Friday Rain likely with areas of drizzle before 1pm, then a chance of rain after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 42. North northeast wind 11 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Friday NightRain likely before midnight, then rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind 14 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
SaturdayA 20 percent chance of snow showers before 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 46. North wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 23. North wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.
TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) announced today the appointment of Dr. Andy Tompkins as interim president at Wichita State University (WSU).
Tompkins served as superintendent of USD 305 in Salina from 1987-1994, according to information from USD 305.
This will be Tompkins’ second time serving a KBOR university in this capacity, having previously been interim president of Fort Hays State University from December 2016 to November 2017.
“The Regents are pleased that Dr. Tompkins will bring his expertise and wealth of experience to Wichita State University,” said Dennis Mullin, Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents. “We are confident that he will continue the good work being done at WSU and successfully oversee the University. I would like to thank Provost Rick Muma for his leadership as Acting President these past several months. He has done an outstanding job shouldering the responsibilities of two very important positions, and I’m happy he’ll be able to focus on the extensive duties of the Provost moving forward.”
Tompkins became president and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents on June 1, 2010, and retired from the position on June 30, 2015.
Throughout his career, Tompkins served at all levels of public education, beginning as a high school English teacher in 1969 and continuing on to work as a high school principal and district superintendent. In 1994, he was hired by Pittsburg State University as chair and associate professor in the Department of Special Services and Leadership Studies. He then went on to serve as interim dean for the College of Education at Pittsburg State (1995-1996), a position he returned to as dean from 2007-2010.
In 1996, Tompkins was asked to serve as the commissioner of education for the Kansas Department of Education, a role he continued in through 2005. Afterward, he served as an associate professor at the University of Kansas, teaching in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, before returning to Pittsburg State.
Tompkins was selected as Kansas Superintendent of the Year in 1992, was inducted into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame in 2001, and received the Governor’s Award presented by the Kansas State High School Activities Association in 2002. He was the recipient of the Leadership Kansas Alumnus of the Year Award (2002), received the University of Kansas College of Education Distinguished Service Award in 2004, and was given the Emporia State University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005. He earned his undergraduate degree in English at East Central State University in Ada, Oklahoma. He earned his master’s degree from Emporia State University and his doctorate from the University of Kansas in Educational Administration.
The Diocese of Salina and the Midwest Province of Capuchin Franciscans, headquartered in Denver, Colo., have or will release the names of priests and brothers who have had credible complaints of sexual misconduct of minors in past decades.
Some of these priests and brothers served on staff at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School when the school was under the sponsorship of the Capuchin Religious Order. The offending priests that were identified by the Capuchins and who served at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School are listed on the Capuchin website, https://capuchins.org/ and the Diocese website, https://salinadiocese.org/the-register. Our prayers and support are offered for the victims of sexual abuse and for those whose faith is shaken based upon these actions. This transparency is a significant indicator of our desire for healing and unity for all those affected.
Our mission states: Thomas More Prep-Marian, a Christian community in the Catholic tradition, challenges its students to spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation. The safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is paramount as we educate the leaders of our faith and humanity. TMP-Marian is compliant with the United Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People which includes training for all teachers and adult volunteers in a Diocesan Safe Environment Curriculum and Diocesan Code of Professional Conduct as well as required criminal background checks.
In Kansas many professionals, including teachers, doctors, and counselors are mandated reporters. These individuals are required by law to make a report immediately to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) if they have reasonable cause to suspect a child is being neglected or abused in any way. The DCF maintains a 24-hour statewide reporting hotline at 1-800-922-5330.
Furthermore, The Catholic Diocese of Salina encourages individuals who suspect abuse of a minor by clergy to report the allegation – past or present – to the Diocesan Victim’s Assistance Coordinator, 103 N. Ninth St., Salina, KS 67401; (785) 825-0865; [email protected].
