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Northwest Kansas students win Hansen Scholarships

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LOGAN — The Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan has named 288 high school seniors from 59 Northwest Kansas schools as winners in its 44th annual scholarship competition. In addition, twenty scholarships have been awarded to Kansas Community or Technical College Transfer students who are planning to continue their education at a Kansas four-year college or university.

In selecting award winners, the Scholarship Committee considered proficiency in verbal and writing skills. Other important factors are academic records, test scores, and community service in which the student may have participated.

Ten students have won Hansen Leader of Tomorrow scholarships. These awards are for $10,000 and may be renewable for three additional years. Renewal of scholarships is based upon continued regard for the principles, which guided the success of the late Dane G. Hansen, a 3.00 or better GPA at the college level and a letter describing progress towards educational goals. This year’s winners are:

Allison Poore, Concordia H.S.
Faith Meitl, Decatur Comm. H.S.
Paul Brull, TMP H.S.
Carlos Schwindt, TMP H.S.
Asa Brandyberry, Hill City H.S.
James Sturgill, Norton Comm. H.S.
Dane Thompson, Pike Valley H.S.
Phoebe Helton, Salina Central H.S.
Jeb Allen, Salina Central H.S.
Annie Taggart, Salina Central H.S.

Fifty Hansen Scholar winners were selected. The stipend of $6500 was granted for one year and may be renewable for three additional years. Renewal of scholarships is based upon continued regard for the principles, which guided the success of the late Dane G. Hansen, a 3.00 or better GPA at the college level and a letter describing progress towards educational goals. This year’s winners are:

Alex Bonebrake, Concordia H.S.
Corben Monzon, Concordia H.S.
Kaylen Ashley, Decatur Comm. H.S.
Kaden O’Hare, Decatur Comm. H.S.
Isabel Grafel, Decatur Comm. H.S.
Megan Cranwell, Ellis H.S.
Isabelle Braun, Hays H.S.
Rebekah Porter, Hays H.S.
Kaleigh Ashbaugh, Hays H.S.
Alexandria Hagerman, Hays H.S.
Cameron Karlin, Hays H.S.
Cordelia Isbell, Hays H.S.
Kallie Leiker, Hays H.S.
Cameron Rozean, TMP H.S.
Tiffany Pfeifer, TMP H.S.
Bransen Schulte, Ellsworth H.S.
Grant Gwinner, Ellsworth H.S.
Andrew Taylor, Wheatland H.S.
Elizabeth Huskey, Lincoln H.S.
Andrea Kuhlman, Oakley H.S.
Chance Kopsa, Beloit H.S.
Riley Gronewoller, Beloit H.S.
Laura Meyer, St. John’s H.S.
Taryn Kuhn, Norton H.S.
Allison Engelbert, Norton H.S.
Micah Kasson, Norton H.S.
Marc Poppe, Republic Co. H.S.
Lauren Meyers, Russel H.S.
Samuel Ochs, Russell H.S.
Kate Brull, Sacred Heart H.S.
Leah Hennes, Sacred Heart H.S.
Audrey Burgoon, Salina Central H.S.
Gage Burmaster, Salina Central H.S.
Ashley Eck, Salina Central H.S.
Maria Gutierrez, Salina Central H.S.
Gavin Wolfmule, Salina Central H.S.
William Phachanla, Salina Central H.S.
Callahan Figgs, Salina Central H.S.
Hannah Pipp, Salina Central H.S.
Andrew Davis, Salina South H.S.
Grace Hoge, Salina South H.S.
Taylor Davison, Salina South H.S.
Seth Thompson, Salina South H.S.
Tresilyn Tucker, SE of Saline H.S.
Rondalee Winship, SE of Saline H.S.
Thaddeus Friess, Hoxie H.S.
Tayln McKenzie, Smith Center H.S.
Sienna Wingerson, Smith Center H.S.
Helen Giefer, Trego Comm. H.S.
Brenna Flax, Trego Comm. H.S.

