities being addressed in their Stronger Forever Together capital campaign.
This developmental center, which was built in 1972 and opened by DSNWK in 1995, is home to DSNWK’s College for Living program. The College for Living provides structured learning opportunities for individuals on life skills and opportunities to participate in classes and subjects that interest them.
If you would be interested in supporting this effort and donating toward the match of this grant, would like more information on the project or the services that DSNWK provides, contact DSNWK at P.O. Box 310, Hays KS 67601, 785-625-5678 or [email protected].
DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.
The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main, in the lower level meeting room.
The agenda follows.
Agenda is Subject to Change
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of March 27, 2019 meeting minutes
IV. Public Presentation
V. Staff Report
A. Activity Report
B. Other
VI. Old Business
A. Clint Long Schoenchen Business CUP (ConditionalUsePermit) follow-up
B. Solar Company CUP follow-up
C. Comprehensive Plan update- Keith Marvin
D. Members decision to remain on Zoning Committee
E. Other
VII. New Business
A. Nex-Tech CUP
B. Recreational Dwelling Issue
C. Other
VIII. Confirm next meeting date: May 22, 2019 at Ellis County
Administrative Center Meeting Room, 718 Main Lower Level, Hays, Kansas at 7:00 p.m.
IX. Adjournment
NORTON — The Norton Police Department is warning residents of an online scam circulating via email.
“This new scam comes in the form of an email. It states that the message is from a hacker who accessed your computer through you watching pornographic videos,” the NPD said in a social media release. “See the photo below for an example of the scam email. Please, do NOT click on any links or send any money if you received an email such as this.”
PLAINVILLE — The Kansas Department of Commerce has initiated its Rapid Response program for workers laid off by the closure of the Dessin Fournir furniture company in Plainville.
The Rapid Response program helps employers and employees who are in transition mode. It is available statewide and provides early intervention re-employment services at no cost to companies and their employees affected by layoffs and/or closings. Rapid Response is mandated and funded by USDOL’s Workforce Investment Act through the Dislocated Worker funding stream.
In Kansas, Rapid Response services are provided at the local level, led by a Rapid Response Coordinator (there are five in Kansas). When the Rapid Response team becomes aware of a layoff or closing, company officials are contacted (within 24 hours of notice) to establish a good working relationship and offer informational meetings for the laid off workers.
At these meetings, individuals are informed about services and benefits designed to help them get back on their feet, including:
Career counseling and job search assistance
Resume preparation and interviewing skills workshops
In some cases, there may be a job fair held in conjunction to the informational meeting. This can be a great connection for not only the workers who are losing their jobs, but also for local companies who are looking to fill positions.
Laid off workers are referred to their local Workforce Center where they can receive individualized assistance best suited to their needs, whether that is a referral to partner/community services, training or steps to take to a new career.
In a nutshell, Rapid Response is early intervention to assist workers who have been laid off by providing services that will assist them in transitioning to the next phase of their working career as quickly as possible.