The Diocese of Salina and Thomas More Prep–Marian Jr./Sr. High School express their genuine regret and profound sympathy to all victims and survivors of sexual abuse by clergy in the Diocese of Salina and elsewhere. We are committed to promoting the healing and reconciliation of survivors. Please direct questions to the following:
Midwest Province of Capuchin Franciscans, 3613 Wyandot St., Denver, CO 80211, (303) 477-5436
Catholic Diocese of Salina, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator, 103 N. Ninth St., Salina, KS 67401 (785) 825-0865, [email protected]
Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School, Chad Meitner, Principal, 1701 Hall St., Hays, KS 67601 (785) 625-6577
Kansas Legislature: You are going to get us killed. Literally.
After years of failing to properly fund Kansas highways in general — and northwest Kansas highways in particular — the Kansas Legislature has had the opportunity for a re-do this session, but seems to be taking a pass on it. In the process, the very dangerous U.S. 383 in Phillips County was specifically investigated by a legislative task force but fixes to it have been punted off into the future — dangerous, but not dangerous enough it seems.
As a result, life-saving improvements to U.S. 383 in Phillips County are still years away.
Those hazards came home to roost twice in three days this week, when on Monday an oversize overweight windmill tower load traveling U.S. Hwy 383 slipped off the [nonexistent] shoulder and wrecked. Luckily, no one was injured. But the entire 25-mile stretch of highway running through the county had to be shut down, a significant number of law enforcement officers from at least three different agencies had to be utilized, massive cranes had to be brought in, and thousands upon thousands of dollars had to be expended — all just to clean up the accident scene.
Can we send the bill for all this to Topeka because they won’t properly invest in our highways?
But it gets worse.
As this editorial was being written and just 18 hours after they cleared Monday’s wreckage off the 383 right-of-way a different semi hauling another windmill tower side-swiped a grain truck on U.S. 383 less than 2 miles from the previous accident site. Nonexistent shoulders + narrow roadway. That one shut the highway down the better part of Thursday morning and on into the afternoon.
Courtesy photo
All of which raises another question: Why are these wind tower loads even traveling down U.S. 383? Two years ago, oversize overweight windmill loads were banned by KDOT from passing through Phillipsburg because they were destroying the road infrastructure, and pilot car drivers couldn’t mind their manners on Phillipsburg streets. So, having been taken to the woodshed for bad behavior they ended up detouring off U.S. 183 and around Phillipsburg by traveling down U.S. 383. Which is even more ridiculous, given the nature of that road.
How about those who transport these gigantic loads through Phillips County try this instead? Find another route! In 2016, an elderly man was killed on U.S. 183 near Alma, Neb., north of Phillipsburg trying to get around these things that back traffic up a mile behind them. Let’s not have it happen here.
The way things are going, a death will eventually occur on U.S. 383.
Are you listening, Legislature? That one will be on you.
MANHATTAN, Kan. — On Wednesday, David Barfield, chief engineer at the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources, approved change applications by the cities of Hays and Russell to convert the irrigation rights of the R9 Ranch in Edwards County to municipal use for the cities.
The city of Hays purchased the 7,000-acre ranch in 1995, and in 2015 Hays and Russell submitted applications to KDA–DWR to change the use made of water from irrigation to municipal use for the water rights on the property.
The approval documents signed this week include a 53-page master order as well as 32 individual change approvals, a review of the significant public input received, and other attachments and exhibits. Due to the magnitude of the project, it has been subject to an expanded public review process.
The irrigation rights of the R9 Ranch include 32 water rights covering 56 points of diversion, which have a total authorized quantity of 7,647 acre-feet per year for irrigation. As a result of the changes in use made of water, the total authorized quantity is being reduced to a maximum of 6,756.8 AF/year for municipal use. In addition, the chief engineer is imposing a 10-year rolling aggregate limitation of 48,000 AF (an average of 4,800 AF/year), based on the reasonable long-term yield of the R9 Ranch.
Former Rep. Eber Phelps, Hays city commissioner Henry Schwaller, Russell mayor Curt Mader, Hays city commissioner Shaun Musil and Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty talk to state officials at the R9 Ranch Sept. 15, 2017. File photo
Due to the quantity of water and the distance it will be transported for its new use, the project also requires approval under the state’s Water Transfer Act. Now that the changes have been approved, the water transfer proceeding will be initiated to determine whether it is in the state’s overall best interest to allow the transfer of the water.