The Foundation offered the following scholarships for Hansen Student winners. These awards are for $4000 and may be renewed for one additional year provided the student has maintained a satisfactory academic record. This year’s winners are:

Granite Bock, Cheylin H.S.
Tim Peltier, Concordia H.S.
Katlynn Miller, Concordia H.S.
Paul Rundus, Concordia H.S.
Bethany Craig, Concordia H.S.
Logan Cool, Glasco H.S.
Jordyn Scott, Miltonvale H.S.
Alex Hayward, Decatur Comm. H.S.
Clayton Carter, Decatur Comm. H.S.
Cassie Waldschmidt, Ellis H.S.
Logan Shaw, Ellis H.S.
Landon Crispin, Hays H.S.
Katie Vaughn, Hays H.S.
Spencer Wittkorn, Hays H.S.
Emma Brungardt, Hays H.S.
Cade Swayne, Hays H.S.
Scout Perryman, Hays H.S.
Connor Teget, Hays H.S.
Adyson Albers, Hays H.S.
Cole Schroeder, Hays H.S.
Nicholas Zimmerman, Hays H.S.
Emma Pope, TMP H.S.
Emily Schulte, TMP H.S.
Richard Whitmer, TMP H.S.
Anna Wiesner, TMP H.S.
Bryce Hickman, TMP H.S.
Grant Ginther, TMP H.S.
Leanne Rack, TMP H.S.
Sheldon Weber, TMP H.S.
Avin Inlow, TMP H.S.
Jillian Lowe, TMP H.S.
Kaitlyn Burd, TMP H.S.
Kara Rodriguez, Ellsworth H.S.
Derric Luong, Rock Hills H.S.
Lois Steinborn, Lincoln H.S.
Eilleen Beckmeyer, Lincoln H.S.
Aundrea Haberer, Sylvan-Lucas Unified H.S.
Taegen Walter, Sylvan-Lucas Unified H.S.
Wyatt Abell, Oakley H.S.
Megan Robinson, Beloit H.S.
Makenna Stauffer, Beloit H.S.
Shaelyn Nick, Beloit H.S.
Alexis Stout, Beloit H.S.
Elle Eilert, St. John’s H.S.
Kail Dubbert, St. John’s H.S.
Austin Koerperich, Norton Comm. H.S.
Tucker Gosselin, Norton Comm. H.S.
Ethan Dickerson, Natoma H.S.
Lee Carlin, Osborne H.S.
Sarah Seifert, Osborne H.S.
Karisma Vignary, Minneapolis H.S.
Caroline Giles, Minneapolis H.S.
Mya McDonald, Phillipsburg H.S.
Nikole Huntley, Phillipsburg H.S.
Samuel Hurst, Rawlins Co. H.S.
Tory Isaacson, Pike Valley H.S.
Kinzey Carmichael, Pike Valley H.S.
Jentry McGregor, Pike Valley H.S.
Amber Cherney, Republic Co. H.S.
Alyssa Sowles, Plainville H.S.
Ava Brack, Plainville H.S.
Maria Hilger, Russell H.S.
Tayla Goodenough, Russell H.S.
Clayton White, Ell-Saline H.S.
Nickolas Davenport, Ell-Saline H.S.
Jenna McCartney, Sacred Heart H.S.
Anders Mikkelson, Sacred Heart H.S.
Indigo Guise, Salina Central H.S.
Lauren Tubal, Salina Central H.S.
Morgan Queen, Salina Central H.S.
Rebecca Hough, Salina Central H.S.
Jeremy Vaupel, Salina Central H.S.
Brett Norris, Salina Central, H.S.
Matthew Goldammer, Salina Central H.S.
Madison Stack, Salina Central H.S.
Levi Johnson, Salina Central H.S.
Emily Allen, Salina South H.S.
Spencer Einhaus, Salina South H.S.
Jacqueline Holdren, Salina South H.S.
Cole Wassenberg, Salina South H.S.
Marissa Russ, Salina South H.S.
Luke Streit, Salina South H.S.
Tyler Doherty, Salina South H.S.
Conner Munsell, Salina South H.S.
Burke Clements, SE of Saline H.S.
Grace Wyatt, SE of Saline H.S.
Jeremy Obermeyer, SE of Saline H.S.
Kallie Albrecht, SE of Saline H.S.
Alicia DeHaan, Turkey Trot Homeschool
Maiah Castle, Hoxie H.S.
Ryan Lalicker, Goodland H.S.
Ella Ihrig, Goodland H.S.
Adalynne Haresnape, Smith Center H.S.
Gracen Hutchinson, Smith Center H.S.
Holly Timmons, Smith Center H.S.
Sydney Devlin, Smith Center H.S.
Brice Hendryx, Thunder Ridge H.S.
Leah Bienhoff, Thunder Ridge H.S.
Cosette O’Brien, Brookside Christian Academy
Kory Finley, Colby H.S.
Sophia Austin, Colby H.S.
Gage Winger, Colby H.S.
Jakob Tubbs, Colby H.S.
Amanda Cheney, Golden Plains H.S.
Tyrel Hafliger, Trego Comm. H.S.
Trevor Fischer, Wallace Co. H.S.
Hayley Pierce, Wallace Co. H.S.
Andrew Noone, Wallace Co. H.S.
Makayla Kuhlman, Wallace Co. H.S.
Josie Purvis, Weskan H.S.