The KDA–DWR website dedicated to the project — agriculture.ks.gov/HaysR9 — has been updated with the approval documents and summary of the approvals’ terms and conditions. The website will continue to be maintained with public information related to the upcoming water transfer proceedings.
Hammond named President Emeritus of Fort Hays State by the Kansas Board of Regents
By LEXIE WASINGER FHSU University Relations and Marketing
After serving as president of Fort Hays State University for 27 years, Dr. Edward H. Hammond is no stranger to being recognized for his commitment to higher education, where he has held numerous titles in his 40-plus years in the field.
But Hammond’s most recent title is the most meaningful yet.
Last semester, Hammond was named President Emeritus of Fort Hays State by the Kansas Board of Regents.
Current FHSU President Tisa Mason nominated Hammond, who was then selected by the board to receive the prestigious designation.
Hammond said his newest title is personally the most meaningful for him.
“It confirmed for me that the board believed that I left this place better than when I came,” he said. “It’s the historical perspective to it. That’s why this one is so special.”
While leading the institution for nearly three decades, Hammond was influential in moving FHSU into the 21st century. Digitizing the campus, establishing a partnership with universities in China, and creating the FHSU Virtual College, which now offers over 200 accredited online degrees and certificates, are just a few of the numerous accomplishments that occurred with Hammond at the helm.
Throughout his tenure, Hammond demonstrated a knack for being on the cutting edge of trends.
His tendency to adapt and thrive in constant change began early. He moved around frequently during his grade school years, calling California, Kansas, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Washington home at different points. His ability to adapt to the ever-changing world, as well as his clear vision for the university, allowed him to leave the university in a secure position.
Hammond promised himself that he would retire from his role as president on a high note. Approaching his 70th birthday, he announced in October 2013 that he would be retiring the next June. He turned 70 on May 4, 2014.
“I’ve watched presidents stay longer than they should,” he said. “We were on a roll, were financially stable, and growth was going on. I wanted to go out on top.”
Following his retirement, Hammond began teaching classes in the Department of Advanced Education Programs and is the program director for the higher education student affairs curriculum. His unique perspective on the field and his varied experiences allow him to pass on his passion for higher education to future student affairs professionals.
The honor is a validation of the years he spent committed to Fort Hays State and is another reminder of the ways Hammond’s presidency raised FHSU to its present state and continues to influence the university’s future.
While the meaning behind the designation is great, the practical changes are small.
“Now,” he said with a smile, “I have another line on my business card.”
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Small Business Development Center statewide network recognized the 2019 Kansas SBDC Small Businesses of the Year at the annual awards ceremony in Topeka recently.
La Crosse Furniture, La Crosse, was named an Existing Small Business of the Year.
Each year the Kansas SBDC recognizes existing, emerging, and exporting Businesses of the Year from the eight Kansas SBDC regional centers.
In total, 16 Kansas small businesses were recognized at a ceremony in the Kansas State Capitol rotunda. The businesses were selected from more than 2,400 that received Kansas SBDC one-on-one business advising services in 2018.
“The selected businesses were chosen through careful consideration by our Kansas SBDC regional directors and advisors,” said Greg Panichello, Kansas SBDC state director. “Collectively, the Kansas SBDC team believes these 16 small businesses are excellent examples of small businesses that have learned to adapt and succeed in challenging times.”
WIBW-TV Anchor and Reporter Melissa Brunner emceed the event.
The businesses, listed with their locations and owners:
Existing Businesses of the Year
Floyds Inc. (automotive repair services), Emporia; John and Ruth Wheeler La Crosse Furniture Co., La Crosse; Employee-owned
Wolcott Foods, Kansas City; Ron and Ronnie Tilman
Good Energy Solutions, Lawrence; Kevin and Shana Good
Bolling’s Meat Market & Deli, Iola; Cara Bolling Thomas
Angela’s Wellness Center, Elkhart; Angela Willey
Dodd Installations, Wichita; Wilt and Tina Dodd
The Winged Lion, Manhattan; Ralph Diaz
Emerging Businesses of the Year
Ellen Plumb’s City Bookstore, Emporia; Marcia Lawrence
Lost Creek German Shepherds, Clayton; Taylor and John Meitl
Safely Delicious, Overland Park; Lisa Ragan
Leeway Franks, Lawrence; Lee and K Meisel
ArtForms Gallery, Pittsburg; Sue Horner, Janet Lewis, Ruth Miller and Sylvia Shirley
Gravity Wellness Center, Garden City; Kristi Schmitt
Triple Threat Ag Services, Conway Springs; Allen Lange, Paul Lange, Phillip Lange and Aaron Lange
Norsemen Brewing Company, Topeka; Jared and Emily Rudy, Adam and Melissa Rosdahl
About Kansas SBDC:
The Kansas SBDC is a statewide advising, consulting, and training service for small businesses (typically less than 500 employees) funded by federal, state, and local partners. Funding allows the Kansas SBDC to provide advising and training (such as financial analysis, marketing, and management) to businesses across the state at low or no cost. Kansas SBDC is an accredited member of America’s SBDC, the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States.
Fort Hays State University is the host institution for the Kansas SBDC.
To learn more, visit www.kansassbdc.net or call 877-625-7232.
For more information on the Kansas SBDC, contact Greg Panichello, 785-296-6514, [email protected].
Fr. Christopher Popravak, O.F.M.Cap., Provincial Minister
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Many are shedding tears these days, including myself, because of the great harm caused to minors and vulnerable adults by priests, deacons and religious brothers. On behalf of the Capuchin Franciscans I must beg your forgiveness for the trust betrayed by our abusive friars.
The knowledge has caused me personal grief. I am good friends with one of the victims, a student of mine who I taught at TMP-Marian. It took the individual many years to come forward and let me know what had happened. Sometimes victims are filled with shame and guilt. These feelings though, should not be theirs. The shame and guilt rightly belongs with the friars, especially those who caused the harm.
From an early age, I became aware of the disastrous effects of sexual abuse. When I was in the minor seminary back east, a classmate came to me and shared the horrible truth that he was being abused. The offender was not a priest or friar. The offender was the groundskeeper. I encouraged the young seminarian to report the abuse. He did.
The groundskeeper was fired. I don’t know whether the abuse was ever reported to authorities. The young man was asked to leave the seminary. I never saw him again. It grieved me then, it grieves me now.
Years later, when the Boston Globe made their revelations, I read that abuse victims can become victimizers themselves. Hurriedly I searched the internet and learned to my horror, that the former seminarian had become a priest and had, in fact, committed abuse himself. He was imprisoned for that.
So many people have been harmed. There is so much grief: the grief of victims, the grief of families of victims and families of abusers, the grief of scandalized parishioners, and even the grief of priests and friars who are faithful, dedicated servants but who are reeling with the constant disclosures about so many perpetrators. We cannot allow this to ever happen again.
I don’t believe that we friars will ever fully comprehend the great harm done to the victims of sexual abuse. I understand that there are people very disappointed with the church for not taking concrete steps to address these terrible crimes. Apologies are not enough. In fact, after a point, apologies sound meaningless, unless accompanied by protective measures. Worse still, apologies may have the effect of opening deep wounds of the survivors.
I hope that people refer to our webpage (www.capuchins.org) to see what positive actions we have taken to prevent this kind of sexual abuse from ever happening again. Many of the steps we are taking are mirrored across this country.
As believing Christians and as ministers of the Gospel of Christ more is expected of us. We must not only be above reproach, we must be instruments of healing in our church and in our world. Franciscans especially are called to be channels of God’s mercy, compassion and forgiveness.
We want to reach out to any who may have experienced abusive treatment at the hands of our brother Capuchins. Please come forward and report the abuse if you haven’t already. We want to work towards reparation of the harm done. We want to help restore faith in the Catholic Church and in the witness of those who follow the Gospel in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.
I myself have tried to accompany victims in their healing process, as have other provincial ministers. We have not always done this well. Some victims were disappointed, even angered by our ineptitude. We need to do better.