Twenty Community or Technical College Transfer scholarships were made available to Kansas Community or Technical College students of the current school year who plan to continue their education at a four-year Kansas college or university. These awards are for $4000 and may be renewed for one year upon completion of satisfactory work as evaluated by the Scholarship Committee. This year’s winners are:

Kora Snavely, Concordia H.S.
Katie Pfanz, Concordia H.S.
Kassi Brown, Ellis H.S.
Rachel Taylor, Hays H.S.
Jenna Haase, Ellsworth H.S.
Caleb Albin, Quinter H.S.
Brooke Bixenman, Wheatland H.S.
Hudson Stramel, Triplains H.S.
Karissa Winkel, Beloit H.S.
Taylor Wahlmeier, Norton Comm. H.S.
Paige Robins, Minneapolis H.S.
Kaylen Lassley, SE of Saline H.S.
Brynn Niblock, Hoxie H.S.
Natanya Ordonez, Goodland H.S.
Brevin Bergsma, Goodland H.S.
Brandon Johnson, Colby H.S.
Taylen Hubbell, Colby H.S.
Isabel Rosales, Colby H.S.
Makenna Mettlen, Colby H.S.
Grady Hammer, Wallace Co. H.S.

For students interested in a Career and Technical Education scholarship, the Foundation offered the following scholarships. These awards are for $4000 and may be renewed for one additional year provided the student has maintained a satisfactory academic record. Winners of Career and Technical Education scholarships are:

April Fernandez, St. Francis Comm. H.S.
Joslyn Ketzner, St. Francis Comm. H.S.
Wyatt Hilt, St. Francis Comm. H.S.
Jorge Olivares, St. Francis Comm. H.S.
Nathan Ohlde, Clifton-Clyde H.S.
Brant Douglas, Clifton-Clyde H.S.
Tanner Thompson, Clifton-Clyde H.S.
Drake Steinbrock, Clifton-Clyde H.S.
Dylan Moore, Clifton-Clyde H.S.
Abbie Seifert, Clifton-Clyde H.S.
Austin Krier, Concordia H.S.
Jessica Dethloff, Concordia H.S.
Grace Tracy, Concordia H.S.
Jacob Comstock, Miltonvale H.S.
Tyler McHugh, Decatur Comm. H.S.
Reegon Witt, Decatur Comm. H.S.
Cameryn Kinderknecht, Ellis H.S.
Thomas Shepard, Ellis H.S.
Dylan Brown, Ellis H.S.
Hayden Aschenbrenner, Ellis H.S.
Kaylee Hernandez, Ellis H.S.
Marissa Lindberg, Ellis H.S.
Natalia Figueroa Rodriguez, Hays H.S.
Kelby Schoendaller, Hays H.S.
Kreighton Meyers, Hays H.S.
Colton Schoendaller, Hays H.S.
Karley Billinger, Hays H.S.
Kyle Casper, Hays H.S.
Elise Housman, Hays H.S.
Keaton Schaefli, Hays H.S.
Tristan Weber, Hays H.S.
Julia Werth, TMP H.S.
Kiara Urban, TMP H.S.
Bryce Wasinger, TMP H.S.
Chantel Whisman, Victoria H.S.
Morgan Braun, Victoria H.S.
Dawson Davis, Ellsworth H.S.
Andrea Charles, Quinter H.S.
Maria Perez-Perez, Quinter H.S.
Zach Gillespie, Wheatland H.S.
Tyler Ramey, Wheatland H.S.
Coleman Jones, Hill City H.S.
Alec Segarra, Hill City H.S.
Ryonna McWilliams, Hill City H.S.
Leigh-Anne Poe, Hill City H.S.
Conner Born, Hill City H.S.
Cassandra Aleshire, Lincoln H.S.
Hannah Wolting, Sylvan-Lucas H.S.
Kaitlyn Schoen, Sylvan-Lucas H.S.
Grant Kuhlman, Oakley H.S.
Katelyn Willems, Oakley H.S.
Karsten Whyte, Oakley H.S.
Rocky Racette, Oakley H.S.
Jess Schertz, Triplains H.S.
Jack Peterson, Triplains H.S.
Silas Smith, Triplains H.S.
Dalton Delzeit, Beloit H.S.
Hudson Smith, Beloit H.S.
Ryan Broeckelman, Beloit H.S.
Karman Tefft, Beloit H.S.
Tate Ahlvers, Beloit H.S.
Gracie Wessling, Beloit H.S.
Tate Thompson, Beloit H.S.
Tia Ehlers, Beloit H.S.
Ross Cole, Northern Valley H.S.
Sylence Auker, Norton Comm. H.S.
Jacob Peterson, Norton Comm. H.S.
Ryan Lively, Norton Comm. H.S.
Kade Miller, Osborne H.S.
Dylen Trecek, Trecek Academy (Homeschool)
William Oldham, Bennington H.S.
Sarah Evans, Tescott H.S.
Mark Luder Tescott H.S.
Elsie Prather, Logan H.S.
Colby Leggett, Logan H.S.
Nathan Moon, Phillipsburg H.S.
Kasen Keeten, Phillipsburg H.S.
Hannah Nagel, Phillipsburg H.S.
Brody Carlgren, Pike Valley H.S.
Lacie Blazek, Pike Valley H.S.
Anna Pachta, Republic Co. H.S.
Logan Nuss, Plainville H.S.
Malynn Plumer, Stockton H.S.
Tandy Coleman, Russell H.S.
Caleb Nuss, Russell H.S.
Joel Came, Ell-Saline H.S.
Cade Heinrich, Ell-Saline H.S.
Luke Krajicek, Sacred Heart H.S.
Kade Stover, Sacred Heart H.S.
Monica McNelly, Salina Central H.S.
Ian Frost, Salina South H.S.
Josiah Moore, SE of Saline H.S.
Zayetsy Gomez, Hoxie H.S.
Jake Geisinger, Hoxie H.S.
Colton Heskett, Hoxie H.S.
Chris Berls, Goodland H.S.
Ken Wagner, Smith Center H.S.
Ethan Peterson, Smith Center H.S.
Maggie Nixon, Smith Center H.S.
Corey Lehmkuhl, Smith Center H.S.
Zachary Lange, Smith Center H.S.
Hesston Maxwell, Smith Center H.S.
Allie Ifland, Smith Center H.S.
Britt Bauman, Thunder Ridge H.S.
Kenda Reimer, Thunder Ridge H.S.
Wysteria Corbett, Thunder Ridge H.S.
Brandon Shaw, Thunder Ridge H.S.
Heath Bolyard, Colby H.S.
Jacob Ritter, Golden Plains H.S.
Nolan Ritter, Golden Plains H.S.
Kaycee Miller, Golden Plains H.S.
Dylan Spresser, Golden Plains H.S.
Noel Ritter, Golden Plains H.S.
Caleb Korte, Golden Plains H.S.
Kelby Aschenbrenner, Trego Comm. H.S.
Chandler VanAllen, Wallace Co. H.S.
Caleb Schemm, Weskan H.S.
Austin Stewart, Weskan H.S.
Jenna See, Weskan H.S.

Ellis to continue talk of emergency street route

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ELLIS – Following a 7 p.m. public hearing about funding for a new swimming pool, the Ellis City Council will meet in regular session tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The first three business items on the agenda are related to pool funding and ongoing maintenance.

Council members will also resume discussion on whether to create an emergency street route and talk about the possibility of selling the city’s old outdoor warning sirens which have been replaced.

The complete meeting agenda follows.

 

AGENDA

April 1, 2019

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS

City Hall – Council Meeting Room

 

PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – SWIMMING POOL – 7:00 P.M.

BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:15 P.M.

ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)

  • CONSENT AGENDA
    1. Minutes from Regular Meeting on March 18, 2019
    2. Bills Ordinance #2066

(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda.  By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)

PUBLIC COMMENTS 

(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes.  If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson.  ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment.  Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)

  • PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
  • SPECIAL ORDER
    1. Consider Contract with Northwest Kansas Planning & Development for Grant Administrator Services and Authorize Mayor to Sign Related Grant Documents – Justine Benoit
    2. Consider Resolution Certifying Legal Authority to Apply for CDBG Funds
    3. Consider Resolution Assuring Sufficient Funds for Pool Maintenance
    4. Review 2019-20 General Insurance Policy Renewal – Darrell Romme, Romme Insurance Agency
    5. Consider Request to Waive Grass Pickup Fees – Ellis Recreation Commission
  • UNFINISHED BUSINESS
    1. Consider Establishment of Emergency Route Plan
    2. Update on Cedar Lane Lift Station Project
    3. Consider Ordinance Regulating Sale of Cereal Malt Beverages and Beer and Discuss Alcohol License Fees
    4. Consider Donation Policy
  • NEW BUSINESS
    1. Consider Lamar Renewal Contract for Billboards
    2. Consider Approval of Credit Card Resolution
    3. Consider Approval to Purchase Utility Billing Forms
    4. Consider Ratification of APAC Invoice for Street Chips
    5. Consider Sale of Old Outdoor Warning Sirens
  • REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
    1. Administrative
      • Public Works
        • Discuss Community Development Block Grant for Waterline Project
        • Department Update
      • Police
        • Monthly Activity Report for March
        • April Staff Calendar
        • Department Update
      • City Clerk
        • Update on Campground Grant
        • Department Update
      • Attorney
        • Update on Status of Code Violation Cases
      • Mayor Update and Announcements

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

  • ADJOURNMENT

 

 

RAHJES REPORT: April 1

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Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra), 110th Dist.

Hello from Topeka!

The issue of oversized loads on Highway 383 is one that was addressed last week. At the time I am writing this column, there is no new information on routes, changes or progress of the expansion of shoulder lanes on 383. We have been working with KDOT on finding solutions and hopefully will see some resolve very soon.

This is the final week of the 2019 legislative session.

While there hasn’t been a number of bills passed by both chambers and sent to the Governor, one of the bigger ones was her veto of SB 22 which passed the House and Senate 76-42, and 24-16.

SB 22 would actively prevent a tax increase on Kansans and small businesses. Without this bill, middle-income tax filers would no longer be able to itemize at the state level, triggering a higher state income tax liability for those families. In addition, Kansas companies would be subjected to additional taxes at the state level, making Kansas a more expensive state for business to operate in.

During Governor Kelly’s press conference announcing her veto, she admitted her actions would be damaging to businesses in our state and stated, “the corporations will feel it—the impact of the veto….”. If the veto is not overridden, the food sales tax rate in Kansas will continue to be one of the highest rates in the nation and will not decrease. Lastly, out-of-state businesses will keep the upper hand on Kansas brick and mortar stores due to the sales tax loophole on internet sales. In response to the “windfall” from the federal government, the provisions in this bill are commonsense and have passed in “red” states and “blue” states alike, from Texas to California. Because the bill is a Senate Bill, the Senate has the opportunity to consider the Governor’s veto first. This is the first bill Governor Kelly has vetoed. We will see if the votes are there. I supported SB 22, while recognizing the needs of the state are many, this is an ill-gotten gain by the state.

Last week, the House voted 99-25 to approve the Appropriations bill. Then on Wednesday afternoon, leadership of the House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means Committee began conference committee negotiations to work out differences in budget bills passed in each chamber.
Documents related to the conference committee are on the KLRD website.

On Monday, the House considered H. Sub. for SB 25. The bill is a combination of the Joint Committee on Special Claims Against the State’s recommendations (SB 25, as introduced), the Governor’s Supplemental Appropriations for FY 19 (HB 2121), and the Governor’s Mega Appropriations for FY 20 (HB 2122) bills.

Key highlights of the bill are:

FY 19 recommendation totals $17.2 billion, with $7.1 billion from the State General Fund (SGF). Recommendations include:
• $2.2 million SGF for the KanCare Clearinghouse to address eligibility and backlog concerns; $452,516 SGF for the Family First Prevention Act, which will draw down Federal fund and $400,000 for additional child welfare positions in the Department of Children and Families. Both support efforts to improve the foster care system in Kansas.
• The bill did not follow the Governor’s recommendation on the Pooled Money Investment Board, which would have paid off the interest-free loan in its entirety. The bill accelerates the repayments to four years, rather than the six in current law. Additionally, the bill does not follow the Governor’s recommendation on the KPERS Trust Fund. The Governor had eliminated transferring $56.0 million SGF to the KPERS Trust Fund. The bill restores that planned transfer.