We Capuchins also have a history of working to promote the conversion of abusers. Not everyone knows that the attacker of 11 year old Maria Goretti, Alessandro Serenelli, lived out his final days in a Capuchin friary. In his crazed passion, the young Alessandro repeatedly stabbed Maria. Maria died the following day, her last words, “I forgive Alessandro Serenelli.” Serenelli was imprisoned for that heinous crime. Capuchins helped him live a life of penance and conversion after his release. He lived to see Maria become a saint. In a public act of reconciliation, Maria Goretti’s mother forgave Alessandro and together they were present for her canonization.
St. Maria Goretti is often seen as the patron not only of those who were abused, but also of those guilty of abuse.
Let us pray through her intercession for the healing of those who have been deeply wounded and for the conversion of all those involved.
Dear God, we ask you to help all those who suffer from abuse. Help them find healing and peace in their lives. May Maria Goretti, who was strengthened by Your Grace, join with us in prayer for the healing of all victims of abuse, particularly those abused as children or young adults.
Grant us your Love that we might reach out to them in Your Name with hope in times of trial. As Maria prayed for her attacker, grant us the grace to pray for the true conversion of all involved with the abuse: that they might seek Your Mercy through prayer and penance.
Loving God, pour into our hearts and lives your healing Spirit, that the sacredness of every human person might be respected and protected as the precious image of God. Help us to live in the peace which Maria Goretti had found in Christ and in the love of his mother Mary.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Conrad today released a list of names of friars with credible accusations of the sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult. The list includes the names of 13 members or former members.
Of the 13, two are deceased and five have since left the order. None are in active ministry.
Of the 13, 12 had pastoral assignments in Hays or Victoria.
“As friars and followers of St. Francis of Assisi, our vocation is to serve as lesser brothers. Therefore, the abuse of a minor by someone in such a sacred position of trust is all the more egregious,” said Provincial Minister, Fr. Christopher Popravak, O.F.M.Cap, who commissioned the release. “I have personally met with numerous victims and can attest to the devastation wreaked upon their lives and those of their families. Though the words may ring hollow as many other Church leaders are voicing similar sentiments, I can only say that I am sorry from the depths of my heart.
“I have asked the friars of our Province to commit to serious penance and reparation on behalf of the misdeeds of our brothers and for the healing of victims. The results of the audit we are releasing today is only the first step in a new age of transparency. We are striving to be vigilant and have taken serious steps in the last fifteen years to ensure the careful and diligent screening of candidates to our way of life. We must persevere in our efforts to ensure that such a scandalous series of violations never occurs again.”
The 12 friars with Hays or Victoria connections included: Gregory Beyer, deceased; Benignus Scarry, who left the order in 2016; Felix Shinsky, who was removed from ministry/under supervision; Charles Wolfe, dismissed from order in 1987; Ron Gilardi, who was removed from ministry/under supervision; David Gottschalk, who was removed from ministry/under supervision; Julian Haas, who was removed from ministry/under supervision; Finian Meis, decased; Thaddeus Posey, deceased; and Matthew Gross, who was removed from ministry/under supervision.
The 13th friar listed, David Jones, was dismissed from the order in 1987. No pastoral assignments were released.
The territory of the St. Conrad Province, which was established in April 1977, comprises the States of Colorado, Kansas and Missouri and the Diocese of Belleville, Peoria and Springfield, each in the State of Illinois. The Province also has two houses outside of the Province territory in San Antonio.
The release followed an independent audit of the Province’s personnel files and other relevant documents by an outside group of qualified professionals.
The audit consisted of a review of the personnel and other files retained by the Province, including a total of 226 personnel files reviewed. Of note, the auditors also reviewed the five active Safety Plans of Capuchin members under supervision for credible allegations of abuse, consulted with the Provincial Minister and the Safe Environment Coordinator. Of note, no significant areas of concern were noted with supervision over and compliance with the Safety Plans. The auditors also found a marked increase and improvement in documentation regarding allegations and attention to issues related to training and sharing of information with the Province’s leadership team.
An allegation is deemed credible if an administrative investigation determines that in the opinion of the investigators it is more likely than not based on the facts presented that the alleged abuse occurred. Inclusion on this list does not imply that the allegations are true or that the accused member has been found guilty of a crime or is liable for civil claims. Every effort has been made to ensure the list is accurate. In most instances, the claims were made many years after the alleged abuse, making it difficult to conduct a complete investigation.