FY 20 recommendations total $18.2 billion, with $7.7 billion from the SGF. Recommendations include:
• State Employee Pay Increases: $22.3 million for 2.5% pay increase for state employees (excluding Judicial and Legislative Branch); $1.6 million for judges’ salary increase (phased in salary increases over 5 years); $3.4 million for non-judicial employees (phased in salary increases over 3 years)
• Social Services: $5.0 million SGF for primary health projects; $3.0 million ($1.3 million SGF) to increase Medicaid dental reimbursement rates; $13.4 million ($5.5 million SGF) to provide a 2.0% increase in the reimbursement rates for providers of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers; $6.0 million ($2.5 million SGF) to reduce wait lists for Medicaid HCBS waivers for individuals with an intellectual/developmental disability and individuals with a physical disability; $3.0 million SGF for Community Mental Health Center grants; $13.6 million ($5.6 million SGF) for 2.0% increase in the reimbursement rates for nursing facilities; $12.4 million ($5.3 million SGF) to increase the protected income level for Medicaid HCBS waiver services recipients and individuals in the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to 150.0% of the Social Security income level.
• Other increases: $10.5 million SGF to Board of Regents for Performance Grants, Non-Tiered Course Credit, Postsecondary Tiered Technical Education State Aid, Municipal University Operating Grants, and Comprehensive Grants’; $6.4 million from the State Highway Fund, for the acceleration of delayed T-Works projects.

This year the house split the K-12 education bill in to two sections, one dealing with policy and one dealing with funding. In the end, the house did not take up the funding bill, but did pass a policy bill 63-61. As negotiations are underway, the Senate position on funding is there discussion point. It is what the Governor recommended and if adopted and signed, it is hoped the lawsuits will end. If a compromise bill passes, it will also be argued before the Kansas Supreme Court as the legislatures answer to meet the constitutionality of school finance law in Kansas.

HB 2274 would require a physician to verbally inform a woman, who is seeking a medication abortion, that she may be able to reverse the intended effects of the abortion before the medication regimen is complete. The bill specifically applies to medication abortions induced via mifepristone (also known as RU-486), which is followed by a second pill named misoprostol. The first pill is taken in the presence of a physician and the second is taken at home. Under this bill, the physician must inform the woman 24 hours before the abortion takes place of the possibility of reversing the intended effects of the abortion, before the second pill is taken. In addition, the facility where the first pill is administered must post a sign with the same details.

HB 2274 would provide pregnant women considering an abortion additional choices if they have commenced RU-486 treatment. This pro-life and pro-woman legislation will present opportunities for pregnant women considering an abortion to change their minds and carry their babies to birth. With a veto-proof majority, the House approved of HB 2274.

Conceal Carry Permit and License Reciprocity: HB 2326

This would amend current statute to recognize out-of-state conceal carry permits and licenses, resolving several reciprocity issues. Individuals with these permits and licenses would be required to act in accordance with all Kansas laws while carrying a concealed firearm in the state. Similar legislation was introduced by Attorney General Derek Schmidt during the 2017-2018 biennium.

House Republicans amended the bill to allow Kansans ages 18-20 to conceal carry with a permit—under current law, they cannot conceal carry whatsoever. HB 2326 would allow law abiding Kansans to seek out firearm safety training, should they wish to protect themselves. 18-20-year-olds in Kansas are current able to open carry firearms, and this bill extends the ability for them to express their Second Amendment rights.

Democrats offered amendments that would have damaged the Second Amendment rights of every Kansan. One would have limited the amount of ammunition in any magazine to ten rounds. Another would have exempted college campuses from the Personal and Family Protection Act, effectively banning concealed firearms from colleges and universities. A third would have banned concealed firearms from campuses unless an individual held a conceal carry permit. A fourth would have required expanded background checks for firearm sales, and the final amendment would have granted the state the authority to remove firearms from specific individuals (Red Flag legislation).

All of these amendments were either ruled non-germane to the bill or were defeated.

We are scheduled to be back in Topeka for the start of the veto session on May 1st. I will be out and about the district and state of Kansas for the month of April, I hope to see many of you. If I can be of assistance or if you have questions or concerns please reach out: email is: [email protected] and you can always try my cell number is (785) 302-8416.

It is my honor to serve you in the Kansas House of Representatives.

Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra), is the 110th state representative and chairman of the Higher Education Budget Committee. House District 110 includes Norton and Phillips counties as well as portions of Ellis, Graham, and Rooks counties.

Victoria community raises $35,000 toward new gym floor

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The Victoria High/Junior High School gym opened in January 1950.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

VICTORIA — After 70 years on the same basketball court, Victoria High/Junior High School is closer to getting a new gym floor.

The current floor is the same one used when the VHS gym was opened in 1950. The floor has been sanded and resealed repeatedly.

The last time the floor was refinished, school authorities were told the floor was getting too thin and would not be abled to refinished again. It needed to be replaced. Basketball players have also complained of dead spots in the floor.

However, the school board has put off the project for several years, saying other capital projects needed to take priority.

The board suggested alumni and the community seek private funds for a new gym floor.

Over several years, alumni were able to raise about $26,000 toward the floor project, but it was still a far cry from the $72,000 or more the school needed to replace the floor.

Brenda Dreiling of Victoria and a group of other alumni and community members decided to throw a German dinner fundraiser to attempt to raise enough money to allow the project to move forward.

In a little more than a month, the group was able to put together the fundraiser. More than 1,000 tickets were sold to dinners on March 23 and 24. They also conducted a raffle with donated prized. Students sold tickets and were entered into a drawing for cash prizes. Volunteer Ethel Younger made more than 127 pounds of noodles. Children from the elementary school even helped the weekend of the dinner.

A VHS student draws a name of another student Friday. Three students won cash prizes for selling tickets for a German dinner fundraiser for the school’s new gym floor.

“When we came together in a joint effort, it was unbelievable what it produced,” Dreiling said.

The total for the fundraiser was announced during an assembly Friday at the school and names were drawn for the prizes for the students who sold tickets.

The dinner and raffle raised $35,194.18.

The gym floor project has been rebid because the last bids are now several years old. However, the fundraisers said they hoped they have now raised enough money the gym floor will be able to be replaced this summer.

Dylan Dronberger, VHS principal, said the school board is set to discuss the matter at its next meeting on Monday, April 8.

“It not only speaks to the care in the community, but the care and pride the community has in the school,” he said.

Other volunteers and donors on the project included:

Mark and Shannon Karst; Melissa Schmidt; Rose Ann Dreiling; Natasha Hammerschmidt; Jerry and Mary Brungardt; Kathy Kuhn; Warren’s Meat Market; Dave Pfeifer; school personnel; VFW; the boys basketball team; students and parents; community members who donated desserts; and Connie Windholz.

Wilson native wins national award from student affairs professional organization

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Ashley Templeton with Dr. Joey Linn, FHSU vice president of student affairs

FHSU University Relations

Ashley Templeton, Wilson graduate student majoring in higher education student affairs, was presented with the 2019 Award of Excellence for Outstanding Parent and Family Relations Professional Award by NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

She is also the graduate assistant for new student and family programs in the university’s Division of Student Affairs.

NASPA is the largest student affairs professional organization, with over 15,000 members worldwide. This award was presented at the recent annual national conference in Los Angeles, which was attended by more than 7,500 faculty members, administrators, staff, and graduate students.

She was recognized by the Parent and Family Relations Knowledge Community (a division of NASPA) for her work during the previous year as a graduate assistant.

Commerce Bank named among the world’s best banks by Forbes

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Submitted

Kansas City, MO — Commerce Bank has been recognized by Forbes as one of the World’s Best Banks for 2019.  In addition to receiving this global distinction, Commerce ranked second among all Missouri-based banks on the list and 41st in the nation.

 This inaugural compilation of the World’s Best Banks is comprised of 415 banks in 23 countries. Forbes partnered with the market research firm Statista to create the list and surveyed more than 40,000 customers worldwide for their opinions on current and former banking relationships.

 “We’re proud to be named one of the best banks in the world by Forbes. What makes this ranking particularly meaningful is that it’s based largely on the satisfaction of our customers,” said John W. Kemper, president and chief executive officer, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. “Our super-community bank model focuses on building deep and long-term customer relationships. We continuously strive to enhance our customers’ experiences and to provide tailored financial solutions to meet their unique needs.”