The list HERE is broken down into three categories: members with a single, credible accusation of the sexual abuse of a minor; members with more than one credible accusation of the sexual abuse of a minor; and, members with credible accusations of the sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult. All three categories include the individual’s name, birth date, current status, and former assignments.
All allegations of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult are reported to the appropriate authorities.
The full text of the “Audit of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America (aka Province of St. Conrad)” is available on the website at: www.capuchins.org/protecting-children
The Province encourages anyone who has been abused by a Capuchin member to contact the appropriate civil authorities and the Safe Environment Coordinator, Jason Faris, at 303-477-5436 or [email protected].
An HHS student wins a Spanish tongue twister contest.
Wednesday in Hays, Edgar Rene´ of Puerto Rico used song and dance to bring Spanish to life for students.
He performed for a group of area Spanish students at the 12th Street Auditorium. The students have spent the last several months listening to Spanish songs from Rene´’s performance.
Caitlin Leiker, Hays High School student, sang with the Rene´ and students from HHS performed a dance routine with the singer.
Rene´’s tour “Viviras 2018-2019” seeks to help students better their Spanish language skills, but learn about Hispanic culture. He also brings a message of positive self image to the students.
Rene´ told the students performing on this U.S. tour was the culmination of a dream for him.
“I am blessed and grateful that you gave me the opportunity to be here to share my music with you guys and my message,” he said.
Caitlin Leiker, HHS student, sings with the Edgar Rene´ during his performance for Spanish students on Wednesday.
He said he first knew he wanted to be a singer when he was a boy and was asked to sing the “The Star -Spangled Banner.” He is a native-Spanish speaker and was trying to sing the words in English. He forgot some of the words, but he said that performance made him fall in love with singing and music.
“I practiced and practiced, and I touched a lot of doors, and I saw a lot of doors close in my face,” he said.
He related an instance during this tour that helped him know he was following the right dream.
A student came up to him after a performance in Pennsylvania. Rene´ asked him if he wanted to have his picture taken with him. The boy said he had no cellphone to take the picture, so Rene’ used his own cellphone to snap the photo. The boy began to cry. He said no one had ever taken a picture with him. His mother was gone, and he did not have a good relationship with his dad.
A student plays maracas during the Edgar Rene´ performance.
The boy said he was near giving up — quitting on life. He said Rene´ had given him hope to go on and hope enough to try to build a relationship with his dad.
Rene´ said he had to excuse himself from the autograph session because he was crying.
He told the students that he hoped they would always choose viviras (living).
“That is why we are here” he said, “not only to sing and dance and have fun. We are here to say it is not over here. There is a purpose in your life. You guys are awesome. Every time you look at the mirror, you look at a beautiful person. You look at yourself, love you first, then you can [give] love to the people.”
He continued, “When we learn another language, we are more human. When we can understand others, we can understand their cultures and we allow others to understand us too.”
TMP, Larned High School, Trego High School and Quinter High School students also attended the performance.
Due to the cool conditions predicted for Saturday, officials at RPM Speedway have altered Saturday’s schedule for the Mike “Huey” Hughes Sunflower Classic Memorial Race.
Saturday’s start time has been moved to 2:30 p.m. Saturday with the gates opening at 12:30 p.m.
Races on Friday night will start at 6 p.m. with the general admission gates opening at 4 p.m.
Check the Rolling Plains Motor Speedway Facebook page for more information and further updates.
The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Thursday in the area of Vine to Commerce Parkway between 27th and 22nd streets.
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.
The March Flash Sale (rescheduled from Feb. 23) by Friends of the Hays Public Library will be Saturday, March 30, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Current Friends Members will receive a recyclable Friends Logo Bag which the member can fill for $5.00. Non-members will receive a donated grocery bag to fill for $5.00. Additional bags $5.00.
Lots of everything especially children’s and YA books.
Current members will also receive 50% off in the Gallery Bookstore. Memberships will be available. – SUBMITTED –