 This recognition marks the second time in 2019 Commerce Bank has been included on a Forbes best banks list. Commerce was the top-ranked Missouri bank on Forbes’ America’s Best Banks 2019 list — one of the most respected lists in the industry, which ranks the 100 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts based on growth, credit quality, efficiency and profitability. Overall, Commerce was ranked 17th in the nation.

For the World’s Best Banks survey, participants identified banks where they had opened a checking or savings account and rated their willingness to recommend and overall customer satisfaction. In addition, the banks were evaluated in the following categories: trust, terms and conditions, customer services, digital services, and financial advice. 

Learn more at www.commercebank.com.

 

DHDC announces launch of new website

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New design provides historical walking tour in digital form

Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) announced today the launch of its newly designed website at www.DowntownHays.com. The completely revamped website features bold imagery, a simplified design, and improved functionality.

“We are thrilled to debut a new website to our community members and potential visitors,” said Executive Director Sara Bloom. “This website redesign is stunning and informative. It will give visitors a great experience that makes them excited to be a part of Downtown Hays.”

The most exciting addition to the site is the first ever digital format of the historical walking tour in Downtown Hays. This self-guided tour provides information about the famous and not so famous people who walked the streets of Hays during the 1860s to 1880s through Twenty-five bronze plaques. Each marker tells of the historical significance of the building and individuals like James Butler Hickok, William Fredrick Cody and General George Armstrong Custer.

“To have the walking tour in the palm of your hand was a long term goal of our organization,” Bloom said. “The tour is one of the most requested and utilized paper pieces we have at the Downtown Visitor’s Center. Now everyone has access to it on their cell phones. The nearest marker will automatically pull up based on your location in downtown.”

While the website features several new elements, it has retained many favorites. Visitors can still find a full business directory, a full list of downtown events, free brochure requests and free tour requests.

DHDC’s new website will be regularly updated with Downtown events, news, and accomplishments. Visitors are encouraged to explore the new website and sign up for DHDC’s mailing list to receive direct emails all about the happenings in Downtown Hays.

— DHDC

Talk by concept artist RJ Palmer April 16 at Sternberg

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Art by RJ Palmer

STERNBERG MUSEUM

Paleo and Pokemon artist R.J. Palmer will be giving a talk at 7:00 p.m.  Tuesday, April 16 at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays.

Among other projects, Palmer does concept art and illustrations for the video game Saurian, and did concept art and illustration for the upcoming movie POKÉMON Detective Pikachu.

Admission will be free for Sternberg Museum members everyone registered for the AMMP annual meeting. Tickets are $5 for the general public and will be available at the door.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  Come early, because seating is limited.

You can check out more about RJ and his art online: https://www.rj-palmer.com/.STER

Curbside trash collection continues this week

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CITY OF HAYS

Due to weather-related damaged and impassable alleys, city of Hays crews will temporarily continue curbside trash pickup for all Hays residents until further notice.

Alley collection is expected to resume April 8. Advance notice will be made public prior to alley collections resuming.

No alley collection of municipal trash or recyclables will be performed during this time, except for paved alleys.

We ask that all residents, except those with paved alleys, move their polycart to the street side of their property so crews can collect the refuse curbside. Recycling materials should also be placed curbside.

Note that this change may alter the timing of normal scheduled collections, but the day of collection should remain the same. If at all possible, attempt to place the polycart where it is not blocked by parked cars or other fixed objects.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and your cooperation and patience on this matter is truly appreciated.

Anyone needing assistance relocating a polycart should contact the Public Works Department.

We encourage you to go to our new web site at www.haysusa.com, click on “How do I”, click on notifications, and from there follow the instructions to get free notifications by e-mail or text.

If you have any questions or wish to report an issue, please contact the Public Works Department at (785) 628-7350.

NCK Tech pharmacy program recognized as education/training program

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The pharmacy technician program at NCK Tech in Hays has been added to the list of PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program for pharmacy technician students pursuing their PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.

Any individual wanting national certification must graduate from an ASHP accredited program such as NCK Tech’s Pharmacy Technician program.

NCK Tech’s Pharmacy program is one of five approved education programs in the state of Kansas. The program is a nine-month certificate program and is located on the Hays campus.

For more information, visit www.ncktc.edu. Applications are being accepted for the 2019-20 school year.

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